LOVE SONGS OF LOLOBATA

LONELY OLD MAN

Our journey was smooth. We landed and set foot into the stalled and frenzied concrete forest as the sun had sunk. Lamps illuminate airports that never sleep. This city is not my world. I drowned leaning against Bray's chest during the road trip from the airport to Papa's house which was no more than 10 km away. Closely classified. If the road is quiet maybe not 5 minutes have arrived at the house where my husband grew up. But never expect the road to be empty even though darkness covers the star-covered sky. I think traffic jams and hustle and bustle are the hallmarks of this metropolitan city.

"Racid?" bray asked as he stroked my head covered in a veil.

"Hm."

"Patience yes. Until the house breaks."

"When to the hospital?" I immediately set my main goal. Curious about the state of the fetus in my stomach that sometimes has begun to show its identity with a slow throbbing and irregular movements.

"Tomorrow or the day after. We have to make a reservation when the practice schedule is."

"Say the day after the meeting with the Canadians."

"Guet's the night, honey. We're looking for a doctor's practice schedule that's morning."

"Hm." I turned my face to look into her eyes showing my dislike.

"Would you like to accompany me?"

I'm shaking for sure. Bray must be ashamed to have a village wife. I don't understand English. They may also not understand the topic that will be their conversation. Instead of making being a goat congek better relax at home papa course.

"Just accompany me, honey. Don't have to talk." persuaded Bray who knew my obstacles in communication problems. With the local people alone I am reluctant to speak stale, especially with foreigners whose language I do not understand.

"At home."

"If you come along there will be a reason to go home quickly."

"If I don't come, I can have a reason to go home quickly. Tell him his wife is pregnant. Later after an hour or 2 hours of meeting I call you so that could be an excuse."

Hearing me insist, Bray could not resist my idea. Just smiling wryly. I don't know. I don't know how long Bray will stick with his extra patience. I think he did it all for the good of our baby. Young men like him must have trouble distinguishing where the desire of pregnant women where the desire of the baby. So well whatever the word pregnant women should be followed as long as it does no harm. During her pregnancy, Bray never forced a will and did much to understand me. Maybe he is educated to understand the concept of pregnant women who should be prioritized in public places. Once again, pregnant women should be treated in the domestic area.

Papa greeted us with a big smile. He felt my stomach growling slightly and brought his ears closer to hear something in my stomach. I don't know what he heard. His mouth says a prayer with a soft voice.

"May you be healthy and happy always" he said, rubbing my stomach.

"Amen."

"You don't make 4 months' worth of thanks?"

"There was. Grandma wants to do a big study in Makassar, Pa. In Lolobata, we will only give alms. Fir doesn't bother." Bray helped me answer. It just so happened that Bray and I had the same thought. Do not like the party crowd and do not want to bother taking care of this and that.

"Papa still wants to invite friends. But ... Stop, Fir. Later we will make a party tasyakuran at once akikah after your child is born. It has to be here." Papa has claimed I should be at his house.

Bray and I looked at each other. Understandably see a small expression of disappointment that make papa's face. Papa had planned to invite his friends to our wedding reception at one of the five-star hotels. Wedding organizer has been appointed and paid booking fee. Unfortunately, our wedding reception that was to be held papa in Jakarta was thwarted in consideration of my vulnerable pregnancy. Papa must be disappointed and want to replace it with a party akikah first grandson who is very much awaited.

I stroked my stomach, "May you be healthy and born perfect like a father yes, son. Grandfather will definitely boast of you." I murmured inwardly.

We sat on the sofa in the living room. This house is too big and empty. There is plenty of free space in this main house. The servants and domestic assistants stayed in the pavilion. No one was in the main house except the one who was on duty to take care of the house or was accompanying papa.

"You stay here until you give birth, Fifa. Here are many of the best doctors and hospitals that will help your delivery. Papa wants to give his best to his son-in-law and future grandchildren." This time papa found a reason that is difficult to argue, the best health facilities.

I answered with a smile. It's hard to say no to my father-in-law. I look forward to seeing a lonely old man. Papa really wishes we lived with him. On the other hand I do not like living in a concrete forest environment where the air quality according to the news is among the worst in the world. On the contrary, Bray also often persuaded papa to want to stay with us. But my father-in-law is still not sure he can live in the interior despite the fact that he is currently not in control of the business and rarely gather with his friends.

"Papa came with us just stayed in the official housing. God willing papa is healthier living there. Papa can breathe fresh air."

"There are no shopping malls, entertainment centers and large hospitals with complete equipment."

"Did you ever walk into a shopping mall?"

Papa smiled shyly. It is said that since the first papa rarely go shopping. Need anything just call an assistant then the goods will be quickly available.

"Health matters don't worry, Pa. The company has a clinic. If you want, you can hire a specialist and complete the medical equipment you need. Maybe we can create a hospital that can accept local patients so that our existence is more useful for the community."

Papa was silent for a moment. We also did not dare to speak waiting for papa's answer.

"Papa's village wants to stay in a nursing home so many friends. This house is deserted, Fir."

"Why don't you want to get married again? Let someone accompany and take care of papa."

Papa shakes.

"Why?"

"Fir doesn't matter if you have another sister." Bray smiled mischievously.

Papa replied with a big smile, "No, Fir. It's hard to find a partner who really loves this sickly old man."

"If there's still a soul mate, I'll meet Pa."

"Yes. Maybe not anytime soon."

"Papa try to stay in Lolobata for a few weeks. If you feel at home, Fir will make a house that has better facilities for us to live in."

Papa's view is far away. "This house holds many memories with your mother. Papa doesn't want to leave him. There are still friends here."

Bray looked at his father with a piteous look. Whose friend? Only the employees in this house and Papa barely ever left the house and nobody came to visit. Active time taking care of papa company is indeed a lot of business colleagues. Now then? Part of the papa company has been given to his ex-wife. Some are managed by professional management. Papa only takes a role as a shareholder, not at all involved in operations.

A second later Bray looked at me with the same look in his eyes. Heavy indeed left the father who was old and sickly. I thought choosing to marry me was a mistake Bray might have just realized. I don't like crowds and living in concrete forests. While the father-in-law for his life was facilitated with various facilities available among the concrete forest. I am simple and natural compared to my father-in-law who used to live a luxurious life. Our difference goes as far as the distance that stretches between Jakarta and Lolobata. Far-away. The distance is more than 5000 km across the vast sea and thousands of islands.

"Fir can't leave papa alone."

Papa glanced at me who chose to duck. Not that I don't love papa. I can't live in a foreign Jakarta. I also do not want to be far from the memories of baba and my homeland.

"If you and Fifa are more comfortable there, it doesn't matter, Fir. Papa is not alone. There are many employees who help." said papa, smiling faintly and embracing me.

I know papa is just entertaining himself. He didn't want to force us to stay with him when he was expecting that. Really am. I'm sorry I couldn't be a dutiful daughter-in-law.