Silence of a Son-in-law

DSM-23

"What are you going to talk about, sir?" I broke the silence between us. I can't wait for Mr. Berto's next words. My heart really felt anxious that there was a problem with my status. 

"Ah, not so. Better let my wife talk to you." Mr. Berto just silenced our conversation. Leaving the curiosity. I can't wait to see the Madam and ask what's really going on. 

Due to the failed talks with Mr. Berto, my work spirit slowly declined. It didn't seem like I was a slacker, but it was my uneasy, unsettled mind that made me feel reluctant to do anything. 

However, I will still finish my work because it has become an obligation.  

***

At night, when I was about to go to sleep after a long day of work, I was made to jerk because someone knocked on the door of the room. I just kept quiet, then got out of bed. Just as I opened the door, Mistress Erlin was seen standing right in front of me. Not even a chance to ask, Madame Erlin had already pulled my hand back into the room. What makes it even more surprising is that Mrs Erlin actually locked the room door and held the key firmly. 

The woman was sitting on the bed, and I was still standing. In fact, I bowed my head without daring Madam Erlin at all. 

"Yeah." 

I heard Mrs Erlin's voice so heavy and soft. I lifted my head slightly and saw Madame Erlin looking at me with an inexplicable look. In fact, I myself could not dive into the meaning of that gaze. 

"Sit. There's something important I'm gonna talk to you about." 

I saw Mistress Erlin patting slowly the place beside her. As if giving a code for me to sit there. I nodded slowly then sat down next to the woman. 

I still remained silent without daring to say a word. It will only speak if Madame Erlin has already told it to speak. 

"Ira, I need your help." 

"What help, ma'am?" my question demands an answer. 

"I want to rent your womb. Let the seed of Mas Berto grow in your womb and after birth, I will adopt it. Whatever money you want, I'll pay for it." 

My eyeballs are full. Hearing Mistress Erlin's request that was far from expected. 

Rent womb? 

Contain the seeds of my own master? 

I don't want to do that.

"Sorry, Madam. But I can't." 

I immediately refused my employer's request. I'm really inexhaustible with Mrs Erlin's way of thinking. 

"Why? You can get married in series with Mas Berto so that my Mother-in-law does not suspect. At once your love is not an adultery." 

I took a deep breath hearing Madam Erlin's words. If that's the idea, doesn't it mean that I agree to lie to the Big Lady? I really don't want to. My sins are many and I don't want to add to them quickly. 

"Mrs, I'm really sorry. I can't do that." 

I see Madame Erlin breathing deeply. In fact, his eyes already looked teary. That woman looks more pathetic than I was left cheating by Mas Ashraf. 

"I'm confused, Ra." The look on Madame Erlin's face looked gloomy. It made my heart not bear him. 

"Why, Madam? If there is something you will tell me, then tell me. We're both women and I promise I'll keep what you tell me from anyone." 

"Ira, before I tell you about my problem. What do you think you saw out of my life?" Madame Erlin asked back. 

"Em, live happily. Lots of possessions, had a loving husband and a very good Mother-in-law. The Big Madam has treated you so well that alone is already amazing in my opinion, Madam. You are just his son-in-law" I said. In accordance with my own view. 

"Yes, the people who see me think my life is very happy, but not with what I feel. Ira .. You know, actually my heart is empty." Madam Erlin let out a long breath again. "More than ten years of marriage to Mas Berto, I have no children. The thing that my husband and I have always wanted the most is also our extended family." 

"Mrs, patience. Maybe it's not time yet. If you're not going anywhere, madam." I try to strengthen Mrs Erlin's heart. 

"It's not time yet, but there's no time. Me and Mas Berto have tried everything, but the results remain non-existent. What I accept is a bitter reality. Ira .. I'm barren." 

The deg! 

My heart stopped beating in a few seconds. I looked at Madame Erlin who was closing her eyes, but a clear circle was seen flowing from both corners of the woman's eyes. 

I really don't have the heart to see Madame Erlin cry. As a woman, I know how that woman feels.