Horizon
Episodes 108

"Seeze down, relax! Yelling like this won't change anything!" Satriya imprisoned my rebellious body wanting to escape.

"Please Sat. please..! Please Kendra, please.. I can go crazy.I can go crazy just diem do nothing" shirt collar I pull.

"If I could, I'd have cured Kendra by now, Sa. Butwhat? We can only hope and pray. That's it, Sa."

Satriya's statement is a fact. Facts that we must accept like it or not, want it or not.

"Papa's going there" the heavy voice of the man made time seem to stop once again.

I turned only to find Papa in a worn-out green uniform and an army backpack on his shoulder. Not to miss the nearly dashing two-star rank on the right arm of his uniform. Despite being eaten by age, Papa still looks charismatic with a green beret suit and clothes his greatness.

"Bah.." I said.

Papa walked over, "Thirty years Papa served as a soldier for the country. Leaving you who are still small, growing alone without a mother figure who accompanies. Papa is always busy, until unknowingly, Papa's only daughter grows up quickly. Being a sweet little boy, a wayward teenager, and now a beautiful mother. Sorry Papa, son. Papa failed to be a father and mother for you. This time, despite having been full-time as a soldier, Papa reused this uniform, not to be a state soldier, but to be a soldier for Papa's only daughter. Papa will fly to Sudan, with a special forces group that will soon pick up Papa. Papa will take care of your husband, do whatever it takes to get your husband home safely. Hold this Papa sentence well. This is Papa's promise. Promise of a soldier"

These eyes were too tired to cry, but they did not want to stop flowing. Without being able to speak I hugged Papa tightly. Hugging that body for sixty-three years is racking up sweat just to name one. Hugging every wrinkle and wound he paid for. The first man who would never let a tear on his daughter's face. Papa. first love that will never be consumed by age.

"Papa don't. Papa's danger." My voice muffled sobs. "Don't go there." The age of Papa who is no longer young will of course be very risky to contract. Moreover, he would enter the epicenter of his epidemic directly.

Papa's rough fingers trained to aim at the rifle wiped my cheeks softly, "Now you've become an old man. Papa is sure, you would do the same if you were in Papa's position. How could Papa just shut up to see half the breath of Papa's only daughter struggling between life and death. No Khansa, Papa can't. Once you become Papa's daughter, you are still Papa's daughter. And it's Papa's duty to always make you happy"

The words made my tears break even more. My body was dazed, my knees were shaking, and I finally sat down on the legs of this man who had raised me. If only my stomach hadn't gotten in the way, I'd really like to kiss Papa's feet. Saying thousands of words of forgiveness and thanks, for his never-bounded love.

"Sorry Khansa Papa. Sorry Khansa has often bothered Papa, often making Papa angry. Khansa is wayward, can't be arranged. Excuse me.. Papa.. sorry" I whimper. I have been mourning my stupidity all this time. It could be for a long time, I was only concerned with my own ego, never realizing how much love and struggle parents have for their children.

Papa's hand touched the shoulder, lifting my body back up.

I look at Papa's face firmly, the small wrinkles in his eyes are a real proof of Papa's struggle so far, "Papa is the most beautiful gift in Khansa's life. Papa never fails to be a father and mother to Khansa. Papa is the greatest Papa ever. Thank you for being Papa Khansa. Khansa dear Papa" with that, we embrace each other, grateful for the thread of destiny that binds our way. Time that still allows our bodies to meet. Before it must be separated in uncertainty.

The roar of the car engine entered the courtyard, making us let go of each other's embrace. The time has come. Time for this angel to finish his task. Duty as a soldier for the princess only wayangnya.

I'm taking Papa forward.

"Papa promise yes.. Papa should go home. Same Kendra later" I said before releasing her hand.

"Papa promised, whatever happens, Papa will make sure Kendra comes home." that's all Papa answered.

I shook my head, "Papa should go home too"

"Papa left. You're fine here huh. Happy always, Papa's daughter" she said before turning to the pickup car ahead.

The man was in front of the car. His steps stopped, he seemed to be grasping something. Not long after, he turned his back. With a smile and an affectionate look towards me, Papa warmed his hands in front of his forehead, paying homage in the style of soldiers.

A few memories flooded my head. In the past, while still in elementary school, Papa often did. Every time he's gonna go to work and have to leave me for days, he's gonna do it. Gave me a soldier's salute with a big, fluffy smile.

And now, after all these years, he did it again.

A smile fell on my face, my hands raised, a tribute to Papa. My soldier.. To my best soldiers.

Papa's..

Now, his figure is missing along with the car that took him to the battlefield.

His last battlefield.

EXPIRE

***

*huh? done up?

Yes end*.

How do you hang so much, brother?

Intentionally let you guys be curious *bad laugh. 😈

But.but..

Just calm. There are still epilogues and bonchap*

Thanks for reading my story, I'm glad finding you through my writing. Love u 🥰

Cells 🐛**