ZULFA FORTITUDE
Alpha and Maria

"What's up, Pa."

Alfa did not care about Maria's question. He only paid attention to what was written in the letter. Divorce between Herman and his daughter. And custody of his two grandchildren.

How can it be like this, Alfa did not think. Edzel left him without news. Mary is back with the destruction of her home. All this time, he had been wrong to educate them. No less, he gave love to both of them. Could it be the wrong form of affection.

In his old age, of course he had the desire to be accompanied by his children and grandchildren.  It was just a hard hope to come true.

"This is a divorce warrant from Herman. There's a request from Herman, if the kids come with him."

"really?" mary said with a bowed face. He could not hide his sadness. Although the mistake was on him, but it cannot be denied, if the pain was also felt. There was a sense of tightness that squeezed his chest. Because it's not like this, which has always been his dream.

Inevitably, ever together legitimately, certainly have carved many memories. Not all bitter, there are also sweet memories that have been intertwined between them.

Especially at this time the shadow of Mutia and Aldo, often disturbed his imagination. Sin and guilt always haunt him. I don't know, now how they are. Especially with Mutia. Where he is now, and how he is. This makes her dreams never beautiful when sleeping.

"Why are you crying, isn't this what you want?"

Maria could not answer. If the one in front of him was his bundle. Want him to run and spill what he feels right now.

"No, Papa. Tia and Aldo are my children."

"That means you want it, right?:"

"I miss him."

"So you want it."

There were tears in the corner of her eyes. Papa Alfa's words really touched his heart. As if questioning her nature as a mother. Which I have forgotten all along ....

Alfa averted her eyes, contemplating the journey of her life all this time. Lots of money, but he can't make himself happy. Even now can only see his sons who are not happy with his life.

Alfa hoped that her two children would not imitate her. Suffice himself to enter the cruel black world. He tried to be a single parent to them, ever since his wife left. And failed ....

"Papa, can you help me." Maria ventured to that expression.

Alfa looked back at him. There was guilt tucked into his sight. Regretting the anger he's directed at Herman all along, which affects his daughter as well.

"For my daughter and my grandchildren, Papa will help you."

Mary looked at Alpha as if she could not believe what she had just heard. And a moment later he stood up, hugging Alfa.

"Thank you Papa. Maria is happy."

"But there are conditions."

Without a second thought, Maria nodded her head, "Yes, Maria doesn't mind."

Alfa laughed, looking at her daughter's childish behavior, "However, you have to do it. Can you??"

"Mary will try."

"Later in time, papa will say 3 conditions that you have to do."

"With my father accepting me back, it has given me my own happiness. Maria will definitely qualify papa."

Alfa smiled not forgetting to kiss the head of her daughter.

💎

Tia was once at Irwan's house. It's been almost 3 weeks not going back and forth to his grandmother's house. Wherever Zulfa goes, Tia will come. To the factory, or while shopping. 

Irwan was also pleased with the presence of Pearls. Make the house more colorful, where Tia can't stay still. While Aldo couldn't see Zulfa's mother, no one picked her up. Lika has gone to Surabaya. Patience with Aldo ....

"Sister Irwan, Nich I brought milk from Mother."

"Thank you, Tia."

Irwan took the gerlas from Tia. Suck it in for a bit, and put it next to his laptop.

"Sister, what's sich, really serious?"

"Tuition, a lot of it. Don't bother brother. Let brother pass quickly."

But Tia didn't care about her brother's words. He sat on the edge of Irwan's bed.

"You want to know Brother.  Tuch, there's a book!" Irwan's eyes glanced at the shelf in the corner of his room. Tia picked up one of the reading books. Read it while lying on Irwan's bed.  Until you fall asleep.

After getting tired, Irwan quit his job. Closing his laptop and tidying up his books. Only then did he realize the existence of Mutia who had fallen asleep with the book before him.

Returning from Tia's room, Irwan runs into Zulfa who comes out of the study.

"Mother, just finished?"

"Yes, Wan."

"Don't be too forced, Bun. Take care of your health." Zulfa smile.

"Where are you from?"

"Give Tia sleep. I slept in Irwan's room."

"Yes, you forgot about Tia." Zulfa passed from Irwan to Pearl's room. After kissing her forehead with a prayer, Zulfa headed to her own room. Resting the body that he has used all day to get tired.

💎

Zulfa is very busy today. Faithfully Tia followed him and was not fussy. Day time bobok, keep day bobok. Although it must be bobbed on the sofa in Zulfa's room. As a gift for being always sweet, Zulfa took her shopping before returning home. Buy her favorite ice cream and other necessities.

"We buy school equipment first. Tia has to go to school tomorrow. Be smart, like Irwan and Lika."

"Right, Mother?" he said he was happy with sparkling eyes.

"But picked up Mother yes .... Tia's still scared."

Zulfa nodded as she touched Mutia's nose, which was greeted by Mutia's horse's grin. Then the two headed for Zulfa's car parked on the side of the road.

"Come, honey." take Zulfa. The little princess obeyed. With a cheerful smile she followed Zulfa's orders, getting into the car.

Once Mutia calmed down and put her seatbelt on. Zulfa started the engine. Take him to the streets, drive calmly.

Arriving home, Zulfa was shocked by the police car parked in the yard. Also another car, which accompanies. I don't know who it belongs to.  Looks like there's someone in it. It seems he knows the guy. But can not be sure, because the car glass is tightly closed.

 After putting the car into the garage, holding Pearl, he entered the house. There he found 2 policemen who were dealing with bi Atun. And a man who was already gray.

"What's up, Bi?"

Bi Atun silently lowered his head, then left Zulfa and his guest.

"Really, you're Zulfa?" ask the policeman standing in front of him.

"Yes right, myself." replied Zulfa confused but still calm.

The police handed him a letter. Zulfa quickly read it, looking shocked and sad. How could he do what he was accused of.

"I want to bring my granddaughter" said the man next to the other policeman. He approached the Pearl that was clinging tightly to Zulfa's clothes.

At the same time, Irwan also arrived  ....