NIGHT BUTTERFLY
#184
Adzan dhuhur sounding. Mr. Nurasmin was in a hurry to get out of his car. Layla's situation told by Sofia's mother made her not calm teaching at school. He wants to go home quickly. He imagined how he used to feel the same way when he was in his teens. He was afraid that Layla would do nothing to harm herself. Many teenagers have ended their lives because of love. And he didn't want that to happen to Layla. Everything could have happened. He never thought, the jolly Layla could suddenly change like that. At first he thought Layla had forgotten her regret of refusing to marry Mr. Izzul Islam. He never thought too seriously, even though every night Bu Sofia always told Layla's attitude and change. According to him it is a common thing that happens to teenagers the age of Layla. But in fact, Layla still thinks of Master Teacher Izzul Islam. It even seems to be in the most worrying stage. That's what made him go home earlier than usual. This time he was really worried. And earlier, before he returned home, he took the time to stop by the house of one of the famous Master Teachers to pray for water for Layla's healing.
"Mom" called Mr. Nurasmin before sitting on the living room couch.
"Attent, Sir. Mother is again in the kitchen" replied Sofia from the inside. Mr. Nurasmin took out the bottled water from his bag and placed it on the table. Three buttons of his shirt in his notya so that it shows the sweat that flows on his chest. He then rested his body on the sofa.
"Directly eat, sir?" sofia asked suddenly from behind, still holding the sutil in her hand. Because of the sudden arrival, Mr. Nurasmin was a little surprised. Mr. Nurasmin looked over.
"Here, ma'am," call Mr. Nurasmin.
"But, Sir. I'm still frying fish in the kitchen" Sofia said.
"This is for a moment" said Mr. Nurasmin as he stomped his palm. He looked towards Layla's room. Sofia rushed over.
"Bring this water in and give it to your son" said Mr. Nurasmin. The bottle was in Sofia's hand. Sofia smiled.
"Not to hide, sir. Your son even asked for medicine" said Sofia looking at Mr. Nurasmin weakly.
"Ntar just said it, sir. Mother fish in the kitchen charred," Sofia immediately jumped up from her seat and ran back to the kitchen. Mr. Nurasmin shook his head.
* ** * *
After reciting after the dhuhur prayer, Master Izzul Islam immediately raised his hands and began to pray. Rianti's request to marry Jamila was an important topic in his prayer this time. In his own heart he still refused if he had to beat Rianti, especially in the position of Rianti is still in prison. Not because Jamila is not beautiful, nor because she is worried about people talking about her. But more than that, he does not want to share his love for anyone other than Rianti. When all the temptations of lust he could resist by fasting, he felt no need to have more than one wife, even in the view of people he was able to do it. Master Teacher Izzul Islam closed his eyes for a moment then opened them slowly.
"Yes, God. I don't know if this is a test or a gift to me. You have blessed me with a pious wife through a long period of rest and waiting. Now that I have obtained it, it is precisely he who offers me to marry the woman of his choice. I know his heart is holier than mine, O God. She's the only woman I've ever met. He never complained or grieved at all the misfortune that had befallen him. He has taught me how a smile should function when as big as it can be. So, see, O God. I married her not for my own sake. May my wife's decision be Your decision which You have entrusted through her clean heart and tongue. Protect me and my family from satanic deceit. Strengthen me with this growing burden of responsibility. Amen." Master Izzul Islam closed his prayer by rubbing his face with both palms. After that he got up and laid his body on the bed.
* * * * *
The meal was served Sofia on the dining table. Mr. Nurasmin who looks fresh because he just finished bathing already stood watching Sofia's mom wiping the chair. Mr. Nurasmin stepped slowly and stomped both shoulders of Sofia. Sofia smiled.
"Here you go, let's call your son. We will eat together" said Mr. Nurasmin. Bu Sofia nodded. He placed a washcloth on the table and immediately rushed towards Layla's room.
Sofia saw Layla lying on her stomach and her head buried on a pillow. Bu Sofia sighed. Layla never once left the room this morning. The plate of rice he had prepared on the table for Layla's breakfast also seemed to have not been touched at all. His position has not changed. Like the circumstances when he brought her this morning.
Sofia slowly approached Layla. He decided not to surprise Layla. Layla looked back but turned back. Bu Sofia gently rubbed Layla's back.
"Son, your father called you. Come on, let's go get him to eat" said Sofia. Layla did not respond. He kept silent.
"Son, you eat first. The problems you are facing will be discussed with your father. But you must eat first, after that prayer, so that your heart is calm" said Sofia softly. Layla moved her head and turned her head lazily towards Sofia's mom.
"How will Layla pray if Layla's heart is not calm like that. God certainly does not want me to pray with my mind fixed on other than Him." Layla then buried her head. Hearing an unexpected answer from Layla, Sofia Kaget's mom. Especially when you say it sounds easy. Sofia's mom stroked her chest.
"Istighfar, Son. Can't say it like that. Prayer is an obligation that we must do whatever our circumstances. Yes, God, Son. You're like this" said Sofia.
No words came out of Layla's mouth. He seemed to be unconcerned by Sofia's words. Sofia returned a long sigh. Seeing Layla's increasingly thin body, he could not bear to scold her. He got up and walked away from Layla.
