The Foreign Taste

Graduation Day

The day keeps changing. Until graduation comes before your eyes.

That morning Ranum and all his classmates were gathered in the hall. They got a briefing from Pak Noh, Principal of SMPN 23 in Kota Y.

The content of the briefing was about motivation to pursue dreams and ideals, as well as the announcement that there were two people among them who did not pass the exam.

Hearing the last announcement was immediately the atmosphere became silent. Each child prays in their hearts that they are not included in the two children who did not pass.

After the briefing, all students were asked to wait in front of their respective classes. While the letter of graduation announcement will be received by the guardians of their respective students.

That day Ranum went to be accompanied by Mother. So Mother is the one who will receive the graduation announcement letter.

Although Ranum was sure that he did all the exam well, but still the nervousness and anxiety ambushed him as felt by his other friends.

All the guardians of the students are now in the Hall. One by one the names of students are mentioned through a mic that is heard to each class.

Every time the student's name was mentioned, the so-called disciple would be the center of attention of his comrades for quite some time. And when the guardian of the disciple came out of the hall, he would immediately take his son home. So no one really knows who those students who didn't graduate were.

Time is approaching mid-day. Not felt already two-thirds of the students who called his name and went home each. And Ranum still hasn't been called.

Presumably the calls made are random and do not fit absent or parent number. Ranum is getting anxious.

Twenty.. fifteen. ten. until the remaining five students who have not been called by name. Ranum was among them. I am more worried about Ranum.

Four. three. Up to two more people are still left, Ranum's name has not been called. But seeing with who the comrade who was still accompanying him back then, Ranum felt calm.

"We must have graduated, right, Num?" Ask Fina. Ranum's friend whose name has not yet been called.

"May Fin. But you're a general champion. Pass the time.." comfort Ranum.

"Aamiin. My graduation letter my father received. If Ranum, who's wrong?"

"My mother, Fin."

"These deg-degan. How are we the last, huh? If you are first called, I follow ah. Just wait in the hall deck," said Fina.

"Here you go.."

"Alfina Rahmaniyah" a speaker in the hall called out Fina's name.

"My name is called!" Fina Jerit.

"Eh, Ranum follow you to the hall. Here alone mah serem. Oho! That's my Mother. Come out with your dad Fin," Seloroh Ranum.

"Yes. Come on over there!"

The two girls immediately ran away to their parents.

"Where, Bun?" Ask Ranum.

"Alhamdulillah pass. Soothing yes.."

"Alhamdulillah.."

"Oh yes, also the Chief said that Ranum became the general champion at this graduation. Mommy is proud of Ranum," said Mommy as she slowly kissed Ranum's forehead.

"Ehh?? Really Bun? General Champion?! But Fina is usually the champion.."

Ranum glanced towards Fina and her Father in the distance. Looks like Fina's father is upset about something. While Fina looked down listlessly.

'Fina's father why are you angry? Didn't Fina pass? Uh. Not likely. Been already. The important thing is that I graduate. Alhamdulillah..'

" Come home now Yuk!" invite Mother.

"Corn!"

The mother and daughter left the school immediately. Both walk side by side in silence.

***

"Sir Ranum! Nia passed! The third biggest champion! Nia pinter, right?!"

Kania shouted at the door of the house, welcoming Ranum and Mother who had just returned home.

"Alhamdulillah. big brother also graduated," said Ranum.

"Public voice anyway," Mother Chirps.

"Huh?! Brother Ranum the general champion?? It's not that Fina is usually the champion. Fina's twin, Fani, is still the general champion at Nia's school at graduation this year."

"You too. Thank goodness it is."

"Waah. selamet yes Brother. Nia's going after you, brother."

"Where can you chase Brother, Dek. We'll have another school."

"No. Nia wants to go to school with Sister in SMAN 2."

"Yes Kak. So we can go to school together. Go on foot together. How's it?"

"okay."

