ZULFA FORTITUDE
Herman and Zulfa

Zulfa repeatedly looked at the door. Her heart was worried about her husband who had not come home so late. Is he back to his usual habits? His habits when he was a teenager? That's what he heard from the neighbors.

Zulfa had not known much about Herman's life before he was reunited in marriage.

They married on the basis of an arranged marriage. He's an orphan. So just accept, when his uncle betrothed his best friend's son who is now dead.

Moreover, mas Herman, her future husband is the son of an influential person in his village. Besides being rich and educated. He was the only boy in the family. While his younger sister, numbering 2 people, had a family and became a successful person. There is no reason to refuse this match.

Plus, Herman also did not refuse when introduced to him. And accept him as he is. And also responsible.

Herman is a person who is persistent in work. Easily collect money.

But one thing he didn't know, was gambling habits. The habit seems to have become ingrained. It's hard to lose. If you have money, then the disease will recur. And it won't stop until the money's gone. If so, then the liquor will be his escape.

At the time we were married, it was not so. We are very happy, especially with the birth of our first son. Our name is Irwan Setia Budi. He was very happy, getting more and more active. And forget that habit.

But towards the birth of my daughter, Malika Hapsari. The habit reappears. Understand that at that time, the business of Herman was at its peak. Plus his old friends, often visit him. He can't refuse it. But over time .. This is the beginning of my family's instability.

Sometimes I try to remind you. But it only made his anger explode. So that issued harsh words, which are not good for the hearing of young children.

Not infrequently Irwan who was still in the first grade of elementary school was targeted. When you are not satisfied with scolding me. Maybe it's better to be quiet. I as his wife was completely rendered helpless, by his habit. As happened tonight. Without greeting first, he entered the house.

"Mas is home? "

"Basar women don't bring hockey. Because of you, I always lose gambling."

What does that mean, I don't know. I can only be concerned with that habit. I can no longer be angry with him.

"Mas already eaten?"I said I was trying to speak well to him. I know he's upset. This is seen from the expression of Herman's reddened face. Probably because of alcohol too.

Herman headed to the dining table, without caring about Zulfa's greeting, devouring the food, until it ran out with no waste. Zulfa sat down with him without saying anything. Sometimes he gets what he needs.

From the room on the left, Irwan came while rubbing his eyes, approaching them.

"Mother, Irwan's thirsty."

"Here baby, you get it."

Soon I passed from Herman's mas, preparing chocolate milk for him.

"It's a darling" sitting him in front of Herman.

"Hi you, it's grown up still drinking milk." He took the cup out of my son's hand and threw it away. The milk was on the floor.

No doubt, making Irwan's cry explode. There was fear on his face.

"Mother."

"Dear, Mother make it again."I said comforting. I also grabbed him. Haven't stepped in yet. Herman was screaming.

"No, just water!"

"Mas!" soft yell.

"What. To argue." His eyes were sharp, as if piercing the hearts of both of us. Make myself helpless. I could only rub her head gently and kiss her cheek, to calm down.

With a little persuasion, Irwan finally complied. And want to drink water. After that I brought it back to her room, put her to bed by stroking it gently.

There are tears there. In the corner of my son's eyes I will immediately remove it with prayer. May you be a good boy.

"Patience, son." I whispered after he fell asleep.

Zulfa pondered over Herman's custom. Trying to be patient about this situation. Maybe he can, but what about his sons and daughters.

Not that she does not know, when the husband comes home must bring enough money. But only a small part of it was left to him. Which he sometimes had to return, when business capital ran out at the gambling table.

"Herman, what's the fuss."

Apparently, my mom was woken up by Herman.

I heard my mom screaming. Immediately I got up leaving Irwan, heading to the living room. I saw him fall on the floor. He tried to stand holding his sore waist.

Astagfirulcica ....

Apparently I forgot to clean the milk that was scattered earlier. I approached him and helped him stand up.

"Sorry, Ma. Zulfa forgot to clean."

"It's okay, Zulfa. Irwan's asleep."

"It's Ma." I said as I helped her sit on the chair.

While mas Herman, with his cake passed from in front of mama. Towards our room.

"Already, don't talk a lot about old ladies. My money's up again." yells it.

"And you. Quickly settle this. Make people wretch."

I nodded my head too. And immediately take a wet and dry wipe, to clean the traces of milk.

Seeing that, mom looks stroking the chest.

"Mama's awake?"

"Yes Zulfa, mama was praying when she heard the broken object earlier."

"I'm sorry Zulfa Ma."

"It's okay. Herman's coming home tonight."

Whether it's a question or a statement I don't know. I just nodded.

"There's supplies for tomorrow?" ask mama.

"Some, Ma." I said lie.

"Here, mama there's a little money. Make my granddaughter happy." said the mother as she extended some money to me.

"No, Ma. That's for mama. What would Rahmi say if she knew."

I know my mom never ran out of money. Because Herman's siblings always send him money every month. Even more. Or if they come. Because they work, while their husbands, always give more than enough spending money, to meet the needs of their households.

"That's it. They're all right. And that was also for Irwan and Lika" said mama.

I know they also always leave money for Lika and Irwan through mama. Because if you give it directly, it will certainly make Herman mad.

"Ma, can Zulfa talk."

"Speak Zulfa."

His shady answer gave me the courage to speak.

" Zulfa wants to work, Ma."

Didn't expect mama to shed a tear and then caressed my hair to my shoulder.

"I'm sorry Mama, Zulfa. Who can't educate Herman to be a good husband to you."

"Mom don't talk like that. Zulfa always prayed. Hopefully Mas Herman will get guidance soon. And quit his habit."

"Thank you, Zulfa."

"How, Ma."

"Mama can only support you. Can't help anything."