The Dusk of the Middle East

Episode 29's

Karel Ambo ship still continues to split the waves. The speed of the ship is only 8-10 knots, not full speed. KKM officers are still monitoring the machine. Outside, the dark clouds were clumping, the sea was slightly choppy, the wind was blowing louder than usual. If there are no problems in the engine, the ship could dock in Manila later in the afternoon.

Kids go to school. Mr. Hatta teaches Japanese. For Robin and Robert who have a mother of Japanese descent Japanese language lessons are not difficult at all, they have even memorized the language out of their heads.

But for other children who have never heard, let alone spoken the language, it is very difficult. Fortunately Mr. Hatta has a special trick in teaching. At that time, like Dutch language used to be taught, Japanese language also became mandatory after Japan settled in Indonesia.

Heavy rain started to fall towards lunch. Just got back when it was Ashar's Adhan. Remnants of rainwater make the floor of the ship wet. The water still dripped slightly at the end of the roof, the mast, and the fence of the ship.

Robin and Robert spent both of their time just inside the cabin space. They have a new activity that focuses on paying attention to her brother's stomach is still flat, talking to the stomach. The two only went out of the cabin during prayers and meals.

Anna's mother taught as usual, but this time Anna's mother taught them to memorize short suras by humming. Robert listened enthusiastically, amazed to hear the voice of Anna's mother who sounded melodious.

Robin was busy watching the teacher teach her, she always liked the clothes that Anna's mother was wearing. Smart, good at singing. It's perfect that the teacher's mother was in Robin's eyes. He often noticed that on many occasions, Anna's mother loved to daydream until her attention returned to the children.

The weather returned after the lesson. The sun appears full among the clouds. The floor of the boat dries quickly. Children, playing each other chases on the deck and hallways while on the way back to their respective cabins.

"Where's the deposit going to teach you? Mei asked as Robert sat down beside her.

"Put juice three, Brother."

"Good." Mei rubbed her sister's head, "Can't you two please, Robin, Robert?"

"Please bring the Lumpia on the table in the kitchen to Bang Saleh. Aunty cooked a lot, rather than not run out we should share. You can take him to Abang Saleh's cabin?"

No need to ask twice, both of them nodded. Getting the two out was tantamount to allowing both of them to play outside the cabin.

"But after that don't go anywhere. Only to Abang Saleh's cabin after that back here again. Don't rain and you play with water, you get a fever."

"Yare, Brother." Robin answered, carry it out. He ran to the kitchen to get the lumpia that had been wrapped.

It did not take long, the two had arrived at the door of Saleh's cabin.

Robin knocked on the door, saying his greetings.

"Attent." Saleh's heavy voice sounded from inside the cabin.

Robin and Robert wait. Saleh's cabin is not as large and comfortable as Mei's, but it is the cabin with the best view of the entire ship. Captain Diego gave the location of the room directly to Saleh after reading an official letter from Governor General De Felipe and the stamp of Mrs Misaka.

The cabin is located on the second floor. The left side of the front of the ship with the largest windows, not a small round glass like in the other cabin. From that room, you can see the entire left and front of the ship, like being on an open deck. The difference is, it is in the cabin so there is no need to be exposed to strong winds.

"Robin, Robert?" Saleh looked at the two boys with a smile, "What's the matter until you bother coming to this cabin? Did something happen to Sister Mei? Or did Sergeant Heiho throw a tantrum?"

"Thank God, then let's go inside."

Robin immediately stepped in.Robert took a breath staring at Robin's back. They were only told to deliver spring rolls, why his sister even relax as if she was visiting a friend to play. After all, Saleh's attitude was strange, the man acted as if he was familiar with his sister Mei.

"Cabin big brother is a mess, please understand." Saleh smiled.

Robin thinks that messy means clothes scattered. But that's not what Saleh meant. The words in question are everywhere there are books.

On the table, on the chair, on the bed, even in the closet there are books. Lots of books in that cabin.

Robert, who was hesitant at first, finally came in. He was not interested in seeing a large window that had a view that he said was the best. He was interested in seeing so many books.

"What plastic are you carrying is Robert?"

"Oh, this." Robert finally recalled the purpose of their arrival at the cabin, "Aunty Siti's Lumpia, Brother Mei told him to bring her here."

"really?" Saleh looks happy. He took out a plate, opened a small package filled with chili. Make three cups of tea for all three. Be that brother and sister sitting playing all afternoon in Saleh's cabin.

Salih is not busy. As usual, he was reading a book. Give a sign so as not to forget the reading to what page. Robert borrowed one of the books, sitting in a rattan chair was already engrossed in reading. While Robin, engrossed in staring at the ocean while sitting in a long chair near the window.

"We're going to Manila tomorrow, right, Brother Saleh?" Robin suddenly asked.

"You don't have to ask repeatedly, Robin." Robert looked over, answering his sister's question.

Saleh laughed, looking at Robin and Robert who were now glaring at each other, "God, Robin. I also invited two men from Coron city and the teacher to teach you and her husband. If the weather is clear we will go in crowds.

"Why did Big Brother take the men in black suits? My sister knows them."

"Yes, they're Brother's friends."

Robin's countenance turned serious, "How can you be friends with them? Are they not different countries than us? And from the look they don't look like they fit into Brother's friend."

Saleh laughed, "So you mean, 'cause Big Brother's face isn't sad, and doesn't have a tattoo so it doesn't fit them?"

Robin nodded without sin.

Saleh again laughed, "Adult friendship doesn't happen that way, Robin. If you grow up, you will understand for yourself. Then they were mostly Indonesians who happened to be living in Coron City, Robin. Therefore, my brother knows them.