The Dusk of the Middle East

Episode 23

Finish the breakfast.

Twelve children on board left for temporary school. Robin and Robert ran in a hurry, they were too busy gossiping Kak Heiho to forget the time to study.

This morning it was the turn of Mr. Andipati to teach. He borrowed a large map from Captain Diego's room, and two crew members mounted the map on the wall. They will learn about the geography of the world.

Robin looks excited, once he saw a large map in his father's office, but not as big as the map owned by Captain Diego.

Mr. Andipati shows many interesting places in the world, historic cities, the location of eight wonders of the world, and lastly shows the route of the Carrel Ambo Ship they were boarding.

Robin amazed. They were only one-third of the way, still long before they reached Japan. But at least they've gone through deep waters.

While the children were still busy listening to the giant map on the wall, the whistle of the ship sounded tight. Everyone looks at each other. Isn't it ten o'clock now? It's still a long time to schedule lunch.

"See the children's map. We have arrived in the city of Coron, the southernmost outermost part of the Philippines closest to Brunei Darussalam ." Mr. Andipati explained, "The whistle signifies we will soon be anchored at the pier near here."

Ship docked again? The children cheered enthusiastically when Mr. Andipati disbanded the class, even though there was still one additional subject.

Coron City 1943 is a beautiful Philippine coastal city.

The first thing that is visible from a distance when the ship will dock is a lighthouse in the harbor. The building is tall, handsome, sturdy. If the ship arrived at night, they could definitely see the light of a lighthouse that was like a giant flashlight.

Activity in Coron port does not look as busy as seen in Indonesian ports. That afternoon, the port was only filled with large cargo ships. Only loading activities are visible.

Not far from the port, there is a trading center called Ciudad, there are still dozens of Spanish-style buildings and a fortress called Vieja that was not damaged by Japan when it took over the Philippines.

Mr. Andipati kindly explained all the details of Coron to the children. Although he did not teach, he took them to the open deck. After watching the city from the deck of the ship, the children headed for the canteen.

The Karel Ambo only stops six hours at Coron port to raise passengers. No passengers were planning to get off.

"You just finished school?" Saleh who met the group of children at the cabin door asked, staring at those who still carried books and stationery.

"It was over an hour ago, sir." Mr. Andipati replied, smiling, "They were very curious about this island, so I accompanied them on the deck of the ship, explaining about the city of Coron. I used to live in this town for six weeks."

Saleh nodded, looking at the children, "Have you told me about the delicious food of Coron city?"

Children shakes.

What food, Sister? Robin asked curiously.

"Many, Robin. Unfortunately we docked for only six hours. If it's all day, I can take you out to lunch. Maybe later, if we docked in Manila. If the weather's clear, God willing I'll feed you outside." Saleh laughed at Robin's sparkling face.

"really?" Brother Saleh promised? Robin was excited.

"We'll see, Robin."

"Then you have to promise." Robin was clinging to his stance.

Robert next to her immediately elbowed Robin, telling her to be polite.

Saleh laughed, "Sister can't promise, Robin. But God willing, we never know what will happen tomorrow."

Robin scowled, only nodding intently about the meal God willing.

Finish eating. Robert pulled Robin's hand out of the canteen. Worried about Sister Mei's condition, is her brother still nauseous? While Saleh watched the steps of the two-sister brother until it disappeared behind the door.

"How far is Manila?" Robin asked Mang Jajan as they were already sitting on the sofa chair. Mang Jajan enjoying a cup of coffee.

"If we leave as scheduled later in the afternoon, maybe the day after noon we have arrived there, sir."

"Why are you asking?" May open the sound.

"Sister Saleh said he would take Robin to eat in Manila." Robin answered casually

"Huh?" Mei's forehead looks, "It wasn't you who asked for it, was it?"

"No, Brother." Robin shook his head, "Sister Saleh brought his own. He said God willing, didn't he Robert?" Robin shrugged his shoulders.

Mei's face was serious, "No trouble, Robin. Don't make trouble."

"What problem, brother. It's not like we're just going to lunch."

"Have you forgotten what happened this morning? Brother Heiho is already angry enough, don't make him have any reason to get angry. Moreover, he did not like Brother Saleh who was a native." Robert reminded.

Robin stood up straight. He forgot that. He really wants to go. But okay, nodding in understanding.

Just now, knocking on the door after the western voice of Sergeant Heiho was heard from the front of the cabin. The three sisters looked at each other, let alone this time?

Mei gave orders to Mang Jajan through the gaze of her eyes to immediately open the door. As soon as the door opened, Heiho went in and took a seat next to Robin and Robert. While the two Japanese soldiers he had told to guard Mei, were on standby at the cabin door from this morning.

The cabin turned a little while.

"I want to ask you once again, who is the father of the child in my womb?" Sergeant Heiho sighed, speaking in as slow a tone as possible. He tries not to be emotional.

Mei looked down again.

"You really don't want to answer?"

"He's just my son, brother. He doesn't have a father. That's all I can tell you. You can do anything to me, but don't bring up the father of the child in my womb." Mei answered long.

"Let me guess, that guy must be a neitubu." Heiho smiled mockingly at Mei's body response which was like approving of her speech.

"He must be someone I hate."

Mei's body shook violently in reaction to Heiho's words. His cousin knew something.

Sergeant Heiho chuckled lightly, "So right? I'd rather have your honest body language than your ever-silent mouth." Heiho said flatly.

Mei lowered her head, not reacting.

"Someone reported to me that seeing you several times with a dangerous man from Batavia?"

Mei was silent, not answering.

"Speak, May. Do I need to shoot dead that guy named Saleh, and you're just gonna open your voice."

"Don't." Mei shook her head quickly.