I'm Not a Wild Grass

Finding Nila (POv Laila)

Following Nunik's advice, Nunik and Darman finally drive the children home. While Azki and I waited at the information post.

We see cctvs that still work in some places one by one. But unfortunately, the whereabouts of Nila we never found.

Until the day turns night, inevitably I have to go home too. And the zoo suggested that I contact the local police to report Nila missing.

But Azki suggested that we wait until tomorrow. Who knows if there is good news about Nila. With a forced heart, I agreed to Azki's suggestion.

I was brought home by Azki.

...

Once at home, I was immediately flocked with questions about losing Nila by Mama and Papa. They're just as worried as I am. We hope Nila can be found soon.

That night, I slept hugging Mark. Even though my body lay beside Mark, but my eyes could not be closed. My anxiety about Nila's current condition really forced my brain to stay awake most of the night.

It was only around midnight that I finally fell asleep. It was also haunted by nightmares about Nila and Erlan.

The next day, my anxiety increased. As soon as I woke up, I realized that Mark had a fever.

Finally today I asked my teacher for permission to leave school for a few days.

I didn't say anything about Nila's disappearance. Only Mark who was sick became his alibi children not to go to school.

"Nila. wake up.." I heard Mark muttering in his fever.

My heart was like a dagger when I had to see Mark who was rarely sick, now drooping weakly on his bed.

Mark misses his twin sister, Nila. So too with me.

I don't know what Mark's dream is, but he's delirious to have Nila wake up?

Deg. Degs..

My heart is tangled with a feeling of anger. Suddenly I had a bad feeling about Nila. My indigo..

'Yes Allah.please take care of Nila. Keep him from all the dangers of the world and the dangers of Your Hereafter, O Lord, keep him in Your best protection.. it is enough with calmness and self-reliance wherever he is at the moment. Please ask my best for Nila to You, Lord.. For You alone are the best Protector of the best that has always been..'

I whispered a prayer next to Mark's body that was fighting the fever that was attacking him.

I kissed Mark's forehead and hands many times. Trying to strengthen each other from the difficulties we face today.

...

Around noon, Azki called me back. He went back to the information place at the zoo to ask about Nila. Unfortunately, there is no news about my daughter.

My heart felt squeezed by thorny hands, really, when I heard the news from Azki. Where is Nila at the moment? Is it hungry? Do you feel scared of it? Alone at the moment? No one can give me the answers to those questions.

I can only chant my prayers and hopes to the infinite heavens. Wishing a miracle always accompanies my Nila wherever she is now.

I can't imagine if anything happened to Nila. If that happens, I..

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. Because I took her to the zoo, so Nila.." I heard Azki's voice talking over the phone.

"That's it, Az. His name is also a disaster. All we can do now is focus on finding Nila, Az. That's all that's on my mind right now" I said, calming Azki down.

"Then, now Ma'am La want to report to the police?" Ask Azki then.

"Yes. God willing, I'll be at the police station in the afternoon, Az. Now.."

My words stopped, when I heard Mark's voice muttering in his sleep.

My heart was again pinched when I witnessed Mark's current condition.

"Mr? La Ma'am?" Azki's voice resuscitated me.

"Ehh. sorry Az!" I was in a hurry to apologize.

"It's okay, Ma'am. She said now. Now what, Ma'am La?" Azki asked back.

I saw Mark again mention the name of Papa Azki in his sleep. Finally, embarrassedly, I also ventured to ask Azki for help.

"This, Az. Mark is currently sick. He had a fever from dawn. She just called your name. So, can I ask you to come here, Az? Mark Tengokin. Perhaps if you are tengokin, the fever can immediately go down. I'm sorry, I'm always talking about kids" I said in a hurry.

"Yes. It's okay, La. They are Erlan's children, after all. My best friend. So I guess I already consider them like my own friends." Azki said.

"Ehh.." confused what else to say, I ended the phone call immediately.

"If so, you will be here in the afternoon, Az. Just keep Mark on guard when I go to the police station at noon. How's it?" Ask me.

"Good, Ma'am. If so, I'll be there later."

"Yes. Thanks, Az. Assalamu'alaikum's chat.."

"Wa'alaikum greetings.."

Clik. And the phone eventually disconnected.

After putting my phone back on the nightstand, I immediately changed Mark's compress. About an hour later, I forced Mark, who was still asleep, to take his medicine.

Before taking the medicine, I tried to wake Mark up for breakfast porridge, but Mark never woke up. I intend, if until tonight Mark's fever does not go down as well, then I'll take him to the doctor.

...

During the day, Azki fulfills her promise to visit Mark.

Mark woke up a few times. But because of the fever that infects him he became weak and more often immediately fell asleep again.

Even when I left Mark to Azki, to go to the police station, Mark was still asleep.

...

I finally reported Nila who disappeared to the police station. After telling her chronology, Mr. Police promised to do their best about Nila.

After leaving my phone number and home address, I went home.

On the way, I sometimes mistakenly saw a girl walking or being ridden behind someone else's motorcycle as Nila. I also have to apologize many times to the adults who accompanied his son who I mistakenly recognized.

I don't feel ashamed. My heart just felt numb.

My hope of finding Nila soared. While every second that passed seemed like this heart-piercing dagger.

'Please honey.. Where are you, son?' I murmured at the empty wind in front of me.

...

Arriving in the yard in the afternoon, I was curious about the existence of black civic cars that came to a stop in my yard. I know the owner of the car. Kiyanos.

***