NADIRS

Nadir ~ Gengsian's

As far as that concern Kak Cantika to us, the first alumni of SMP Anak All Nations. Early in the morning, according to the information we received from him, we came to school, took the Diploma and SKHUN (National Exam Result Certificate), and we did not get any information, at the same time received several forms that Kak Cantika had prepared from the High and Vocational Schools in the City. From the registration form of some schools, we were asked to choose, which school we will enter later. Sister Cantika did that, to ease our burden so that we do not have to go back and forth from the City to the Village.

Wira and I asked the High School where Cantika used to go to school, we wanted to study in the same place as Pak Kades' Girl Child.

“All schools are the same, Uti, it depends on us. If we are lazy to learn, want as good as any school, the results must be bad.. and vice versa.” Said Sister Cantika.

“But, we already intend to enter the same SMA as where Kak Pretty first.” I said.

Brother Cantika smiled, “Yes already, I love each of you two forms, so that if you do not pass the selection in one of them, you can enter the other school!” as said.

I and Wira each received a registration form for State High School 1 Great Generation where Kak Cantika used to go to school, and another form SMK (Vocational High School) State 1 Pelita Bangsa. Everything is affirmed by the number 1, and we interpret it as a symbol for superior schools.

“Thanks, Brother.”

“Sama-sama... don't forget, that form you guys return to me no later than next Monday!” the message.

“Iya Brother!”

Me and Wira went home with the forms. At his house we filled out the forms, then, without waiting a week, the night I and Wira immediately returned the form to Kak cantika.

While waiting for further information from Kak Cantika about the SMA/degree entrance selection time. Wira and I filled our time by returning to work in Gudang Kopra Pak Desa which began to actively produce copra-kopra.

That afternoon, when I and Wira rested after filling the kopra with sacks. A Post Office clerk, stop by Mr. Kades' house. From under the Java wood tree in the yard of the warehouse, where I and Wira were sheltering, I saw the Postman talking with Kak Cantika, then left again.

I wondered in my heart as the beautiful Sister Cantika walked over smilingly towards us. His knee-length negligee was fluttering in the wind. Surely our eyes were fixated on that smooth calf. But, really dead, I had no intention of praying for the wind to blow even louder. I swear, I didn't mean it! Oh Ina, forgive your naive son.

Indeed, almost every day, when we work part-time at Amanya's Copra Warehouse, Cantika often invites us to chat or bring us food. But this time, for some reason I was nervous, the problem in his hand was fluttering a white envelope he had received from the Postman. Could it be that the envelope contained a certificate passed the selection from SMAN 1 of the Great Generation? Or from SMKN 1 Pelita Bangsa? Ah, but we haven't taken the selection exam yet, just sent out the registration form.

Sister Cantika sat between me and Wira, without feeling uncomfortable with our body odor, which is certainly much more fragrant than the goats owned by Mr. Hamlet. She was so close to me, that my heart was blooming.

“You're on break, Uti?” ask Sister Cantika.

“Iya, Brother!”

“This is no letter to you!’ Brother Cantika gave the envelope from the Postman to me.

“Who is this letter from, Brother?” my question was, pay attention to the envelope that only reads the address of Mr. Kades' house.

“From Melody. Sorry, I read it a little, because I thought it was for me!” brightest.

“What a stroke, Brother!” my answer. Me and the hero looked at each other. As if in disbelief, after all these years, Melodi sent us a letter.

“Yes already, I'm going home first, help Ina. Happy reading!”

“Thanks, Brother.”

“Iya, equally.”

Brother Cantika immediately moved. My chest is back loose. For a few seconds, Wira and I were stunned to stare at the white envelope.

“Quickly open, my friend, I can't wait to hear from our friend from the island of Borneo there!” sergeant Wira. I took out a piece of paper from inside the envelope. The handwriting of the melody is very neat, much different from the writing of the time SD used to be similar to the writing of the shorthand. Cross over here, stray there.

I was nervous to wait for what the letter from our friend was. How areya? Did he find a friend who was much more insane than me and Wira in Borneo there?

To my great friend.

Wira Sasono and Nadir.

What an incredible opener

*Assalamualaikum How are you doing now?

Hope you guys are okay. Amens. If you may ask me about my condition as well, thank God I am healthy wal afiat, no less anything*.

Hey, guys, you know what? The day at the Barito river near where I live I was wondering about you. When will your letters come to me? The letter I missed did not arrive. Honestly, I'm disappointed. I thought you guys had forgotten about me.

My breathless I guess. Silence, her eyes began to glaze over. If she was crying this time, then, it could be our whole time together, this is the first time I've seen her.

Wira asked me to continue reading.

Well, what about you guys? I'm sure you guys must have graduated. There are no great friends like you. I know it!

“Alhamdulillah, Mel, we passed... This one of our friends who helped me!” lirih Wira, answering Melodi's question letter in her letter, rhetorical.