Ranum smiled broadly. Kania replied with a smile that was no less wide. Both are looking forward to the school period that they will go through, together later.

"May we pass the entrance exam, brother!" Kania Prayer.

"Aamiin.."

***

The day goes on.

Since the conversation behind the covers a few nights ago, Ranum and Kania's relationship has been good. The better it is.

The two become often chat, walk, or do homework together with cheerful and laughter.

Once, Ranum invited Kania to play at the house of Tari.

The distance to the house is far enough to walk. Ranum usually takes it by walking for about 20 minutes. But because of the whining of Kania, that afternoon to the second to the house of Tari by riding the angkot which can be occupied for about 7 minutes.

Arriving in front of the residential alley where Tari lived, Ranum and Kania continued on foot. Not long. Because his house was the first house they saw.

The light green Dance House. Minimalist style with decorative flower pots neatly lined in the yard. Mama Tari is indeed a florist, so there are a variety of flowers that are rarely in other homes.

Entering the terrace, Tari who already knew the arrival of guests rushed to welcome Ranum and Kania.

"Very long, Num? It's stuck, right?"

"Yes. I'm sorry, but I finished the house first. Plus this one kid, wear makeup all first. So long ago!" seloroh Ranum while pointing at Kania.

The designated Kania directly defended themselves.

"No papa can dress up. How about on the road we meet our destiny candidate. But continue not so ngajak acquaintance gegara see our appearance off. Through the soul mate.."

Hearing him Ranum could only laugh softly. It seems that he should start selecting his sister's novel readings. The language is not far about love.

"Heh, kid! His name was a boy, he thought he was learning. The closest entrance exam is not necessarily pass!" Tukas Dance.

"God! Boy's friend! If you talk, don't yak jeplak! Gini-gini is also the champion cave of three and one school loh. So learning will not be too late. Try you, what rank did you try yesterday?" Challenge Kania.

Challenged dance is a bit misbehaved for a while. But then he found a reply that he thought was pretty good.

"Heh, kid! Pede very much you ngaku-ngaku temen. Since when do we try to. There's a senior cave you know. The cave is your brother."

"Yes not! We're the same age as Kalleee.. Big brother cave is belet a year so it can be as our ama force."

"Ehh. ko now Brother is taking part in the drag anyway. If you want to make a fuss, both. Don't drag Ranum!" Ranum followed.

"Now that's it, Num. Mah nengahin kek. I'm doing it" said Tari.

"Know Sister. It's not clear, by the way, which is mango juice. Thirsty tau!" Kania.

"Oath! Just this time my guest snooped this. Not yet offered even nodong. Hii!" say Dance.

Then Tari stepped into the house. While Ranum and Kania have been aware until recently cool selonjoran in the bale on the side terrace.

"Woy! The king's guest. Out of all the food!" Shouted Kania.

"Cania! Hushh. Don't be shy ah. Guests also have their ethics."

"Emang yes Brother? But Nia if playing to the house of friends Nia ordinary course. Ceplas-ceplos. Want to scream or sing fast too. I like some negor sometimes.."

"That's right. That is the importance of maintaining ethics in visiting. Let no one be disturbed. His ethics should you want it, Yes!"

"First, you have to look at the time. Do not visit at times when people are resting. It's a pity that the sleep is good to continue to be built,"

"The second, say hello when it comes. A maximum of three times, if you have three times no answer, better go home. Lastly, take care of Adab when visiting. That is by not disturbing the harmony of the environment."

"I mean Brother?"

"Don't be noisy. Do not damage the property. And keep your eyes. I mean-"

"Hahahahahah.na lo Ranum's talk! He if the lecture was already an hour or so." said Tari who came out carrying a tray containing drinks.

"The fate of the cave. Because of the deket lu nih cave so got a lecture. Usually not."

Seeing the chatter of his sister and close friend, Ranum could only shake his head.

They are always talking about a lot of things. Until without realizing the bond of friendship that was only formed between Ranum and Tari began to embrace Kania as well.

***