The Dusk of the Middle East

Episode 31

The dinner went well until it was over. On the way back, Robin had wondered to Saleh. Why was Joseph not seen between the table of glasses and the kettle of drinking water that night?

Saleh replied casually, "Maybe it's his vacation schedule now, Robin. So he's probably on a break."

The little boy nodded, making sense.

Though the truth is, the crew was quite busy with his new task. Back cursed to find Saleh a big Mafia.

Next day.

Lucas the head of you woke up. He woke up to the sound of a long whistle at breakfast. Last night the picket schedule was late. Lucas sat writhing on the bed, staring at the couch opposite him. I don't know where Joseph's roommate is. Joseph's bed sheet was neat, a sign that no one was sleeping on it.

Lucas grabbed a towel and toiletries. Today most of the crew are on holiday because the ship is already docked in the port of Manila. Captain Diego gives a leeway to those who want to get off the ship.

While in the cafeteria, Robin and Robert were already in line. Again they did not see Joseph. Ruben murmured, maybe it was a holiday like Brother Saleh said.

The morning menu was simple, fried rice, omelet, and fresh cucumber pieces. No problem for Robin, he'll be out of the boat soon. He excitedly brought his plate to the table, joining the next door neighbor of the cabin. Eyang Ran and Eyang Putri. They are the center of attention of one table.

"What did you say, Robin?" Eyang Ran asked back.

"What do you want to get hot tea for again?" Robin shouted loudly.

"Oh, no, Robin. My fried rice is still plenty. But if you want, then please bring some more tea."

Be present! Robin patted his eel, complaining inwardly. From earlier also since seeing the empty glasses of Eyang Ran, he had already offered it.

The table filled with laughter. Partly because of seeing Robin's upset face. The little boy grabbed the glass of Eyang Ran, then went to the drinking table.

"I don't sound good anymore, son. My eyes too, are myopic. This old body was also bent. I have to admit it." Eyang Ran looked at himself, "But I still remember when I met my wife. When did I propose to her. When we got married. Date of birth of all our children. Beautiful times belong to both of us. I can't forget."

Well, this is what makes the old couple the center of attention.

"I met him at my friend's wedding on August 21, 1887. That night, I saw her as a companion to the bride. And really, I think she's prettier than her bride. Even more beautiful among all the women present there or the Dutch ladies in the city of Batavia." The face of the princess when it was red, smiling sweetly. My heart was in love right then and there. Frankly, I almost urinated when I dared to greet him" Eyang Ran started telling stories because he was forced by other passengers.

Eyang Ran closed his eyes for a moment. Maybe he was pervading every sentence he said.

"Cold sweat I'm facing it. His long, transverse moustache, black, bushy. Face fierce. Some of his men whose faces were no less fierce than the father were also present during the application event. Heard that difficult question. I think my love's fate is on the edge of the horn." Eyang Ran gulped, his face turning anxious, living up to his story, as if he were at that time.

Robin who had returned with tea was also interested in hearing the story that Eyang Ran was bringing, then placed the glass in front of Eyang Ran.

"Ah, thank you, Robin. Sorry for the hassle of having you pick up hot tea." Eyang Ran smiled.

But, after saying thanks to Robin. Eyang Ran did not continue his story, he was engrossed in his warm tea, returned to eating, one, two mouthfuls. He seemed to have forgotten that he was telling a story.

Well, even though everyone is waiting for the continuation of the story with a curious face, impatient.

"Then, what about the results of the application, Eyang. What did you answer?" One member of the Riau Sultanate's entourage asked, growing impatient.

"What answer?" Eyang Ran asked back, looking confused.

"So Anyang told me about the question of Eyang's father's daughter."

"Who told you this, son. I was eating earlier. Looks like you're getting senile like me"

Jesus, the table is filled with laughter.

"Eyang Ran's Subscription to the Princess's Eyeang. How did Eyang answer the question of the man whose long, transverse, black, bushy mustache. His face is that fierce?" Robert explained while exclaiming loudly, making sure that Eyang Ran heard it.

"Master? Cross-cut mustache? How do you know about that question, Robert? Who told you that?" Eyang Ran looked at Robert confusedly, turning to the Eyang Princess next to him, "You're the one who told them those wonderful memories?"

Robin and Robert patted his forehead in unison. This became very complicated, after Mbah Putri explained slowly, Eyang Ran finally returned to continue the story. The dining table is getting crowded.

"Oh that question... What should I answer? I have no possessions, nor do I go to school, just read. There's nothing I can be proud of. What can I give you? My mouth closed, not knowing what to answer. Stare, for the sake of seeing the Princess who was then shyly peeking from behind the curtain. I confirm the intention. I gave myself, I answered the question, 'I have no possessions, but, Father. I have great love, that's all I can promise. With that love, your daughter will be happy forever'."

"Tell me that sentence with all my heart. That sentence, I remember well to this day. The long transverse mustache fell silent. The people in the room were silent as well. I waited anxiously. Whether accepted or rejected."

"Suddenly, there was the sound of crying. The mothers and grandmothers of the Eyang Putri side cried, they exclaimed softly, 'Your amulet is beautiful' Never before have they seen a young man so in love with his beloved. The long whiskers at first disagreed, saying if the sentence was just a nonsense appeal, don't be easy to believe. But being pushed by mothers and grandmothers, she had no choice but to accept."

Eyang Ran was silent for a moment. People began to worry, lest Eyang Ran forget again if he was telling a story. Fortunately not. He continued his story.