REX AND REN

Yin And Yang

“Papa, cuddle all here because there are people who want papa convey.”

That was the opening word from papa who was spoken with a serious face. We were all gathered in Rex's ward, including Mr. Alif who was sitting in a chair by the door. I sat on the couch with my dad. Mom sat on the side of Rex's bed and was seen clasping her hands tightly.

“Yesterday, papa sama mama has spoken with doctor.” pause for a moment. All quiet, waiting for papa to continue.

“Your examination results are out, Rex. The doctor said there is a blood clot in your left brain due to the rupture of a blood vessel. So, they have to perform the operation action.” explained papa.

Blood clots in the brain?

The operation?

As if I couldn't digest papa's words yet, I kept repeating the question in my brain.

“When Rex will be in operation, Pa?” rex's voice broke the silence.

“The plan, you are scheduled for operation next week.”

“But Rex will be fine, won't he, Pa? That's okay, right?” I found my voice so emotional. Papa looked at me and smiled.

“Definitely. Hence, Ren doain aja yes let Rex operation smoothly.” said papa gently trying to calm down.

Of course, without asking, I would definitely pray for Rex.

“What's worst chance, Pa?” ask Rex.

Papa was silent for a moment, looking thoughtful. Then he sighed.

“Let's not think about the worst possibility. Importantly, Rex must remain optimistic, calm and trust the doctor. Okay?”

Hearing papa's reply, my reflexes turned my eyes towards Rex. Our eyes clashed with each other and at once I knew that Rex wasn't okay.

“OK!” rex said at last.

Even though he said it with a smile, I know there must be a lot of things that are troubling his mind right now. The image was clearly on his face, his mind was not calm, Rex was afraid.

My mother herself did not comment. He just clasped Rex's hand tightly as if encouraging as well as fearing loss.

***

When hearing someone will undergo surgery in the brain, there is no doubt there is always a risk. Although papa didn't want to say the worst risk, I knew that the doctor would have told him and I couldn't bear to tell us. I'm also sure Rex must have had the same thoughts as me. I mean, we're talking about a brain in which there are billions of interconnected nerve cells that are certainly vulnerable to risk.

Today I'm taking care of Rex because mom has to go home to take care of the house. So, while carrying my laptop and book, I sat on the sofa concentrating on studying. Because tomorrow I'm going to face an important test.

Rex himself sat in bed while playing a smartphone. The infusion in his hand had also been removed because Rex could already eat a lot which made his energy intake quickly recover.

“Ren,” call him suddenly. I looked up, taking my eyes off the laptop towards Rex.

“What? You want to go to the bathroom?”

Rex shook his head.

“What are you doing again?”

“Learn, make exam preparation tomorrow.”

“Oh, his Oxford exam tomorrow?”

I'm nodding.

“Iya.”

Then silence. Rex looked down for a moment then looked back at me cheerfully.

“Hopefully it works yes, Ren. I will doain you so that you can get the highest value.” he said with a smile fluffy. But I know something's wrong with him.

I stood up, walked over to Rex. Then I sat down by his bedside.

“Do not be afraid. I will definitely keep you from entering the operating room until you come out of the operating room. I promise.” I said as I clasped his hand tightly. Rex didn't say anything. But I felt her grip tightened and I knew Rex needed my support.

***

So, this is the moment I've been waiting for. I looked in the mirror, I looked at my appearance from toe to head, everything looked neat. The second stage selection exam started today and I have prepared myself well.

“Ren, you can do it! Trust me, you can do it!” I muttered at the mirror reflection.

I closed my eyes, prayed in my heart and opened my eyes. With one breath, I turned out of the room.

I went down the stairs and there was my mother waiting for me.

“Ren,” said the mother who was stretching her arms to embrace me.

“Mama, doain hope you make it yes, Nak.” whispered it in my ear as we hugged.

“Still, Ma.” I closed my eyes, enjoying the warmth of my mother's embrace which automatically became an injection of spirit for me.

“Whatever the result, you should know, if mama is very proud of you.” mama said when taking off her embrace. I'm nodding.

“Pak Alif has been waiting in the car.”

“Iya, Ma.”

Mom walked me to the door.

“Ren go first yes, Ma.

“Iya, Son. Careful.”

“We go now, Ma'am?” tanyakanya.

“Iya, Sir.”

I got in and the car rolled down the street on this sunny day, taking me one step closer to achieving my dream.

After driving for a long time we finally arrived at the parking lot of a famous hotel. The team from Oxford deliberately rented the ball room of the hotel where they were staying for the exam selection. It seems they chose the efficient way.

Mr. Alif parked the car and I got out after the engine was turned off. Mr. Alif came out to take me. We walked from the parking lot to the hotel entrance.

“Mbak Ren, good luck yes, Mbak.” he said sincerely.

“Iya, Sir. Thanks, yes.”

“Later, when it's done, Mbak Ren just call to the father. Let mr. jeput.”

“Iya, Sir.”

Mr. Alif sighed.

“Then you do, excuse me, Ma'am.”

I'm nodding.

But no time Mr. Alif left, his phone suddenly rang loudly.

“Halo, Sir.” says so pick up the phone.

“Oh, yes. I'll be there soon. Yes Sir, Ms. Ren has arrived.” said Mr. Alif in a panicked tone.

Of course it immediately invites my curiosity.

“Who called, Sir?” my many.

Mr. Alif looked confused.

“Anu, Mbak..”

“Anu what?”

“Barusan Bapak.”

“Papa? Why?”

“Anu..”.

“Anu what, Sir!” I slightly raised my voice intonation to see Mr. Alif convoluted.

“Mas Rex will be entering the operating room. So you were told to quickly return to the hospital.”

Heart ditching. Rex in the operating room?

“T-but, op-erasiannya next week.” sayku terbatah.

Mr. Alif shakes.

“Taking know, Ma'am. I just said that.”

Instantly I felt a painful blow on my heart and brain. I looked at the glass door of the hotel in front of me, the connecting door to Oxford. The doorway of my dreams.

But…

“Do not be afraid. I will definitely keep you from entering the operating room until you come out of the operating room. I promise.”

Those words were immediately ringing in my brain. How'this? What am I supposed to do? What should I choose, Oxford or Rex? Should I choose?

My feet felt stiff and hard to step on.

***

“Rex!” I ran while shouting along the hallway towards the operating room.

Seen some sisters are pushing the bed Rex, papa and mama also come.

“Wait!” Hearing my screams they stopped. I sped up my run and immediately hugged Rex who was lying down.

“I'm here, Rex. I'm here.” whispered.

“Ren? How, you can? Oxford?” ask Rex confused. I took off my arms and looked at him.

“Oxford can wait next year.” said I was already in tears.

Rex's eyes looked teary, then he said, “You're such a fool, Ren. Do you miss a chance in front of your eyes or not? You feel your dreams..” Now Rex starts sobbing.

I'm shaking.

“Like Yin and Yang. Rex without Ren, will not be complete.” Rex looked smiling but his tears also stayed out. I looked down and held his hand.

“I'll wait for you here. So, you have to promise, you'll be out of that operating room safely. Okay?”

Rex nodded.

“Alright, that's enough, yes.” said a nun who then pushed Rex back.

Our hands slowly slipped. We kept staring at each other until Rex disappeared behind the operating room door.