Mr. Nurasmin stopped his mouthful when he saw Sofia's mother stepping weakly.
Sofia then threw her weak body on the chair.
"What's up, Mom. Why didn't your son come out?" said mr. Nurasmin. Bu Sofia let out a long breath.
* ** * *
Sofia's mom knocks on Layla's door. Behind him, Mr. Nurasmin looks impatient to meet Layla.
"Son, your father wants to talk for a minute" call Sofia's mom.
"Just go inside, ma'am," Layla said from inside the room. Bu Sofia nodded her head and invited Mr. Nurasmin in. Layla, with long, messy hair covering her entire face, sits languidly by the side of her bed facing the mirror. Mr. Nurasmin shook his head. He did not expect at all to see Layla's situation like that. Layla's figure who was always cheerful before, now suddenly changed.
Mr. Nurasmin approached and sat down beside Layla. Layla's body was embraced. Layla was silent. Bu Sofia noticed Layla's lethargic gaze behind the mirror.
"Come, tell me, son," said Mr. Nurasmin, starting his words after long kissing Layla's head. Layla smiled cynically, but she let her head rest on the shoulders of Mr. Nurasmin. It had been a long time since he had started to grow up. A little bit less he started to feel comfortable.
"Telling the same story is certainly boring, sir. Layla just wanted to hear the conclusion from you" Layla said. The answer that made Mr. Nurasmin stupefied. He sighed long.
"You're too young to talk about that, son. Your mind is still unstable. If you push yourself and do not continue to think late about your Master, your father and mother are sure you can escape your burden. Look, your body is getting thinner. You rarely eat or sleep. Your future is long, son. Be aware," said Mr. Nurasmin in a flat tone. Layla smiles. His gaze is getting weaker.
"Sorry, Sir. Aren't you tired of repeating the same thing when Layla expects help that will ease Layla's burden? If Layla is unstable, Layla will not enjoy this burden all this time. Brother, you are Layla's future. If you and Mom get in the way, it's the same way you and Mom destroy Layla's future" Layla said. He still did not move his body. Pak Nurasmin and Bu Sofia looked at each other. Mr. Nurasmin let out a long sigh. Again, he really did not expect to get such an answer from Layla. With two unexpected answers from Layla, he concludes that Layla is completely aware of what she is doing right now.
"But, son..," Mr. Nurasmin stroked Layla's hair gently.
"How can you help me, son. If only your Master hadn't married, it would have been an easy matter for you." Mr. Nurasmin again gave a long sigh. He stared weakly at Sofia.
Bu Sofia who was sitting behind the two got up and sat down beside Layla. Sofia's tears are flowing. He leaned his head on Layla's back, which was still resting his head on Nurasmin's shoulder. His crying sounds.
"Mom never thought you'd be like this, son. I'm sad because I don't know how to help you. I am sad that I have lost your joy. Every night I'm waiting for you like the nights before in the living room. Watching our favorite soap opera, Night Butterfly. Please, come back to be the mother's son. Awake, Son,"
Layla raised her head. Sofia's body is in her hands. Sofia's tears were wiped away.
"Find me with your brother, Mom. What I feel now is not of my will. I've been too rude to berate and curse Mr. and the late Nyai Mustiani's mother. Try to remember well how hard I refused the match. If not for my karma, it's impossible for me to be like this." Layla explained at length. Mr. Nurasmin let out a long sigh.
"That's why we shouldn't be in a hurry to make a decision, son. What we hate today could be something we love most someday,"
"That's why I have to marry your brother, sir, Mom" Layla said. Mr. Nurasmin shook his head. He looked at Layla.
"But, Son...,"
"No, Sir. We just haven't tried it yet. Take me to his house, sir. I wanted to apologize. Or even if you do not allow me, you can tell my situation to Mr. Tuan," said Layla quickly cut off the talk of Mr. Nurasmin.
Mr. Nurasmin was silent for a moment lowering his head. Layla was still looking at him. This time he is waiting for a good answer from Mr. Nurasmin. He's sure of it. Mr. Nurasmin's silence as a sign that he was thinking of a way out. Nurasmin turned to Sofia. Like Layla, Sofia was waiting for what Nurasmin would say.
Mr. Nurasmin let out a long sigh. Layla's head held onto it and rubbed it.
"Mr wants to talk to your mother first. I promise, whatever decision you make, you'll know it tonight. Now eat, then pray. Badness will accumulate if we continue to neglect prayer. Your master's brother is a righteous man. He found your brother Rianti on the guidance of Allah. So do not be bad to think to someone because we do not know the secret of God in each person," said Mr. Nurasmin. Layla smiled and nodded her head. Mr. Nurasmin looked at Sofia.
"Mom, prepare a meal for your child" said Mr. Nurasmin. Layla holds Nurasmin's hand.
"No need, sir. Let Layla go to the kitchen herself" Layla said. Mr. Nurasmin and Ms. Sofia smiled. His face began to cheer up. Bu Sofia immediately got up and lifted Layla's body. He then took Layla's hand to the kitchen. Behind him, Mr. Nurasmin followed slowly.
don't forget the vote, right?