Love Lanterns

CHAPTER 113 “The Wrenching Morning”

“Being a man can at least have a lot of talent. But let not the talent be made to boast of the lesser. Precisely we who can have to teach science so that the talent we have is not in vain.”

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Keenan stopped his sports activities, after which approached Aletha who was on the balcony. On the balcony was Aletha standing, unable to sit on the floor for approximately five days before the stitches on her stomach had completely dried up.

“Neng, can if Aa ask something to Neng?”

“Iya Aa, can.” Aletha nodded.

“What Neng is never afraid of being the wife of a country man?”

The question instantly made Aletha turn her head, staring fixedly at the pair of eyes of the Keenan eagle.

”Fear will disappear with time, because we will feel accustomed to facing any test if we remember God. Most Love, Most Merciful and Most Merciful of all.”

“If Neng was afraid, maybe from the beginning Neng would. After all Neng's father is also a country man, why should Neng be afraid to try?”

There was a flowery heart as Aletha revealed that taste...

Mama Nina accidentally overhears a conversation between Aletha and Keenan when she walks into their room. Mama Nina just wanted to ask Aletha to accompany Atalaric in her room. Because Luna and Juan had been going to the hospital since six in the morning. Likewise with Larisa who has left school, because that morning Larisa has a cheerleader schedule. And it was impossible to also ask Laura to take care of her, would make it difficult for Laura while climbing the stairs with her wheelchair.

“If it's like this, Mama feels a little relieved. You have matured yourself and eroded little by little the trauma of loss. And Mama will give you time together.” Mama Nina relented and abandoned her intention to ask Aletha to look after Atalaric.

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“Thank you, because Neng already wants to be Aa's wife. Even Neng has presented the fruit of our love in the life of Aa.” Keenan kissed Aletha's forehead gently.

“Sama-sama Aa, Neng also thanked Aa for trying to keep her heart for seventeen years ago. And now that Aa's heart was completely Neng's, no other woman could go in there. Likewise in Neng's heart, there was no other man except Aa.” Aletha rubbed Keenan's chest.

“Ya already gih, shower there continue to eat pancakes made by Neng specifically for Aa.” Aletha commented a smile.

“Alright, Aa shower first. Or.... We shower together?”

Aletha immediately pinched Keenan's stomach, until Keenan complained of pain. And after getting the pinch Keenan also relented to go into the bathroom itself.

Punishment for Keenan being a bad boy in the morning. Wkwkwk

Aletha prepared a Keenan uniform that should be worn on that day. Likewise with the clothes that will be worn by him that day, welcoming the baby who has been allowed to go home after undergoing treatment in the incubator room.

“Neng, don't shower all?” ask Keenan.

“Let's go Aa, Neng needs to be ready for the need to pick up Alina.”

“Better shower now only, Neng. Mumpung Aa is still wet-wet.” Keenan's wearing his towel.

Hearing Keenan's words immediately Aletha stopped her activity which was preparing a jarit to hold Alina later. Then looked towards Keenan with a sharp look.

“Aa, don't start bawling again. Want to pinch again what, hmm?”

Keenan chuckled amusedly at the expression Aletha gave that morning. Keenan wants to be alone in every moment, but he must accept the fact that there is something more important than him, Alina the baby.

‘Wrenching part. Patience Ke, there must be time to .. do your action.’ Mumbled Keenan with his smirk smile.

After having prepared Alina's equipment, Aletha took a short shower to make it look fresh and fragrant. It was impossible if he went to the hospital without taking a shower first.

“Neng, need help Aa no? Aa ready to help kok.” Keenan stood in front of the bathroom door.

“Not Aa, Neng can be alone really. Neng knows what to do, right Neng doctor.”

Keenan is a manggut-mangut, he forgets if his wife is a doctor. Doctors are experts in dissecting his heart when pounding uncontrollably while fighting in bed. Wkwkwk

Keenan is too cute.

That morning Aletha was wearing a robe and a dangling hijab that covered her chest. Because she was still on leave, Aletha decided to just put on the robe to the hospital to pick up Alina.

“Aa... can't come to the hospital?”

“Sorry Neng, Aa must do the morning apple. It's almost seven o'clock. If Aa is late Aa can get punished. Shame on you, if the Captain got the law, so it's not cool anymore.” Keenan smile pepsodent.

