THE NO-MAN'S LOVE
13. UNHEARTED
I wanted to give up, but remembering the messages of our parents, it made me not want to let them down. In addition to being devoted to the man who is now my husband, it is obligatory for me to continue to be devoted to parents. However, why did it feel so hard after I tried to continue to endure and hope in the void? He never changes. It didn't get any worse, but it didn't get any better as I waited in silence.
***
“I'm sorry, Mas, because last night I didn't wake up when you came home.”
Egidia regretted not being able to welcome her husband's return. The pain that had been felt since morning, made him give up and do nothing. Just take medicine and lie in the room until finally sound asleep until dawn.
“It's okay. I also got tired and went straight to sleep.”
Communication between them is still limited. Just a stiff conversation and pleasantries as necessary. Egidia was already acting accordingly, but it was Genio who deliberately created a boundary that he did not want to be broken by himself.
The man really did not want to try to open his heart for the sake of his wife. Materially, he is indeed very responsible, but not with his daily attitude and treatment. Egidia did not feel any genuine concern from her husband at all. All is done only as a necessity, not a desire let alone a need.
Will our marriage last like this? Stiffness in distance and mutual affection to interact. Cold, without the slightest bit of warmth, which should be able to provide calmness and comfort in the household heresy built both and together.
Next, the husband and wife finished the breakfast quietly. Only Egidia would occasionally offer additional rice and others for the man sitting before her. It was answered as necessary by Genio with a nod or a headband.
Even he doesn't care if I'm sick or healthy, I'm lonely or not in this house when he goes to work late at night.
They rarely look at each other. Perhaps that is why Genio did not realize at all if his wife was pale and endured the pain covered with a genuine smile to provide the best service.
In fact, just like Tiara yesterday who immediately saw the pain, Genio should also be able to know from the movements of the wife. Unfortunately, other than never noticing, the man was also completely insensitive to Egidia and was likely to be ignorant.
After finishing his sweet tea, Genio stood up and returned to the room to pick up a briefcase following his cell phone and car keys. He went back out and approached his wife who had washed the utensils in the kitchen.
“Today I'm still overtime. Maybe during the week it will be like that, because I have to finish the work that is still piling up.”
Egidia looked over and smiled. She nodded then replied to her husband's notice.
“Yes, Mas. Take care of your. Do not be late to eat and take time to rest for a moment.”
Before Genio moved from his position on the kitchen threshold, Egidia washed his hands and dried with a clean cloth hanging beside the sink. She approached her husband to deliver her to the front.
While walking following the wide stride of her beloved man, Egidia recounted her encounter with the neighbor without saying about her weakened physical condition and had fainted.
“Oya, Mas. Yesterday I met the front neighbor. Tiara and Mbak Mutia.”
Genio who rarely socialize because of his busy life and indeed not many houses in the cluster are inhabited and become a permanent home, only know their names but never engage in intense interaction.
The husband just nodded and advised Egidia to be good at bringing herself with whoever she was friends with. He also felt relieved because at the very least, his wife would not be too lonely and feel alone.
They reached the end of the terrace. To get used to herself, Egidia did not forget to extend a hand and take her husband's hand to kiss with reverence.
“Happy work, Mas. May your hard work always bear fruit.”
Genio nodded and just guaranteed in his heart. Inevitably, he also reciprocated his wife's natural habit by kissing her forehead at a glance, then immediately continued to step into the car.
While Genio was just starting to start the car, Egidia walked ahead and waited not far from the fence. The four-wheeled vehicle her husband drove out past her with a one-time honking honking sound.
Egidia waved her hand, either seen or ignored by her husband who had increased the speed of his car after driving straight towards the housing gate.
From inside the opposite house, Tiara noticed the newlywed couple's interaction since the two were seen on the porch of the house. Although not intended to interfere let alone want to know more deeply, but he can judge from the scientific view he mastered.
From body gestures and face mimic both, I'm sure if their relationship is not okay.
The shoulder-haired lady still noticed Egidia who had closed and locked the fence, then walked back to the house with her right hand holding the back of the head.
Looks like he's still sick. Do I need to persuade her to go see a doctor?
Tiara plans to contact the neighbor. Yesterday, when she accompanied him there, they had already exchanged contact numbers. In addition, from Egidia's short story that is very closed, it is known that the woman was only once invited by her husband out of the house and around the city.
A slow pat on the right shoulder made Tiara flinch even though she already knew who was doing. He also did not turn his head to make sure because he only lived alone with his brother in the house.
“Don't like peeking! Moreover peeking at neighbors!”
Mutia, who was well-dressed to go to the hospital, reminded her sister, who sometimes still likes to act like a child. Always be enthusiastic about new people and always want to know about everything.
“Mbak, I feel sorry for Egidia, yes. From the glare of his eyes is very visible if he just pretends to look good and proper.”
“Don't be sober, keep you an expert!”
Since the neighbor had entered the house and was not seen again, Tiara stood face to face with her brother.
“I do know and sure!”
“This definitely has something to do with Mas Genio's girlfriend who has been coming to his house a lot!"
