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The Old did not meet

Renzana Alcatraz

During the flight to Juanda airport, my heart was pounding. Just like a person who is in love and will meet the first time with his heart. This wasn't my first meeting with Kanya.

I tried to distract myself by reading digital books through playbook services. But still my heart is beating. Especially when Kanya reported if it had been half the journey.

The city where Kanya lives is a small district that does not have access to the airport or station. The nearest station is an hour away in the neighboring district. And, the distance to the airport takes about four hours drive if taken at medium speed. That's why he left early, even before I left for the airport.

Whereas if I choose to use the train, the trip is too long makes me more impatient to meet Kanya. What's more, I couldn't bear to have Kanya pick me up at the station in the early hours of the morning.

While I'm blinded if I have to take public transportation to get to where Kanya lives. Even if it's a small town. It still feels too big to explore by public transport, because I've never done it. Maybe one day, I will take Kanya to explore the city by public transportation to the district border.

Gawaiku. Kanya's name appears on the six-inch screen. Although I have airplane mode, currently the airline has provided wifi service. So I can still send a short message through the chat app.

Kanya

I went to Sidoarjo, Mas. Not long to the airport. I'm waiting at the arrival terminal.

My heart beats faster and faster reading a message from Kanya. The longing I endured for almost a week is getting more and more irregular. My heart is pounding. I can't wait to meet Kanya.

Alcatraz

Wait for me yes. If only the land route, surely I can give you news, now it has come to where.

Anya

Yes Mas Araz just about, again flying above what height feet. Times can guess also now where it has come to.

My smile was provoked by Kanya's reply which looked like the origin of the conversation. He always has been. Can provoke laughter only through a word that is strung together in absurd sentences of meaning. This is why I miss that woman so much even if I don't see her for a day. His words were sometimes original, making me anxious and eager to pinch his cheek. Although it actually makes more upset because it makes me stuck in sentences and unable to speak.

Alcatraz

Well, baby I don't have a ruler. What if you help me shave?

My reply follows the flow of Kanya's game. Although I'm sure in the end he will be able to kink.

Kanya

Why is it hard, Mas Araz just get off the plane. Keep counting about how many thousands of feet will be. But the condition must be the road yes, not skydiving. 😁

'Kan, what I said. It is impossible to take our conversation seriously. There is nothing to be taken seriously. And it is precisely these kinds of things that make us laugh at each other. It feels very comfortable to be near the woman if she smiles a lot and even laughs. My chest will warm. Follow in the expanding laughter on his lips.

Alcatraz

Okay, I'll try to borrow Superman's cape. Only time can I use to maintain balance when the way down from the airplane.

Anya

Whoa, what's Gatutkaca? They can both fly. And he's more local than Superman.

Alcatraz

😏 She doesn't wear a robe, Kanya.

Anya

Flying without a cape is more practical, Mas Araz.

Alcatraz

Yes, if it is, I will borrow the scarf Nyi Rara Kidul only.

Anya

He wears a shawl not to fly, Mas. It can be used in the same sea on land.

Alcatraz

If so, you're the one who made it fly.

Anya

That's that's easy. I told you I love you too must be Mas Araz felt again flying.

Alcatraz

😂 What are we talking about again? How did the discussion get stuck?

Anya

Those who make laws also sometimes like to fret, Mas. Especially our commoners.

My laughter can't hold me anymore. Unknowingly the smile expanded too wide to make the passenger next to me turn his head. Fortunately I was on the bench by the window. Not everyone can see it.

Before long, from the loudspeakers heard the sound of flight attendants announcing if the plane will soon reach its destination. It is also getting lower. The buds of homes and office buildings are starting to look. The dusk sky spread an orange color and the city lights began to light up.

I intentionally didn't reply to Kanya's message and let her keep the blue tick. I put the device in my shirt pocket and followed the orders of the flight attendant who asked me to wear my seat belt again. The flight sign is getting closer to the destination.

***

Juanda's interlocal arrival terminal in the evening offers warmth. Not because of the hot weather or the hospitality of the locals - after all, there are more tourists than locals, except maybe some of the rude workers who go back and forth (i'm actually not sure if they're locals), either, but who greeted me with a glass of coffee that looks still billowing from a local trademark.

"Buying domestic products is better, right than helping overseas entrepreneurs who mushroom here?"

Kanya comments as I accidentally stare at the old coffee cartons that have now changed hands. Though I focused on staring at the writing set in the coffee carton that I now hold.

"Or did Mas Araz prefer one that was labeled female? Want to change for the others?"

Kanya's still asking me what I want. The woman was the one I waited for during the flight. No matter the place, I put my suitcase and carried the woman in my arms. I let Kanya's body rebel and protest if shame is noticed by people. I also do not care if it becomes a spectacle of many people like a scene in a film, where shooting is done from all directions with the motion of the camera rotate. I whispered in his ear to return the writing he needed on the cardboard of coffee I was still holding.

"I love you too, Kanya. I miss you too, don't I miss you."

I felt Kanya's body stiffen in my arms. Before finally relaxing and gently hugging me back. I could feel him smiling while hiding his face in my chest.

"Old Araz mas. I'll see the clock know the wait."

"Well, harvest dong if that's it. Can be sauteed with vegetables or same dipepes coconut. What if we had dinner just like mushrooms?"

"Mas Araz, ihhh .. that's not what I mean either."

I laughed in response to Kanya's statement. In the end he was also trapped in a play on words that often do.