Aletha snorted in annoyance, there was a sense of disappointment in her heart. When he came home from the house Keenan was also busy with physical exercises in the forest. And when Alina oulang from the hospital, Keena also could not come to pick up because she had to do the morning apple. However, Aletha tried to be patient considering she was no longer a teenager. It was time that she had to mature into accepting all risks if her husband was a state servant.

“Alright, it's okay if Aa can't come along. But later try to go home quickly yes!”

“InsyaAllah, Aa will try to go home quickly if there is no impromptu mission.” Keenan kissed Aletha's forehead.

Aletha turned to shake Keenan's hand before Keenan left for the battalion. And downstairs there's a Guard waiting for Keenan.

“Woi... already seven woi.. can be late we later.” The guard, who was worried about the exhausting punishment, shouted to Keenan from below.

Soon Keenan and Aletha went down the stairs. There is a middle Guard with Laura on the front porch waiting for their arrival.

“Finally out too. Remember the penalty if late.” Umpat Guard.

“What is the punishment if you are late?” ask Laura.

“Run a hundred times and pushup a hundred times.” The Guard stared at Keenan sharply.

“Hah, a lot of it. You can faint in that place if you get that much punishment. After all, who would make such a punishment? Not human at all.” Aletha was also upset by the punishment her husband had already made.

Keenan who heard Aletha's words with annoyance immediately Keenan's heart shrieked. He groped his chest as Aletha said that it was inhumane of people who had made such rules. While what makes it is none other than Keenan himself.

Ke, his wife is angry. Especially your subordinates, all over the Guard.

“E... yes, it is very inhuman that makes. Yes already Neng, Aa left first afraid later.”

“The pancakes were brought, right, Aa?”

Keenan nodded, after which the Guard was ready to step on the accelerator and drive his trail to the battalion for the morning apple.

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”Ra, where's Ravva? What's still sleeping?”

“Ravva is up, Al. It's in Atalaric's room with Mama Nina.”

“Emm, how about we have breakfast pancakes made me on the side porch?”

“By also.” Laura mangosteen.

“Yes already, I take the pancakes first yes all I make you tea.” Aletha walked into the kitchen.

Laura pushed her wheelchair onto the side porch while Aletha went to the kitchen to pick up the pancakes she had made this morning with Mama Nina, at the same time make a cup of warm tea for Laura and a cup of warm coffee for her own.

”Tryable, Ra.” Aletha put the pancakes in containers in a dish on the table.

“I tried ya!”

One bite...

Laura chewed slowly, feeling the first bite of Aletha's pancake.

“Enak, Al. When did you make it?”

“Alhamdulillah if it's good. This morning to him, impromptu. It also only helps Mama Nina alone, and without direction from Mama Nina also can not.” Aletha.

The two chatted lightly while eating pancakes until they ran out. And they feel back to the time in America, struggling with simplicity while studying higher education there.

“Ya is Ra, I'm getting ready to go to the hospital. Brother Juan is waiting in front.”

“Iya, Al.” Laura nodded. “Be careful!”

“Iya, assalamu'alaikum.”

“Wa'alaikumsalam.

Aletha and Mama Nina headed forward which Juan had been waiting for there. And Laura pushed her wheelchair into the living room, because there was Ratih's bik guarding Atalaric and Ravva.

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Keenan was just silent, and inevitably had to carry out the punishment he had made himself. Keenan and Garda ran around the field for up to a hundred rounds. After that it continued again with push ups a hundred times. Making the morning was tiring as well as expending a lot of sweat on their backs and also on their temples.

“How, Captain? Your impressions and messages this morning after running the punishment you made?”

“Ha... Ha... Ha...”

“I'm tired, Garda. What a heartbreaking morning for today. And I think.. I should change the rules.” Keena occasionally rubbed the sweat that poured on her temples.

In the heart of the Guard was pleased, self-satisfied if Keenan experienced that punishment. And the Guard also confirmed what Aletha said, inhumane. However, it would be a shame if Keenan changed the rules openly in front of others. It could be destroyed his good name as the army dared to die.

“We are lucky to have Captains like Captain Keenan and also Lettu Garda. Although they are our superiors, they obey the rules made by Captain Keenan. They are superiors who put discipline first.” The other soldiers were amazed when they saw Keenan and Garda running in the field.

