Mom's Not a Prostitute
A Pair of Converted Hearts
It is natural that humans have many thoughts every time they start a new life.
---
Watampone, 1994
In the yard of the house that is not so broad was established a tent made of the trunk of a pinang tree. The roof is fitted with a blue tarpaulin with a yellow fringe. The ceiling of the house has been fitted with lamming*, as well as its undercarriage which is transformed into the living room. Hasan and I were at the pelaminan, wearing a bright green sigara* that made the happy hue on our faces shine. Ijab kabul just went well. In Bugis, Hasan uttered the sacred sentence aloud. At exactly 10 this morning, we officially became a couple. From now on, I should get used to calling him Daeng*Hasan.
I had gone through quite a strange inner upheaval before deciding to accept Daeng Hasan's proposal. I thought about Mak, I can't bear to leave him alone. At an increasingly old age, he needs friends to chat. The longing in his heart would later mount higher. Not only to my two brothers, but to me. Who will listen to him share a story with our family photo album when we say hello in the afternoon? And again, he was getting sicker and sicker more often.
But, Mak managed to shake off all my doubts. As a mother who gave birth to me, she understood very well that I also liked Daeng Hasan very much. Although I never said. Sooner or later, this time will come. When a man came to him to beg and take me away. He had prepared himself long before. He also said, all this will not be as complicated as the contents of my mind. The distance between Watampone and Sengkang can be reached in two hours. Sometimes I can go home to see Mak, or he visits me there in the Silk City. In addition, Mak also decided to stop cultivating rice fields, everything will be handed over to Puang Sudi. Then stay for results. It was indeed one of the things that burdened my mind if I had to leave Mak. Daeng Hasan added, he said he would set aside some of his wages to be sent to Mak every month. Although it feels like there is nothing more to worry about, the name of the child will be separated from his parents is still heavy. Strange thoughts still often hit me.
Mak decided to sell the horse along with the relics of Ambo, after a long time he maintained. He was willing to spend a special time looking for fresh grass for black horse food. He said, seeing them, Mak felt close to Ambo. Many stories of the struggle they went through with the horse and the horse. It's only natural that Mak is so heavy to take it off. I-i understand. But in the end, the bendi will be damaged by itself if long not used. With conditions that are not as good as before, Mak also can not go every day to find food for the horse. With a heavy heart, Mak took it off. There have been many interested in.
From the sale of the horse and the hansom, I persuaded Mak to want our house to be electric. If there is electricity, Mak does not need to bother taking care of the lamp which in periodic time the axis must be replaced. Electricity in this village has been available for a long time, but not evenly distributed. Only the upper class will use it. In addition to economic reasons, the lack of knowledge made them afraid to use electricity. He said he was afraid of electrocution and flammability. Mak is like that.
"Don't, Son. After all, who will bear the monthly bill?" said. Though I have said that I will send money every month for everyday purposes, including to pay electricity bills. Mak insisted on using the lamp. By passing through the night befriending the tiny flame, Mak felt accompanied by Ambo. He did not want to take off the dim nuances that became part of his friendship with the man he loved so much. If it's like that, I can't force it.
***
Sengkang, 1995
Daeng Hasan really proved his promise to Mak to make me happy. He is very attentive and understands how to pamper. At the beginning of my arrival in this city, he took me around. Introduce the corners of the city dubbed the City of Silk, as well as interesting places that can be visited. For example Lake Tempe and Traditional House 101 Poles. Not to forget he invited me to taste a variety of special foods that are quite unique. For example nasu palekko* and chalk*. I am so grateful that God has brought Daeng Hasan into my life.
And all that happiness was complemented by the presence of the little angel in our midst. A baby girl was born through a normal delivery a week ago. The plump little princess then gave her the name Pearl of Love. I want in people's eyes he is always precious like a pearl and full of love.
Today, Mama came to visit. The old woman couldn't wait to hold her granddaughter. Naturally, he had never felt that happiness. His grandchildren from both of my brothers, he never really knew him. From the day of his birth, he asked Puang Sudi to take him here. But because there are activities that cannot be left behind, they can only come today. I also miss the same Mak. Since my stomach started to grow, I could no longer see him every month like before. So today we miss each other.
***
Foot note:
*Decoration for wedding tents.
*Bugis wedding dress.
*In addition to older sister, some bugis also use the word 'daeng' to greet the husband.
*Duck order.
*Specialty Bugis food made from processed sago and mixed vegetables.
