ZULFA FORTITUDE
Deteriorated

It's a little complicated to overcome all this. Husband in the hospital. The kids are small. When waiting for a husband, whose children are at home. Neighborly, impossible. On average, all work. Just come home by night. When taken to the hospital, it is not allowed. If Herman is treated at home, can not get benefits from the company. But how else. It seems that option is the most likely to be implemented.

"Mary, why are we still here?"

"Patience, Mother. Wait for it to heal."

"But I don't think I'm here anymore. No you, no children."

"Yes, Mas. I'll work on it tomorrow."

Three days back and forth hospital and home. Today, Maria braves to take her home, even though Herman has not recovered properly. Go home, do it again.

After taking the kids to school. As usual, Maria was headed to the hospital. His resolve is round. Bring Herman back home. Because two days ago, he had not succeeded in persuading health workers, to be able to bring Herman home.

"Mother, not financial problems have been borne by the company. Why take it home."

"Yes, doc. Mas Herman asked her like that."

"Mom, we're not responsible anymore, if there's anything with Mr. Herman."

"It's okay, Doctor."

"Yes, if you insist on bringing Mr. Herman home. Here I give you a recipe. Please take the medicine in the pharmacy first."

After taking care of the administration and also redeeming the drugs, he returned to Herman's room. Tidy up all of Herman's belongings, stuffing them into the bag he had prepared.

"Mas, I'll take the wheelchair first. Yeah..."

"Yes ..." Herman nodded weakly. He waited patiently.

Before long, Maria had returned in a wheelchair. With a little help, Herman sat in that wheelchair. Then Maria pushed up to the parking lot, where the car was.

Maria moved Herman to the front seat. Before returning the wheelchair to its place.

This time Maria drove their car home. Herman sat next to him. He leaned his head and closed his eyes. Sometimes his breath was soft and long. His health is still worrying.

"Finally we're home" said Herman as soon as their car entered the gate.

Now Maria can take care of Herman and also keep an eye on Mutia and Aldo. But unfortunately, the more days Herman's health did not improve, but it declined. Maria's finances were also starting to get tough. There was a little bit of a benefit from the company first. But it's far from enough.

"Mas, I'll sell the car. We don't have any more money for a week to go."

"What about school children?"

Maria remained silent. But he has no money to eat for tomorrow and tomorrow. Moreover, it has been more than three months Herman was sick. There is no way the company will provide continuous benefits.

"Let's take the angkot mas."

"If you think it's better, that's okay."

"Thank you, Mum."

"I'm sorry. Can't meet your needs anymore."

Once, there was a thought to ask for help papa and her brother, but the number was completely blocked by them. He was finally able to move. Moreover, sometimes Herman often said words of despair. It all made him even more upset.

"Mary, if I die. Don't tell my family. I don't know if you want to bury where this body is."

"Mas, don't say that. Maybe I should apologize now. Who knows if the family forgave."

"No. They better not know at all. You just throw this body away."

"Mas, I'm talking like that. "

Maria stops feeding Herman, seemingly thinking of something. He knew very well that Herman had never once prayed. But to remind him, he had no courage. Because he never did either. Because they don't know.

"Why stop Mary?"

"No."

"Tell me. Or are you parting from me?"

He proceeded to feed Herman back.

"Not that ... Sorry Mas .... Why did you never pray?"

Herman immediately stopped the spoon containing rice that was almost to his mouth. He was silent and contemplating. It never occurred to him that his wife who incidentally from non-Muslims will remind his obligation as a Muslim, namely prayer.

"Yes, I will do it. But how, now I'm sick. It will heal later."

"At least pray, rather than not at all."

Intentions give advice, but Herman's response is different.

"Now it's pinter huh ..." with intonation that makes Mary silent for a moment. I didn't think his words would make him angry. The two remained silent until Maria finished bribing him.

One that is still in Mary's mind. There was no way she would let her husband despair like this. He'll try to contact Herman's family, apologizing especially to Zulfa. Who knows can help increase his desire to heal.

Especially at this time, his economy was completely shaken. Who else could be contacted except for the Herman family. All he knows is that Herman's siblings are pretty much there too. To work, he has no skills. Especially just high school graduates.

💎

"Mama, I'll go first."

"Where are you going Zulfa?"

"Lika's school."

"Go ...."

Lika looks out of her room, with clothes that are not as usual and also makeup polish that makes her face more shining.

"Lha Grandma's granddaughter, how pretty. What's the show?"

"The farewell ceremony as well as the graduation of Nek."

"Yes, go. Be careful on the road."

There was no long sound of a horn.

"Sister Irwan this must be impatient."

"Have a long time to dance."

"Assalamu'alaikum Ma/Nek .." said Zulfa and Lika almost simultaneously.

"Wa aleikum salam ...."

They came out immediately, approaching Irwan who was sitting behind the wheel.

"Come, hurry. Brother had a meeting this morning."

"Haaalllaaah .. busy. I'm going to be a director."

Irwan smiled wryly in response to his sister's injury. How not to be a director, lha is indeed his own company, which he pioneered since graduating from High School. The business talent that was passed down from his father and his mother, was very strong. So that the business that was originally just a hobby and fill free time, now can export to some in Asia. This also provides guidance from his best friend's father.

"If undisciplined, where can advance."

"Yes .. yes .... If so ...." Lika stretched out her open palm.

"What ...."

"Yes ... sister."

He pulled out a blue paper from his wallet. And gave it to Lika.

"Don't spoil your sister." said Zulfa.

"Yes Mother, not every day either." protested Lika. Every day, Zulfa always gave him twenty thousand for pocket money. Inevitably, Lika had to be really frugal. Nach .. if his brother is there, can nich be asked for additional ....