The Crown
Decisions

"Iksia, from now on papa officially resigns from the company. Papa has given it all in your name."

I stopped the hand that was stirring the food on the plate.

"Why so sudden, Pah?"

"Didn't Papa have asked you to take over immediately? Son, Papa is old. Papa is tired of taking care of the world. Papa wants a break. At the age of the present papa, it is time for Papa to prepare provisions for death. Papa ... has been very eager to meet with mama," he said.

"Then what will Papa do now? It's impossible for you to just stay at home, right?" ask Fateeh.

Papa smiles.

"There's a nursing home on the outskirts of town. They do a lot of interesting things there. There is also a study. Papa wants to stay there."

Me and Fateeh were both shocked. We could only hear Papa's words.

Nursing home? Has he been feeling lonely all this time? Can't we take care of it?

"I don't agree. We can still take care of Papa. I mind."

Papa breathes long.

"One day, you'll get married, Fateeh. You will be busy with your own family. Your obligations will increase. Papa just wants to live in an environment where many people can talk to. Do fun activities with friends. Papa please understand."

"Iksia agrees, Pah. Do whatever Papa wants. Although heavy, Iksia agrees if it makes Papa happy."

I wanted to cry but I could stand it. How comfortable is papa there, it means you will be far apart. Once again I'm going to lose my parents.

"Dad?"

"Sister. Papa needs a place he thinks is comfortable. Not comfortable in our opinion. Anyway I wouldn't let Papa stay there if the place wasn't worth it."

"The place is well deserved" said Papa excitedly.

"The substitute is located on the edge of the pesawahan. The room is also not crowded. We will have three people in one room. There is a toilet, a mini kitchen, a television room as well. Complicated facilities. The pay is also quite expensive and papa has prepared savings for the cost."

Whahuh? Even papa has prepared his own expenses?

"alright. We'll take Papa there. When will papa leave?''

"Tomorrow afternoon."

That fast?

I can't break his spirit and his happiness. Papa's eyes sparkled as he told how cool the place was. I'm not going to get rid of the happy twinkle that's been missing for a long time since Mama left.

Fateeh still looks not sincere to take papa away. I know he's sad, I'm the same. But as children, we can only obey what Papa wants. It's all for papa's own happiness.

When Fateeh and I drove Papa into his room, he was warmly welcomed by his two friends. They embrace each other in happy laughter.

Papa immediately chatted with them. Talked about things until Fateeh and I were ignored.

There's a little relief in the chest. Seeing how they were happy with their world, I finally realized that not all happiness can be obtained at home. At Papa's age, he prefers to be in an environment that is the same age as him. Doing what they really want.

"I can go home in peace now, Pah."

Papa smiles.

"I'll visit here often."

"Take care of yourself, son." Papa's message as we hugged.

It's heavy that I let go of Papa's embrace.

"Fateeh, take good care of Iksia. He is still your brother. Not all ties of brotherhood must be bound by blood. He trusts papa and mama for you. Papa would be very grateful if you would take care of him."

Papa's message is not just an ordinary message, there is an in-depth message from his speech. Parents will not be lied to, know Khadijah asked Fateeh to keep a distance from me, Papa must not be sincere.

"Indeed, Brother Arzhan couldn't get permission for a moment and took Papa with him?"

"This is her schedule at Alea's house, sister. There's no reason whatsoever to make him leave his wife."

"Hm. I'm so thankful that Alea wants to share a husband."

"When was the baby born? I want him quickly divorced by Brother Arzhan."

I glanced at Fateeh.

"What about Khadijah? Does he still forbid us to keep our distance? Looks like Papa knows it."

"So far we've only been forbidden to touch each other."

"He's right, brother."

"But it feels weird. I even miss us fighting like we used to. Miss when the weekend comes, gather in the afternoon while drinking tea or eating together in the back."

"When the figure of the mother is no longer at home, then the warmth there will go along. No matter how much I try to replace her, it still won't."

"Yes, I know. I lost my mother twice, Dek."

"At least my brother has papa and Arzhan. Me?"

Fateeh. His mouth opened as if to say something but he puffed out.

Having a husband and children still feels different when we no longer have parents. The main backrest is no longer there. There is no place to complain anymore. There is no more place to indulge when problems come crashing in a row.

Today is my first day at work in my office. Accompanied by Mr. Sam and Mr. Raga.

Being a company owner is not easy. The burden of responsibility on the shoulders is so heavy.

A day of study with Mr. Sam made me understand why papa always wanted to quickly give his company to me.

Papa has been working for a long time, at his age which is now very tiring.

I have to read all the reports. Straighten the existing problems, and must be able to be wise in all decisions so as not to harm one party.

I really wanted to call Arzhan. Even if it's just asking for news, but it would violate my agreement with Alea. We made a deal if Arzhan was in the house of one of us, then we could not interfere even if we only contacted him via cell phone.

"Isn't Mr. Arzhan coming home this afternoon, Non?" ask Mr. Raga.

"Yes, sir."

"Why is his face still wrinkled? Should we go to the laundry first?"

"Hmm?"

"We ironed first who knows to be neat."

Joking around Mr. Raga is enough to make me laugh for a moment.

I just set foot on the porch, my phone rings. A chat came in.

"Darling, I'm home tomorrow morning. Alea is sick. Sorry, yeah."

I lost the energy to go back. For a moment I just stayed in the doorway.

"Mom." the kids ran to me. They look excited while smiling cheerfully.

"What, Honey? How was your day? What fun? What about your school?" I knelt while kissing and hugging them.

"Mom, tomorrow must come to school. At school there is a game show. We're going to play a traditional game. Mom and Dad are coming."

"Oh, is that it?"

"Dad's coming home tonight? Why did it leave town so long?"

I always said that their dad worked out of town every three days of the week. They don't understand enough to know the truth.

I'll send a message to Arzhan immediately.

"Tomorrow parents should come to the children's school. It's coming, isn't it?"