May you also need to know, when writing this letter, tonight in my room I am covered in tears. I miss seeing you guys, man. I really am not lying.

The hero began to shed tears. I am also of course. It is sad to hear the words of a Friend like Melodi just through his writing.

Oh yes, please say hello to your parents, Mr. Kades, Mr. Hamlet, Mr. Hambali, Mr. Rano Karno, all our teachers in Elementary School first, to Mr. Cantika, Mr. Anwar, all the Junior High School teachers and staff, and all the friends from Elementary to Junior High. And one more thing, to Imam Nurdin, the teacher taught us. I hope you guys want to convey it.

“Let us say, Friend!” i answered.

Well, I almost forgot, now I've had a lot of changes! I lost a lot of weight because I was sick for a month. So, for Nadir, if you want to carry me like that tonight, I guarantee you won't have any trouble. I'm not as heavy as I used to be, you know?!

In order for you to believe, I will send you two photos to save, so that later if you miss, you can see my photo.

The hero immediately snatched the envelope from my hand, shaking it until two photographs were dropped that were intended by Melody. He gave her a sheet to me. Oh no surprise we saw the melody change. His body is no longer thick as before, slim like a Spanish guitar. And those my eyes? My heart stared at him for a long time.

*For you guys, my best friend. Do not give up on achieving our goals. I'm waiting for your letter. Moreover, I hope that you can visit me in this Barito town. I wait... I wait.. I wait!

Hmm. Maybe just up here I can write it down. You know, don't you? The value of Indonesian language is always low. Hehehe, but it's okay, I dedicate a third of my night to you. My great friend*

*Hopefully time to make room for us to meet again.

From friends who often trouble you....

Melody*.

I folded Melodi's letter, I slipped her picture there, and I kept it in my pocket.

I was shocked when Wira suddenly stood up while pointing at me.

“You see?! You see that, man?! Melody is eager to see us succeed. She wants us to be able to achieve our ideals! So, do not ever recede your spirit.. Never hesitate in fighting!”.

I nodded, not knowing what I meant. For sure in my heart there is hope that grows slowly. Rooted in there. Forming a new spirit knot.

Later that night, Wira took me to Babussalam Mosque. First he asked permission to Imam Nurdin to borrow the mosque mic, briefly. Then, through the mosque loudspeakers, Wira delivered the greetings as Melodi wanted in her letter. As a result, Imam Nurdin lectured us for half a night. It is inappropriate he said to use mosque loudspeakers to simply convey greetings from someone.

“This is not a Radio station! Masjid loudspeakers are only for chanting the Adhan, Sholawat, and teaching, or at the very least, announcing the deceased person. You remember that, Uti! We must not abuse.. because God sees and reciprocates our deeds as little as possible!”

The next day, Me and Wira sent a reply letter to Melodi via the post office. As he did, together with the letter we sent him a picture of me with the Hero that we took from the photo kiosk in the city. There were many hopes and stories that we told in the letter.

۝

According to Cantika, the first wave selection test of SMAN 1 Great Generation will begin today, once in the morning I and Wira had walked to SMAN 1 of the Great Generation to take the first selection exam. Previously, yesterday we visited Bank BIS to save wage money during our work in Pak Kades Copra Warehouse some days. Everything was. Then, find the cheapest rental cost for us to occupy for a while during the selection period.

I can't count the number of new students who take the entrance selection exam at SMAN 1 of this Great Generation. Reportedly, the number of applicants this new school year, increased rapidly.1000 registrants. Imagine that much!

While waiting for our Exam Entrant Number (NPU) to be mentioned, Wira took me around this vast and magnificent school environment. Undeterred amazement we saw the multi-storey building. If I can pass the selection and become a student in this Great Generation SMAN 1, I want to choose a class at the second level. Oi, how beautiful my delusion is.

Feeling satisfied around, Wira and I returned to the initial selection place. Not long after, our exam numbers were called. Deg-degan my heart. The thing is, today we are going through a physical test. In my knowledge, I think the physical test of entering High School will be the same as the physical test of entering the army, like the story I heard from Wira about his brother.

What I had in mind was far from reality. Very far away even. There was no physical sparring of some kind in military martial training. No push ups, sit ups, full ups, or stomach ups. This physical test was no greater than what I experienced while taking posyandu at the village hall as a child. This physical test is nothing but measuring height, weighing, and small questions about the disease suffered.

The first test we passed, I and Wira sure could pass the test. Although our bodies are thin like malnutrition, my friend, you can not underestimate the physical quality of the village children who are used to working hard like us.

Arriving at our boarding room, which is no larger than the size of Amaku's corn hut. Me and Wira immediately studied again, preparing for the next test.

۝

follow along Nadir, yes buddy.criticism and advice kalia...

Notes :

Footnotes are in the first episode.