The Nick's Life
The Moment of Truth

Iza sat in her wheelchair enjoying the fresh morning air. The park on the side of the hospital has begun to be visited by inpatients to enjoy the morning air as well as sunbathing. Although unable to see, Iza could hear the voices around him and knew that the park was starting to get crowded.

“Halo, Noor.”

“Doctor Rega.”

Doctor Rega smiled then sat himself in the chair next to Iza's wheelchair. Since being asked to deal with Iza, the doctor always took the time to talk with the woman. Since her marriage failed three years ago because her fiance died in an accident, Rega's doctors have never been in a relationship with another woman. But Iza's figure managed to attract his attention.

“How are you doing today?”

“Just like yesterday, bad.”

“But you're alive. That's what you should be grateful for. Because out there many people are struggling to live in the midst of a malignant disease that gnaws his body.”

“I am also struggling to live in a time when the spirit and desire of my life has been lost.”

Doctor Rega just smiled faintly. She did hear that Iza had just lost her husband. The man knew very well what the woman was feeling. That is what makes him more interested in approaching and getting to know Iza further.

“I have registered you as an eye donor recipient. I've also reached out to some of my friends and colleagues, who knows if they can provide information about eye donors."

No response from Iza. If he was hoping to get an eye donor soon, but not now. After hearing that Nick has been gone forever, his passion is gone. He's been like an undead for almost a week. There is no spirit of life at all. Fly over the news of Nick's death.

“Dok. Can I go home? I don't like being in the hospital.”

“No one likes to be in the hospital.”

“Can I go home?” Iza repeated the question.

“If your condition is normal, you can go home.”

“When can I go home?”

“We saw the results of the examination this afternoon. If there are no more problems with your injuries, tomorrow you can go home.”

“Thank you.”

“Sama-sama. Would you like to go back to your room?”

“Iya.”

Doctor Rega stood up from his seat, then opened the brake that held the wheel of the chair. His hand moved to push the wheelchair. A few sisters who passed by him nodded their heads. They were quite surprised to see the handsome doctor paying more attention to his patients. Usually, the man only interacts adequately with his patients.

From the direction of the elevator Ridho came out then rushed to the sister. He took over the wheelchair from Rega's doctor's hand, thanking him. The man let Ridho continue what he was doing. He does not want to make Iza uncomfortable because of his presence that is too often around the woman.

“Bang.”

“Hmm.”

“Doctor said that my condition is good, I can go home tomorrow.”

“Thank God then.”

“Bang.”

“Iya.”

“I don't want to go back home abi.”

Ridho stopped pushing his wheelchair. He turned around the chair then crouched down in front of the younger brother. Ridho grabbed Iza's hand, with both hands he held her.

“Where do you want to stay?”

“I want to move, bang. I don't want to live in this city anymore.”

“Where do you want to move?”

“I want to move to Bandung.”

“Alright, we move. But please give brother time to take care of our move. You have to prepare a house there first. So, as long as everything is ready, nothing will we stay at home first? Brother promise, abi won't be able to bother you again.”

“Iya bang. Thanks.”

“You don't have to thank me. You are his only brother. It's my duty to do all this for you.”

Iza's eyes heated up hearing Ridho's words. Ridho's words, attitude and attention reminded him of Nick.

“Why?”

“Nick has always been like that too, bang. He always does anything to make me happy.”

Ridho stood up and hugged Iza. His heart ached to see his beloved sister live suffering because of the actions of the father. That was why since coming, not a single word came out of his lips for Rahardi. The disappointment and anger in his father was already so great. Only regret was in his heart. Sorry why he couldn't come back sooner.

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Nick just had an examination. These days, the man continues to undergo cognitive tests as well as motor tests, to see if he has trouble controlling his limbs or not.

Based on the results of the examination, Nick's motor system is still running well. Cognitive tests showed good results. He had no trouble speaking, writing or remembering post-crash events. Only the memories before the accident had still not returned.

Starting today, the man began counseling with a psychiatrist. Steven's doctor has already appointed a senior psychiatrist who already has high flying hours. Many patients have made it through difficult times after consulting with the doctor.

Accompanied by a nurse, Nick walks into Ridwan's doctor's office. He did not want to use a wheelchair because he wanted to train his muscles. Physically, his condition has improved. It was just that the pain in the head still continued to attack him if he tried to recall his past.

“Good morning, Nick,” greet doctor Ridwan.

