FOREIGN DESIRANT

Episode 5 The Night Rain

Kirana almost dropped dozens of Accounting package books that she brought at once if she did not immediately hold the books tightly. Carefully he stepped down the school steps towards the library. Mr. Arif asked Kirana to return. His feet had just stepped on the first rung of the stairs when someone suddenly took some of the books out of Kirana's hands with a chuck.

"What's wrong with asking for help!" rehan again. He stared at Rehan's movement down the stairs with agility.

Kirana was confused for some time lately, Rehan was often present around her. There is something that makes Kirana uncomfortable with Rehan, whatever it is sooner or later Kirana feels this will be a problem.

***

Alif stepped out of the school towards a stop not far from there. Today he is not riding the motorbike he used to use, Grandpa Hasan is wearing it for one purpose. Some students were seen waiting for the angkot as well. Some have even got the angkot to go home. Alif opened the backpack and looked for a Productive paper that he should present tomorrow. He wants to read the material again while waiting for the angkot

who will take him home. Alif focused until he was unaware of the cloudy sky and the rain that had been raining soon changed rapidly.

Quickly he wore a jacket that he had rolled in a backpack to block the cold wind and rain.

He realized the rain would make the angkot he was waiting for would come longer even though the others had gone home first. Alif himself was there but not long after he saw a student running towards the stop where Alif was standing. The student tried to cover his face with his arms so as not to be exposed to rain but unfortunately his gray white uniform was soaked. Alif frowned, he knew the student who was running towards the stop... Kirana.

"Alhamdulillah!" kirana said slowly as soon as she got there. He immediately took off his wet backpack, wagging a little mud attached to the shirt, skirt and backpack he had taken off earlier. Kirana unknowingly Alif noticed it with round eyes.

Kirana was still busy cleaning up the mud on her shoes when Alif put his jacket on his back

Kirana.

"Please put this on, Kirana."

Kirana who had just realized Alif's existence at the indefinite stop was shocked. Alif is not usually at the stop. He looked around but could not find Alif's motor. Once again, Alif asks Kirana to put on her jacket. But Kirana refused. He was very uncomfortable if he had to accept the kindness of Alif like that. But Alif had a reason.

Kirana looked at her uniform and...."Astaghfirullah" cried Kirana. She realized that her underwear was visible behind a white shirt and hijab that was covered and attached to her body. Kirana panicked she had no choice but to wear Alif's jacket to cover her body.

Kirana was so embarrassed, her face started to heat up and wanted to cry. But Alif soon convinces her that it's not Kirana's fault. He also tried to dispel the worries that appeared in his heart. Kirana tries to believe in her mind that Alif is not the type of negative-minded young person.

Long they remained silent. The rain did not stop, and the angkot they were waiting for did not come. The way home Alif and Kirana is indeed in the same direction even though different villages. Alif is trying to break the silence.

"Where are we going to take the exam, where are we going?" ask Alif.

"Plan to Jogja ato Makassar."

"Away huh?" Kirana nodded slowly, hesitatingly she made a sound.

"Then... Alif's own plan, how?"

"I'm going to college here."

Next, they tell a lot of things like friends. Sometimes they laugh lightly. That afternoon, a memory was created between them. Memories that will be imprinted so deeply in the heart especially for Kirana.

Alif's grey jacket bears a silent witness to how Alif and Kirana's journey begins the story that will

testing their heart and sincerity through a long path of hijrah.

***