CUTS
Uteun village...

We continued walking down the path on the edge of this vast swamp. I walk with a mind that goes nowhere. It turned out that this trip was quite far from my guess. Just when the sun was overhead, we just arrived at Uteuen village. Kampung Uteuen is one of the villages that entered the black zone of government officials. Just like my village before the authorities came to storm my village and set up many checkpoints and guards there.

Unlike my village now which has entered the gray zone, this Uteuen village is still in the black zone because many residents here are siding with the rebels. Parents here also support their children to become rebels.

Is this village difficult to penetrate by government forces? The answer was certainly not to use combat tools from the air like when they destroyed the headquarters at the foot of the slaughter hill.

The existence of the community may be a consideration for them because Uteuen villagers are quite a lot. But, if they have to storm by land then, it will be in vain because the government officials who want to go to this village have been blocked first on the road.

I followed them while observing the surroundings, who knew there was a gap to run. However, it seems that my hope was only hope when I realized that there was no gap that made me escape from here.

We got there at noon. Khalid took us to a house. The owner of the house seemed friendly and welcoming. They also provided food for our lunch. A couple who are no longer young, I know their names are Abu Sham and his wife Umi Mar. That's how Khalid called the parents. How surprised I was when I heard the question that came out of the mouth of Umi Mar on Halimah. “Why aren't you pregnant? We've long wanted grandchildren.” A lot of questions came to my mind. At that time I just finished from the bathroom while Rendra I entrusted to Halimah who was sitting with the two parents.

Khalid himself went nowhere. “What is this Khalid's son?” ask Umi Mar back. I who was about to join them finally did not do it. Looks like I should forget my parents' current ban for not stealing other people's hearings. “Not, Umi. This is the son of the late Pang Sagoe. Cut was his younger brother Pang Sagoe who was married to Bang Khalid.” Answer Halimah.

“Did he know that Khalid is married?” Halimah nodded sluggishly. From the crack of the bamboo wall I can see if Halimah objected to this wedding. “Although in religion it is permissible, but if you are still able to serve it then what is the purpose of marrying the woman. Does that woman still want to marry Khalid after finding out that you're his wife? As parents, we are not willing if you have to be combined. If the reason is a child, Khalid himself brought you to the place of Nek Syah so that you do not become pregnant.” From behind the wall, fact after fact makes me want to run away from here.

Halimah remained silent as her eyes continued to stare at Rendra. “Can you still get pregnant? Why don't you go to Nek Syah's house again? Let your uterus be shifted to its original position so you can get pregnant.”

“Bang Khalid won't, Umi. Bang Khalid said it would be hard for us to have children and live in the forest. Especially if the apparatus attacks.”

“Yes do not take you to the forest, let us take care of it.” Halima no longer answered her parents. I also agree with Umi Mar if I have to give an opinion.

“Where is Cut? Don't let him escape.” Abu Syam.

“He wouldn't have run away without this kid. She also did not want to marry Bang Khalid, but she could do nothing. If he could run, he would have run away from here.” Answer Halimah.

Abu Sham sighed and then came out of the house somewhere. After feeling enough, I decided to get out from behind the bamboo wall and headed to the living room where Halimah and her mother were.

“How long ago, Cut?” ask Halima who I replied with a smile.

“Do you want to marry Khalid?” I immediately shook my head as Umi Maryam asked that.

“I don't like it, Umi. My parents also did not approve.”

“You want to run from here?” the voice of Umi Mar sounded smaller.

I stared at the old lady who looked serious. “I don't know the way, Umi. I must have caught.”

“Later Umi night between you. Khalid's coming home soon to see you so it'll be tonight.” I'm nodding. Just like Umi Mar said. Before long, Khalid and Abu Sham had returned home.

We had lunch and Khalid entered a room and Halimah followed him. “Rest! You also need energy to run.” Whisper Umi Mar to me after her husband leaves.

“Why did Umi help me? Is Umi not afraid?” I replied whispered.

Umi smiled warmly. “Umi does not want Umi's daughter to be sad to see her husband marry another woman. As a woman you also definitely do not want to see your husband marry again, right?” I nodded slowly.

I took Rendra to the other room. I heard a strange sound coming from Halimah's room. I looked at Umi who was smiling a little towards me. “That's how a husband and wife are together. But, Umi hope if you get married later. Keep ethics when you stay at home in-laws or your parents. Don't be like that!” I nodded in understanding.

Night approaching...

After dinner, Khalid was out of the house. I saw Halimah who was still wrapped in her wet hair. While Umi is busy putting water in a used syrup bottle that has been washed. Raw bananas and some boi cakes are also included in the sack which is then taken out of the kitchen. I sat with Halimah in the living room. The girl looked happy, her face was different as well. “Kak Limah has been married for a long time?”

He looked at me and smiled. “We got married while Bang Khalid was only a week in our village.”

“Kak Limah likes it?” he nodded shyly.

“How does it feel to be married?” my many.

“Enak.”

“Enak?” I went back and he just nodded.

I did not ask anymore, it seems Halimah is not a girl who is good at expressing her heart. I took Rendra to the room, before Khalid entered my room. “You've slept?” I gasped when suddenly the one who had left was already in my room.

“I put Teuku to bed.”

He sat down near me and subconsciously shifted my sitting position. He saw it but said nothing. “Abang already told Teungku Imum to marry us tomorrow here.”

I don't want to answer it anymore. I better get the energy ready for tonight. I don't know what Umi's gonna do so I can run from here.  

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