A Thousand Flowers
Chapters 17. Revealed

The tree on the edge of Lake Kembang Setaman gives off a bright light. Ki Daud smiled. Without wasting any time he immediately jumped up and disappeared into that light.

Meanwhile, in her room Mother Izzah was still standing glued staring at the light that appeared from her pendant. He raised his feet to enter the light. Doubtful, then pulled back next to her already raised leg.

Along with that ….

BLUB! BRUK!

Ki Daud fell out of the light. Surprised by Ki Daud's unexpected appearance, Mother Izzah leapt back, falling on the bed.

Ki Daud stood up immediately. For a moment Mother Izzah and Ki Daud looked at each other, both gawking, in disbelief. Unknowingly Ki Daud and Mother Izzah called each other names.

“Rahmi!”

“Mas David!”

A second later Ki Daud and Mother Izzah both moved, slashing the distance between them. Ki Daud hugged Mother Izzah tightly. Shedding all the longings that have been buried for decades.

Mother Izzah cried with mixed feelings. Longing, anxious, and hope converge in the warmth of Ki David's embrace.

Ki Daud let Rahmi, the woman he loved so much, evaporate all his emotions.

Suddenly Izzah's shadow resuscitated Ki Daud. He immediately let go of his embrace.

“I'm sorry Rahmi. I can't control myself. I didn't mean to make your new husband jealous,” Ki Daud said in a trembling voice.

Rahmi looked at Ki Daud not understanding. “What do you mean, Mas?”

“Have you not remarried after successfully exiting the Land of a Thousand Flowers?” ask Ki Daud. “You should never come back.” Ki Daud was upset. A bitter feeling came to his heart when he said that.

Rahmi looked into Ki Daud's eyes. Her tears are still flowing.

“You're mistaken, Mas.” Rahmi shook her head weakly, refuting Ki Daud's words.

Ki Daud holds Rahmi's shoulder and challenges her eyeball. Uncomprehending.

“Explain Rahmi! Don't make me more confused! How can you give birth to a daughter without a husband?” Ki Daud demands Rahmi's explanation. He tried hard to control his emotions.

“Have you met him, Mom? Izzah really was in the Land of a Thousand Flowers?" Rahmi's eyes are shiny.

“Yes. As soon as I saw him I recognized that he was your son. He even inherited your ability,” Ki Daud replied as he wiped the tears on Rahmi's cheek.

“Because that's why you're willing to endanger yourself?”

Ki Daud nodded, because that was the only reason that prompted him to do such a crazy thing.

Rahmi breathed. “Dia .. your son, Mas. Fruit of our love.”

“Whataa?” Ki Daud was shocked. His eyes looked at Rahmi wildly.

“How can you hide him from me all this time?” Ki Daud's emotions seemed to be exploding. He fought hard to control himself. On the other hand, a strange feeling enveloped him,

“I'm sorry, Mas. I never intended to lie to you. When I decided to leave the Land of a Thousand Flowers, I also did not know that I was pregnant.” Rahmi returned. Ki Daud was silent.

“I know, I was wrong. You have every right to be angry and hate me, Mom. But ... I beg ... save Izzah! He's been my source of strength all along, Mas.” Rahmi rested at Ki Daud's feet.

Ki Daud shed tears. Heart's out. He knew how heavy the burden of life that Rahmi had borne so far in her absence.

He put both Rahmi's shoulders together, helping her to stand up. He wiped away Rahmi's tears gently and lovingly. Ki Daud and Rahmi drift back in the arms of longing.

After Rahmi calmed down, Ki Daud opened the conversation again.

“Lalu ... Why have you never visited me? Though, you still hold one of the keys to the gate of the Thousand Flowers Country.” Ki Daud asked without letting go of his embrace.

“I'm sorry, Mas. When I left, the country was in chaos. I was too scared to go back. I can not face the worst reality that might happen to you,” replied Rahmi expressing her feelings.

“I regret my stupidity, Mas.” Rahmi was embarrassed.

“Already. Forget everything that has passed! Now the most important thing is to think of a way for Izzah to get out of there. I'm afraid his endurance will get weaker.” Ki Daud told Rahmi to sit on the edge of the bed.

For some time, Ki Daud and Rahmi shared stories about the journey of each other's lives as they lived apart. Rahmi continued to regret herself. His fear of the uncertain makes him miss the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful days and the warmth of a well-equipped family.

Rahmi feels sin has robbed her children of childhood happiness, especially Izzah. But the rice has become porridge. The past will never come back. All that needs to be done now is to forgive yourself, make peace with the past, live the present life wholeheartedly and stay focused on the future.

The remains of the full moon began to disappear in the morning sky. Ki Daud retreats. Rahmi takes the pendant still lying on top of the painting, then hands it to Ki Daud.

“Bring this with you, Mas! Leave it to our son! I no longer need it.” Rahmi put the locket into Ki Daud's hand.

Ki Daud could not refuse. He knew that only that thing could bring Izzah back to his world.

Ki Daud attached the pendant he held to a tree painting by the lake. And then the bright light came back. Along with the disappearance of the blinding light, Ki Daud disappeared from Rahmi's sight.

***

Dimas sat in his study, reading the results of the tea phytochemical tests consumed by Tiara. He growled furiously.

“Sial! Who would dare poison my brother?” maki Dimas, then pressed the phone on the table.

Krieing .. kriiing ….

“Ya, Boss,” sounds across the phone

“Investigate how the tea package sent to Kak Tiara can be replaced,” Dimas command to his secretary.

“Ready, Boss.” Phone's closed.

Dimas hurriedly left his study. As he passed his secretary's office, he saw the door slightly open, a sign that Abbas was still in the room. Dimas loosened his head in the crack of the door.

“Bas, I'm going to the hospital first. Immediately report any results of your investigation, okay!” Dimas.

“Good, Boss. I've ordered some of our intel,” Abbas replied.

“You can drive?” Abbas offered his services.

“Not necessary. Just finish your job. Call me if there's anything important!” Dimas rejected Abbas' offer and hurried away. Abbas gave a thumbs up.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Dimas headed straight for the VIP room. As soon as she entered the room, Madam Prasetyo greeted Dimas with tears. Dimas hugged his mother, trying to calm her down.

Tiara was still unconscious. Izzah sat on the chair beside Tiara. The sound of the door opening. Mr. Prasetyo stepped in. Madam Prasetyo let go of Dimas' embrace, greeting her husband with a worried face.

“What does the doctor say, Pa?”

“No need to worry, Ma. Tiara will be fine. Fortunately the symptoms were quickly detected and Tiara was quickly brought here,” replied Mr. Prasetyo to calm his wife.

“Thank God then.” Madam Prasetyo breathed a sigh of relief.

Mr and Mrs Prasetyo approached Tiara. Izzah stood up immediately.

“Thank you, Izzah. If there is no you, Tiara may not be able to be saved,” said Mr. Prasetyo

“No need to thank, Uncle. I am just an intermediary. In fact, it was Allah who saved Kak Tiara.” Izzah's words sounded very soothing in the hearts of Mr and Mrs Prasetyo.

Madam Prasetyo hugged Izzah. Izzah returned Madam Prasetyo's embrace and patted her back softly.

“It turns out Izzah is not as cold as it looks. His heart was full of warmth,” praise Dimas in heart, see the friendly scene of his mother and Izzah while smiling little. His heart felt warm.

***