NIGHT BUTTERFLY
#53
The night began to grow late. The moon looks round, brightly giving off its white light on the eastern horizon. His radiance glittered on the leaves of the banana tree fluttering in the wind.
Rahima and Sulastri were still lying with their faces facing each other. Their heads were leaning against one of the same bolster pillows. In one blanket, the bodies of the two curled up, hiding from the cold of the night.
The moonlight that entered through the open window, illuminated part of the room.
They both refused to close their eyes. The rising moon of almanac 23 qomariyah, as if to hasten the breaking up of the two. When the freedom that awaited Sulastri, must be faced with the reality of having to leave his best friend still living his dark days with Rahima. A friend he knew a few days ago, but he thought he was like his own brother. Imagining him going away and leaving Rahima in that place, made Sulastri reluctant to close his eyes. He wants to spend the night with Rahima until his departure at dawn.
"Lastri, you know?, my biggest dream in life is to have a family that loves me?. Since I was a child, I have lost my parents. My aunt, who my mother sent me to take care of me, would rather leave me at the orphanage." Rahima let out a long sigh and threw it out slowly. It was like trying to hold back the tears that were about to come out. Sulastri held onto his shoulder, trying to strengthen.
Rahima continued his words.
"Aged teenager, about 13 years old, I ran away from the beach. I am not strong with the memorization of religious lessons that the manager requires. My aunt was angry and didn't accept me back home. I kicked him out." Rahima nodded back. The bitter memories of his past sprang up, not in the slightest, present in his memories. Like it just happened.
"Until one night, when I strayed into a terminal, the thugs there kidnapped me and gang-raped me. I fainted, and when I woke up, I found myself in a localization. They sold me. And be me the whore most sought after by striped men.
I enjoyed those days a long time ago. I began to get angry if there were new residents who tried to take my title as the most ngetop localization resident in that place. My job started to wane with so many new rivals. Then all the ways I've done to make my face and body the most attractive. Including the operation. Until one day, I realized I owed a lot but had no money to pay it off. I met with Zelayin's mom. He said he was interested in my face and body shape. Maybe in the previous localization place I was not sold, but for a thirsty driver***, I still deserve to be a prima donna. Mami Zelayin paid off all my debt, and I paid part of it to Mami Zelayin. But alas, as you get older, mami Zelayin lowers the price to the lowest price." Rahima smiles.
"Imagine, I used to have a price of 5 million for short time. Now my price is only five hundred thousand for an infinite time. As satisfied as the customer," Rahima turned and her sleep turned flat against the ceiling of the room. Sulastri did not blink looking at Rahima. Rahima's story made him realize that there are still those who fared worse than him. He did not want to interrupt Rahima's story. He wanted his friend to get his heart out before he left.
Rahima. He smiled looking at Sulastri who was still loyal to his sleeping position.
"You listening to me?" ask Rahima. Sulastri nodded his head.
"Continue, I want to hear it again" Sulastri whispered as she rubbed Rahima's hair.
"No more, Lastri. My story ends in this place and everywhere Zelayin's mom takes me" said Rahima in despair. I don't feel any tears from Sulastri flowing.
"I also don't know what will happen after this. Since knowing you, I have come back with goals, even if they are impossible," Sulastri stopped his words and changed his reclining position. Like Rahima, he now lies face to the ceiling of the room.
"If you may know, what are your goals?" ask Rahima. He had been waiting for Sulastri to continue his words.
Sulastri turned and felt Rahima's hand. Then he held it tight.
"If I had fifty million, I would spend it to pay off your debt. That'sthat's all. After that, I had no more wishes. I could eat twice with my kids, I'd have had enough of it,"
"I really didn't expect you to say that, Lastri. As if it really happened. When you said that, I felt like I was completely free of all my troubles. Yes, God, Lastri, how can I come with you. I honestly want to come, but I can't."
The crying sound of both of them slashing into the night. Silence the roar of crickets and the sounds of other night animals.
"Can't you escape from this place?" sulastri answered on the sidelines sobs her tears. Rahima shook her head.
"No, Lastri. They'll hunt me down and I'll get you involved. I signed an agreement with Zelayin's mother on my debt. I can't go anywhere, Lastri." Rahima let go of her embrace. He wiped his tears. After that take turns wiping Sulastri's tears.
"Already, I shouldn't be over-sad like this. We have to be strong. It has become a law of nature, we will all eventually separate," said Rahima trying to strengthen himself and also Sulastri.
Tarhim's voice rang out from a distance. Rahima took Sulastri to his feet. She tidied Sulastri's hair and clothes. After which, he stepped towards the small cupboard nearby. He was like taking something out from behind a fold of clothes on a closet shelf.
"Here, take it, there is the rest of the shopping that I set aside for your trip later. Not much, just to eat you," said Rahima. He opened Sulastri's palm and inserted some crumpled banknotes.
"No, Rahima, take it and use it for your needs" Sulastri said.
"I can still eat even though I still join Zelayin's mom. That money didn't pay my debt enough even though I held it for three years. Put it on, you'll need it later" forced Rahima.
"Now, come on, I'll take you to your room."
Sulastri could only sigh. The two went down and stepped towards Sulastri's cottage.
A flash of flashlight hit the faces of the two when they were about to climb the stairs of the cottage Sulastri. Mami Zelayin is seen standing in the dimness of the night.
"Come, quickly get better," he reprimanded from a distance.
"Rahima, wake the others up. Other than what I mentioned last night, I have to leave this place." Mami Zelayin's orders to Rahima. Rahima rushed in to accompany Sulastri. He turned around and began to wake up the lodgers who were on the list going away that day.
* * *
With heavy steps, Sulastri walked towards the gate. Rahima followed him from behind. A kitchen knife he had hidden in one of his hands, held him tightly. He quickly followed Sulastri.
"Lastri!"...