THERE'S ALWAYS A LEANING PLACE
Part IV

An atmosphere of mourning was still visible in the Via residence. The quiet house since the death of Mama Via is now getting gloomy.

Until the 5th day of the death of Mr. Wirawan Via has not entered school. Ratna faithfully accompanied her sidekick. He's been staying at Via's since Papa Via died.

That afternoon Ratna went home with Ms. Aisyah. At that time, I just took a shower.

"Assynolajet. How are you, Via?" greet Bu Aisyah.

Via didn't expect his homeroom class to come visit.

"Vaalaikumsalam. Okay, ma'am," said Via, kissing Ms. Aisyah's hand. "Please sit. I'm sorry, ma'am, Via can't get in yet."

"It's okay."

"I went inside first, Ma'am, Via," said Ratna. He rushed to the guest room he had occupied during his stay at Via's house.

Just a few minutes Ms. Aisyah chatted, Mr. Andi came. After pleasantries, Mr. Andi requested that Via call his driver and his family ART.

As soon as the four people came with Via, Bu Aisyah moved her seat to the side of Via.

"Mbak Via, apologize in advance. I know Mrs Via is still grieving. Ma'am Via just got a pretty heavy ordeal. However, I am forced to convey this now because it is very important. This concerns the future of Ma'am Via. I ask Mbak Via to understand" Mr. Andi opened the conversation.

Via thumped to hear Mr. Andi's words. He felt that there was something bad he would hear.

"Tell me, sir," said Via with a tense face.

Mr. Andi let out a long sigh before speaking again, "Dead of Mr. Wirawan, you are devastated. He immersed himself in the work. However, his concentration was not entirely on the company. It was used by its business competitors until the company collapsed. In need of funds, the deceased was forced to build this house."

Via jerking. While Mr. Andi stopped for a moment.

"Five days ago, the deceased received word that the company lost the tender again. In fact, the project was the deceased's wish to retain the company. He intended to ask for an extension of the debt, but was on his way to an accident. Maybe he wasn't focused on driving."

"If I hadn't gone out, this might not have happened. You shouldn't be driving your own car" Mr. Yudi interrupted.

"Don't blame yourself, sir. Everything is arranged by Allah" said Ms. Aisha.

"The due date for debt repayment of the deceased Monday the day after. So, uh,..." Mr. Andi hung up his sentence.

"So how, sir?" Via bowed listlessly. How hard it is for the trials to befall him in the near future.

"This house must be vacated immediately. I failed to ask for an extension. Sorry," said Mr. Andi lirih.

Via's tears can't be contained anymore. His voice was so clearly heard. His two ARTs could not hold back their tears.

"Papa, Mama, why am I left alone? I can't handle this all by myself. I couldn't bear to..," lamented Via sounded heartbreaking.

Ms. Aisyah immediately grabbed Via. Letting her the girl cry spills her grief. Ms. Aisyah let her hijab get wet by the tears of Via.

After a bit of calm, Ms. Aisyah whispered into Via's ear, "You're not alone. Mother and Ratna have said this. Trust me, every problem has a way out. God will not give trials beyond the ability of His servant."

Via nodded. The crying began to subside. What remains is the stuff.

"Via, before you came here, I talked to Mr. Andi and Mom's husband. Coincidentally Pak Andi sister class husband Mom time Junior High. We have a plan for you to stay with Mom. You think of me as a mother's child. That is if you agree," said Ms. Aisyah softly.

Via stared at his homeroom teacher in disbelief. He himself was confused where to stay after the house was confiscated.

Ms. Aisyah smiled and nodded. He seemed to understand Via's doubts.

"For a long time I wanted to have a daughter."

"How's Ma'am Via?" ask Mr. Andi.

Mr. Andi sighed deeply before saying, "I apologize to everyone, because of conditions like this, Father and Mother. It's a little money for severance." Mr. Andi took out 4 brown envelopes.

"We understand. Actually it is hard to part with the family of Mr. Wirawan. However, God's destiny is already outlined. We cannot avoid it" said Mr. Nono.

"We are treated very well here. My mom and dad thought of us as family. Thank you, Ms Via. We have not been able to repay the kindness of the deceased as well Ms Via" Mbak Marsih added.

Via hugging Mbok Marsih and Bu Inah. They dissolve in the heat for a while.

"Morning Sunday morning start packing. I picked up Via around 11, yes," said Ms. Aisyah.

Via nodded. Her hands were busy wiping away the tears that were soaking her cheeks.

"Then I say goodbye. It will soon enter Maghrib time, "Aisyah said goodbye.

"I'm also home. We continue tomorrow" Andi said.

Via and his driver and ART got up and escorted the two to the front porch of the house. After their car was not seen, Via went straight into the room.

In the room he swept his gaze to all corners. This room is full of memories. In this room he spent his nights. In this room he prepares for his future. I don't think his eyes are starting to glaze over.

"Tok..tok" heard the door of his room being knocked.

"Via, can I come in?" the voice of Ratna.

"Come in, not locked," said Via, wiping his face.

"What's up, Vi?"

Via did not answer. He turned to Ratna and stepped onto her study table.

"I'll soon leave everything here. Heavy taste. So many memories are imprinted in my room."

"I understand how you feel. Everything happened so quickly unexpectedly. However, I believe you can get through this. You'll find a rainbow after it rains."

"Hey... Where did you get those words?" asked Via while holding back a laugh.

"Ish.you don't know my hidden talent. Ms. Nita who knows that I am a candidate for a poet," said Ratna with a face made to frown.

"Judges? Pujangga love?"the laughter finally exploded.

Ratna pretended to be upset. Actually he was happy to hear the laughter of Via. For a long time he had not heard Via laugh like that.

"Awas lo, long ago you could be bucin," ledek Via.

"Eits. so pojangga does not mean bucin. You must be able to tell the difference."

"Oh so? Yes, Miss Poet. By the way how come you never write poetry on the mading? The job of writing poetry used to be too late to be charged."

"Well, my poetry is not for public consumption" Ratna tried to ngeles.

"At consumption?"

"Ah you are this. Huh, ah! I pray maghrib first."

Ratna exited Via's room with a feeling of relief. He felt that Via was starting to be able to brush off his sadness.

***