Taint

Arriving In Bululawang

Under the scorching sun, I stepped among the lined buses. I'm jostling with people who pass by. Many of them were carrying large bags, maybe they were just like me, about to travel far.

"Malang-Surabaya, Malang-Surabaya, come on please! Please!"

I continued walking, leaving the conductor looking for passengers. Surabaya is not my destination.

The money I have is not much, it will not be enough if I live in the city. My destination is Turen District, a place that is part of Malang City, but quite far from the city center.

During the trip earlier, I had already searched for information about the area. Contract there is quite affordable, and food prices are relatively cheap. I will stay in that place and start a new life, alone.

"Malang-Lumajang, Malang-Lumajang's chat. Come on up, still loose. Cheap, cheap, cheap!"

"This is Lumajang, sir?" ask the adult man standing in front of the bus.

"Yes, Neng."

"I'm going to Turen" I said.

"Oh can, Neng. Please, let me help." The man brought me my bag, and put it under the bench, by the window.

"Thank you, sir." I nodded with a smile.

"Together, Neng." The man went back to look for passengers.

Lumajang is a city bordering Malang City. From the information I've heard, Lumajang is a beautiful city famous for its banana plants. Very much and the quality is guaranteed. In fact, many refer to Lumajang as Banana City. In addition, many tourist destinations there, especially beach tourism. He said, there is a very typical grilled fish culinary.

In the past, Daniel and I had planned a vacation there. But it has not materialized, the first farewell picked up. To get there, you must pass through many districts first, including Bululawang, Turen, Dampit, and Ampelgading. That's why now I take the bus headed for Malang-Lumajang.

After waiting for a long time, the bus I was on finally drove away from the terminal. I reviewed a big smile, although I did not know what my life would be like, but at least I managed to leave the people I knew.

"We're gonna start a new life, son. Be well there, Mother is looking forward to your presence. Pray that what you plan goes well." I sat there while rubbing my stomach. He moved slowly, probably responding to my touch, and that simple thing made me smile.

"How many months has it been, Mother?" ask the mothers sitting next to me.

"Eight, Mom." I looked up and looked at him with a smile.

"It's almost gone, yeah. Hope the delivery goes well, Mommy." The mother returned my smile.

"Aamiin, hopefully, ma'am."

"Where's her husband going, Ma'am?" asked the mother, who then made my feelings turbulent.

"Oh that. Hope the luck is good, yes, Ma'am. May all his affairs be given ease," said the mother.

"Aamiin, thank you so much for your prayer, ma'am," I replied with a smile.

The bus went further and further, as the sun crept westward. Every now and then I throw my eyes out, staring at the magnificent buildings that line the roadside.

The mother sitting next to me was quite friendly. We talked to each other, almost like distant relatives who had just met after a long time without seeing each other.

The further the journey I take. The bus that took me entered Bululawang District. My feeling calmed down, soon I would arrive at my destination. I will fix my life there, I will be a different Kirana. Not insulted, not demeaned, and not hurt.

"You won't be able to find me, Za," my inner self.

My old number I threw away, and now what I'm wearing is a new number, a number that nobody knows.

"Beautiful place" I murmured, as the bus passed through a very shaded paved road.

On the right-left of the road is overgrown with shady acacia trees. As far as the eye can see, the expanse of rice fields is lush, very soothing.

Shortly thereafter, the bus returned past the magnificent buildings, but this time it was not as crowded in the city center.

About five minutes later, the bus slowed, and finally stopped in front of an old warehouse that seemed to have been unused for a long time. The passengers wondered, and it turned out that the bus engine was experiencing problems.

Many grumbled in annoyance, having been forced to come down and wait for repairs. But fortunately, there is a workshop next to the warehouse. I also came down, I waited while sitting on the terrace of the warehouse, with other passengers.

"Sir, it's hot, sit here yuk, shady. Pity the baby" said the mother who was next to me. He was sitting on a long bench, inside the barn.

I'm not resisting, because what I'm occupying right now is hot. I also felt angry and uncomfortable. I left my big bag on the porch, because it was not far away, and was still affordable in sight.

"Well, Ma'am?" ask the mother. Maybe he saw sweat flooding my face and body.

"Yes, Mom," I replied.

"Want a drink? I still have two bottles."

I received the bottle he offered, for I was thirsty at the moment. I'm glad there are still people who care. I smiled and thanked him a lot. He was very understanding, giving me what I needed.

Seriate...