I'm Not My Boss' Storage
Race against Time

“WITH Sister Agni Karalyn?”

“Betul, I'm Agni.”

“Can come with me for a moment? There is something I want to talk about related to the condition of Bu Kinta.”

The last time Agni entered the doctor's room was when talking about her father who was fighting for his life. There are only two options, keep giving him medicine or we lose his life support. The point is, just wait for time until the angel of life took his father home. The decision of the family determines the final process: sooner or later.

Unfortunately, at that time, Agni did not have full power to make decisions. There is still Kinta who is the legal wife of the father.

Of course, Kinta chose the fast lane.

“If Sister Agni wants treatment, we will give the best handling.” Explanation Erika, the doctor who handles Kinta, pulls Agni from the daydream. “On the other hand, we do not promise full recovery. Bu Kinta's desire to survive also affects the drugs we provide.”

Part of Agni, the side that had for years swallowed the bitterness of the whack torture, immediately cried out enthusiastically. Give the same treatment when he kills your father. Stop all his access to life, whispered the voice.

However, another voice, weak and swayed, also said, If you make that decision, what is the difference between you and him? You will only continue the vicious cycle.

“How much.... how long will my mother last with the drug?”

Erika muttered sourly. “Sunday, that's also maximum.”

Judging from the type of drug, Agni doubt will be able to redeem the bill, especially the remaining salary has not been paid. However, Agni was still curious about the reason Kinta asked them to meet. Not a good time to take the fast track.

“For now, please give medicine first, yes, Doc.”

*

“Nih, I brought it to you. Tasteless food in the canteen.”

While waiting for the next big hour, Agni decided to have lunch in the canteen. Shia takes the time to accompany him before entering the shift and unexpectedly brings lunch which is also Agni's favorite package from her workplace first.

“Trims, Shi. Pretty save for today.” Agni opened the box containing fried chicken and rice. “Eh, I just inget. I asked the administration about the hospital bill, he continued, he was paid the same donor. Do you know who doesn't charge a mother in the hospital?”

Friend's dedication. “Gue is only contacted by the hospital, ask for news to lo. Just dropped by here also fitting lo back from Europe.”

Shia does have savings, but Agni is not too sure she will spend everything to pay for Kinta's treatment. Especially the friend knew Agni's suffering during her stay with the woman.

“Lo again dapet sustenance good aja time, Ni,” chirps Shia while unwrapping burger. “So you can focus on paying for drugs and *****other whiny that is not borne by donors.”

“Drug also paid the same he,” said Agni who surprised Shia. “Gue was to the administration will ask the total cost. He said, the donor will pay off all dependents, including the same medicine.well, funeral if I face the worst possibility.”.

The two friends then pensively, then enjoy lunch until it runs out. Agni was curious, what kind of donor would be willing to spend that kind of money on a stranger? Did they know his father? The allegation was explained in Agni's mind considering her late father had many good acquaintances.

Wait, but they don't know their mother very well, Agni said. At a number of meetings, Kinta often invited his father to meet colleagues. However, they never contacted his family again after the death of his father.

“Udahlah, Ni. Focus on your mother. I know your relationship is not good, the problem is now only you can contact.” Shia put the trash out into a plastic bag. “Gue unplug first, huh? Call if you need help.”

After Shia dies, Agni returns to the ward to meet Kinta. Wearing a mask and protective gown that initially felt strange now changed like everyday clothes. Compared to the first visit, Kinta looked more stable, looking like a nap.

Agni stood beside the bed. The originally frightening sound of the machine even helped him catch his breath and control the swearing that was ready to spill when he looked at Kinta's face.

“Then tell me what you want to say to me.”

*

Agni walked out of the hospital. The road began to fill with vehicles. Actually, Agni can wait until the hours of work are over, but she can't stand to stay in the lobby for long. Not strong to have to dismiss his last memories with his father.

A cell phone to order an ojek. His attention was glued to the chat app. Ishaan hasn't contacted her since the conversation that night. Agni is tempted to send a short message, but quickly undo it. It was not appropriate to complain when the man enjoyed a pleasant holiday.

The sound of the horn jerking Agni. A black luxury car pulled over to him. Approaching him. Agni's vigilance increased. There are many abduction cases starting from sidewalk—

“Agni, hey!” Micah looked out the car window. “Ngapain daydreaming on the roadside?”

Agni exhaled a sigh of relief. “Pak—Micah. I want to order an ojek to go home.”

“Old, the cost is expensive also this hour mah. Up here!”

“What is no hassle?”

“Come on, I have something to talk about.” Micah's call is not to be rejected. So when the passenger door was opened, Agni entered the cool and comfortable car cabin.

Riding a car through Jakarta's gridlock is not a smart decision, but Micah doesn't care about it. The man was even engrossed in humming following the chants of the songs he composed on the streaming platform playlist. The contrast is once from Ishaan who relies more on drivers.

At one of the red lights, Ishaan lowered the volume, then turned to her. “When painting want to be taken?”

“Ah yes, that..” Agni until forget it. “I'm still busy monitoring mom in hospital. Haven't had time to clean up all the items in a new place.”

Micah. “Yes, yes, family should be prioritized. How about Ishaan's same travel report?”

“While I'm working on. At the latest next week I send.”

“Ishaan also said you can take care of filing the remaining payment to me as soon as possible. Includes letters of recommendation for job application.”

“Will I make the invoice. Where to ship to?”

“Send to me only, to the email on the business card.”

The rest of the journey was passed without any chatter, something Agni needed to calm her chaotic mind. Approaching the residence that is used as a co-living space, Agni directs Micah so as not to take a wrong turn. At exactly half-eight p.m., Micah's car stopped at its destination.

“Thank you for the ride. I—” Agni's Phone reads. From an unknown number, but he chose to accept it. “Shortly, I want to receive the phone first.”

“Please, I'm not in a hurry, kok.”

After saying Hello, Agni got a series of news that made her whole body go limp. The person calling him was the hospital staff. Kinta's condition suddenly dropped dramatically. The doctor asked him to come to see him.

Somehow Agni was able to speak after receiving the news. One thing is for sure, he is strong enough to ask Micah to turn around; racing after the angel of death who is standing guard near his stepmother.

***