I'm Not a Wild Grass

The Zoo (POV Laila)

That Sunday, the vacation plan along with Nunik and Azki was finally implemented as well.

Mas Aryo can't come because there is a seminar outside the city. But he allowed Nunik to take the children away on vacation.

For a safer situation, Darman I also took him to the zoo. So that later me and Nunik did not bother to watch the children.

Finally, four adults (Aku, Nunik, Darman and Azki) and five children (both my children and their three children Nunik) also traveled together to the zoo.

I rode in my own car with the kids. While Nunik hitchhiked in Azki's car.

Arriving at the zoo, the children immediately shouted happily because they could not wait to see the various fauna there.

Especially Nila and Angkasa who again fuss about the largest animal in this zoo.

"The biggest is the elephant, the number!" Nila said with a stiff.

"No! A rhino! The rhino is the biggest!" Challenge Space.

"Hey.. already! Let's take a slow walk. Don't run!" I reminded.

Darman holds Baby Go. Because of pity too, right if the three-year-old baby had to walk around the zoo?

While I was holding Mark, and Nunik was holding Nania and Angkasa. Nila himself asked to be carried on his Papa Azki in the front row.

We enjoyed the morning walk with a happy heart. Until zuhur arrived, we also rested in a gazebo in one of the locations.

I ordered instant noodles for our lunch menu that day. As for the children, Mama Mutia has prepared its own provisions. Omelette beef cattle.

While resting, Nila wanted to go to the restroom. I drove him to the nearest WC. Then I asked Nila to wait for me near the bathroom because I wanted to pee too.

At that time, there were only about two other people besides me. So I thought it would be safe if Nila waited for me outside the bathroom door I was using.

But then I was freaked out because when I came out of the bathroom, I didn't find Nila outside the door. I didn't see anyone else then.

I'm very worried. I'm just looking for Nila around the wc.

After I found Nila nowhere, I also rushed to where the others were resting. And Nila wasn't there either.

"Where is Nila, il?" Tanya Nunik astonished.

"Zone missing! I asked her to wait outside the door when I peed, Nun. But when I came out, Nila was gone! How's this?!" I'm panicking. And the others panicked.

Darman stood up and approached me.

"We're looking for Nila again, brother! We're going to the wc again. Azki also went to the WC. Maybe Nila is Azki's sister now. Just try calling Azki's sister!" Darman gave a proposal.

I reached into my phone in the sling bag I was wearing.

Long enough I heard a ringtone from across the phone, but Azki did not answer. I called her back. And again my call was not raised.

I'm getting panicked.

"Gini aja's. Let the kids be here with me. While you're looking for Nila and Azki. Darman, try to contact the zoo as well to ask Nila for help!" nunik divided the task to me and Darman.

About twenty minutes later, Darman and I returned to where Nunik and the children were. And I immediately felt relieved when I found Azki who was already there.

I really hope to find the figure of Nila as well with her. But my heart melted when my hope had to be dashed instantly. Because Nila is nowhere near Azki standing now.

As soon as I was near everything, Azki just spoke.

"Sorry Ma'am La. I was late at the wc. My stomach hurts. Ma'am Nun said, Nila disappeared? How come?" Azki asked with the same panicked face as me.

"Yes, Az. that was.."

And I went back to telling the chronology of Nila's disappearance to Azki.

"Have you reported to the information section yet?" Ask Azki.

"Udah, Bang. Darman went there, kept reporting on the missing Nila. We also try to check the CCTV, unfortunately the cctv that is near the bathroom was damaged. Same with cctv at some point. So now again check the CCTV in front of the gate. Darman has given her profile picture to Nila as well. So if there is Nila visible at the gate, they will connect us," said Darman at length.

I was busy listening to Darman's explanation with a nervous, scared, regret-filled heart.

I can't imagine what my Nila is going through out there right now. If he disappeared from wandering alone, it might still be better.

But if my Nila is kidnapped by a stranger.. Oh God! I'm really scared to lose Nila. After all, he was my liaison with Erlan. How can I survive if something happens to my little daughter?!

"Mr Laila, please calm down first. Just look. Like the kids, they are not calm right now. So what if Mbak Nunik and Darman go home first with the kids" Azki suggested.

"But Nila.." I refute.

"Let me and Mbak La wait in the information post. Perhaps Nila will soon be found," Azki added.

"Like him it is indeed the best proposal, il. You see the children yourself." added Nunik.

I looked at the other kids. Baby Go has been crying for a while. Nania also looks scared and Angkasa curls up while hugging her legs Nunik.

It's just Mark I don't see much talking. Though I thought that her twin Nila was the one who would look the most upset among the other children.

An allegation lashed in my head. I crouched down in front of Mark and asked him.

"Mark, do you know where Nila went?" Ask me to the point.

Mark was doubtful. But I again persuaded him to speak.

"Mark, tell Mama, son. Do you know where Nila went? Or did Nila say something to you, honey?" Ask me with emphasis on every sentence I say.

"Mark doesn't know where Nila is, Ma. but.."

A glimmer of hope appeared suddenly in my heart.

"But what, Mark? Tell Mama! Let's tell you the truth, honey!" I'm urging Mark.

"Nila said. If he wants to see a baby dinosaur" Mark replied.

My heart just melted.

"Baa. Yi's. Dino.saurus?" I repeated Mark's words. I can't relate Mark's statement to Nila's disappearance.

"Yes. Nila also brought Mark. But Mark doesn't want to" Mark said.

And I just started crying. Because the hope that had appeared to be able to find Nila, had to be dashed instantly.

Nunik hugged me briefly.

"Istighfar, il. istighfar.we pray to Allah. God willing we can find Nila soon. Sure yes, il," Nunik strengthened my heart with his advice.

"I'm just.yeah.. Nila.. where are you, son.." I looked up while covering my face with both hands.

I would have almost collapsed right then and there if I hadn't heard Mark speak.

"Sorry Mark, Mama.. Nila's coming home, isn't she?" Mark asked with a trembling tone of voice.

I lifted my face and looked at Mark deeply.

Mark's eyes are as red as mine. And I'm stunned. Because Mark doesn't usually cry.

From childhood, Mark rarely cried. Even though he was still a baby, Mark just grimaced slowly. There was no screaming. There are no loud cries.

Unlike Nila, Mark keeps his sadness and pain alone. And this trait reminds me of Erlan the most.

Now, when I lost Nila, I almost forgot I still had Mark. I forgot about Mark who might actually feel more sad because of the loss of his twin.

In the next second, I wiped both of my cheeks that had gotten wet. Then I kissed Mark's forehead once.

I have to stay tough. At least in front of my own son.

I gave Mark my best smile. And back, I kissed my son's forehead. Only then did I speak.

"Calm down Mark. We'll definitely find Nila. And yes. Nila will be home soon. Insha Allah." I said with the confidence I had in my heart.

***