When Love Is Present

Chapter 5. Vano left everything.

The next day Vim and Vano coincidentally meet at the pool. Each one was wearing swimsuits and preparing for the race. They used to do it on holidays.

The race starts and Vim looks first until the end.Vim becomes the winner.

"Where were you last night Van. Let Baras be alone."

"I took care of my friend in the hospital. I've called Mr. Uun to pick up Laras. Why?"

"You know Laras was eventually found by Edo instead of Pak Uun and he brought Laras to the club."

"What's? Why is Mr Uun slow to come?" Ask Vano more for yourself.

"Where do I know and you don't think about what if Mr. Uun can't come, right? Until what time does Baras have to wait."

Vim stopped swimming. In the end, Vim asked Laras why he had followed Edo that night. Then Laras recounted from the beginning until he was at the nightclub.

"Pak Uun responded that night. Maybe lose fast."

"You should've taken Laras home first, just to the hospital."

"Yes but my friend needs blood and I'm looking forward to not getting another donor and my blood yet."

"Whatever the reason you're so pissed."

"Whatever you say. What's clear is that I don't want Laras to be fucked."

"Again huuh?" Invite Vim to race again.

"No. You swim alone."

"You can see the way I swim to always lead."

"Aaahhh I can learn from Viky, he's better."

"Just wait for Viky. He's too busy with his family and business."

Vim leaves Vano and swims splitting the water, refreshing mind and body.

...~~...

The day of the engagement between Vano and Laras arrives. The event was held at the home of the parents of Laras. Where Ibu Maharani pinned the ring on the fingers Laras representing Vano.

All talked about from the month of the wedding and the venue. From Vano's side that will manage everything. The women me

just follow.

Laras did not refuse the engagement. Just follow his heart which is

loving Vano. The same thing that Vano felt towards Laras. They're alike

the same accepted the match.

And since that engagement Vano is more often preoccupied with his new work accompanying Vim.

His experience is increasing and his steps are increasingly sure to reach the future with Laras.

One day Vano and his friends perform

reunion in another town at the end of the week. Vano drives a car with some friends and on his return Vano chooses a different day with his friends.

But not unexpectedly unfortunate can not be avoided.Vano had an accident on the highway while heading home and died on the spot. The whole house is like receiving a slap during the day that has not been so hot. Vim, who was checking the location of the project, left the place as soon as he received a call from Papi. Papi and Vim head straight to the city where Vano gets

accidents. Maharani's mother, who was in shock, was unconscious, getting the news . The same thing happened with the bar. The aunt of the chief aide and his men intervened to take care of the master, giving oil to the wind trying to resuscitate the Empress Mother and Laras.

The relatives, neighbors and also the family from the Laras side have just been datanh. All

be damned. Ibu Laras never moved from the side of Laras. His face flooded with tears, crying over what was happening. Sometimes God's scenario is

it is always different from the will of man.

"Susual recourse. Wake up, baby."

"Prophey, baby. Release Vano nak" said the mother again.

The barrel can only sob. His head rests on Mom's shoulder. It was too heavy a burden he felt. It seems like just yesterday the asa was drafted but now it has to be thrown scattered. Just yesterday Vano proposed to Laras and the plan was beautifully assembled but now it is broken to pieces. Vano has left a hope that has not yet been realized.

And Laras grew hysterical that afternoon when Vano's body arrived. I tried to calm Laras down. That destiny is always unexpected. Vim who witnessed it looks wiped away the tears. In fact, the swimming race four days ago was the last race between him and Vano.

The shadow of the little Vano flashed in Vim's view. When

they are still both small, swimming competitions have become a routine activity in a month.

"Now it's my turn to swim relaxed. I'll lead."

That's one way Vano can win the race. Vim must succumb to feeling sorry for his sister where if Vim swims really, Vano is not able to match him. Vano often loses.

"Good but just this once. Afterwards

you have to try to win this game."

You go Van, leave our hopes all inner Vim.

Arriving at the cemetery is still filled with haru atmosphere. Vim who embraces Mother Maharani tries not to shed tears even though tears have actually asked to be dropped.

Vadli and Viky and their small family return home to take Vano to his final resting place.

...~~...

For a while Laras was brought home by his mother until Laras could be strong and calm to accept the reality that happened. For the good of Laras, Maharani's mother agreed.

"I'm sorry Laras mami. Go home first."

"No why Baras. This is the house of Baras too. Come whenever Laras wants ya."

"Do not over time Laras. No one cleaned my room." Vim interrupts.

"The Vim. There's a aunt."

"Bibik hassles mi."

"Let the Barrels rest first."

"Of course mi."

Vano has been in another realm but for Laras the memories with Vano will be hard to lose.

Even the rain that night will not be able to wash away all the memories that ever existed.

"Laras we eat first yuk. I'm hungry."

"Laras is not hungry yet. Just go first."

"You haven't eaten in the morning. The air is cooler tonight. You can catch a cold, son."

"The barracks will be fine ma'am."

I took a slow and deep breath. The barrel is very difficult to be persuaded to want to fill his stomach with food. All it does is sit pensive

trying to convince yourself that Vano is dead. I patiently accompanied Laras afraid that Laras would faint again.

"Your age is young.

The opportunity is still wide open for you to get a replacement for Vano because of that I hope your sadness does not drag on, son. Have pity on yourself."

"Yes mom. Pray for Laras ya ma'am so that Laras quickly rise again and pray Vano also to be calm there."

"certain son. Vano will be happy if Laras is happy too. Don't save your sadness all the time. This is God's will. Accept with sincerity."

"Yes mom. Thanks Mom."

The rain added to the mood, Nien closed the window cloth and went to sleep.