So In Love
EP. 24. Stranger

********

“Udahradain don't tire, Shien.” Fina protested in the style of her parents as soon as she saw Shien clad in a patient's shirt, sitting weakly on the patient's bed, and of course with a very pale face.

“Lagian, yesterday the day after you did the same sky until it could be exhausted and fainted while sleeping like this?” Fina asked lowered her volume, afraid that someone might suddenly step into Shien's ward. Even if there are only two of them now, you still have to be careful.

“Do-don't. . .” Fina's eyes squeaked suspiciously accompanied by a meaningful smile, not forgetting her two index fingers she played by tapping on each other.

“Ihh, what? Your brain, tuh.” Shien glanced back and threw the origami of his recently folded stork right into Fina's face.

Doctor Nathan who saw his patients whine bored because it is not allowed to do any activities that allow draining energy and mind, so it will affect his health. The handsome doctor also gave the initiative to give origami paper to Shien and asked him to make a handicraft of the colorful paper to drive away his saturation.

Shien initially grumbled because Nathan's doctor was like giving a job to a PAUD child. But in the end Shien enjoyed it as well, continuing to fold origami paper in all sorts of shapes, even he had already produced an origami fold of star shape one full glass jar for half a day.

“By the way, you are the same Sky is berneran already dating?” Fina paid no heed to Shien's protest.

And once again Shien heard the name Sky, it felt like he wanted to cry. Shien pursed his lips firmly, then shook his head weakly.

“Do not lie.” Fina took out a piece of origami paper and folded it. While Shien was silent.

“But good too, anyway, you're in the hospital. It's easy if you want to date, even every time. The intensity you meet so much more because he's a doctor here.” Fina continued to nyerocos, the girl then looked at Shien while raising her eyebrows.

“If you want to discuss him, mending you go there.” Shien exclaimed as he stared intently at Fina.

“Oke.” Fina exhaled her breath quickly. It seemed that the girl understood that Shien was not wanting to discuss the Sky. Although he was still cool and wanted to discuss many things about the continuation of Sky and Shien's relationship, but if Shien had raised a sharp gaze with his cold face, Fina would rather be silent than sprayed.

“By the way, my apartment has been completed in the renovation yet?” Shien switched the subject. Moreover, he had indeed wanted to ask Fina this long ago, but being constrained by some things, Shien could only ask her now.

“Abis out of the hospital, you can see the results immediately. It's settled.” Sahut Fina while smiling proudly.

“Awas if outside expectations.” Shien sneered as he turned towards Fina at a glance, then continued his activities of folding origami.

“I guarantee, you will not be disappointed and definitely feel at home if you want to stay there too.” Fina said confident about the renovation of the apartment that Shien will make an office when the girl is bored with the atmosphere of Snow Candy. More precisely, Shien bought an apartment for him to calm down while looking for a new atmosphere in order to get inspiration to write his new book. Back again, Shien liked the calmness and solitude. He always wanted to have space for himself.

“If I don't like it?” Shien asked defiantly. Fina snorted as hard as she heard it.

“If you don't like it, you don't have to give me the bonus you promised. But if you like, you raise my bonus triple.” Sahut Fina is no less challenging.

“Where?” Next later. Fina couldn't accept that Shien was underestimating her abilities as an all-rounded assistant, she felt even more competent than secretary Kim.

“Call.” Shien replied in agreement. Shien actually believed in Fina very much. He just wants to upset her.

********

“Shien must immediately perform the transplant procedure.” Nathan's doctor said to Shien's parents sitting opposite him.

“Shien's heart condition is so bad, that drugs and other surgical therapies cannot treat his heart disorder. Even if we do CABG like last time, it is feared that it will cause complications or heart failure. That's riskier.” Obviously, Nathan's doctor is very sorry.

“What's that bad, Doc?” Ask Papa to worry. “Shien can still survive with drugs, right, before we get the donor?”

