RESIDUAL WAGES

The Goodness of a Shabby Man

I tried to slowly walk past the sleeping Shabby Man. I deliberately slowed my steps so that the man would not wake up from his sleep. I felt so sorry for him, We were the People he had just met but, That Shabby Man was willing to sleep outside for the sake of Me and my Son being able to fall comfortably asleep inside his Cardboard Palace.

" Where are you going?" Said the Shabby Man awake and rising from his sleep. Rubbing her sleepy eyes and looking at me in wonder.

" I don't really want to wake you up. Sorry if the sound of your footsteps interrupts your sleep. Earlier, I just wanted to find water for me berwhudu." My words stopped my steps.

" Be quiet here, let Me take the water for you to wudhu" he said and immediately rose up to cross the highway that was still empty of vehicles passing by.

Shortly waiting, the Shabby Man carrying a bucket of responsibility containing water in it. Breath snuffling. It seemed He was carrying the water from a considerable distance and to be quick until He carried the bucket by running.

" Be careful, sorry for the long wait" he said, putting the bucket in front of me.

" Thank you, you're not praying? Said Asking.

" Our God is not the same, my faith is different from yours" he replied.

" I'm sorry" I said.

" No problem" he said casually.

I also began to wudhu, After ablution I saw the cardboard that has been arranged neatly on the grass as my base for Prayer. Apparently the Shabby Man when I was ablution earlier, He was busy preparing my place to carry out the obligations of Dawn. I'm moved and don't forget I'm saying my gratitude for that one time.

After the Prayer, I asked the Shabby Man for help to take care of my Three Sons. Because I'm going to go find Meals for Our Breakfast. I didn't tell him I was going to go find food. I'm just telling the Shabby Man that I want to go somewhere because there's a need for a while.

" Do you believe me? Do you not hesitate to leave your Three Sons with me? I could've done them bad." Seriously said.

My steps came to a halt and turned to look at the Shabby Man.

" I believe in you because you're a good man, I'll never suspect or doubt the One who has sacrificed sincerely to help me. If you do evil to them. There is a God of my Lord who will protect and take care of The Three. No matter how you do bad things to them, they will never do it if they are not with my Lord's permission. For the best care and protection of a Mother to her Son, only Allah is the best in taking care of everything. I believe that my encounter with you was not due to chance but it was God's destiny that had set Our meeting. I don't know what's behind all this. Only Allah is All-Knowing and All-Knowing." Obviously without hesitation.

The Shabby man was stunned, I saw his eyes dewy and said.

" Well, I'll take care of them with all my heart" he said.

" I'm sorry, I've been troubling you. If my little boy is fussy, please give him the milk bottle next to my suitcase." I too nodded and walked away. Whatever happens, I've put it all to God.

I widened my steps down the street and looked for a Food Seller who was ready to eat. I've walked quite a distance away from the Cardboard House but, I haven't found anyone who sells packaged Rice or other Food. The store is still closed, because Time still shows Five O'clock in the morning. Only a few vehicles passed through the streets.

" Sir, stop sir!" I shouted at the Wagon Seller. I don't know what he's selling.

" Want to buy Vegetable Lontong huh, Mba?" Friendly ask.

" It just so happens, sir, I've been walking around looking for ready-to-eat Eats" I said.

" How many packs of Mba, and Want to use Rice or Lontong?" Ask again.

" Lontong Sayurnya 5 Wrap, One more pack special rice" replied I order.

I thought for a moment, how do I eat this Food while in the Cardboard House it is not available Bowl or spoon.

Mr. Seller was immediately stopped by his hand scooping the Lontong Kuah. Lucky Mr. Seller had not had time to pour the gravy into Plastic.

" Where do you sell to?" Ask me to want to know.

" Until the Complex there, still a long way away" said Mr. Seller pointed towards the path of the Cardboard House.

" So, sir, you're coming with me to the house. My house is not far away, sir. The path is also the route of Mr. to go around to sell" said My father explained.

" Asiiiap Mba" said Mr. Seller respectfully following Actor Atta Halilintar with his trademark style. His wry face made me laugh and look at his behavior.

On the way, I suddenly saw Car Mas Fatir from a distance. I know exactly that's Mas Fatih's car. Because I memorized his Car Plate Number.

" Stop Sir! Shhhh" said I hid down behind Mr. Seller's cart. The seller also stopped. He seemed very surprised and did not understand my behavior. And sure enough, Mas Fatir stopped his Car next to Mr. Seller Lontong Vegetable.

" I'm sorry Sir, did you see a woman? With his three sons dragging a Red Suitcase?" Tanya Mas Fatir took her head out of her Car Glass.

" Is this a picture of him, sir?" Said Mas Fatir showing my photo on his phone.

The salesman looked at his car. I'm hinting Mr. Seller to close his mouth.

" I'm sorry sir, I don't think I've ever seen" Mr. Seller told a lie.

After Mas Fatir drove the Car away, I just dared to stand next to the Wagon.

" It seems like the man was looking for Mba, his face was very worried and pale. I feel guilty for lying" said Mr. Seller Sorry.

" I'm sorry, sir, for dragging you into my lies. I did all this because I had to" I said feeling guilty.

The salesman no longer asked me why. Along the way Mr. Seller made a funny joke that made me laugh funny. For a moment I could forget the burden and thoughts in my head.

Finally, we arrived. I saw the Shabby Man holding Zaki and playing with my Two Sons. My three children are very familiar and there is no fear of being with that Shabby Man. Just the first time I saw that shabby guy's laughter. His laughter was so loose and happy. The Shabby Man greatly enjoyed his company with my Three Sons.

" Mba, how's this Lontong Sayur?" Said the salesman surprised me.

" I'm sorry, sir, I almost forgot. Taro in the bowl, sir." My love.

Mr. Seller also poured Kuah Water into the Bowl. Once ready, I also helped Mr. Seller bring the Lontong to the Cardboard House.

" Come kids, have breakfast first" Call me.

" Three of my Children came over and sat quietly eating Their Food.

" This is for you, thank you for taking good care of my Son" I smiled as I thrust out a Bowl of Vegetable Pontoons toward the Shabby Man.

" Thank you" she returned my smile.