The Bujang Lapuk
Negatively

Za was looking forward anxiously to waiting for the steak she dipped in the clear liquid. A few seconds later, she lifted the pregnancy test. This is the umpteenth test. But his efforts have not yet yielded results. Za came out of the restroom with a face that was unable to hide her disappointment. He could not bear to see the smile on Fadhil's face. Za knew, Fadhil hoped that this time there were two lines appearing. That smile will surely turn disappointed.

Za squeezed the stick in his hand. It felt like he was throwing that thing away so that Fadhil wouldn't see it. But her husband's hand was asking for it. Za had to put the pregnancy test in Fadhil's hands.

"Sorry" said Za Lirih.

"It's okay. We'll try again."

Fadhil's answer that always makes Za feel guilty. Nothing, though spoken with a smile but Za can catch the disappointment on her husband's face.

"Wouldn't we go see a doctor?" The thought just popped out. Three months if their condition is healthy, fertilization is likely to occur. Fadhil is quite observant in calculating the fertile period of Za every month.

"For what?"

"We should consult this issue with a doctor. I'd like to check each other's condition, too."

But Fadhil shakes. And that certainly made Za wonder. What is wrong with consulting a doctor. Is not here Fadhil's desire is more passionate even though Za does not deny if he also wants to immediately cuddle a baby.

"Why?" ask Za for Fadhil's refusal.

"Mas believes strongly, if it was time we would be cheated."

"But going to the doctor is also one of our efforts. God will surely see how much we try to get offspring."

"really. But Mas does not want if it turns out that one of us will have a problem, it could be a reason to blame each other. So let it all be like this. Flows as is. Even if God does not want to leave children to us, Mas still ask you to accompany spending the rest of the age. Wanna, right?"

Za nodded even though his heart was still sullen. Not because of Fadhil's request, because Za does want to get married once in a lifetime. But Fadhil's refusal to see a doctor makes Za still amazed.

"From now on don't have to check using this again. We'll check if you show any signs of pregnancy." Fadhil threw the stick in the trash.

With an uncertain feeling, Za went down to the kitchen to make breakfast. His cooking ability was already priceless 7 by Fadhil. Pretty good because sometimes still not fit to sprinkle salt.

Za opened the refrigerator to pick up cooking ingredients. When her mood is not too good, Za loses her appetite. He picked up the salted fish he bought some time ago while shopping for vegetables, green chilies and green tomatoes.

The smell of fried salted fish filled the entire house. Even to his room on the second floor.

"The smell gets to the back, Ma'am," said Mbak Min who had just dried his shirt.

"Against cooking, Madam Min. Cook the salted fish," said Za while cutting the chili.

Za and Fadhil have returned to the main house for a month. After Lany gave up and got out of the house. Turns out she was too stingy to pay for ART and a gardener. Also the electricity and water bills are deliberately not paid by Fadhil.

"If you're lazy just tell me, ma'am. I can cook too. Before working here I worked in a restaurant, help the chef."

"Oh yeah? Means Ma'am Min's good at cooking, dong?"

"It's not smart just to be. I if the morning before leaving here to send the order breakfast first. Cook at three, six o'clock is delivered to the neighbors who order."

"But Min why do you still want to work here? I have my own business" asked Za later.

"No effort, ma'am. I need a lot of money for my husband's treatment. After all I cannot if I have to forget the same services of Almarhumah Mother. I used to come home from Jakarta here because my husband was sick, I had nothing. The house is in a one-room boarding house. My mother finally worked here. And the house I live in right now is also Mom's house."

"Mother..Mother's mother Mas Fadhil?" ask Za again.

"Who else, Ma'am. Sofia's mom is really nice. Babak Za did not get to meet. I don't know what to thank you for this family anymore, Ma'am." Mbak Min's voice sounded sad. Za was touched to hear it.

"I think I'm going to lose my job because yesterday only Ms. Lany lived here. I was sad, Mother. Confused if not working again how will my husband. Thank goodness now everyone has returned here," said ART.

Za thinned her lips while rubbing the arm of the woman who looked older than her actual age. A heavy life load may have formed a frown on his face more quickly appeared.

"Suami Ma'am Min is sick what is it?"

"Stroke, Ma'am. I could only sleep for three years. It was still a way."

Za looked at pity and was amazed by his ART. The faithful take care of her husband even though he has to slam his own bones to make ends meet.

"How many children is Mommy Min?" ask Za.

Min just smiled bitterly. And make Za feel bad.

"Thank God we haven't been given a baby until 20 years of our marriage."

"Oh, sorry." said Za regretfully. Worry if the question offends. He is only three months old sometimes still pinched if there is an offence to the child's problem. How's Madam Min who's been twenty years. Looks like Za has a lot to learn to be patient on her ART.

"It's okay, Ma'am. I have resigned. After all, the child is also just a care. If we don't get what we can do. We've been trying for years to get kids, but it's not time. What I fear is that if I die first, what about my husband. Who's gonna take care of it?"

Again, Za discovers a life lesson. Love is so great unconditionally. Despite living within limitations, it seems like Mbak Min loves her husband so much in all his conditions. The haru taste made the clear point escape from the corner of Za's eye.

"Kok Mbak Za so cry?"

"It's okay, Ma'am. I'm just excited to hear Min's story. I salute the same Ma'am Min who is amazingly patient," said Za while shrinking water in both eyes.

"We humans are just living, Mother."

Za nodded in agreement. It doesn't take a person's background to take life lessons. Ms. Min, who looks so simple this morning, has taught Za an understanding she almost forgot about because she wanted perfect happiness.

"Aren't you cooking, Mommy?" mbak Min asked because since Za stopped cutting chili and tomatoes.

Za chuckled to himself because he forgot to cook. Finally, he gave the job to his ART. While he returned to his room. Suddenly she wanted to hug her husband right then and there.

"What's the conversation with Min?" asked Fadhil who had caught them talking but he deliberately did not want to disturb them.

"Many," said Za briefly. Accidentally his gaze was fixed on the screen of Fadhil's phone that was still on. Za looked at the title of the article that seemed to have been read by her husband.