Not a Substitute

B13 Motives Behind Praise

“Mas, we have to report security. We can check who took the CCTV footage.” Violet noticed there were several CCTV points in the parking lot.

“No need.” Agus lazily reported.

“But later I learn how?”

“We buy again. Even if we knew the culprit, the guitar might no longer exist. Besides, the guitar maling must need money because it was he stole. We also gave windfall to the guitar shop for buying guitars again.”

Agus takes Violet back to the guitar shop. He bought the same type he bought.

In-house.

Agus taught Violet to play guitar. Starting from holding the guitar, learning the keys to the guitar. The sound Violet made was still flat everywhere. Violet looked at the tips of her fingers with the strings of the guitar.

“It turns out that learning the guitar made my fingers hurt.”

“Your fingers should be like this.” Agus showed his callous fingers for playing the guitar.

“What's the band player?”

“First time school.” Steven was suddenly nongol uninvited. The new password on the door of Agus' apartment managed Steven to solve again. Making Agus plan to install grendel for more security.

“Sister don't try to install grendel. I can still open it.” Steven could guess Agus's thoughts.

“But this violates privacy.”

“But Kak Agus first who likes to violate my privacy.” Steven knew how protective Agus was to him. Steven's attention turned to the guitar he had just bought. “Kakak buy new guitar again?”

Violet nodded. “I want to learn to play guitar. For more grades at audition.”

“Sister-in-law can show other skills such as singing for example," suggested Steven.

Violet tried to sing.

“Sister-in-law's voice isn't so bad. Right, right, Kak?” Steven looked at Agus who somehow looked so fascinated by Violet's voice.

“Vi, try singing this song," Pinta Agus.

Violet listened to the unfamiliar song in her ear. But something was moving in his heart. Slowly he could feel the rhythm of the song and started humming. Violet became one with her song.

The song found its owner.

Agus opened the door of the room that had been closed for a long time, the recording room. Violet can see a variety of recording equipment as well as cubicles with a microphone and headset.

Agus invited Violet into the recording room. He put the song lyrics sheet in front of Violet. It then adjusts the mic height to match the Violet height. He then returned to the front of the recording device.

“Vi, sing.” Agus recorded Violet's voice. Temple by temple Violet sings. When finished singing Agus gave some input. “Which end section should be further extended. Don't forget to wear falsetto in the middle.”

Record finished.

There was a mixed feeling in Violet's chest. “It's a good song Mas. Like a song by August.”

“Kak Agus it August,” Steven said.

Violet did not believe it. August was his favorite songwriter and Violet thought August was old and gray.

“Sister-in-law thinks I'm boong, huh? I'm being honest this time. Did Agus never tell you?” Steven is right.

Violet looked at Agus in disbelief. “What Mas is August?”

Agus actually wants to keep his secret is August a little longer. “True.”

“Sister-in-law need not be afraid of the future Sister-in-law. Kak Agus made a lot of money from his songs. Five songs alone can make him buy this apartment and the next apartment.” Steven is proud of Agus.

“What is your motive to praise myself?” Agus knows there's something behind Steven's praise.

“I want Kak Agus to cook. I'm hungry.” Steven touched his stomach.