The Bujang Lapuk
Go Home to Mom's

"Go to Mom's house, Mas," Za told Fadhil to make her husband take the road to her mother's house.

This week should be time to visit her parents. But they spend time out of town. So Za decided to go home to her parents. Sapphira was not home either. His nephew was filling the holiday with his mother to Lombok. Za was so grateful that finally the closeness of the two of them was getting closer. Of course, all of that cannot be separated from his support. Because after all, Lany is the mother who conceived and gave birth to Sapphira.

As if having telepathy, his phone suddenly shook. Safira. Showing the beauty of the island scenery in eastern Indonesia. Only three days apart Safira had missed Alif. Baby is sleeping. So that can not be invited to chatter.

The car stopped when they arrived in front of Za's parents' house. By late afternoon the housing atmosphere is not as quiet as during the day. Some neighbors greeted Za before the woman entered the house.

"Al, play Om Ghani, yuk!"

Out of nowhere Ghani appears suddenly already on the porch of the house.

"Al sleeps, Mas. Don't be noisy!" hardik Za's.

"No, get him."

Za saw Alif in his carrier. The baby opened his eyes without realizing it. Without waiting for Za's approval, Ghani takes Alif. Alya's brother did like Alif, probably because of his niece. So that everyone knows Za came, he never missed taking Alif anywhere.

"Udah pants, Mas. A piece of marriage," quipped Za.

"Later." The same answer with Za was when someone asked her when to marry.

"Take Al first, Mas." Although somewhat gesrek, Ghani still knows adab. Ask permission from Fadhil to invite Alif.

They don't bother about that. Because Ghani is certainly like a brother.

Za picked up the bag containing the souvenirs he had bought. Not bit. There are several bags containing clothes and also typical food gudeg city.

He looked for his mother to all corners of the house that was not how spacious. His mother was washing dishes in the kitchen.

"Home home?" ask Za's mother.

"Yes. Za bought a negligee for Mom," replied Za.

There are also many dealers here who sell. Why bother buying there." It's always like it's a reaction if Za buys something for her mother.

"Let's be effective, Mom."

"But bother to take it."

"No. Mas Fadhil is brought."

Za unpacked all the souvenirs he bought. One dining table was full of items taken out of the bag.

"What did you buy this much for, Za? I'm just the same father, both" said Ms. Rahma.

"Mas Fadhil, ma'am" said Za, pointing his chin at Fadhil.

"Love to the neighbors" Fadhil later said.

Since Za got married, I don't know how many times Za's family shared with neighbors. So the label has a son-in-law the word is attached to Za's parents. Especially after four-wheeled vehicles parked in the garage of Za's house.

"Where to go, Mom?" za asked because she didn't see her father's car in front.

"There was an invitation to his friend's full-duty thanksgiving. I was invited, but I was lazy everywhere."

Za stuffed the souvenirs into a plastic bag to hand out to her nearest neighbor. Then deliver it yourself. Because there's no one in that house. There's no way he's got his mom to drive. Although there will be many questions about Alif as usual. But as it has been forged, now Za no longer disputes the speech of people about him.

After Za left, Rahma made tea for her daughter-in-law. What he often does when he comes home.

"Is there a second result, son Fadhil?" ask Ms. Rahma.

Ms. Rahma looked glum. It feels jumbled as a parent having a child who may not be able to be like a woman. Especially to his daughter-in-law.

"Mom's sorry that Za might not be what Nak Fadhil wants. I'm just telling you that I don't want Za, please don't hurt Za. Za has not shared since childhood. Please take care of his heart. Give it back to us if Nak Fadhil someday feel bored with this situation," said Ms. Rahma.

Fadhil gave a thin smile. She perfectly understood her mother-in-law's feelings that were perhaps more dominated by guilt.

"Mom don't think that far. Za is part of my life. It's just a question of fortune. Which may be delayed. Or it might not be our part."

Ms. Rahma was so moved by Fadhil's sincerity. At times some people may make the lack of a partner as an excuse to be duplicitous, but not with Fadhil. Even though his son-in-law had everything in his favor to look for another woman.

"Thank you, Nak Fadhil."

Fadhil nodded slowly. "Please pray that your household will always be blessed."

Ms. Rahma guaranteed her daughter-in-law's words.

"Mom, where's Mas Ghani going, huh? How come there's no home?" za exclaimed from outside interrupting their conversation.

"Cock asked Mom. Mother was inside the house."

Za clicked his tongue. "Alif don't wear a jacket. If taken on a motorcycle far later wind."

"Try to find in the park there. Usually if the afternoon many children play there," advised Ms. Rahma.

Za went back outside the house. The distance from the park is not too far. Until he chose to walk. After all, Za is not too good at carrying while riding a motorcycle.

Right his mother said. From a distance he saw Ghani holding Alif watching the children playing in the park. Za was really surprised by the alif who never feared being carried by anyone even foreigners. One thing he was worried about if someone with malicious intentions took him away.

"Mas Ghani!" call Za. Ghani also looked.

"From everywhere here."

Ghani laughed softly. "Look Za, Al was so excited to see the kids play."

The baby in Ghani's sling seemed to want to break away and come down to play. Shouting and chattering make everyone who sees it will feel anxious.

"Wait a minute, yeah. Mama buy a balloon first."

Za approached a merchant. Buy a toy from soapy water. Then back to where Ghani played with Alif.

"Al! Look it!"

Za blowing soapy water creates bubbles. Alif laughed as Ghani led him in pursuit of the bubbles. It looks like a small family babysitting their child.

Za kept blowing that soapy water. Laughter Alif as if becoming a opium.

"Again?" za said to Alif who was still laughing.

"Again, Ma."

Za's laughter faded a little to hear the reply coming from Ghani's lips. He was stunned for a moment

"Come, Za! Blow again!"

"Oh! Yep. Mama blow again yes, Al," said Za later.

The balloon chase is repeated. Alif's laughter seemed to recognize the word tired. Even until it was almost dark. And without them realizing there was someone who had been watching them since.