You Who I Miss

Aku

My name is Rissa Valentina. Just call me Rissa. Female gender. My last name, taken from the name of the day on which lovers and those in love profess their love. People used to call it Valentine's Day or Valentines Day. And that day has been my birthday ever since I opened my eyes. As it means affection. Every day I am surrounded by the affections of Father, Mother, Grandmother, Grandpa and other families.

My father was Dimas Setiaji, and my mother was Atiya Fauza. My father worked in one of the private companies. My father was a very busy man, but he always tried to make time for the family, especially to please his beloved daughter, Me. As for my mother, she was just like any other mother, my mother was a housewife who always prepared my and my father's needs. Before I got married, my mom worked in the same office as Dad. You could say father and mother fell at work. After Containing me, my mother decided to quit her job to focus on taking care of me and taking care of her household.

Since childhood, I have lived in the home of my mother's grandmother and grandfather. I live there with my father and my mother. There were not only us, there were Aunt Yuli and Om Adam, Aunt Maya and Om Arman and also their children, Dea, Anggun, Lia, Kiki, and Andi. They are all my cousins, our age is not too far away, only 1 year different. Grandma and Grandpa's house is pretty big. There are 5 rooms in the house. When I was 6 years old, I had my own room. I mean, I don't sleep in the middle of my mom and dad. Actually I was afraid to sleep alone, but over time I got used to it. Sometimes my cousins, Dea and Anggun sleep together in my room. Sometimes my grandmother would accompany me to sleep in my room, when I couldn't sleep for fear of being alone.

Grandma was the person I loved the most in that house. When I was scolded by my mother or father, it was my grandmother, the one in the vanguard who stood up for me. He also always comforts me with his strawberry ice cream when I'm sad.

In that house, there are so many happy childhood memories. I used to play chases in my house with my cousins Dea, Anggun, Lia, Kiki, and Andi. Because of exhaustion I sat down and hid under the dining table, until I fell asleep. It was really funny, everyone in the house was confused looking for me and couldn't find me anywhere, only grandfather managed to find me under the table.

My grandfather was my first girlfriend. I love him so much, he always gives me what I want. She's just like my grandmother, so nice to me. He never said no to me, let alone scolded me. He would even take me out with my other cousins.

In 2003, my grandfather left us all for good. I was three years old, I didn't understand what was going on around me. I could only stand silently watching my grandmother, my mother and others cry. But in my heart I am very sad. I cried when I couldn't find my grandfather at home.

***

There, I also have playmates, all my girl friends just a few of my boy friends, and even then they are like girls. Besides having friends, I have enemies. My enemies are all boys. I don't know why they are my enemies. But, all I know is they like to disturb my friends to the point of crying. I sometimes get upset and reply to those who annoy my friends. I even pinched the arm of the gang leader of those bad boys, his name was Iqbal.

"Awh awh, sick." said Iqbal.

"Listen to Iqbal, if you're still bothering Lala, I'm not going to go."

Actually Iqbal was a good boy, only he was a little arrogant and pretentious. I'm worried about his style like that. Yes, even if he's handsome. Many of my friends like him. But, not with me, I'm really upset with him, especially if he's already starting to be ignorant. He and I fight a lot because of the little things. Over time, Iqbal and I eventually became friends and forgot about our often brawling past. It turns out Iqbal his son is exciting, his style is arrogant, but actually not.

***

When I was in 5th grade, I was 10 years old. My father was transferred to Jakarta, so my mother, me and all my favorite things moved. I really wanted to say I didn't want to leave at that time. But, yes how should I follow them wherever they go.

"We can't play anymore" Dea said.

"I'm definitely gonna miss you."

"I am too."

"Take care of yourself" said Grandma

"Yes my grandma."

"Be careful on the road, don't forget to call us when you arrive." said Om Adam.

"Yes, take care of yourself here" said Dad.

"Kabarin if it has arrived." said Om Adam."

"Yes." said Mother.

"We go first, Assalamualaikum" said Mother.

"Getishalam."

"See you, bye." I said, waving my hand.

"Bah Rissa" Dea said as she waved her hand.

In Jakarta, we live in a residential area in South Jakarta. My father had bought the house for a long time, so at any time when my father was assigned to Jakarta, we were not confused where to live. My new house wasn't too big but it was enough for the three of us. There are 3 rooms there and there is a large courtyard in front of it. In that night there was an iron swing that was carried by a tree. Around the house there are a lot of children playing. I met some kids there, and they were really nice. I can imagine how much fun it would be to play with the kids here.

***

In addition to moving residence. I also moved school to SD Negeri in Jakarta. The building is quite large and he said it was the best school there.

But for me, it was the most effective school in the world. A place that holds many memories. Especially with someone I miss so much right now. I never forgot his adult-like attitude from a boy his age. Recalling his attitude it always managed to make me smile until now. He always filled my days in the past, which this time his story wanted me to tell you. About Him and also about someone who has been very good in my life.

-oo-oo-