“Good morning, doc.”

“Come please sit.”

Doctor Ridwan invited Nick to sit in a special chair for patients. A chair that allows the patient to relax. The chair with a position of 70˚, making Nick's body in a half-lying position. Dr. Ridwan pulls out a chair and places it next to Nick.

“How are you doing today?”

“As usual, empty. vacuum..”.

“Do you still try to remember your past?”

“Of course.”

“You know that it's dangerous for you?”

“I know doc. But the greatness of the shadows in my head forced me to remember about my past.”

“That's a natural thing. Humans do have such a high sense of curiosity. In your current situation, it is only natural that you want to immediately know who you are. All you have to do is control it all. A memory sometimes will not appear if we do it by force. But if our mind relaxes, calms down, then little by little the lost memories can come back. You are a Muslim, right?”

“Iya doc.”

“Train your concentration and emotional control with prayer. At the time of prayer, our situation must be calm, right? That way, we can recite the reading of a letter or prayer movement correctly. Without the need to remember, we can know how much rakaat we have done if we especially’. Right so?”

“Iya doc.”

“From now on you have to apply it in everyday life. If a stimulus comes to you, stay calm as much as possible, and control yourself. Don't push and force your brain to work to remember. Can you apply it little by little?”

“Ok.. today's counseling session, enough. Do not forget to continue to consume vitamins and nutrients for healing your nerves.”

“Iya doc, thank you.”

Nick got up from his seat, then walked out of the doctor's office. The man did not go back to his room but to the park at the top of the building. While sitting in one of the available chairs, Nick enjoys the breeze that gives a little coolness in the day that starts to go.

“Who am I? How was my life all this time? What the hell happened to me? Why do I feel something is missing in my heart.”

Nick patted his chest slowly. Not only was his memory empty but his heart also felt hollow. Like something was missing in his heart, I don't know what. Clearly, he felt that something missing was a precious thing in his life.

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Today Iza has been allowed to go home, Anton loaned his vehicle to Ridho to pick up Iza. The man really didn't want to get in touch with Rahardi anymore. If Ridho already has another place to live, then he will not bring Iza back to the residence of Rahardi. But right now, he has no choice. There's no way Ridho's taking Iza to the hotel. He wouldn't bother Anton if Iza lived there.

With the help of Meta, Iza got out of the car and guided him into the house. Behind him Ridho followed sambi carrying a bag containing Iza clothes. Mina immediately welcomed her daughter. He accidentally didn't come to pick me up for preparing Iza's pleasure food.

Rahardi himself is still on campus because there are some students of his guidance who follow the thesis session as well as the thesis. In addition to work, the man also often avoids family members. He knew that his wife and children did not want his presence. At this time Rahardi can only be patient to receive the treatment of his family.

Just now Meta was going to take Iza up to the second floor to his room, when a car stopped in front of the house. Shortly after, Rahman, Ani and their son, Rina, enter the house.

“Assalamu’alaikum.”

“Waalaikumsalam. Kang Rahman,” Welcome Mina.

“Change..”

“Iza.. yes Allah.. How are you doing son?”

Rahman approached Iza and hugged her. He was only able to come to visit because he had just returned yesterday from the holy land to Umrah. Hearing that his nephew had an accident, regardless of fatigue, the man immediately went to Bandung with his wife and youngest child.

“How's Nick doing?”

“Nick.. has gone abah.he has left first to leave Iza.”

Rahman tightened his embrace on Iza's body. His eyes also looked teary. Just a month ago his nephew was reporting about his pregnancy and now it is just the news of grief he received. Mina lowered her head, her heart ached and continued to be hit by feelings of guilt if the child continued to talk about Nick.

“Yang Patient Zi. abah believe you can go through all this well. God gave you this much of a trial because you were capable, son. Remember, there are still ummi, Ridho, abah, ambu and others who will continue to support you.”

Iza just nodded her head. The woman still hasn't let go of Rahman's embrace. It should be Rahardi who was beside him, giving him the strength to face all the calamities that befall him. But unfortunately, the man who was supposed to be his protector was precisely the one who had caused this calamity to happen.

“Now you rest first, yes. Abah transfer to room.”

Iza let go of his embrace on Rahman's waist. While embracing Iza, Rahman helped his nephew climb upstairs. Meta faithfully followed his best friend to the room. Ever since Iza realized, she had always been next to her best friend. Especially when hearing the news of Nick's death. Meta knew how devastated his friend was.

