Baby Amber
Back To the City

"What cooking, brother?"

I saw Ratih was busy stirring up the contents of the pot in the kitchen. Ratih turned his head, just a sweet smile that he gave me in response. I've seen a couple of days that Ratih looks healthy. Even he is no longer seen daydreaming or talking about Mbak Ranti and Radit. Even the figure of Radit disappeared somewhere now. Ever since we were in the village, Radit has rarely appeared before me. The last time was that night when Ratih was completely unconscious. The moment where Mother was also disturbed by the little creature and also the figure of her mother.

"You sit down, Mom. Soon the vegetables are ripe." pinta Ratih to me. I didn't protest much either, I chose to follow her words.

"Sir, are you okay?" I asked to start a conversation with my wife who was still feeding rice into her mouth.

"Yes, Mas. What's wrong?" answer's flat. The mother who had just joined us in the dining room just fell silent, occasionally her net turned towards me and Ratih.

"How about the day after tomorrow we go back to the city? It feels like we have left the restaurant for too long" I said, answered with a nod of the head by Ratih.

"Are you really okay, Nduk? Shouldn't you just stay here first nemenin mom?" haggling Mom to my wife. But Ratih seemed to object.

"But, Mum. Ratih has to go where Mas Hadi goes. Mother take it easy, Ratih is fine." she replied with a smile. Mother's worry about Ratih must be huge. I don't want Ratih to be back like yesterday if he's back in town. At least there will be Mbah Trimo who is ready to help if in the village Ratih will show habits like yesterday.

"It's okay, Mom. Let Ratih come home with me. If you need to, I'll come to town. Isn't that right, Sister?" I asked Ratih who was only answered with a nod.

"Mother lives in the village, Di. At least Mother can often visit the tomb of your Father and also your sister if Mother remains here." said Mother gave an excuse.

"But, Mum. Hadi didn't calm down to let Mom alone here. While we couldn't go home often." I gave an excuse also hoping that Mom would change her mind.

"No, Di. Mom just wanna be here. You don't worry. There are many neighbors who accompany you. Even I can go to the fields every day. Mother's body will be healthier if every day to the field." replied Mother while continuing to feed food into her mouth.

"But, Mom.."

"Already, already. Tomorrow if I want to play at your house, I'll call you. But for now I really want to stay here first." reject the mother I can't deny.

*

I choose to leave early in the morning. At least we'll get to the city when it's still noon. In addition, I also try to minimize the risk of interference during the trip.

"You guys be careful on the road, yeah. Let me know when you get there." ask both of us. Looks worried on Mom's face. But we always make sure to stay fine during the trip or when arriving in the city later.

"Don't forget to pray, remember Mom and Mbah Trimo's message, yes." Mom reminded me of what we were supposed to do. I nodded and immediately stepped on the gas lever. Slowly the car came out of the yard of Mom's house. Seen Mom still staring at our departure until the turn makes me can not see the body of Mom again from the rearview mirror of the car.

My heart suddenly skipped a beat, the blood flow felt rapid while a glimpse of the female figure behind Mom. As fast as lightning disappeared right before I deflected the car into the main road.

"Why stop, Mom?" I didn't answer Ratih's question. My body is shaking violently. Cold sweat started to come out and wet my forehead and clothes.

"Mas." Ratih patted my shoulder. I looked back because I felt that there were people in our car besides me and Ratih.

"What's wrong?" Patty looked panicked as well. Seen from his face that suddenly paled and came to look back like me.

"Sik, read the prayer you can, yes. I want to call Mom for a minute." I said while taking the device in the pants pocket.

"But let's just run, I want to call Mom" said Ratih who did not mind the question.

"You read the prayer, brother. I just wanted to make sure that I was." I dialed the number many times to call Mom, but never picked up.

"Hallo, what's up, Di? Is there anything left?" mom's voice across there makes me a little relieved.

"Mom, are you okay?" ask the woman I left a few minutes ago.

"Yes, Di. What's wrong? Mother had just chatted with Mbah Sum in front."

At least I've calmed down knowing that Mom's okay.

"Yes, Mom. Hadi was just worried about Mom." I replied briefly.

"Oh, Di. Yasudah, there you be careful. Don't mind too much. Focus, yes, and remember the same obligation." Mother's orders that I don't know how many times.

"Yes, Mom. Assalamu'alaikum." I ended the call with a greeting. Just remembered that I did not greet you first when I called.

"What the hell is it, Mas?" Ratih seems to be still curious about what happened.

"It's okay, Sister. I'm just worried about Mom." I hope Ratih doesn't ask more for her continuation.