Ode To Latitude
Neglectful

One week earlier

“What are the circumstances of dr. Genta?’ ask Regata to Jenar who just sent him a message that dr. Genta, Aunt Hilda fell in the clothesline at their house. Regata has been to Genta several times and according to Regata washing and clothesline, designed using a special ceramic floor that has a rough surface.

“Already referred to RSUD” Jenar said.

Before ending his call, Regata asked Jenar to keep preaching the latest condition of aunt Hilda because of her message to dr. Genta still shows tick one.

After Genta was contacted, the man told the chronology of the fall of Aunt Hilda. A place that normal people think is safe, not necessarily for parents who enter old age. Their vision has blurred and other limbs have decreased function that is the reason they fall into the category of risk of falling.

Genta also said he refused to let his mother stay longer in RSUD and chose to do a complete check-up to one of the hospitals in Jakarta. After a collaboration of examinations by surgeons and neurologists. A complete examination was carried out the results of the examination showed the presence of the injured part and bleeding. Treatment of medical rehab specialists, the final goal of the series of treatment aunty Hilda.

“Dok, grateful aunt Hilda can travel far” said Regata relieved when Genta said they arrived in Jakarta safely, before her mother's trip in given pain medication. Genta admitted resigned when doctors said there was a possibility his mother would suffer a stroke, or experience paralysis. All of these risks are out of his control.

“Whose phone is same?” ask Danu. Danu and Arimbi, out peeking at Regata sitting on the porch beside his house.

Arimbi saw the Regata gelagat that was giving reinforcement. There's no way it's the patient's family or his co-workers. Regata's timid look on the face might be that ...

Danu nudged Arimbi, giving the code so they could immediately get out of the place because Regata had hung up.

“Who mah” asked Mia curiously while chewing the apple slices given a little squeeze of lime.

“Doctor Genta, his mother is in the hospital. Falling time to dry clothes” said Regata.

“Oh, I also have not called Om Genta” said Mia.

Arimbi and Danu looked at each other suspiciously.

“Genta who is it?” ask Arimbi sewot. There was a suspicious tone in his voice.

“Mama's working friend, often bring me eat” said Mia

“That's a partner doctor, a sub-specialist of vascular and endovascular surgery who works in a hospital. I work side jobs at his practice” said Regata.

Danu and Arimbi stare at Regata suspiciously.

*****

Latitude POV

His steps stopped when he saw a familiar figure chatting with a man who was pushing an old woman's wheelchair.  Next to her was a little girl wearing a sports suit.

The boy's face was familiar, similar to the child Regata's father was carrying at the time. Regata seems to be living life well after being lost with no news.

For a moment I hesitated to step up, I could have canceled my appointment with the doctor but why? Is it because Regata's presence makes him reluctant to come to that place or the fact that Regata lives happily?

I wanted to greet her, ask her how she was doing and why she just disappeared back then. But it doesn't feel right if I go straight to him with questions in front of strangers that I don't know who they are.

I steadied my steps walking through the hallway. Regata's face turned to look at me, we glanced at the goods for a second. His face looked at me stiffly. That's not what I expected, at least he greeted me or just a pleasant introduction to the person he was with.

My tongue is my tongue, its name I can't say there are no words coming out of my mouth that there is just the same expression of his feet. Through the tail of my eyes I noticed her beautiful face passing. Cih, what did I expect? after I went after my dream, I gave Regata no certainty. There were no parting words and waiting, at that time I was too sure there was no one else in our relationship. I sat in the chair provided in front of the examination room. My mind was in a mess, many times I managed to catch my breath to throw away the negative thoughts that were in my brain. If this is the end of our story, I must sincerely see Regata happy.

PoV Regata

“Ma, mama the Latitude mah, champion of All England yesterday. Play in the SEA Games is also” said Mia excited while looking back, looking for a figure who had appeared in badminton magazine.

“Why not now, the people are there. It is rare to meet athletes outside the national” voice Genta echoing our conversation looking for the person Mia meant.

I desperately prevented the two people on the grounds that Lintang must be tired and came to the clinic for an examination. Of course Mia's presence there will interfere with her activities.

“Titip mom briefly”’ said Genta, and aunt Hilda did not mind being left with Regata while Genta and Mia ran inside looking for the figure of Lintang.

I bit my fingernails, a feeling of anxiety and fear filled my mind. I did not listen to the story of Aunt Hilda when I was talking about telling the actual chronology I had heard from Jenar and Genta.

“That they” said aunt Hilda

Genta and Mia appeared with grim faces.

 “Where, meet?” many quick.

“Gak can not be disturbed, again consul and treatment” said Genta.

Thank goodness they didn't meet, I didn't have to ask at length.

Before parting ways, Genta and Aunt Hilda thanked him. I saw Mia waving her hand her gloomy face was growing. Along the way he just kept quiet while looking at the scenery around the road. While I listen to my favorite hiphop music while whistling small.

...****************...

The meeting with Regata still leaves a question mark for Lintang. He searched Regata on social media and all the places on the internet, which he got only a Facebook account that had been inactive for four years and his name was listed as an alumni on his campus. Every weekend they are allowed to leave the dormitory until 09:00 pm, Lintang will come to Regata's house whatever the results he will receive with a free chest.

Meanwhile, Regata's home is being shocked by a phone call from the personnel section of the hospital where he works. The Regata's License of Practice (SIP) will expire soon and he is requested to extend the SIP immediately. Regata recalls now, his name has been commemorated in the system since three months ago that the SIP will soon end, without SIP he could not take action on patients the important letter was a dead and living health worker.

Regata searched the flight route the next day. There is one ticket left on the flight at 02.30 WIB in the morning. Without thinking long he booked the ticket online, the clock shows at 20:00 WIB should he immediately pack his things.

“Ma, my clothes are still dried?” shout Regata.

Arimbi who was in his study came out to see Regata back and forth lifting his half-dry clothes. Arimbi nags Regata and asks him to delay his departure.

“Can't be mah, it's very urgent” said Regata

Arimbi did not contact Danu because she knew her husband was in a meeting with other factions and his phone must be in airplane mode.

“You sit down breathe first, just arranged the goods, Do not grusa-grusu later anyone forget” Arimbi reminded while folding Regata clothes.

“Lagian why buy a lot of goods. Stay only less important, will you come back here again” Arimbi commented on Regata who packed all the goods.

Regata was worried, makeup equipment according to her valuables that must be brought and the contents filled two bags were not to mention suitcases containing clothes, and shoes. An angry Arimbi forces Regata to leave most of his belongings and tells him that they will be packed to Regata's address. As time draws near, Arimbi and Mia help Regata pack his suitcase into the garage.

At exactly 21:30 WIB they leave for the airport, anticipating if it is stuck at least they have a lot of time before departure. After passing the long journey they arrived at the airport at 01.45 WIB.

“Duh battery only 45% more” Regata said

“Mah my charger where?’” ask Regata while opening her backpack.

“Lah was already love mama to you, you said put it on the table” said Arimbi

Regata stopped unpacking her bag she could not get angry because it was her own negligence, with an annoyed face she moved all the items onto the trolley and bashfully at Arimbi and Mia.

...----------------...