My Brother's Bed Rattles
Hunch of Risa

Risa sat on the edge of the bed while watching Arga who was drying her hair. Arga looked fresher after struggling in the bathroom to perform his bathing ritual.

"Mas," said Risa.

"Hmmm" said Arga who was still cool rubbing a towel on his head.

"Mas, I want to talk about Mona," said Risa with a sad look on her face.

Hearing the name Mona mentioned, Arga reflexively turned her head and looked at Risa with furrowed brows.

"Mona's? What's wrong with Mona?" asked Arga in surprise.

"Sit down, Mom. Let's have a nice talk." Risa patted the empty space that was beside her.

Arga approached and sat down next to Risa. "What's wrong, Ris?"

"Look, Mas. Last night I heard a strange noise from Mona's room."

Risa had not finished speaking, Arga already looked shocked. Her chest was pounding uncharacteristically and her eyes were round looking at Risa.

"Weird sounds? Meanin?"

"The creaking sound of the bed when moved violently. I don't know what Mona did in her room. For sure, right now I am very worried. I'm afraid Mona brought a man into her room without our knowledge, Mas" continued Risa with an anxious face looking at Arga.

"Ah, that's impossible, Ris! How could Mona dare to do such a thing? In our house again" said Arga, as if he knew nothing of Mona.

"Seriously, Mas. Even this afternoon I saw some red marks on his neck and I'm sure it must have been his girlfriend. Should Mona I just give it back to Mom's house, Mas?" risa asked while looking at Arga's face carefully.

Arga shook his head quickly. "No-no! I don't agree. Let Mona be here. Didn't Mona come to this house on orders from mom to help you take care of Lily. Lah, then why do you even want to return your sister to them again?" reject Arga firmly.

"But Mas, what if my premonition about Mona is true? What if Mona really hid her lover in the room and then they committed adultery in there? Not only father and mother will be embarrassed, we will also feel embarrassed because it is not appropriate to take care of Mona," explained Risa.

"Ah, stop. I don't want to discuss this matter, Risa. I think your worries are too much. Just like your own sister you don't believe, what else is the other person," upset Arga while rising from her sitting position.

"But, Mas—"

"Even, enough! I don't want you to discuss this matter anymore. It's really not important" interrupted Arga with an annoyed face. He approached the door of his wardrobe and then chose what clothes he would wear after this.

"Maybe for you this doesn't really matter, Mom. Because Mona is just your sister-in-law. As for me, this is very important because Mona is my sister" said Risa.

Arga turned to Risa for a while and then returned to focus on the row of her shirt hanging in the wardrobe.

Arga grabbed his favorite black long-sleeved shirt. He wore the shirt and combined it with blue night jeans.

"My friend held a celebration at his new residence. Actually he asked me to take you along, but I can't seem to take you with me. Lily cannot be left alone and cannot be invited to walk with us. So, inevitably I have to go alone," explained Arga while justifying the collar of his shirt.

Risa fell silent and her gaze was still fixed on Arga who looked much cooler than usual. While the man seemed to not care. He was busy tidying up his hairstyle while staring fixedly at his reflection in the mirror. Not to forget, Arga also sprayed his favorite masculine-scented expensive perfume on his neck and some parts of his body.

"I have to go now." Arga grabbed her expensive watch and then put it on her wrist.

"What time are you coming back, Mom?" ask Risa.

"Eitherway. But you don't have to wait for me because I'm going to bring my own key" replied Arga.

Risa took a deep breath. "All right."

Arga immediately stepped out of the main room and was followed by Risa from behind until they arrived on the front porch.

"Be careful on the road, ma'am." Risa grabs Arga's hand then kisses him.

"Yes" answered Arga briefly.

Just at that time, Mona arrived there and had crossed paths with Arga. He smiled as he nodded slowly at the man. However, Arga looked indifferent and continued to step up then entered his car.

Mona approached Risa and stood beside her sister. "Where's Mas Arga going, Ma'am?" mona asked seemed to be making small talk.

"There is a show at the home of one of his coworkers," answered Risa while continuing to pay attention to Arga who is now turning her car back to get out of their yard.

"Why aren't you coming?" mona asked while looking at Risa's face.

"Mas Arga couldn't have invited me. Lily can't be left alone here and we can't take a walk."

"Well, why? You're gonna get in the car and Lily's gonna be safe." Mona tried to convince.

Risa smiled thinly. "Lily's too small to walk, Mona."

Risa noticed a black crochet bag that Mona was holding. "What is that, Mona?"

"Tortoise. Want to?" Mona showed me the contents of the crackle bag.

Risa shook her head. "No. Thank you." Thank you."

...***...