The Love of the Former
DCSM chapter 38
Friday, according to what the Imam said in his message. Today, exactly after three o'clock in the afternoon, the bus will pass and stop at the ticket purchase location east of the village hall. We're about 500 yards from the restaurant.
Two days ago, on Wednesday. The Imam officially resigned from the hotel where we were seeking sustenance. He also used that time to say goodbye to all of his comrades.
Together with Mas Eksan and Mas Dian I waited for him at the ticket booking counter. With two boxes of Glenmore pia I waited a little nervously. Many times Mas Dian and Mas Eksan tried to make jokes for me to smile.
"Remember her request before she left yesterday, right?" Mas Dian approached me and hugged my shoulder.
I nodded, knowing which way he was going.
"Well, there's still time. While waiting try to calm yourself especially your heart. Relax, as much as possible do not show your anxiety to him. You know, your affection for you is pretty big. If you really want him to succeed, then now's the time." Back he said.
Slowly, but everything Mas Dian said was the truth. I can't be selfish, his future and dreams need to be fought for. And here is my real position, supporting every path he wants to take.
Mas Eksan came closer. Sitting in the middle of two kind and caring men made me smile. There are those who invite laughter. They don't seem to care about the age that is no longer young.
"The bus is coming soon. Just stop for a while because there is a package. So you don't waste time, usually the driver hunts down time to pick up passengers at other area counters." Ms. Hani who I know is the employee who is guarding the counter looked towards us sitting. From the beginning we did tell about our intention of coming here.
And it's true. Not until 30 minutes bus with the name logo"LORENA" can be seen honking and stopping right in front of the shophouse.
I hand over the pia box wrapped in black plastic. There were no words we could say, only our eyes locked together for a few seconds. The next second Mas Eksan and Mas Dian embraced the Imam alternately. Until finally the driver honks the bus sign will return to speed.
The priest glanced at me before he hugged me tightly. A kiss perched on my right cheek and also my head. He turned around and went back inside the bus.
Slowly the bus drove away leaving me still standing on the side of the road with Mas Dian embracing my shoulder.
He said it a few minutes ago. "I love you, take good care of yourself. Don't regret what's over and be your new self after this. Let go of the past that will only bind you without certainty. Step in to achieve what you want to achieve."
"It's gone, we better go back." Dian woke me up from my composure. I nodded in understanding.
The two bikes that we were driving drove off the counter after we thanked Mrs Hani.
Not going back to my restaurant or my house. But the two men who always took care of me like a little sister took me to Sumi's meatball stall.
My mind that is not synchronized can only obey. That day I felt what it was like to lose. The short hug she gave me earlier made my chest even more congested.
We are not dating because I refused. But the Imam's behavior and attitude towards me never changed. He still and still shows his affection for me openly. And now I've lost everything.