Sighing deeply, Nathan's doctor then improved his sitting position to be more firm. “If judging from Shien's optimism, I'm sure he can hold on. But, all those drugs only add to life expectancy for a while, do not make his heart condition change or improve.” Doctor Nathan's light. Papa and Mama glanced at each other worriedly. Shanna who was sitting next to Mama rubbed her shoulders to give strength, next to her who was equally anxious to hear this bad news. In the past, Nathan's doctor said Shien could last another year or two, but it seemed that Shien's heart condition could not compromise.

“And we don't know what will happen next if only rely on drugs.” Take doctor Nathan.

“What does that mean, we have to be ready with the worst possibility?” Papa asked, hoping that Nathan's doctor would answer no forcefully. But the young doctor was silent, and that means yes.

Papa and Mama's heart seemed to be split in two to find the narration from Nathan's doctor.

It felt, eager for them to replace Shien for the illness he had suffered. Plus the memory of the wound they once inflicted on the youngest girl's heart, making Papa and Mama increasingly feel like useless parents.

And to try to get a donor for Shien alone they could only rely on patience and prayer. Low donor rates and match rates make it difficult for Shien to get a new heart. Mom and Dad could do nothing.

They had already let Shien away from his tutelage all this time. Will God give Papa and Mama a chance to fix everything, to be good parents? They hadn't even apologized for all the wrongs on Shien all this time.

It's all like a punishment for Papa and Mama. Punishment for neglecting his son for years.

“How long? How long can Shien last before getting a donor?” Mama's question trembled, her voice choked like a lump was stuck in her throat.

“Before the condition gets worse, we should get a donor as soon as possible within four or five months this.” Answer doctor Nathan.

“Doctor, please get donor for Shien.” Mama clasped Nathan's hand with a pleading gaze.

“Save Shien in first place for transplant candidate waiting list. Don't mind the others, please just pay attention to Shien. Regarding the cost, we will not dispute it. Whatever it is.” Mama continued to sound desperate along with her tears that came dripping.

“We all have to pray a lot that Shien will soon get a suitable donor.” Sahut doctor Nathan who was quite confused to respond to the obedience of Mama. “And take it easy, Shien is a strong boy. He will definitely hold up well during the wait for the arrival of the donor.”

“Shien has survived this disease for twenty-five years of his life, he will not give up just like that.” Doctor Nathan tried to calm down.

Nathan's doctor's speech made Papa and Mama's heart grimace even more. Yes, Shien is a strong boy. Never complained to them all this time. Not not want. It's just, maybe Shien already doesn't know how to complain. The girl did not want to sue her parents for anything. Shien had complained to them as a child, but Papa and Mama never paid any heed to him.

“Shien's condition has improved enough. This afternoon I can go home. But, from now on Shien should always be under surveillance. Fear of an event like this happening again.” Doctor Nathan sighed for a moment and then continued his speech.

“And chances are, Shien will more often experience shortness of breath and pain in his chest, his condition will weaken further with time. In addition to maintaining physical condition, must maintain psychological consumption as well. So, please take care of his feelings, as much as possible not to make him stressed or depressed.”

Papa and Mama heaved a heavy sigh together. They hope that Shien will soon get a suitable donor as soon as possible, so that he can make a full recovery from his illness.

And so did Shanna. In fact, there was nothing he wanted more than the healing of his ice statue sister. If he could, he would even willingly give his heart to Shien so that the girl could feel and live a normal life like her.

********

Meanwhile in the nursery that Shien occupied. Aunty Hilda who has returned from America is now accompanying Shien.

Counted on Shien's one week stay in the hospital, and during that time he also kept his distance from the Sky. Shien never went out of his ward to avoid an accidental encounter with Sky, he only opened his ward window if he wanted to breathe fresh air or see the conditions outside.

And it seems, the heavens are doing the same. Ahh, no. Perhaps Sky was already disappointed in Shien for Shien's words and treatment last time in the hospital garden.

Since then, Sky has never attempted to contact or see him again. There were no flowers and sweets, and the good morning greeting contained more chatter from the man.