After the punishment, Keenan makes a video call with Aletha, just curious about Alina.

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“Alhamdulillah, finally we can sleep together huh dear. Here, drink first must be thirsty has traveled far.” Aletha held Alina.

Aletha sat on the lip of the mattress, then gave exclusive breast milk to Alina. And after feeling full Aletha put Alina on the bed. Not long after his phone rang there was a call coming from Keenan.

“Assalamu'alaikum, Neng.”

“Wa'alaikumsalam, Aa.”

“Where is Alina, Neng? What's sleeping on him?”

“E... no really, Aa..” Aletha hung her words into the air.

“Al, Alina I take it forward huh! The photo shoot was really necessary.” Maya carried Alina forward.

Aletha aimed her camera at Maya, Larisa, Luna and Laura who were replacing Alina's clothes several times. Because many gifts from them and also some from relatives of Juan and others. And for aunty Alina needs to be tried by Alina who must be immortalized to be a memory.

“Neng, pity her Alina it loh. Surely she's tired already, Alina is not a model.” Keenan felt unacceptable.

“So soon Brother, there are many more that have not been tried.” Laura voiced her voice.

Because Keenan did not accept his call immediately and did not forget to say a greeting as the end of his conversation with Aletha, after that slide home.

“Assalamu'alaikum,” says Keenan.

“Wa'alaikumsalam,” answer everything inside in unison.

And when it had entered the house Keenan immediately took over Alina into his carriage. Then take her to her room and close her door tightly. And it makes aunty Alina feel upset, not satisfied to take a selfie with Alina even Keenan take it for granted. So they disperse from Bagas Kara residence and return to their respective homes.

“Neng, don't forget to lock the door. Alina needs rest.” Keenan remained focused on Alina.

“Iya, Aa. But, Aa has to take a shower first! Her stench stung it Aa, could pass out later her Alina.”

“Ha... Ha... Ha...” Keenan laughed, he forgot if he had been serving a sentence that resulted in sweat splashing all over his body.

“You don't Aa hug for a moment? Sweat sharing.” Keenan.

“Issh... Fast shower there gih, Aa!”

It didn't take long for Keenan to clean his body in the bathroom. After that he immediately changed his clothes to ordinary clothes, not army uniforms anymore. Except for cocoa clothes and sarongs and peci, because soon enter the prayer dzuhur. But before that, Keenan again held Alina because Alina also had not napped that afternoon.

“Well, now Abi is clean beautiful. Want to be carried again, same Abi, yes! From that wait so right,” babble Keenan ala to father an.

Aletha just shook her head to see Keenan who has a father soul who can lead and give a good role model for his son later.

“Let's read sholawat first yes!”

“Alloohumma sholi sholaatan kaamilatan wasallim salaaman taamman 'alaa sayyidina muhammadinil ladzii tanhallu bihil 'uqodu wa tanfariju bihil kurobu wa tuqdhoo bihil hawaa-iju

Wa tunaalu behir-roghoo-ibu wa husnul khowaatimi wa yustasqol ghomaamu bi wajhihil karimi wa 'alaa aalihii wa shohbihi fii kulli lamhatin wa breathin bi 'adadi kulli ma'luumin laka.”

It sounded so sweet that Keenan's voice was never known to Aletha. Make Aletha's heart full and feel peaceful when sholawat nariyah chants have been kicked. Even Aletha's tears came, she was never that peaceful.

‘Yes Allah, how lucky I am to have a good husband, always remembering about You and Your Prophet, Muhammad SAW. While I as his wife alone is not perfect in remembering YOU. Forgive me O God, my Lord.’

There was no stopping Aletha looking at every movement of Keenan who was holding Alina while shaking her slowly so that Alina immediately slept. And just when the voice of the dzuhur Adhan had been echoed Alina had fallen asleep very soundly.

“Sini Aa, Alina just put it on the bed. After that Aa can pray first.” Aletha patted the bed slowly.

In accordance with Aletha's instructions, Keenan put Alina on the mattress and after that Keenan say goodbye to go to the mosque to perform dzuhur prayer congregation. And under the Guards were waiting, and the two men set out on foot, for their reward would be greater in every step. Besides the mosque was also not too far away, only a hundred meters. And for a soldier that road is not too tiring.

