Firefields
For Patra's School Money

WIJAN was upset when Jauhari always wanted to interfere in his affairs. Although he had shown his regret many times, Jauhari still came and ended up offering help.

“You better ask Sabran. He must have told you. Hasn't he always been spying on me?” answer Wijan ketus.

“He is not good at telling stories,” said Jauhut Jauhari insisted want to hear the story directly from Wijan's mouth.

“Didn't Yudha's men beat you? Just tell me why they made your face like that?” suzerainty Sabran was impatient.

“Just misunderstand, no need to exaggerate. You are the only ones who always want to interfere in other people's affairs,” said Wijan annoyed.

“Not that the problem,” says Jauhari cut off the conversation. “I have been trying to prevent Yudha's plan to control the people's clove fields. But why are you dealing with Yudha?”

“That's your business and you have no right to regulate to whom I have to deal. After all I can solve every problem I have,” Wijan's voice rises and it makes her grimace in pain.

The atmosphere became tense. Jauhari realized if it continued to force, the situation would become complicated. He knew exactly how his best friend was, stubborn and irritable. “Lantas how is Patra?”

"It's fine."

"That means he's going to school tomorrow?"

Wijan was doubtful. "Looks like he needs two or three days' rest."

"You're saying he's okay? Awayari looked at the room that was only closed with curtains in there. “I want to meet him," said Jauhari hinting that Wijan show Patra where to rest.

“I should just wait here,” chirps Sabran realized since then Wijan seemed unhappy to see his arrival with Jauhari.

“I told you she's fine. Let him rest. Last I saw he was sleeping,” said Wijan did not move from his seat.

"One more month Patra graduated," Jauhari again reminded. “As her teacher, I have the right to make sure Patra is okay.”

“So you don't trust me? As her parents I also have rights to Patra,”, Wijan said, insisting that she would not allow Jauhari to meet her son.

“What's wrong if I see Patra for a second. If he sleeps, he doesn't have to wake up. In a moment,” pinta Jauhari.

Wijan found no other reason for Jauhari to cancel his intention. Feeling constantly urged, with a heavy heart he allowed. “Alright, follow me. You shouldn't have to worry about the state of our family, ” Wijan spilled his frustration.

In a narrow room, Patra lay on a cot made of wood. The sunlight vaguely seeped from the window gap with the curtain of makeshift cover.

Inside, Wijan's wife appears to be taking care of Patra. He immediately wiped his tears as Jauhari entered the room.

“I'll make you drinking water,” said Wijan's wife went to the kitchen leaving them.

Without having to linger, Jauhari pressed the back of her palm against Patra's forehead. “Conditions like this you said are fine? We have to take him to Puskesmas,” said Jauhari when he found out Patra's body was very hot.

Wijan immediately pulled Jauhari's arm when he wanted to carry Patra. “I know what I should do. You've seen it, we better get out now!” take Wijan forcefully.

“Your son is sick, Wijan. We have to take him right away!”

“Do not make me have to throw you out. If you want to help, let me solve my own family problems.”

Jauhari took a deep breath. His eyes occasionally glanced at Patra. “You heard for yourself, he whimpered in pain. If his body temperature gets hotter, it can be bad as a result!”

“That's my business. You better go home so I can take Patra to Puskesmas myself!”

“How to? With such a weak body Patra can't sit alone while you're pedaling a bike. Let me drive you," bargain Jauhari forcibly.

Wijan. He walked out the door for a while to see his wife.

Without saying anything, when Wijan returned to see Jauhari, he immediately carried Patra followed by his wife from behind.

Jauhari directly precedes the exit to prepare a motorcycle.

“You go to school. Tell Sawitri to take my place teaching today,” said Jauhari hurriedly ordered Sabran.

The sound of a motorcycle sounded like a mockery in Sabran's ear. Going to the school where Jauhari teaches means walking three kilometers. He regretted leaving his onthel bike.

***

After finding out the doctor had not arrived, Patra was forced to wait indoors while lying down. Ten o'clock is still too early to be able to meet the only doctor who served in the Puskesmas.

The age of the doctor is quite old. As good as any motorcycle he has, although the journey from Pelaihari City to Gunung Makmur Village can be taken forty-five minutes, the doctor still takes twice as much time. It is only for three days, starting from Monday to Wednesday. The rest, Puskesmas without a doctor.

Jauhari followed Wijan to shelter under the shade of the Ketapang Tree. For a moment they just looked at the villagers who were queuing up for treatment. Jauhari then plucked a piece of weed, played it and put it in his mouth.

“Do not want your face treated?”

“Not important, tomorrow also healed,” reject Wijan.

“You used to say that too when your face was swollen with bees. The reality still needs medication help.”

“I'm surprised with you. Always bring up the past.”

“In this place I am the same as you, Wijan. By ourselves. Remembering everything about my hometown can make me feel comfortable. Moreover, my playmate is here.”

After Wijan was silent for a long time, he finally wanted to tell a story. “I shouldn't go transmigration.”

“You're sorry?”

“Look at you, our fate is different. I'm just a fool, the low school is not finished. Only good luck can make me survive,” recalls Wijan like outlining his past that prefers to look for firewood rather than school. To him, it was useless to regret all that now.

“You still have Patra. No matter how difficult it is for you to live, as long as you are determined to continue to send Patra to school, she will have a good future!”

Wijan looked down. “He has decided to quit school after knowing everything.”

“What's the problem?”

While talking, Wijan occasionally glanced at the face of his best friend. He deliberately made his voice so as not to sound like he was telling a sad story.

However, as hard as Wijan covered his voice, Jauhari could figure it out perfectly. How devastated was Jauhari when she learned that Sabran borrowed money from Yudha to pay for Patra's tuition.

“When I caught up with my wife earlier, I was actually wrapping this.”

Jauhari was curious when Wijan took out a swivel of cloth from his pants pocket. “What is it?”

“Let's take me to the market. My wife hasn't worn it all this time. Village lady like her just likes to keep it in a fabric spin.”

“So you want to pay Yudha with the sale of the gold bracelet and necklace?”

“I told you I could solve my own problems. You just need to take me to the market.”

“You better keep it. I'll help you.”

“I'm the head of the household. What would my wife and daughter say if they always relied on you?” Wijan insisted.