Mothers

21 Employers

Mahendra and Nina sit on the ER front park bench. There is so much Mahendra wants to ask, even with Nina. I don't know what to say but gradually all the secrets will be revealed in a different way. Maybe if not now, it can be revealed later.

"I don't know where to start." Nina's nervous. He played his fingers to slightly shift his mind to sort out the good words.

"But Kinanti asked me to keep her illness a secret from Renata. I was confused how to. My mother-in-law doesn't know. But Candra knows it or not. Even Candra often calls Kinanti a crazy woman, so she can't stand staying with Kinanti." Nina's story goes. Mahendra has not responded. He knew he had to hear more.

"The waiting of a good man. Early on I was close to Candra, she was angry, but still managed her emotions. Sometimes when Candra takes me to her house, I'm treated like a guest. Kinanti always gives me water and also snacks." Nina sighed for a moment.

"Honestly, I was embarrassed that I had taken Candra and destroyed her household, but I was treated well. Until one day Kinanti, called me and asked me to play. Without having any thoughts, I came and I was surprised to see Kinanti become emotional."

"You're coming? Come inside. I made you a drink."

That day was a little different. He smiled more boldly, I don't think because I rarely go there. It has been included several times and he always gives me a warm smile, treating me like a friend.

Without thinking, I sat on the sofa. And he gave me a drink, when I drank it, it was very spicy.

"Hows it? Tastier? That's what it's about to take someone else's husband! And you should know you're like this chili water!"

Then he doused me with that chili water. I complained because the water was hot on my face.

"Winning! What the hell are you doing? It's hot, it's hot!!"

"Let you know, that's the result of bothering someone else's husband!"

I got out of there and I quickly found a water tap. Honestly, I was very surprised by Kinanti's attitude. And I still don't know the disease she's suffering from. One day, he called me crying.

"Nina please help me Nina. My medicine's up..."

I was confused by the medication in question. Because Kinanti looks like a healthy person. Finally I came to his house and he was falling in a position holding his aching head. I don't know how sick he was but he was screaming so sick. I immediately took her to the doctor and took the medicine bottle that Kinanti used to drink.

After the examination, the doctor did not say that there was anything hurt to Kinanti and looked at the label of the medicine I was carrying.

"How long do patients take this drug?"

"I don't know, Doc. Because I just came and saw the patient holding his head in pain while shouting."

"The patient did not have any external injuries. Patient has internal injuries."

"I mean, Doctor?"

"This is an antidepressant. Drink when the patient feels restless, stressed or not calm. I suggest going to the psychiatry department. Because I can't explain this in more detail."

I was so weak when I found out. I didn't expect Kinanti to take antidepressant medication. I went straight to the psychiatrist's department at the time and the doctor asked me all sorts of questions. Starting from the daily behavior of Kinanti to how her attitude has just happened. And that's when he was diagnosed with multiple personalities.

When I got home from the hospital, I was even more confused by Kinanti's question.

"Nina. What are we doing in the hospital? Am I sick?"

He forbade me to tell Renata. He is worried that he will add to Renata's burden because Renata is still focused on his studies. Kinanti looks for a way so that Renata does not know that Kinanti has the disease, eventually Kinanti makes up the story that the lack of money and Renatapun believe. Sadly, Renata is a very kind, cheerful and submissive child. He followed all of Kinanti's wishes without asking. He worked after college sometimes completing college assignments.

Kinanti told me that her heart ached when she saw Renata exhausted every day. But Renata always said, as long as you're with me, I'm never tired, Mom.

Kinanti cried as Renata went out early in the morning for college. And ever since then the pain in Kinanti's head has always recurred. I'm providing antidepressants and tranquilizers. If not, he's already hurt himself.

Until now I never knew that Candra would treat me so badly as she treated Kinanti. I think it's natural that Kinanti has the disease, maybe she's had years of Candra. I experienced it too."

****

Nina did not stop shedding tears on her face. Moreover, telling stories about Renata always makes his heart sliced. For a moment Mahendra was unable to speak. He was amazed by Nina's incredible story. He had never found such a complicated case.

"alright. Maybe Nina's mother can see Renata's condition now and can accompany her. If I may, I can ask the doctor and also your husband, Mr. Candra."

Nina hesitated to answer Mahendra's question. But indeed he was trying to open the door of justice for Kinanti.

"Renata tried very hard to find out the cause of Ms. Kinanti's death. He tried as hard as possible to face all the facts even though it hurt Renata. Nina's mother can see for herself how Renata is doing right now" Mahendra explained

****

Renata moved her finger, trying to open her eyes. His head still felt heavy and his hands were infused to add to the fluid in his body. Nina who was sitting next to him, grabbed Renata's hand and grasped it. Warm and comfortable.

"Mother..." Renata started calling Kinanti. Nina wiped the sweat off her forehead and tidied Renata's hair.

"Renata, this is Auntie, honey. Wake, son..." Nina whispered her voice in Renata's ear. Renata was still trying to open her eyes.

"Yes Renata, this is Aunt Nina" Nina said.

Renata opened her eyes slowly and found Nina sitting next to her ward.

"You're awake? How's it feel? Still dizzy? Aunt call the doctor." Nina just wanted to get up and call the doctor but Renata held her back.

"Auntie.."

Nina tried to hold back her tears from falling because she saw Renata's condition. It was sad to see Renata lying on a hospital bed like this.

"Aunty, sorry Renata yes, Renata is much wrong with Aunt..."

Nina could not hold back her tears anymore. Nor can he lie to his heart. She could be Renata's stepmother. But there is no limit to being close to each other.

"No, Renata, no. There is nothing wrong or right. It's all happening."

Renata looked at Nina weakly, her head still dizzy. She hugged Nina. But right now, Renata needs more rest.