The 18 Year Bride
The Great Ordeal of the Head of the Family

Thus, we finally lived the days after the friendly photo was spread. Elijah went on to school even though I felt sorry for him sometimes, but he never gave me any space to feel pity, he always explained how he and his best friend Ummi studied together in the library for exam preparation.Thank God, at least I can calm down.

during unemployment, I did not stay silent.all job applications in the nearest small offices have been entered, even other schools also did not escape the target.although I finally realized, even though I was aware of it, it seems that my name as a teacher has been tainted because the news seems to have spread behind the scenes.

all I could hope for was a work call from a small printing office at the end of the border between this village and the capital. Luckily, I still have my savings in the bank, but, again, we can't just hope and rely on it, because something that is used continuously without any exchange will also run out for a long time, just like money.

My burden feels very heavy, even though I have actually experienced this before, when I first lived here. back then I was also unemployed and had no income. only now, just now, I cannot relax and be calm, for I have the responsibility to live and give a proper life to my wife, I helped Elijah to do the homework while waiting for a work call.

I cook for lunch and wash the dishes and cutlery I have been wearing. drying clothes, sweeping the yard.all I do. embarrassed? of course, I don't need to explain, of course everyone understands.

Then after cooking, at about two in the afternoon I will pick Elijah up quietly until the school is quite quiet.

I parked at the end of the hallway to avoid being seen as flashy, she waved her hand as she walked out of the school gate while running around, and I smiled from inside the car.

"I'm sorry, you must be tired every day to wait an hour longer" I said as Elijah walked in.

he continued to smile while wiping away the sweat.

"No problem, I'm waiting while doing the exercises about. So it's not too heavy, sir."

I sat down, listening to her story, enjoying her beauty that shook me. The afternoon breeze blew, entering through the window of my slightly open car, sending a cool air.His eyes glazed far, far away, with a solemn look, as if he was an old thinker who loved to learn.he gulped down the water I brought, still in his typical way.

until one thing I realized, when his bangs were chaotic due to the movement of his head that looked up, I saw plaster attached to the left corner of his head.

"What's this?" I said while grabbing the plaster on his face, but he quickly got in the way.

"It's nothing, Damian! I was a little careless at sports, until I got hit by a baseball ball."

She smiled stiffly, as if she was keeping something.she was a bad liar, but I would still believe her, because Elijah was my wife.

"Good."

I stepped on the gas pedal, my mind was in a mess. back to my idle fate, I felt I could not afford if I had to resign like this, there must be something I do to earn income. the turmoil that I experienced was so disturbing and penetrating that I returned difficult to sleep, is there another way that I can fulfill the responsibility as a man?

at the same time, I remember the cost of Elijah's final exam bill later.I had to try my hardest to pay it off. Very hard problems.to be honest, to tell you the truth, I couldn't possibly pay with the rest of my savings, because it would only make it harder for our meal money and our daily needs. Or should I ask my father for help? stupidly I, didn't my own father say that I wasn't his son anymore? he even thought I was dead.

on that, I suddenly got a unique idea that I had never tried: what if I farmed? I still have a guide on how to plant, besides that I have studied hydroponic techniques, what if it continues into more real practice? I can sell this car for capital to buy fields, seeds and other necessary tools such as; pest eradicator, fertilizer, farm fork, hoe, and so on. Not a bad idea right?

with that spirit, I expressed my intentions to Elijah at once.

"Elia, I'm sorry.. What if I can't take you back to school?"

"Why?"

"I want to sell this car, for capital to buy fields.I want to farm." I said timidly.

however, he was even moved, with his eyes glazed over.

"Sir Damian, I'm sorry. you're in this trouble because of my mistake."

"Hey!! it's not your fault." My sergeant, "I am a husband, and the head of the family now.I can't keep quiet at home.You remember always saying about the obligations of the wife, you know, so now I have to carry out my duties as a husband. You don't mind if I sell this car?"

he lowered his head and shook his head slowly.This moment was so sentimental, for him and for me as a warrior of Lent.

I almost shed tears because, if you're in this position, don't give up. God has prepared the way for those of us who keep trying.