Indeed there is always a bouquet of flowers that every morning the nurse takes to the nursery. But it's not from the sky. The nurse said it was one of the facilities provided from the hospital's VIP rooms. Shien was surprised because there was a hospital that gave a bouquet of flowers every morning. Previously there had never even been a facility like this, but the nurse said that it was a new rule. Every patient in the VIP room will get flowers every morning. And Shien didn't want to think too much about it.

A sense of loss appeared in Shien's heart. The sky that greeted him with a warm smile every day and bothered him was no more.

What Shien felt was so hollow. He did not feel this was the best, his heart seemed to scream, saying he wanted Heaven.

Shien wanted to run towards the Sky and shouted that everything he said that night was not true.

Ohh, lying to her own feelings only made her heart hurt even more.

“Shi. . .”

And more and more days, all the distance that Shien created himself, only made Shien fall into the stifling named miss hole.

“Hei, Shien.”

“SHIENNA.”

Shien flinched, a cry that shouted his full name instantly disperse his reverie. “Eh. . Yes why, Lang?”

“Lang?”

Shien blinked, his eyes staring straight, looking at the figure before him. The face of Heaven that had originally filled his mind, suddenly turned into the face of Aunt Hilda who was smiling witfully towards him.

“Ehh, I mean, why, Tan?”

“Hayoo, daydream who?” Both of Aunt Hilda's eyes were squeaking suspiciously.

“Try Aunt guess.” Aunt Hilda hissed, then tapped her index finger on her chin while pretending to think. “Elang? The cross? An error? Where is the real one? Fina says there's a guy who deletin you.”

Shien growled in annoyance. Fina's mouth is really like a leaky bucket. Maybe Shien just breathed, Fina told her Tante.

“Tante kayak don't know Fina aja. She, right, likes to joke.” Shien replied evasively.

“Do not lie.” Aunt Hilda still unsheathed a stare full of chicanery.

“Udah, Deh, Tan. Speaking of Fina, really, trusted.” Lady Shien. “Ohh, yes. Aunty wants to say what I am?” Shien switched the subject.

Recalling what he had said to Shien earlier, Aunt Hilda improved her seat, staring fixedly at the niece who was sitting on the bed of her patient.

“Tante want to say, but you don't get mad. . .” Aunt Hilda hung up her sentence. Slowly, he grabbed Shien's hand for him to hold.

Shien frowned confusedly looking at Aunt Hilda who suddenly looked at him seriously. “Listen, although Auntie is back. But, from now on you still have to stay with Mama and Papa.”

“Tante. . .” Sambar Shien with a gaze full of protest. Then he turned his face away, as if he did not want to hear anything more about him who had to live with his parents.

Aunt Hilda sighed, it would definitely be difficult to persuade Shien. But he has to keep doing it. Aunt Hilda did not want to let her beloved niece continue to harbor anger at her parents for life. The girl must free her feelings, she must regain the happiness she previously lost.

“Shien. Not good for protracted holding grudges.” Aunt Hilda said carefully so as not to offend Shien who is very sensitive when it comes to her parents.

“You should start accepting the presence of Mama and Papa again.” Shien still refused to turn his face back. His eyes are hot now.

“Im sorry, hem?”

It used to be Shanna, and now Aunt Hilda. Why should anyone else represent it? Why didn't Papa and Mama tell Shien themselves if they wanted to apologize?

“They won't ignore you anymore.” Shien smiled wryly, his two clear eyes started to fog.

“Shien, sometimes people make mistakes. Your mom and dad were so shaken because Shawn, they didn't mean to ignore you. They love you so much, more than you know.”

“They are selfish, Aunt.” Sambar Shien's. He looked at Aunt Hilda with tears beginning to scatter.

“So since they are shaken, they may ignore me for years? They can snap and beat me until I get aphasia, and they still don't care? And the woman also said that it was better for me to change. . . .”