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Mama Nina, Luna and Laura prepare the kitchen dishes to be served at lunch. While Larisa clearly accompanied Ravva, because she felt tired after cheerleader Larisa preferred to accompany Ravva who was three years old. For Larisa it's easier to take care of than her sister who hasn't even turned one year old.

“What to help?” ask Aletha who just came.

“Ah no, Al. This is also done cooking, just arrange it at the table.”

“Oh, okay. Then Aletha arranged it. Mumpung Akina sleeping pules.”

The three women who were there nodded simultaneously, with all the compactness they planted formed a family that always got along and cared for each other.

Lunch was served, before long Garda and Keenan went home and immediately headed to the room. And once in the room Keenan found Alina woke up and cried, to make Aletha a little speed up her steps to get to the room immediately.

“Kok her crying voice silent? Has it calmed down time?”

Slowly Aletha opened the door, it was Keenan who calmed Alina in her arms. And Keenan again gave Sholawat nariyah to Alina.

“Aa... turned out to be good at also calming Alina ya!”

Aletha's voice startled Keenan, and Keenan turned to her with a seductive smile. Makes Aletha more interested to approach and greet Keenan's hand.

“InsyaAllah Aa will teach good and appropriate religious knowledge for Alina, so that when she grows up Alina can keep her marwah. And other things Aa will teach, such as teaching, painting, shooting and. there are many more things.”.

“Aa can do all that? But Neng never knew,”

“Being a man can at least have a lot of talent. But let not the talent be made to boast of the lesser. Precisely we who can have to teach science so that the talent we have is not in vain.”

“Therefore Aa does not want to be arrogant with Neng, yes... Neng doesn't know. And while Neng himself also has pent-up talent. Like... shot right in Aa.”'s heart Keenan.

Aletha bowed, hiding her cheeks that suddenly turned red in embarrassment. The praise was so intense in Aletha's heart, that Aletha's heart instantly melted.

Lunch was held, and all had gathered even though it was only at lunch. Because Juan had to return to the hospital, while Bagas Kara, Keenan and Garda had to return to the battalion. And the women will stay at home waiting for the men to return home when the afternoon has come.

“Why after eating kok so sleepy like this huh? Where Alina can not be separated also drink.” Aletha started to spread her head.

Drowsiness could not be controlled, until Aletha fell asleep with Alina. And that's how most mothers who are breastfeeding, go to sleep with children and as if drowsiness can not be controlled. Likewise with Luna, taking part in sleep while breastfeeding Atalaric. While Laura, she still recites the fairy tale about the Prophet to Ravva before taking a nap. And after Ravva fell asleep, Laura went to sleep. Because Autoimmun sometimes makes Laura sleep princess syndrome that can fall asleep for 20 hours.

The ringing of the phone on Aletha's phone continued to ring, forcing Aletha to open her eyes and wake up. Then he opened the slide screen of his phone to make sure who was calling...?

Seriate...

*Sholawat Nariyah is a sholawat that is often given by small children to adults. And sholawat nariyah itself also has a very meaningful meaning in remembering and praying the Prophet Muhammad SAW with family.

And don't forget to shole...

“Alloohumma sholi sholaatan kaamilatan wasallim salaaman taamman 'alaa sayyidina muhammadinil ladzii tanhallu bihil 'uqodu wa tanfariju bihil kurobu wa tuqdhoo bihil hawaa-iju

Wa tunaalu behir-roghoo-ibu wa husnul khowaatimi wa yustasqol ghomaamu bi wajhihil karimi wa 'alaa aalihii wa shohbihi fii kulli lamhatin wa breathin bi 'adadi kulli ma'luumin laka.”

Meaning:

“O Allah, bestow perfect mercy and greetings on our Lord Prophet Muhammad SAW. May it unravel with the blessing of all kinds of gussets be released from all distress, fulfill all kinds of wishes, and achieve all kinds of desires and husnul khotimah. Poured rainwater (grace) with his personal glorious blessing. May such perfect grace and greeting also be poured out upon his family and friends, every blink of an eye and a breath, as many numbers as You know.”

Happy reading to my readers...

May you enjoy the story of the Lantern of Love. Greetings from Fia...