He just resigned from his office yesterday. After Fahrul sold the dealership and ownership and management changed, the girl decided to resign because she felt she could not adapt to the new owner's policies.

The girl helps Iza lie on the bed. Rahman sat himself on the side of the bed. His hand kept holding Iza's hand. To him, Iza and Ridho were not only his nephews, but already like his own children. His heart also hurt to see the current state of Iza. But he tried not to show his sadness for the sake of giving strength to his nephew.

“You rest. Abah down first.”

“Iya abah.”

Rahman rubbed the top of Iza's head then walked out of the room. With a slow step he went down the stairs. Seeing her father descending, Rina rushed towards the top floor. The girl also wanted to give moral support to her cousin's sister. Rahman sat himself in the living room. Anton, Rahardi's brother has also come along with his wife. Ridho did ask his uncle to come to discuss plans for his move along with Iza.

“What did you ask om to come?” ask Anton to open the conversation.

“Begini.. Iza told me she wanted to move. She doesn't want to stay here anymore.”

“Ya has moved. With his condition now it is better if he does not stay one roof first with your ashes,” replied Anton.

“If Iza wants, just stay with abah.”

“Iza wants to move to Bandung.”

“Bandung?” ask Anton and Rahman at the same time.

Ridho nodded his head. Then he began to express his plan to fulfill the wishes of his sister. Mina, who is already determined to divorce from Rahardi, will definitely follow where Ridho and Iza go.

“I've asked some friends for help finding me a job in Bandung. Thank God there is a campus that needs lecturers and happens to fit my field. These few days I will go to Bandung to take care of all the needs, including preparing a house for us there.”

“If it is your decision and it is best for Iza, you can only support and pray for you.”

“Om also.”

A faint smile rose on Ridho's face. In a strange moment like this, there are still two people who can replace Rahardi for him. Rahman patted Ridho's shoulder gently. He knew very well the heavy burden that the man was carrying right now. Not only looking after Iza, but Ridho also had to be able to raise the spirit of his sister's life again.

“Where is Hadi?” ask Rahman. The man had not seen his sister's nose.

“Still on campus like that,” replied Mina.

“Assalamu’alaikum.”

“Waalaikumsalam.”

Long live, the person who had just been asked had already come. Rahardi immediately joined the others in the midfield. Ridho chose to stay away from his father. He sat down on the stairs while keeping his eyes on them.

“When will kang return?” ask Rahardi for a pleasantry.

“Barin.”

Rahardi nodded his head. No more words came out of his mouth. Lately he has been quieter. Rahman looked at this one and only sister. A look of disappointment flashed in both of his eyes.

“Actually what happened to Iza? How did he get to the accident?”

There was no answer from Rahardi, the man lowered his gaze. Mina continued to watch the husband, waiting for the man to open his mouth. A while passed, Rahman began to get upset that no one would answer his question.

“Di, Mina, Ridho.. Why doesn't anyone want to answer my question? Should I ask Iza?”

Mina looked annoyed at her husband. Finally the woman chose to answer her sister-in-law's question. Sentence after sentence came out of Mina's lips telling her what happened to Iza, as Rahardi told her. Rahman's face flushed red, his jaw hardened and his hands clenched tightly. His eyes were staring intently at the younger brother who was still down.

“What the hell is going on with you, Di! What demons have possessed you!!”

Ani rubbed Rahman's back, trying to calm her down. Her husband is not an easy person. Indeed Rahman is a man who is calm and not easily provoked his emotions. But he could not hold back his anger when he heard what his sister had done.

“Where's your brain, Di! What should a father's attitude be towards his daughter!”

Rahman's loud voice rang out all the way to the top floor. A surprised Iza asks Meta and Rina to help her out of the room. She wanted to know what had made her brother so angry.

“How can you think of separating Iza from her husband. You know that Iza is married to Nick. You alone gave me permission to marry Iza to Nick, did you forget?!!”

Ridho who had just looked down immediately raised his head. So did Mina, the woman was surprised the husband turned out to have known the marriage of Iza and Nick. He looked at Rahman.

“What do you mean? You mean she knows that Iza and Nick are married?”

“Iya,” replied Rahman slowly. Mina held onto her head which suddenly felt dizzy.

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Sorry if up The Nick is a little slow. Do not know why, MT is always slow when reviewing novels. Can take 4 to 5 hours.