Tough Widow
Overtime

Thinking of the many needs made Ayu continue to rotate her brain and energy. In the midst of busy writing, he is still working to get money immediately. Expel the laziness that sometimes envelops. Every time he saw his three children, he came back excited and tireless. They were the only source of strength to become the tough woman she was today. 

For almost a week, every morning Hanan always woke up with his own. The boy who soon turned ten years old was starting to be independent and did not bother Ayu anymore. 

Hanan draped a towel around the neck, a sign of taking a bath. Approaching the mother composing the food on the dining table.

"Tumben side dishes a lot, Ma?" Mata Hanan complains of some of the food menu on the table.

Ayu responded with a smile. Swiping Hanan's head gently. 

"Mama's got more windfall, now Sister's taking a shower after that breakfast. Today my mom will be home tonight. If you don't dare to be home alone, at home bi Ninik first. Mama will pick you up" said Ayu explained. 

Hanan raised his head. "Mama's money's up, huh?" ask him innocently. 

Ayu's heart felt sliced hearing that. Children his age will certainly never think about it, but Hanan actually looks worried about the state of his mother. 

"Not done, son. Mama just pity Laila's mom. She's having trouble when mom comes home late."

Ayu left Hanan who was still sitting. Prepare Alifa and Adiba's clothes before leaving. For today, not only Alifa and Hanan, but Adiba will also be left with Ninik at home. 

It might be troublesome for the barren woman, but Ayu was forced to do it to get paid more. 

Ayu prepared some milk and some change of clothes. He leads Alifa and Adiba to Ninik's house after Hanan enters school. From the bottom of his heart he was a little hesitant and embarrassed by the woman's sad gaze. 

"Adiba's not coming with you?" cetus Ninik saw some diapers and milk bottles in Ayu's hand. 

"Sorry, Mom. I'm overtime today, so I can't take Adiba." Ayu hands the youngest over to Ninik. 

"No papa, besides I'm unemployed, really," said Ninik casually. 

Ayu rushes away, afraid of misfortune. 

Unlike usual, the restaurant is very crowded, even visitors are not stopping in and out to make Ayu did not have time to rest. He can only stop while eating and carry out his duties as a Muslim. The rest struggled with demanding work. 

"Why don't you take Adiba, Yu?" asked Bu Laila while putting the dishes that had been washed. 

Ayu rubbed the sweat that adorned the forehead of the sign was a struggle to get sustenance. 

"Tonight I'm gonna go overtime, ma'am. Hanan's birthday tomorrow, so can't go in."

Bu Laila nodded in understanding. Never forced Ayu to keep working hard considering her young children. 

On the sidelines of his busy life, Ayu took the time to contact Ninik through a video call. 

"They're fine, Yu." Ninik shifted his phone screen. Faced towards Adiba and Alifa who were playing, while Hanan who had just returned was struggling with his book.

"What has Hanan eaten yet?" tanya Ayu made sure. 

Even though he is not near them, he will still ensure the needs of his children. 

"Already, Ma," Hanan replied showing the empty plate next to him sitting down. 

"Why aren't the dishes taken to the kitchen?" ayu protest reminded. 

Ninik. "I told him to put it there. Already, don't worry, you just focus on work."

Ninik disconnected his connection. 

The clock has shown at seven o'clock in the evening. The atmosphere of the restaurant began to be quiet because the food was almost exhausted. Ms. Laila had also closed some doors so that no visitors entered. 

There were only three people there, they were carrying out their respective activities.

Tidying up food waste and stacking up empty furniture. 

"You go home, Yu. Poor Adiba, must be kangen." Bu Laila wrapped the food and placed it near Ayu's bag. 

"A little while, Mom. Awkwardly." Ayu remained chuckle to tidy things up before leaving. He did not want to leave his friend alone. 

In less than half an hour, Ayu had already completed her task. Simultaneously as he exited the main door, the sound of thunder go hand in hand adorning the ears. 

The weather looks cloudy. The black cloud hid the twinkling star 

It looks like it will soon rain to make Ayu rush to run to the base of the motorcycle. 

His heart was agitated to remember his three children who were left all day until he could not think clearly. 

O Allah, protect my children, make them strong as I am. 

Tin 

The sound of the horn disperse the daydream of Ayu imagining the faces of Hanan, Adiba and Alifa. He looked at the car that stopped right in front of him. 

The car's glass was open, and a man was sitting in front of the steering wheel. Ayu did not know the man, but she had seen him. 

"Mom Ayu want to go home?" asked the man down and approached Ayu who was still sitting on the spot. 

Ayu simply nodded without a sound. 

"Follow me, it just so happens that we are in the direction, my house is at the end of the road rented by Ms. Ayu," said the man kindly. Explain to Ayu that his house is the most luxurious among other houses. 

"My name is Sugeng" he added. 

Ayu smiled faintly, now she knew that the man in front of her was RT sir. 

"No need, sir." Ayu cupped her hands together, refusing to subtly fear the man being offended. 

Sugeng looked to the left right, unlike usual which is still very crowded, the road tends to be quiet, maybe because the drizzle of ojek was not shallow. 

"Mom don't feel sorry for the kids, they must be waiting. It's night after all, if it's cloudy like this, ojek rarely operate."

It is true what Sugeng said. Children are more important than anything until he accepts the man's offer. Fear of being caught in the rain. 

Along the way there was no talk. The ones in Ayu's brain are only her children, and she doesn't want to think about anything but them. 

The car stopped in front of the gate of Sugeng's house. Ayu who had gone down first thanked him and then ran small towards his house. 

Unwittingly there was a woman who saw him when he got off the Sugeng car. Then, the woman spread a photo that she had taken secretly. 

Within seconds many comments flooded the post. Until some residents deliberately came out to see Ayu. 

"Oh, it turns out the widow is flirtatious," quipped one of the residents who had been eaten by the photo. Looking at Ayu cynically like an enemy.

Ayu did not respond, she just smiled and continued her steps. No matter to those who kept gossiping about him.