Shien did not continue. His voice suddenly choked once it reached the last sentence, so his tone just hung.

“What is it that Auntie said that they love me?” His great-grandson then along with his tears that were getting longer and more swift.

Aunt Hilda looked at Shien pity. He no longer knows what to do about the daughter who has lost faith in her parents.

“Good son. Aunty never taught you to be a vengeful child.” Aunt Hilda reached out her hand to wipe away the tears that had soaked Shien's face.

“They desire a second chance.” Said Aunt Hilda softly. Shien simply shook his head listening to the Tantenya speak.

“And you good boy can give it. Forgive them slowly, and the pain in your heart during this time will melt along with it.”

“I can’t do it.” Sahut Shien while removing the hand of Aunt Hilda from her face. His voice sounded hoarse.

Aunt Hilda shook her head slowly with a faint smile coming from both corners of her lips. “You can do it. You're just scared. Afraid to trust them, afraid of being ignored again, right?”

Shien stared at Aunt Hilda long ago. Shien knows, aunt Hilda's right. Shien was too afraid to trust his parents, but Shien was disappointed that his tongue was too faint to call them Papa and Mama.

Shien was afraid to trust them, and if they ignored him and blamed him for Shawn's death once again, then Shien would be completely destroyed.

“But Auntie guarantees, they won't admit it again, Shi.”

“Now, all you have to do is give them a little confidence.”

Shien was still flinching. Aunt Hilda finally nodded her head.

“Yes already if you do not want to stay with your parents, you will come back to the house of Aunt.” Aunt Hilda then sighed. “But, it is a pity that Aunt has failed to educate you to be a good child.” Shien frowned not understanding.

“Tante's ways wrongly educate you, you become a stubborn and vengeful child.” Aunt Hilda lowered her gaze, pretending to be sad. He knows Shien's weakness. The girl never once wanted to see the disappointed face of her beloved aunt.

“Tante never wrong.” Sergey Shien.

“Just stay with them, I have no problem.” Aunt Hilda smiled. It wasn't too difficult to persuade Shien either. He was like a child, who once feared could instantly obey.

“Learn forgive.” Aunt Hilda was firm and full of warning.

“I’ll try.” Sahut Shien lazy. “Tante don't want to, you know, you're an ungodly child. Later God turns on Aunt, thought not to educate you well.”

“Iya, Aunt.” Shien said still with ogah-ogahan. Ahh, Aunt Hilda is indeed the most able to shake her heart. Why bring God, anyway? Shien, right, so scared.

“Good girl.” Aunt Hilda ruffled Shien's hair like a puppy that managed to catch a frisbee.

“But, if one day I want to run away to Auntie's house. Aunty has to open the door for me.” Aunt Hilda chuckled amusedly at the words of her nephew. Just getting started, I was thinking about running away.

********

This afternoon Shien was getting ready to go home from the hospital. He and Aunt Hilda and Mama moved out shortly after exiting the elevator that stopped right on the ground floor of the hospital. Papa was waiting for them in front of the main entrance. While Shanna had gone home first because there was still business with the tutoring place.

Shien walked the very back with shaky steps. Either maybe less focus until the girl almost hit someone's body, and it turns out it's Heaven. Shien did not know where the man was coming from, but it seemed as if Heaven was about to approach the reception desk.

Their eyes can look at. For a few seconds, both of them were. They both look confused.

But a moment later, Heaven immediately ended his gaze and just passed from before Shien like a stranger.

Shien was fixated, looking at the Sky's back that was getting further away from him. His heart throbbed pain at the change in Heaven's attitude like that. Isn't this what he wanted? But why does it feel like Shien can't accept this.

Shien swallowed his saliva bitterly. It turns out to avoid and forget the sky needs a hard struggle. Shien had to strengthen his resolve.

Then without lingering any longer, Shien's feet moved a step. His movements look irregular. Obviously, his body was still not so healthy. But, it's not that. Actually his heart was much more sick.

********

To be continued. . . .