Substitute Woman
Converge

The clock has shown twelve o'clock at night. I started to close my eyes, even though the drowsiness was gone. Various questions raged. About who El Nomy is, and about Brother Tomy.

I was still trying to close my eyes. Forgetting all the questions I let float in the air, until I found the answer myself.

Well, I better get some sleep. Afraid if tomorrow wake up late and pass the warm morning sun also cool morning air.

Breathe deeply and feel calm. I've forgotten that since I got back to my hometown.

Tomorrow will be an unforgettable moment. Pack things for the next few days. A long journey with Brother Tomy.

Well, I accepted his offer to go to his hometown. Although at first I was hesitant, but the feeling was forgotten and changed longing.

Missing the person who gives affection as a mother. A substitute for affection I don't feel from a mother.

Mother Brother Tomy. I've missed him.

I also met her sister whom I had never met. Because at that time he was still in the womb. Maybe he is thirteen years old now. What it looks like.

The thing that makes me look forward to tomorrow is ... Thinking of a mother I thought of as a real mother.

He who always gives encouragement is also advice. Tie my long hair and wipe away tears and treat scratched wounds on legs or hands.

Scolding Jam Tomy for being wrong and defending me for being right. Although I was not born from her womb, but the affection I felt was very sincere.

“Tomy, you're sorry about Mey. Because of you Mey fell, right?”

“Sorry, Mom. Tomy can't take care of Mey.”

“Come apologize, don't repeat the same mistake.”

Brother Tomy nodded while wiping the corner of the eye. He didn't want to look weak in front of me. Although actually want to continue crying because of the mother's nagging.

“Tomorrow don't play with them. You know they're bad boys, Tom.”

Brother Tomy still lowered his head. Hiding the glass you want to spill.

I kept crying, lamenting the wound on my knee because it was pushed by one of the children in the front alley of the complex.

“Mother ... Not the wrong brother. I was wrong.”

Every time I defended Brother Tomy, my mother always smiled and hugged me tightly. Makes Brother Tomy envious. Although he had just scolded Brother Tomy, still a mother could not bear to see her son cry. We were in the arms of that woman.

Mother.

Without feeling the tears have wet the cheeks. Given how Amel—ibu Kak Tomy— Mother's treatment loved me so much.

How's mom doing? I still keep your picture even though it has changed color.

***

Allegedly wrong!

I'm misfortune. Passing the morning sun and the cold air. Why, since I finished college, I've been this confused. Sleeping late because of a lot of thought.

Without knowing time.

If this is the case, it will definitely get nagged back. Like when I was a kid.

“No longer want to be with you!”

Brother Tomy folded both his hands on his chest.

“Why?” I can only cry.

“You always get your brother punished. Mey, can you get up early?”

I just nodded and promised not to get bad luck. Prepare all the needs for tomorrow, then go to bed early.

Apparently not making any changes. I keep waking up. Always wait for the housekeeper to enter the room. Otherwise I won't take a shower.

It's funny to remember that. My life is too spoiled to make others bother. Since then, Papa has been looking for a new assistant to help with the kitchen.

Kam Tomy's daily clutter and scolding slowly disappeared. He used to be that secret.

If now .... I don't know.

I was shocked to hear Brother Tomy's voice. Apparently he had been standing and leaning against the wall near the door.

“I think it's still morning.”

Brother Tomy sighed. Then step closer.

“Have you finished your clothes?”

I grinned while shaking. Closing my ears for fear of getting jeweled.

A few seconds waiting, apparently Brother Tomy did not do the thing I was afraid of. He was still standing on the side of the bed with his hands folded.

Then when he opened his eyes and also took off the hand that covered the ear, he did it.

Ah, that's smart.

“Aduh ... Brother Tomy! Pain,” whining me while pursing lips.

Brother Tomy just shook his head.

“Mandi there, let Big Brother do your clothes!”

I'm nodding. Then step into the bathroom. Seeing Brother Tomy pick up a backpack and want to open the closet, it comes to mind if there is an object that should not be touched.

“Kakk ... Don't!” my yelling.

***

After various reasons I gave then forced Kak Tomy away and told Mbok Marni to pack my belongings, I could clean myself more calmly.

If it used to be Brother Tomy who always prepared all the needs while traveling, this time is very much different.

Maturity should make childhood habits disappear.

Maybe at first Brother Tomy did not understand. Then remembering something he chose to send Mbok Marni.

“Kakak give it 30 minutes!”

***

It's finished!

I don't bring a lot of change of clothes. Do not like if it is too complicated to carry a lot of things when traveling far. I'm a simple person.

After texting one of the boutique employees I trusted, I hurried off.

Yeah, I've been opening boutiques since I was twenty. As a savings when I finished studying. As it is now. When I left there was one person I trusted. Sometimes Papa controls to the boutique once a month, or when there are many wedding dress orders.

“You ready?”

I'm nodding. Then install the seat belt.

I can't wait to get there and meet my mom.

“Udah say goodbye to Papa?”

“Udah dong.”

“We traveled a long way, you sure will be strong?”

“Yeah, used to also often travel far.”

Brother Tomy laughed. It was nice to see him happy today. Unlike yesterday, it seems to have a lot of weight.

“There you will be at home for sure. The air is very cool and pollution free.”

I heard very carefully the story of Brother Tomy about his hometown. Until drowsiness struck because of waiting for traffic jams.

I don't know what Brother Tomy is telling you right now, my eyes are no longer open.

I'm sleepy!

***