Papa To Kirana

Chapter 68 Learning to Swim

“Kirana, let's get down!” I swung my hand to take Kirana down into the pool.

However, Kirana who was already wearing a swimsuit was just standing looking at the surface of the water with a look full of fear.

He took one step back. His arms trembled and widened their eyes at me. Shaking your head is very strong.

“Not so, Papa. I fear. Next time just learn the swimming.”

“Not to be afraid. There will be Papa.”

Kirana was still motionless.

“Kirana, don't let yourself be cooped up in fear. Later Kirana will never be able to swim,” I said encouraging Kirana by writing words from Alexa.

After a few minutes, Kirana mentioned herself to the pool while screeching in fear, but I quickly caught Kirana's body. Calm it down first.

I asked Alexa who was sitting watching in the gazebo to throw the buoy. Then Alexa swung the child's buoy and was captured perfectly by me.

First I showed the movements in swimming. Then I asked Kirana to imitate my movements.

At first, Kirana was indeed afraid, even several times she coughed because her nose accidentally entered the water.

“Papa hold my hand. I'm afraid of drowning,” Kirana said.

“Papa's not going anywhere. Papa must be holding Kirana.”

Kirana tried once again but she still had trouble taking a breath. So for a moment I held Kirana by the pool.

“OK, now Papa knows Kirana's problem is in the breathing technique.”

“Iya, Pa. My nose is always getting water in,” Kirana said squeezing her red nose.

“Papa will teach you this. First, before getting into the water, Kirana inhaled through her mouth and held for a while.”

I practiced my explanation and Kirana also followed suit.

“Then, when we are already in the water exhale slowly through the nose.”

Kirana and I went back into the pool. Practicing the breathing techniques I taught her, and Kirana started to gain her confidence.

Kirana began to be able to swing her legs and arms. While I kept holding her stomach to make sure she didn't drown.

Slowly I let go of my hand. Releasing Kirana swam by herself until her hand touched the edge of the pool at the end there.

Kirana cheered happily, followed by an applause from Alexa.

“Yey, Mama, Papa, finally I can swim.”

 

***

 

I was standing next to Alexa lying in a gurney. A female doctor placed a clear gel into Alexa's abdomen and applied it using an ultrasound device.

Alexa and I exchanged lyrics and smiled as long as the obstetrician explained the condition of the fetus in the Alexa womb.

Kirana also listened even though she did not know the doctor's intention. Over time because she did not understand so much, Kirana turned her attention to the doll she brought from home.

“Papa, I just wait outside ya?” said Kirana who slumped away from the chair.

“Be careful. Don't go too far!” I said while nodding and seeing Kirana step out the door.

After the examination was over, Alexa and I sat next to the doctor who wrote a note in a book.

“In the first trimester it is natural that Mother often experience nausea and vomiting. Suggested you to drink a lot of warm water, get enough rest and eat small portions but often.”

Alexa who noticed the advice of the doctor nodded. He was like an impromptu reporter asking so many questions. After feeling quite satisfied with the answer from the doctor, Alexa elbowed me.

“Balin, do you also have anything to ask?” ask Alexa.

“There,” I cleared my throat and inched forward.

“I want to ask, Doc.”

“Yes, ask what, sir?” said the doctor who started putting on a serious face.

“I want to ask... “ I took a quick glance at Alexa.

“Iya, fast! Just say!” the doctor in front of me was getting impatient.

“My questions. Is it okay..” I feel gamang. Once again I glanced at Alexa who returned a stupefied look.

Maybe this lady doctor was impatient or somehow, suddenly he straightened his back and said, “Oh, I know you will ask what.”

I looked quickly at the doctor who was smiling at both of us. Can he really guess what's inside my brain? Very good this doctor. Is he also a fortune teller?

“What?” i'm flabbergasted.

“That's what you want to ask, not.”

I shook my head which made the doctor gawk in shame.

“I want to ask, can we choose the delivery method other than by normal way, Doc?”

I glanced at Alex, “I don't want my wife to be in pain.”

The doctor smiled. I know from that smile, in the mind of the doctor must be upset because because of my question, he became strange thinking.

I myself, before going to the hospital took the time to find information on the internet about the method of delivery.

And only then did I know that there are many methods that he said can minimize pain during childbirth. I don't want Alexa to be in pain like Karina was in giving birth to Kirana.

The doctor then explained the method of childbirth in the medical world, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

“...And we as medics, always put forward the safety of Mother and child and suggest methods that are in accordance with the condition of each patient. The rest of the decision is on the side of Father and Mother.”

After the consultation, Alexa and I walked out of the doctor's office. Finding Kirana not in the hospital hallway, I looked to my right and left, looking for a four-year-old girl wearing a yellow shirt.

I told Alexa to wait in the car, while I looked for Kirana.

I asked a nurse who happened to be passing by. He shakes not knowing. Then I asked the two prospective patients sitting in the waiting room. No one saw Kirana.

I began to panic, continuing to step into each hallway.

“Kirana, where are you, Nak?” I murmured while I was in a quiet hallway.

Then there were footsteps, I threw a glance at the end of the deserted passageway, and from there Kirana suddenly appeared while running in fear.

“Papa.. “ pekik Kirana.

“Kirana? Oh my God, you've come from anywhere. Papa is worried, son,” I said who immediately hugged Kirana.

“I'm sorry, Pa. I went to the toilet, but on the way back again, I was wrong.”

“Yes, next time, Kirana should be more careful huh? Now we go home. Mama has been waiting since earlier in the car.”

Kirana held back my arm that wanted to lead her. I turned around and saw that Kirana's frightened face had not disappeared.

“What's up, Kirana?”

“So I saw someone face scary. I kept hearing, the doctor said he was a fire victim. I'm so scared but also pity.”

“Oh, yes. Fire victim?” I started to wonder.

Is that person Harsa?

“Kirana see where?”

“There,” Kirana pointed to the passageway she had passed.

I walked slowly in the direction Kirana pointed to, turned to the right, and saw a man sitting in a wheelchair with his back to me.

Doubtful but also curious, I stuck out my hand to touch the man's shoulder. From behind he was indeed statured like Harsa, but as soon as he turned his head...

I was aghast at the wound on his face, but he wasn't Harsa as I thought he was.

“Why?” ask the man in astonishment.

I took a breath for a moment.

“M-sorry, I am the father of a little boy who ran away scared earlier,” I said nervously. “I'm sorry if my daughter's actions might offend you.”

The man smiled and shook his head.

“I should be the one apologizing for making her scared with my face.”

I'm grateful that man wasn't Harsa. Maybe this is the time I should be a little more calm because maybe Harsa is gone and will no longer bother my family.

 

***

 

In a deserted hospital hallway, a father walks alongside a four-year-old daughter. Unconsciously, someone cursing at the shiny black shoes stood observing their back which slowly drifted away.

“We wait for the date of the play, Balin. Get ready!”