Ode To Latitude

Ode To Latitude
Latitude and Regata (2)


Regata hugged his niece and his eyes. Glassy eyes. For three months his house was filled with laughter and frenzy. From tomorrow onwards it will be back.


Arimbi hugged her eyes tightly. That tight hug is a hug of gratitude, and guilt. Thanks to them, they have a place to stay. Although they rarely interact and are troublesome, the elderly woman is happy with the presence of her family. His vision was indeed blurry, but he was able to feel the air around the house change. He hasn't felt that way in a long time.


Even so, life has to turn around. Eyang accompanied the departure of the small family with a wave of hands, accompanied by the bayur bay of the old radio.


The latitude of driving the car he rented to Kulon Progo International Airport. The four of them headed to Jakarta on the plane, Lintang chose to sit next to Mia, while Arimbi with Regata.


Regata is certainly envious of seeing the closeness of the boy's father. Lintang patiently heard Mia's chattering. Occasionally Regata saw Lintang focus on the wound on Mia's chin. There was guilt in his heart.


Arimbi rubbed Regata's back slowly. Hinting Regata to let Lintang and Mia spend time together.


"How do I tell Mia" whispered Regata.


"Try to talk to Lintang. Mama is sure you guys have the best solution. Regata, I hope you're more open to Mia this time. Do you always remember what mom said that kids would follow their parents? be an honest parent" Arimbi said.


Regata heard her mother's message in silence. Mind raging. Several times Regata exhaled, trying to neutralize the nervousness and tightness in his chest.


After a long journey, they arrived in Jakarta. This time Regata asked him to drive. Lintang sat next to him, pointing towards the pavilion where Arimbi lived. They arrived at a pavilion that Regata said was quite simple. 


They go in and put their stuff down. Regata examines every corner of the room in the pavilion.


"Well, when do we start training?" tanya Mia made Regata choke.


Regata glanced at Lintang who was smiling happily.


Mia's sparkling face made Regata lose her words. Arimbi accidentally goes into the room, tidying up the items letting Lintang, Regata and Mia sit in the living room.


Lintang and Mia hugged each other. 


"Mia you can't go to Lintang, '" Regata said, whispering the word 'om'


Latitude certainly does not accept himself called om. Mia obviously called him Dad.


"Grandpa said that she was Mia's real father, Latitude" replied Mia cuek.


"When did Grandpa say that?" asked Lintang as if showing Regata it wasn't him who told Mia.


"It's been a long time, practice time," Mia replied briefly as she spun her arms around Lintang.


Regata was silent a thousand languages, while Lintang was waiting for the woman to make a sound. Disappointment re-emerged on Lintang's face as Regata decided to leave the living room.


Why is Regata acting like that? 


Figurine Latitude. 


Arimbi who saw Regata enter the room immediately prevents the girl.


"You need to talk to the latitude. It's not about you or Lintang, but Mia. Until when does this continue. Yesterday you were worried that Mia would reject you, now you're avoiding" Arimbi said slowly.


Regata breathed out a rough breath. Fuck if Lintang or Mia hears his breath. His mother was right, Regata didn't have to hide anymore.


"Can you talk for a second?" asked Regata to stop Lintang and Mia who was playing Blossom Blast Saga on a Lintang phone.


"Ma, leave Mia for a moment" Regata said.


Arimbi approached Mia who was playing a game, not distracted by the adult conversation beside her. Latitude lets Mia monopolize her phone.


Latitude and Regata to McDonald's Regata's favorite spot. They choose to sit at a table in the corner of the room. That afternoon the atmosphere was quite quiet. There were only a few visitors and music filled the room.


Lintang looked at Regata's face, while Regata was busy dodging the man's gaze. 


"How are you?" asked Lintang half-whispering.


The simple word successfully destroyed his feelings. 


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