The Dusk of the Middle East

Episode 25's

"Is that all? can't do. If that's the case, you're still on the loose. What if you're still in a relationship without my knowledge."

"Then what do you want? Killed her? No, don't let you do that." Shouted Mei, starting to lose her patience. Talking to Heiho was very emotionally draining.

"Seek him to divorce you. There is no rebuttal. If he doesn't, when he gets to Manila, I'll send you back on another ship to Batavia. Let your father and mother decide the punishment you deserve."

"But in my religion, young pregnant women do not bis_"

"I don't care, May. You should get divorced in front of me anyway." Sela Heiho stood up from the chair, "I'll give you some time to think. You know I'm not a impatient person, so think not for long. If you're ready. Bring Saleh and the witnesses and your Walimu here, and divorce according to your religion. Don't try to trick me or think things are against me." Heiho got out of the cabin.

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The ship is still late at Coron port for the next few hours.

After finishing the Ashar prayer, the children learn to teach with Anna's mother in the musholla. Saleh was only seen in the musholla, accompanying children who were taking turns depositing readings.

Saleh had no idea about Mei and Heiho's conversation, and neither did Robin and Robert. The two sisters, straight out of the cabin to go play when they found out Heiho was coming. The two did not want to hear let alone engage in adult conversations, especially Heiho liked to snap, making the two even more disliked to be in one room with the Sergeant.

After all the kids finished depositing, Saleh took over the class. He offers to tell the story of the noblest man in the world. Kids love to hear stories. They sit closer.

With a smile, Saleh began to tell about the childhood of the prophet Muhammad. Saleh has become accustomed to being a speaker who has been good at facing many young people, for him to make the story sound beautiful but exciting is not difficult.

Robin unconsciously held his breath when Saleh arrived at the passage of the Prophet's mother and Prophet Muhammad visiting the meal of the Prophet's father who died in Yastrib.

They stayed there for a month. After that, they decided to return to Mecca. However, on the way between Mecca and Medina, Siti Aminah died of illness. At the age of six the Prophet became an orphan, and was taken care of by his uncle Abdul Muttalib. That's the part that makes Robin sad. Robert who was usually indifferent also fell silent, coming down sad.

After telling the story, Saleh told the children to rewrite the story in their respective books, so they could remember it better. He smiled happy to see Robert can get along freely with children his age and can explore the science of religion.

Although Robert did not want to pray let alone adhere to religion. A great advance now he has entered the Qur'an the second juice.

"How are you, you?" Saleh turned his head, asking Anna's mother, the woman who was the same age as Mei.

"Good, Bang."

"Current, Bang. They are smart and obedient. It is precisely I who am anxious, lest the way to teach me something is wrong.'

"I'm considerate, you've taught me well, Anna. I just want to make sure you're having trouble teaching the kids or there's something you need."

"Nothing, Bang." Anna's mother shook her head.

"Goodoo. By the way, if not wrong, you learned to teach at the pesantren hammers? Since when?"

"Last five years, Bang. It was also my first time. I'm too late to know religion." Anna's mother replied, The woman of Chinese blood replied slowly, looking down at the green carpet of musholla.

"It's never too late to learn, Anna." Saleh.

Anna's mother shook her head. He's really late. It was only the age of twenty when the light of religion touched his heart. Anna's mother hesitated to raise her head, something she wanted to ask Saleh. A question you've kept alone for years. He had a good chance now, asking about it to a knowledgeable young man. But his mouth could not speak.

"Who were you on the boat with, Anna? I rarely see you eating in the cafeteria."

"I'm leaving with my husband, Bang. We usually eat in the cabin. We rarely go out of the cabin, only out during prayers or other important needs."

"I think you need to hang out with other people sometimes, Anna. They can be fun travel companions. Moreover, you are a teacher, at least you should know the parents of the students you teach."

"Sorry, but I'm not comfortable in the crowd, Bang." Anna's mother said quietly, still lowered. Of course that's not the reason. Anna's mother is still hiding her.

"All right, I understand. Some people prefer to spend time alone. However, for children if you know their parents, and their parents can get to know their teachers it will be good for everyone." Saleh smiled, "So, if you don't mind, have your husband eat together in the cafeteria once in a while."

Anna's mother fell silent, still staring at the carpet.

"Good, Bang. God willing, tonight we will eat in the cafeteria." Anna's mother agreed. His voice sounded vibrating.

This was the main reason why Saleh had invited Anna's mother to speak.

"Good, kids. Who finished first? Is anyone willing to read the book?" Saleh now turned to the children who are still busy writing.

Robin excitedly raised her hand up high.