Teach Me (Naina)
Chapter 4

Stare back, you'll get a replacement for the man you left behind. Try, because the pleasure of life is in the effort.

Verily I see the silence of the water makes it bad. Water becomes good if it flows, and becomes bad if it stagnates.

Lions if not out of the bushes, will not get prey.

Similarly, an arrow, if it does not fly from its bow, will not hit the target.

(Priest Asy-Shafi'i).

****

The girl was still crying in front of the red mound that had just buried the mother. Next to Zafran's tomb, Lita was buried. Her tears kept dripping down Lita's belly button.

Naina clutches her headstone, lamenting what her fate would look like after her mother's departure.

Why did you leave so soon too? Nai's not ready to lose Mom. Nai still needs Mom. Why is this fate so cruel to Nai, Mom? He snatched away one by one the people that Nai loved. Grandma, Dad, just now Mom's going to leave Nai alone.

Inner Naina wailed bitterly.

Fathya hugged Rayan's body, immersing her face in the chest of the brother's field. Similarly to Seira, Lita's departure left a deep sadness in their hearts.

Even though you ruined my life until I hated you, you were still my friend, Lita. You're my good friend. I'm sorry for all your mistakes. Be there, may you have the best place with God.

Seira muttered, praying sincerely for the ease of Lita's journey towards the side of God. There is no longer any revenge, let alone hatred. Although the wound remains, and will be remembered if reminded. However, everything has passed and Lita has regretted everything.

Fatih hugged the wife's shaking body, how understanding the sadness her heart felt. Especially when he saw Naina who was living alone after this.

The little girl who is now growing up, the tough girl. After facing problems, he stood on his own feet.

Another girl crouched down near Naina, rubbing Lita's back channeling strength.

"Udah, Nai. It's late afternoon. We better get back, yeah. It's not good to keep crying over people who are gone. Classroom, Nai. All this is God's will" he said wisely.

Naina slowly moved, staring at the writing on the tombstone and rubbing it. Not willing to leave Lita alone in the grave.

"Nai must be strong, ma'am. Nai promised me I wouldn't be a whiny girl. Nai will not be a weak girl even though the whole world is berating Nai. Nai's a strong mother's son. A quiet mother by God's side, Nai will always send prayers to Mother" Naina said.

She wiped her tears, and ended the sadness. Slowly lifting the two corners of the lips upwards formed a smile.

"Goodbye, Mother. Nai will definitely come to see Mom," he said as he stood followed by his friend earlier.

Naina turns around and looks at Seira who is in Fatih's arms as well as Fathya and Rayan who are visibly grieving for Lita's departure. Naina smiled as she approached.

"Nai, go to uncle's house. I asked Nai to stay there. Thanks for being so nice to Nai, when Nai's mother was so evil. Nai apologized on behalf of mom," Naina said, sounding more robust than ever.

Seira shook her head, moved away from Fatih's body and hugged the girl. Shedding sadness in her heart over everything Naina did for Lita.

"It's okay, baby. I'm sorry for all your mother's mistakes. Don't even remember, we just pray that mother gets the best place in God's side." Seira rubbed her hair gently.

Naina closed her eyes, returning the warm embrace of the woman. Her tears came back, but she quickly remembered her promise to Lita.

"Sister, why does Brother have to leave? Why not stay with us? Mamah, Papah, let Kak Nai stay with us." Fathya made a voice revealing her heart.

"Dad can't mean someone to obey Dad's wishes. All that Naina's right, will live where and with whom. The important thing is that he is happy" Fatih said honestly.

Fathya could not accept, he insisted even if only in the heart. Naina unravels the embrace, looking at the teenage girl who is always spoiled for her.

"Not that Brother does not want to, but Brother only wants to fulfill the mandate of Sister's mother. I asked my sister to go to my uncle's house, because they had no children. So, sorry Brother, yes. Because you can not fulfill your wishes," said Naina while smiling despite bitter heart hurt.

Fathya approached, hugging the girl's body.

"But Big Brother promised not to forget me. Brother must also always tell me, "he asked unwillingly.

Naina was full, then kissed her sweet potato lovingly.

"Yes, I promise you," he said, taking off a hug.

Rayan walked forward, stopping in front of the two.

"When my sister is leaving. Let me take you. For this one Brother can not refuse because I will force," asked Rayan without wanting to be denied.

Naina smiled, then nodded in agreement.

"Tomorrow morning. I'll wait at home tomorrow morning. Don't be late, yes," Naina replied with certainty.

"Quick that? How was your college?" yell at the other girl who is Naina's best friend on campus.

"Yes. Not how. Maybe I won't go to college anymore. I want to find a job there later," he said without hesitation.

"Well, Nai. Not good if there is no you. How about me, dong," he whined while holding Naina's hand.

"I must have played here a lot. No need to meweek. Ntar is missing her beauty."

They laughed, then left the funeral. Naina looked back, once again looking at Lita's grave before returning home.

****

"Mom, why did you Naina have to go to another city? Why not just stay here? In our house, right, can," asked Fathya who was still not willing to plan the departure of Naina.

They were in the room, lying on the bed.

"You can't make Naina stay here, baby. He is an adult, he can certainly make his own best choice for him. You are sleeping, yes. I'm going with you tomorrow, aren't I?"

Fathya nodded, then confirmed her position lying down comfortably. Seira shrouded, peeping at the teenage girl's forehead before leaving the child's room.

At home, Naina was unable to close her eyes at all. He stood by the window, staring at the black cloud covering the moonlight.

Not that she wasn't sad, she actually wanted to keep crying. However, he realized, crying would not return Lita to him.

"Mother, from now on I will only see Naina's smile. Nai wouldn't care about their insults, Mother. Nai did not want to disappoint my mother. Nai dear mother."

He holds a picture of Lita with him. Resist the burning longing. One by one the memories of when Lita was alive, appeared inviting deep longing. He should get used to living alone now.