THERE'S ALWAYS A LEANING PLACE
Part III

A week has been the days of Via without the presence of his mother. The departure of her mother had a major effect on the habit of the girl. The usually cheerful Via became moody. The usually chatty Via became quiet.

Not just Via. Mr. Wirawan was also hit with the death of his wife. He still feels guilty for not paying attention to the health of women who almost two decades accompanied his life. However, Mr. Wirawan tried to look tough in front of his daughter. He did not want his daughter to drown in grief.

To entertain himself, Mr. Wirawan more busy himself with office work. However, this does not make the company grow rapidly. The concentration of the man was not entirely poured into the work. He often loses concentration while working. When alone, his mind often laughs, carried away memories of his wife still there.

"Pa, has papa eaten?" tanya via disperse the daydream of Mr. Wirawan.

"It has. You haven't eaten yet, have you? Don't eat late, yeah!" order Mr. Wirawan while entering the room.

Via bowed listlessly. After his mother died, he rarely ate with his father. Fortunately Mbok Marsih sometimes accompany him to eat. Via is not sure that his father eats regularly.

At school, I was a little entertained. The silliness of his friends slightly treated his grief. He was lucky to have good classmates.

"Via, have you done your job?" ask Ratna.

Via nodded. He handed over his Mathematician book to Ratna.

"My friend this one is Joss!"

Via just smiled thinly. The joy was still not present on his face that became tyrannical.

"Vi, have you been okay all this time?" whiskey Ratna.

Via. His forehead creased while staring at his best friend.

"Ah, let's talk later at break time. Now finish this task first" Ratna said again.

As soon as the break bell rang, Ratna pulled Via's hand out of the classroom. Canteen became Ratna's destination.

"I noticed you changed a lot. I know, your mother's departure leaves a deep sadness. But, it's been over a month. Why are you still like this?" ratna said after they sat in the corner of the canteen.

Via took a deep breath. She bit her lower lip before she said softly, "Thank you, Ratna. You are my best friend. You always look at me."

"I consider you a brother, Vi. I don't want you to fall."

"Yes, Rat. But my mother's departure was a real blow to me. Ah, naw. I'm not the only one hit. Papa too. But papa pretended to be tough. I know secretly papa often cries while hugging a photo of mama in his study."

"Your father also became quiet and always moody, Vi?"

"Not in front of me. But papa is rarely at home. He comes home almost every night. Weekends are gone too often."

"You guys really love your mama. That means a house to you. But, it shouldn't be like this. You must rise, Vi. Remember, we'll be testing soon. Don't you want to go to medicine? How can it be if you are still like this? You should be able to encourage yourself as well as your father. You must be able to rise from the fall. Don't drag on!" ratna said firmly.

She looked at her best friend. He did not think his usual sidekick could give advice.

"All right, I'll try."

"It's not easy. But, I'm sure you can."

They returned to class because the break was over. There was relief emanating from their faces.

Ten minutes before the second break, a picket teacher entered the Via class. At that time, Via and his friends were working on English.

"Novia Anggraeni, can you come with me? There are guests who want to see you," said Mr. Rangga.

"I, Sir?" ask Via in doubt. In that class, there was one named Novia Anggraeni.

Mr. Rangga nodded. Finally, Via put down his pen and stood up. Then they say goodbye to English teachers.

Arriving at the school living room, Via saw a man sitting on the sofa. Via feels to know the person.

"Mbak Via, sorry I was presumptuous," said Mr. Yudi while looking down.

"What's up, sir? What's going on?" ask Via impatiently.

"c.anu... Papa Mbak Via.ke.k accident," replied Mr. Yudi nervously.

"Accident? Now at which hospital? What's papa's condition?" Via panicked immediately.

"Mbak Via just come with me to the hospital now, yeah."

Via turned to Pak Rangga. The picket teacher nodded.

"Please, Via. Your bags will be taken by Ratna."

Via according to. He followed in the footsteps of Mr. Yudi. All the way to the hospital they were silent.

"Follow me, Ma'am. Mr. Wirawan is still at the IGD awaiting the arrival of the family."

They walk fast to the IGD. Via's feeling is getting messed up. Once there, Via saw Mr. Andi, his father's lawyer.

"Sir Andi is here? Where's papa?" ask Via astonished.

Mr. Andi just smiled as he looked forced. Then he guided Via closer to one of the patient's beds.

"Where's papa?" Via confusion.

Pak Andi continued to guide Via up to the bedside. Via looked at Mr. Andi. Then Mr. Andi threw a white cloth over the mattress.

"Mr.papa!" jest Via. He could no longer maintain his consciousness.

With a swift Pak Andi supporting the body of Via who almost fell. With the help of nurses, Via was washed and laid in the patient's bed.

About 15 minutes later, Via started to wake up. He tried to remember what happened.

"Papa..where papa? Paaah!" She screamed hysterically.

Pak Andi approached as soon as he heard Via's scream. He tried to calm the boy.

"Via calm down, yeah. You must be patient. Your father has calmed down.Let papa be happy with your mama."

"Why did papa leave Via? Why was Via left alone? Why wasn't Via invited? Who's the same, Pa?" lament Via heartrending.

Pak Andi rubbed Via's head. He tried to calm the girl.

"Via!" a girl in a gray white uniform approached.

"Ratna! Now I am kara. I'm alone. I'm afraid" Via complained to his best friend.

Ratna immediately hugged Via. He let her cry. After a bit of calm, Ratna let go of her embrace.

"Via, there's still me as well as the other friends. Our teachers, the officers in your house, all your family. We love you. You don't have to worry" Ratna said comfortingly.

He was immediately told by Mr. Rangga following Via to the hospital delivered by Ms. Aisyah. Mr. Rangga actually already knows what happened from Mr. Yudi.

"Via, what Ratna said is true. We love you. You are not alone," said the newly-entered Bu Aisyah gently.

Via took a deep breath. He tried to calm himself.

Ms. Aisyah smiled to see that Via was able to calm down. Jemari Bu Aisyah rubbed the cheek gently Via.