The Story of Aira
1

It was not yet too late when a ferry was leaning on the harbor. Various vehicles come out carefully in order. This includes an inter-island bus driven by a girl named Aira.

The bus will take Aira to the city terminal. Then he will take a taxi to the destination, which is the home of his parents.

Aira who just graduated from school decided to follow her parents, because her parents said that she could live with them and attend college as she wanted.

Along the way Aira continued to pay attention to the circumstances around her. It was incredible. That was the first impression he had.

The alien earth that he was on at the moment had such a beautiful sight. A calm sea with small waves sweeping the beach. Plus the green expanse of rice fields, and the hills also spoil the eyes that look.

"Te**rreal here very beautiful." Inner Aira muttered.

There was faintly heard the flow of the river. It turned out that the taxi he was riding in would cross a bridge, where there was a river below with clear enough water. After crossing the bridge, the taxi turned to the left and entered a smaller road. But it still fits for two vehicles that pass.

People's homes are close to each other, as if they do not want to create distance between neighbors. Do not forget the small alleys, because there are still many houses in there.

Some people were seen gathering on the porch of the house, some were in front of the store was shopping. Or just to get the ball to play. The scenery that Aira used to see, but with different people and environments.

Soon a taxi pulled over in front of a small house with walls made of woven bamboo.

"Have I got the wrong address?"

But Aira's doubts were broken after seeing the wagon beside the house. Coupled with the aroma of spices that he was very familiar with.

Deg

"What happened...?"

"Pakde, bude.., his son has come this...!" exclaimed a middle-aged woman with short hair, who had just walked out of the house.

Aira's eyes glazed over when she saw the two figures she missed the most coming out together.

"Dad..., mother...!!!"

"...!!"

Aira ran over to her parents. Just left her bag in the yard. They embrace each other to let go of longing after years of not meeting.

They left Aira when she was in 6th grade. And just met back after graduating high school. It does not mean never to go home. He went home, but only his father. It wasn't long, just a few days later it came back.

The nearest neighbor who happened to be outside the house, instantly distracted them. Houses that do not have a guardrail, make it easier for them to see a very moving scene.

......................

This is where Aira is now. A house with 2 bedrooms. The living room is very small and there are only mats there. The middle room in the bulkhead with curtains, for prayer and next to it for processing merchandise. In the back there is a bathroom and also a small kitchen. In the backyard there is a well and a clothesline. And there was a river behind. Aira guessed, it must be the river she had passed before she reached home.

"It's so fresh..."

Aira breathed air back there. He really enjoyed the atmosphere there.

There was actually a lot that Aira wanted to ask her parents. But seeing the twinkle of happiness that emanated from the eyes of his loved ones, made Aira undo her intentions. He did not want to ruin their mood with questions that might offend them. Aira was sure, if it was time they would definitely tell a story without being asked.

"The place of sale is far?" ask Aira to the father.

"Not far, son. Near the bridge there" he said.

"Ooh...., which I passed earlier huh?" terka Aira's.

"Yes, Aira. I'll help your father after cleaning the house. Wanna come with it?" sahut mother.

After Maghrib, the mother took Aira to go to where her father sold fried rice.

Along the way, people were unceasingly greeting.

"Bude..., you want to go to Pakde's place?" ask a mother while holding her toddler son.

"Yes, ma'am." reply to Aira's mother politely.

"This is his son?"

"Yes..."

"Lady..." Aira extended her hand to greet. And warmly welcomed by the mother.

"Beautiful son of bude, yes..."

Aira only smiled faintly when she heard it.

Arriving in front of a simple salon, there are some people sitting relaxed while playing guitar. A person with his long wig and super short pants, greeted Aira's mother.

"Bude..., who is this?" ask the man in a wooden tone.

"Oh mother..., why know these model people too...?"

"My son." replied Aira's mother.

Aira just slightly bowed and smiled to appreciate a w*ria greeting them kindly. Not afraid, it was just that this was the first time Aira had interacted with a w*ria. So the nuance is a little strange.

"Not to sir's place?" ask Aira's mother later.

"Yes, come on, bude. Not yet working hours" he said in a style of gemulai and kemayu.

"Do you know me anyway?" ask Aira when they are far away.

"It's a habit to come to my dad's place to eat too. Don't be afraid, he's good."

"Not afraid of mom, just how it is." replied Aira.

Soon they arrived at the shop where Dad was selling. On the right side of the sale of Aira's father there is a motor workshop. On the right is empty.

Aira's father's place of sale is on the line that is usually passed by large trucks. And the father is open from late afternoon until late at night. Sometimes until 03:00 in the morning.

"O Allah, as**i**it seems to be their hard work to meet my needs. My school fees. How could I possibly ask for college?"

"No Aira, don't do that. You better help them work."

Aira saw her mother sleeping on the floor with a very thin green carpet. His father was busy frying rice for visitors. Aira moved her heart, she came down to help her father.

"I'm helping ya, Dad." Aira smiled very sincerely.

In order not to make a mistake, Aira kept asking, is the portion he gave right? Is it really like this? So continue until the rice is ready to be served.

......................

"A very surprising first day. The condition of my father and mother really makes me want to cry and scream as hard as possible. I want to feel angry at those who bring old people to this place. But seeing a father who is so legowo, and always grateful for everything, makes me speechless. How noble is your heart, father..."

......................