Tone & Sound
#59 [Bab. the sun was sinking, nan]
Tone grabbed the paper. Look at it for a moment, then shut up for a moment. He should be in Banda Neira by now. Help Cikal organize the Summer Jazz festival there. But it was forgotten. His departure to Banda Neira was delayed. Or it could be void. In fact, Banda Neira will be used as a healing place for his feelings. And a place for him to forget all those bad memories. Yes, even now his heart is much better. Make peace. Those bad memories have also healed a little. But Banda Neira will also be used as a place for Nada to see Jazz artists perform. Whether it is from Indonesia, or from abroad. Because as a human being who makes Jazz one of the most important parts of his life, the Summer Jazz festival in Banda Neira becomes an opportunity or experience that is awaited by Nada. Moreover, an opportunity like this never came twice.
Gosh darn. Tone turned his body. He forgot to tell Cikal about everything that had happened. About his return to Jakarta and about the sad news. Tone put the paper he held earlier on the table again. Then back to the bed. Grabbing cellphone.
He started to open the message room, trying to see all the incoming messages there. Swiping the phone screen one-two times, Tone surprised. There are. The Incoming Message is. It was from Cikal. Seventeen hours ago.
Nada, I am so sorry for the passing of one of your parents. I hope you can be patient for this. And for the summer jazz festival here, don't think about it because family is the top priority. Anyway, the festival's in three days' retreat. The weather here is uncertain. Yesterday heavy rain forced the entire committee to back off the festival time. For you, if it improves there, I still hope you can help me here. But remember, there should be improvement first. Oh yeah, last I heard, the George Duke Trio received an invitation to perform at the festival and Lisa Ono did too. Yes, although I know you will definitely choose Frank Sinatra or Chet Baker, but you definitely do not want to miss the appearance of the two of them right? I'm waiting here, Tada. Keep smiling.
The message is over. Tone finished reading all of its contents. He was silent for a moment.
Tone felt mixed feelings. Happy, sad, and confused. But what caught his attention the most was, since when did Cikal learn to pack such messages? Look at the message again. Like not the usual Cikal.
Who always looks elegant at all times, rigid, and always cold to anyone, in the message, my God, it might not be Cikal. Tone like disbelief reading the contents of that message. He thought for a moment, then laughed. Maybe the extreme weather changes in Banda Neira managed to change Cikal's personality. Or maybe, make Cikal into a normal man in general.
All things have improved too. And for Banda Neira, there is no reason whatsoever to make it a place of healing and problem escape right now. Tone slowly made peace with his bad memories. His return to Jakarta and his meeting with Bu Ann were indeed one of the reasons for that. Heart's healed. Although not yet intact. That way, he can go to Banda Neira on the grounds of enjoying and seeing Jazz artists perform. As well as seeing the beauty from every corner in Banda Neira. No more than that.
"Nad," Miss Ann opened the door.
"Yes, Ma?"
"Well, Jeje's ahead waiting for you."
Tone nodded, "Yes, Ma. It's Nada coming down."
Miss Ann smiled, then closed the door.
