When Love Fades

return to Indonesia

At six o'clock in the morning Anton and I were at the airport. Flights to Indonesia are delayed for an hour. An hour is not a long time for me.

"More.. You sure you left Alan here ?". Anton started the conversation.

I was silent for a moment. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. My eyes were on the people who passed before me.

"i'm not sure that. Love that happens because God will never end. As the saying goes. And I love Alan not because of him, but because of his owner".

"well okay. May you be strong in facing all this. And I'm sure that woman won't just give up. He will continue to fight for his love".

"Silence to me right now is the best option. God will not test His demons beyond his ability. And I'm sure what's mine will come back to me".

"you are a tough woman Ren. I salute you".

I smiled thinly.

"thank you Ton.

How about yourself ?".

"how's Ren doing ?".

"do you like Devina ?".

"you're funny Ren. He's not my type". Anton laughed a little.

"but she's beautiful".

"beautiful is relative. All women must be beautiful.

I don't know, Ren, maybe I'll have to be patient a little longer".

"Being busy with those positive things can make those days more meaningful. Going on with this short life is better than continuing to regret it".

"really not ?".

"yes.. Very true". Anton returned to play his phone and seemed to be contacting someone.

I saw the time showed at seven. And we went from the black chair to the plane that was going to take us back to Indonesia.

On the plane, we were sitting in a seat a little far away.

Looks like Anton is talking to a woman. They look very familiar. Maybe they know each other. But Anton never told me about the woman. Or maybe .... Akh's.. It's not good to guess. I better ask you later.

Flights from Saudi-Indonesia take approximately eight hours. I'd better close my eyes for a second. Maybe it can reduce the burden on my mind.

Anton was having a conversation with his new friend.

"where are you going, miss ?".

"to Medan bang".

"i'm Nadila. Just call Dila". Dila returned Anton's hand.

"you work in Saudi ?".

"iya bang, complaining of fate. People are looking for big money". Dila with a shy smile.

"sorry, still single ?".

Dila smiled thinly. He took a deep breath, it was visible from his shoulder that was lifted up.

"i'm single parent bang".

"sorrys.. If you can tell where your husband is..".

Dila just kept quiet. It was as if he was remembering something far away to tell.

"if you don't want to tell me it's okay. Again sorry".

"husband died".

"died ?. Accident ?". Anton curious.

Dila continued her words.

"leave me for another woman".

Anton gawked after listening to Dila's reply.

"oh no. Don't let Rena suffer the same fate as Nadila". Anton murmured in his heart.

It doesn't feel like the plane has landed. All passengers remove the safety rope and get ready to descend to the homeland.

Likewise with Renata, he felt his body and mind more fresh after a moment of rest.

"Ren, you go home with me. My driver's been waiting outside".

"well okay. But does that not trouble you. Not that you have a meeting with a client this afternoon".

"the usual Renata. I'm the boss. I am free to do my heart's love". Anton showed his arrogant attitude.

"yes I know Anton Nugroho, but this is a client problem.. If he doesn't want to work with your company. After knowing the leader like this".

"it turns out my best friend's wife is chatty too. It's been.. Let's enter".

Anton opened the car door for me. Just like the queen.

"Mas Alan never did anything like this". I spoke to myself in a soft voice.