Dusk Substitute
A plate of both

As the night went on, the sky was full of stars. His little rays adorned the long night. It looks so beautiful and soothing. Such a beautiful night, it is a pity to be missed. Beauty that keeps the shade indefinitely. The awaited calmness of a heart full of wounds and restlessness.

Nissa had just returned home, after the Isya prayer. In the past few days, Nissa's activities have been intense. Nissa began to think about, to stop teaching and find another job. Her pregnancy was too risky, if she continued through the steep and winding road. Moreover, the contours of the ground are rising and declining. It would be fatal in Nissa's pregnancy. After thinking for a long time, Nissa finally chose to stop working. He will work in the city.

Nissa came home at exactly 19:30 WIB, seen many cars parked in the yard of Radit's house. One of them was Amira's best friend's car. Nissa thinks there's a family event. Nissa chose to enter through the kitchen door. Normally right now, Radit's family is having dinner. Nissa chose to avoid. Not because they are afraid, but they appreciate them more. Nissa herself had dinner. Nissa's self-sufficiency and stubbornness, formed her cold personality. The wounds that were impaled on his heart, leaving deep and grievous scratches.

"Mother, why the kitchen door?" ifa's greeting was friendly, Nissa immediately placed her index finger right in the middle of her lips. Nissa asked Ifa, to remain silent. So that Radit does not realize his arrival

"There's an event?" nissa said briefly, Ifa shook her head weakly.

"Then!" nissa said again, Ifa looked at Nissa confusedly. Nissa patted softly on Ifa's shoulder, gesturing Nissa was fine.

"Mrs Alvira's family came to see Zain!"

"How much?" said Nissa with curiosity, Ifa shook her head weakly. Ifa never knew the Alvira family. So Ifa just nodded.

"All right, forget my question. Now tell me, there's something I can help you with!"

"Don't!" ifa said prevent, some other ART also forbid Nissa to help.

Nissa smiled, then took the apron and put it on. Nissa started helping prepare dessert. The main dish has been served and now there is fruit as dessert. Nissa made some fast-food cookies, as a dessert. Ifa was stunned, seeing Nissa's ability in terms of cooking. I don't see Nissa's tired face, even though she just got home from work.

After about fifteen minutes, all the dishes were ready. Nissa asks Ifa, bring the food inside. As for him, sit while drinking warm tea. Nissa would not leave the kitchen unless the guests left the dining table or went home. Cause the road to his room, past the dining table. Nissa doesn't want to interrupt a happy family event.

Nissa sat happily, among the ART. There was no sense of awkwardness or distinguishing status. Nissa looked very calm, Nissa's smile was very sincere. The ARTs respected Nissa, they were very comfortable with Nissa's friendly attitude. No hesitation, Nissa and the ARTs joked and laughed together. They even ate at the same table. Nissa found the quietest spot in Radit's stately home.

"Ifa, whose plate?" nissa said, when she saw Ifa carrying a plate with food that was still full. Ifa put the plate in front of Nissa. Ifa smiled, as if Nissa must know whose plate it was?

"Why is it still full? Is he sick?" inner Nissa, while staring at the plate in front of her.

"Mr Radit!" said Nissa, Ifa nodded without hesitation. Nissa immediately picked up the plate, approaching towards him.

Nissa took the spoon that Radit had used. Nissa started eating all the food left on the plate. Nissa ate it without the slightest disgust. Nissa looks so voracious, Radit's leftovers taste so. Is Nissa hungry or is this the baby's wish? Nissa was so voracious, that Nissa was unaware of the gazes of those around her. Ifa offered Nissa a glass of water. Ifa who knows the habits of Nissa all this time.

Maybe Nissa never ate a table with Radit. But Nissa always ate with the same plate and spoon. Therefore, Ifa always keeps Radit plates. Nissa's special request that no one has ever known? Even Radit never realized, if Nissa always ate using the same plate as him.

"Mother, I'll get you again!" said Ifa, Nissa shook her head weakly. Nissa had spent it all. Ifa takes the plate from Nissa, but Nissa rejects it. Nissa stood up, then washed the glasses and dishes she used.

"It's my job!" nissa said softly, as if Nissa was doing her duty as a wife.

"Mother loves you so much, but why is mom cold to you?" ifa said spontaneously, Nissa turned her head while smiling. Clearly, Nissa was happy with her behavior. Even Nissa didn't mind hearing Ifa's question. Although the question of Ifa exceeds the limit as an ART.

"It's okay? I don't mind hearing your question. Because I never had the answer!"

"Why?" sahut Radit, Nissa was shocked to hear Radit's voice. Nissa immediately turned her head, while Ifa and the others directly came out from the kitchen.

Radit walked slowly towards Nissa. From the beginning, Radit stood outside the kitchen. Ifa deliberately kept quiet, didn't tell Nissa. The existence of Radit outside the kitchen, has been realized Ifa. Even Radit's disbelieving look, seen by Ifa. Radit was moved when he realized Nissa was using the same plate as him. Radit really doesn't believe it, Nissa appreciates it. Despite the cold attitude that Nissa always showed her.

"You, not inside!"

"Sorry!" radit lirih said full of guilt. Nissa flinched, as Radit pulled her hand. Radit was about to kiss Nissa's back. But as fast as lightning, Nissa pulled her hand. Nissa refused the warm that Radit gave her.

"Nissa, I'm guilty. Just once, I'm sorry!" radit said, just after Nissa pulled her hand out forcibly.

"You better get inside. Before they find you here!" nissa said, Radit sighed with a downcast face. Radit's disappointed face, hearing Nissa's words.

"Sorry!" said Radit again and again, seen Radit kneeling in front of Nissa.

"Stand, my father's son does not deserve to kneel before others. He must be authoritative and have principles. Don't let my son be disappointed!"

"I'm your father's son, but your cold keeps him away from me!"

"I've never distanced you, but circumstances have made you far away. My son is not weak, he is as strong and as hard as I am. He was able to share his father's affection, but not his love!"

"I'm sorry, I can't be fair to you and our son. I'm selfish, forgetting your pain. I'm sorry!" radit said, Nissa shook her head weakly.

"Go inside, it's inappropriate for the host to leave the guest!"

"I'm not leaving, I'll be with you!"

"Go!" nissa said, Radit shook his head.

"Not without you!" radit said, Nissa smiled.

"I have to go to my room, my body is sweating!" nissa said, Radit shook his head slowly.

"Get in or I'm out of the house!" nissa pretended to be upset.

"I'm in, you win!" said Radit, while kissing Nissa's forehead.

"Thank you Nissa, at least I saw your anger. The evidence you still think I exist. Sorry, I hurt you too deeply. But believe me, I love you so much!" batin Radit.