The Dusk of the Middle East

Episode 28's

Robin and Robert woke up at five. With their eyes still not fully open, they participated in Mang Jajan morning prayers in Musholla. Robert is praying now, whether he is serious or just going along.

Robin was sleepy during prayer, also yawned many times when a parent who is not Saleh held a science assembly, discussing about the fikih hajj. There were many people who asked enthusiastically. Among the many worshippers, fifty-six men in black were also in the prayer room. Even when they prayed, they were still wearing black suits.

Back home, at the cabin. Robin and Robert massaged her brother's back. Robin's right back, Robert's left back. But, instead of focusing on massaging, the two little boys fought more about whose part.

The breakfast whistle went off after the two little boys had finished their baths and changed their clothes. They were excited to go out of the cabin because today her sister Mei also ate with them in the cafeteria. The four Japanese soldiers who were usually on guard also followed them.

"For Robin, Robert." Eyang Ran said hello, they passed each other in front of the cabin door.

"For Eyang Ran." Robin laughed, not because of his greeting. But since Eyang Ran had already mentioned the names of the two properly.

They walked to the cafeteria. But this time it was slower because the steps of the old couple could not be compared with Robin who could jump the stairs at once three. At least Robin wouldn't mind walking a little slow. It was even fun to observe. Look how beautiful the old couple is

While climbing the stairs, Eyang Ran helped his wife gently. While walking in the hallway, the two of them held hands.The princess occasionally stopped, Eunang Ran patiently waited. Well, it's very friendly, like it's his second honeymoon trip.

Robin wants to talk about it. But Robert had already held onto his shoulder first, giving a meaningful look at him, as if saying: don't say anything.

While Mei who was walking in the auxiliary of Aunt Siti called Mang Jajan over to her, "Mang, why did Eyang Ran and Eyang Putri get out of the cabin next door? Isn't their cabin right between the canteen and the musholla? And why didn't Mang Jajan tell me they were in the cabin next door?"

Mang Jajan scratched his non-itchy head, "Sorry, Miss. Mamang also did not know the reason they could move in the cabin next door, Mamang had not asked. Sorry too, Mamang forgot to tell Miss about them having moved since yesterday."

Their conversation stopped because they had entered the canteen door. The group headed straight for the queue. Mei helps Aunt Siti sit down, the food will be taken.

Robin and Robert carried their plates to a long table. Again this time there was Mother Anna and her husband, there was also Mr. Hatta and Mr. Andipati and entourage from the Riau Sultanate. Saleh was seen sitting behind Sister Mei.

"Morning, Brother." Robin greets Saleh who has been sitting behind Mei ever since.

Mei turned around, "What are you doing here?"

Saleh chuckles. It was a silly question, of course, to eat, he replied in May

"Is your brother not asleep? Mei asked softly.

Saleh shakes in response.

"Abang looks very pale. Don't be too forced? If it's heavy, I can talk to Brother Heiho to accept his offer."

"Don't do that. Trust me, let me take care of your cousin. Remember, next time if there's anything tell me right away." Saleh looked at Mei gently.

No one knows about the relationship between the two, the news of May getting pregnant has also been almost not talked about anymore. While Robert was interested in eavesdropping on his brother's conversation with Saleh, curious. It seems like there are two people hiding. He will find out later, thought the fourteen-year-old.

Other adults beside them were discussing about the condition of the Philippines which is not much different from Indonesia. Equally controlled by Japan, Robin has no interest in eavesdropping on their conversation.

"Are the jobs in the canteen heavy huh, brother?" Robin suddenly asked her sister who looked fun.Talking alone with Sister Saleh, "Aren't they just cooking in the kitchen like Auntie Siti? So what's a bother."

"Report, Robin." Saleh replied, "They rubbed the dishes, washed the cauldron, and the most troublesome thing was that they ate back when everyone was done eating. Look at Joseph there." Saleh pointed to Joseph, who was busy distributing drinks.

"He looks troubled, doesn't he?" Tanya Saleh looked back at Robin, "This ship has a lot of passengers. Imagine how many passengers you have to serve? How much food should I cook? And there's so much more they have to do." Saleh explained.

Robin nodded, still listening.

"The chef and the crew on duty in the kitchen should also be in the kitchen two hours before the meal schedule to prepare the meal. They also had to stay in the kitchen after all the passengers had finished eating to clean the whole canteen. Then they can only rest a few hours before the next meal."

"Oh, I see, we just eat. After eating, the dishes at stay away just like that. It turns out working in the kitchen is a hassle." Robin mumbled slowly.

"Tumben you're this early has become wise, Robin." Robert seduces.

The table was filled with laughter, including the laughter of Anna's mother who had just quietly listened. Anna's mother laughed at Robin's serious face.

While they were busy eating and chatting, Yusuf with his face bent trying to continue serving passengers. Replenish the empty kettle, take clean glasses. Sometimes he glanced at the table occupied by Saleh, cursing his friend.

Because Saleh he worked in the kitchen of the ship, even though he actually liked this job a little. Despite being tired, having a spicy-mouthed head chef, working hard. But he likes it because of his big salary, haha.

While at the table next door, some people's attention was distracted by the elderly couple Eyang Ran and Eyang Putri who were seen feeding each other, romantic.

Robin follows people's line of sight, "It's romantic." Robin's murmurs can be heard by Mina's mother, the first child of Eyang Ran and Eyang Putri.

"Like a newlywed forever" said Mina's mother.

In order to hear Mina's next words, the adults turned their heads.

"Both of them are like newlyweds every day. When Eyang Ran went to the fields, the princess always ushered while kissing the left and right cheeks of Eyang Ran. When Eyang Ran came home from the field, the princess was already waiting, then kissed back on the left and right cheeks of Eyang Ran, while holding hands they entered the house.

Mina's mother, became one of the living witnesses of the love story of Eyang Ran and Eyang Putri, her parents who always look romantic even in front of her children. The love of both never seems to be extinguished eaten by age. On various occasions, the two even always appear friendly.