CUTS
New Life...

After the discussion yesterday afternoon with Mr. Cek Amir, Abu and Umi agreed with what was said by him. “Don't be in a hurry to make a decision especially when it comes to a marriage that God willing you will live for the rest of your life later. So, Mr. Cheque's advice, you think back. We moved first to Banda Aceh and started living from zero again. If one day you meet him again means he is your soul mate. Everything that happens in our lives is governed by the almighty. So, what are we afraid of. So too with soul mate.”

We decided to follow Mr. Cek Amir to the provincial capital. After previously Abu and Pak Cek Amir came to the army post to convey the desire to move. They also ask for the address and photo of the red and white KTP coffee belonging to Pak Cek as a guarantee if at any time they need us to obtain a statement.

We packed up immediately tonight. There is not much we have to carry because when entering this house we only bring a few clothes.

The next morning, after saying goodbye to the neighbors, we headed straight for the inter-city bus terminal.

There was nothing Abu said when he returned from base. I didn't ask anymore myself. Abu just said if one day Rendra was looking for you he would know where to go.

Bismillah...

I hope there we really find a new life that is better and safer... Amens...

The travel time from the northern district to the provincial capital should be around 6 hours. But, the bus we were riding on had to stop every time it reached the county border. There were three districts that we had to go through to reach the provincial capital. And all three districts are in the black zone. Where, zones with a considerable number of rebels and the intensity of gun contact are quite common. The last county before the provincial capital was my regency.

This time we just went through it. I can feel if Abu and Umi must miss the village very much which of course will not be visible from the highway. Our village located far away in the village will not be seen.

Arriving at the border, we were already awaited by the large number of fully armed soldiers. Everyone who wants to cross the border must stop. We who were on the bus were asked to get off without carrying anything. Only the red and white ID cards we brought down and lined up as they asked.

One by one they checked the ID card while watching our faces carefully. Meanwhile, several other soldiers searched our belongings on the bus. I saw Abu wanting to grab something in his pocket, but Mr. Chek immediately prevented it while whispering something to Abu.

And it actually made some soldiers who were in the post while holding a black object that he put in the eye call Abu and Pak Chek. The situation became increasingly tense when several soldiers immediately rushed to confront Abu and Pak Cek from the front and rear.

Umi held my hand tightly with the look of a frightened face just like me. Abu and Mr. Cheque are closely escorted to the post. What's going on in there no one knows. For a while we waited at last, Abu and Mr. Chek came out safely and rejoined us.

“For a while Brother and family stay first in our house. Tomorrow we can meet with Ampon Nawi who has a shophouse in front of the fish market.”

“For what, Mir?” asked Abu confused.

“Ampon Nawi has many shophouses in this market. All his houses were rented, which in front of the fish market were three shophouses that he rented. One of them I bargained for before I picked up my brother. I have planned to rent the shophouse to Abang Kusaha here. Brother and Cut Kak definitely do not want to stay with us for long. Therefore, I have already asked Ampon Nawi to save the shop for me.”

Abu sighed, “Thank you very much because you took the trouble to help us.” Abu said.

“Bang, fellow Muslims only we have to help each other let alone blood. I also did not calm down after knowing what happened to my family. Plus there is an orphan that we must raise together so that he does not repeat the mistakes of his parents again.” Abu just nodded his head.

“Already, Bang. We are a family that should support each other. Solved KTP later let me help in the office.” sela Mak Cek Siti who just came from the kitchen complete with some food treats.

“Kids to where, Ma?” ask Mr. Cheque to his wife.

“Custom to the pool, Bang.”

“Cut, any plans for school?” the question of Mak Cek Siti really surprised me.

I'm honestly confused if asked like this. “Even if we are born women, we must also go to school, do not think that because we women continue to marry and end up in the kitchen alone as wives. We must also be independent, have skills and knowledge. Science if not sought will not be able to. Mr. Cheque said, you didn't finish SD, did you?”

I could only nod because it was all true. “Tomorrow Mak Check find info at the office so you can continue school and the important thing you want right?” this time I nodded small.

“Good, Mak Cek happy then. We are smart not for others but for ourselves. We are not always wives, no one knows. If we know the gift of the husband when he is not there, how? That's where the science and skills are, at least we can survive for ourselves especially if we already have children. It's okay, Brother, Bang if I find a school for Cut?”

I looked at Abu and Umi, it was clear that they were like putting all their business on Mak Cek. From there I learned from where the open mind that Pak Cek has. Turns out it's all there's a Mak Cheque in it. Mak Cek Siti, a civil servant with higher education and born in the city, certainly has a broad and open mind. While we are only villagers who do not know how urban life.

“Assalamualaikum..” simultaneous voice of the three children Pak Cek Amir.

“Walaikumsalam.

“You just got home? Already salat ashar?” ask Mr. Cheque Amir.

“Already Dad, just before going we pray first.” replied the tallest boy among the three.

“Salam used to be the same Abuwa, Makwa and Kak Cut! This is the tallest and oldest Teuku Razi, this is number 2 Teuku Faris and the last Deck Cut Intan. Razi's college is in the final semester, Faris 3rd grade High School and Intan 3rd grade Junior High School. But the height is almost the same right?” seloroh Pak Cek Amir's.

All three of my cousins were tall and they were also very handsome and beautiful. Their appearance also strongly reflected the city boy was very different from mine. I don't know what my life journey is like here. A city that doesn't have an invisible fence like my village.

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