ZULFA FORTITUDE
By ourselves

Maria immediately returned the seat in its place. Avoiding papa Alfa's arrest if she eavesdropped. And sit quietly at the dining table.

"Marya."

"Yes, Pa."

"Have you decided?"

"According to papa?"

"Son, you never stopped who you were with. Papa just hopes that your choice will make you happy."

"Papa, I used to choose Mas Herman, because of my nafsuku. And finally it broke apart. Even Mary became the cruelest of men, throwing away her own daughter. Maria still needs guidance to get better. Maria was afraid that if she returned to Herman, she would become even more cruel, because she could not help but be jealous of Zulfa. Let Herman go back to Zulfa's mother. Didn't want Maria to bother him anymore. Only Zulfa's mother matched Herman's. He's very patient."

"If that's your consideration, papa agrees. But remember! marriage, if it can be once in a lifetime, don't play games."

"Mary understands. I take refuge in the Willing from wrong decisions."

"May this be the best, my son."

"Bra pray, Papa."

"Yes already. Come outside! they're waiting for certainty from you."

With steady steps, Mary followed Alpha, meeting Herman and Faqih.

"This is Mary, please ask yourself what you mean."

Although it has a clear decision, but there are still doubts when it comes to dealing directly with Herman and Faqih. Maria was silent for a while.

It was obvious that Faqih was waiting for an answer from him. Herman, his eyes went nowhere. Could it be that at a time like this Zulfa was still adorning his wishful thinking. Or does he not care about her anymore. Mary looked at him sadly.

"We're waiting for your decision."

Maria looked at Alfa, asking for her approval. Alfa nodded her head.

"Mary, tell me what your verdict is. God willing we are ready to receive." Faqih tried to express what was on his mind.

While Herman could only look at Maria in hope, Maria would make her choice, without saying a word.

Maria glanced at him, not looking at him directly. Maria tried to hint that she was trying to be as fair as possible, both for her and for both. Even to say it, Maria chose to bow her head.

"Forgive Mary, if this choice hurts Herman or Faqih. I didn't mean to."

Maria stopped for a moment. Then he looked at Herman

I'm sorry, but I can't seem to come back to you anymore. I'm not the perfect person for you, until you still think about Zulfa, even though we are together and very close. So I chose to leave, so that you could be happy.

Maria's gaze made Herman quite proud and had great expectations. That she would be chosen by Mary. Considering they were together, of course many sweet stories are still left. And he hopes the story can continue when they get back together.

"I'm sorry, Mas Herman. Our story is over when we let go. I asked for sincerity to accept me as a brother. I'm sorry once again, Mas ..."

"Does that mean you ...."

"Mas Faqih said to Mary first, before Mas Herman said tonight."

An unexpected answer by Herman. Reckon

during Maria's time in prison, Herman always visited her.And before that too, to release Mary from the heavy law. It turned out that it did not give Mary the confidence to choose him and live with him again.

Mary felt so too, that Herman gave her hope that they would be together again. But after he came out there was no continuation, making himself doubtful. At a time like this Faqih, ustadz papa and also himself came. Is it wrong to currently choose Faqih to be his priest candidate ....

But tonight, it was all for nothing. Mary had chosen Faqih as her future priest.

It felt like there was no more meaning to him, he was among them. Herman got up, feeling devastated.

"I think it's his past. And I'm not the perfect person for him either. At least with that we will try to learn, so that the imperfections that we have, make the common good."

Herman was amazed by the answer spoken from Faqih's lips. He really did not think that Faqih had a strong heart. It is only fitting that Mary chose him.

"Papa, I'll say goodbye first. Tomorrow morning I'm at the market."

"Yes, Herman. Papa pray your efforts will be more successful. Forgive Mary for Her."

Despite being injured, Herman tried to smile, saying goodbye to Alfa.

"I'm sorry Herman, Pa. All this time can't be happy Maria."

"That's the past. If you want to stop by papa. Stop by, Papa will be happy."

"Salays, Pa. Ariston ..."

"Wa aleikum salam ..."

Tonight, Herman has gone the wrong place. To a place where he increasingly feels excluded, neglected and wasted. Wanted to be angry, but to whom, and I don't think it's any good.

Herman rode on his motor matic, with an increasingly squeezed heart. The burden that hit him today was heavy to the point of making it crowded. But the journey must continue.

Herman also took his motorbike to the streets that were getting darker, as dark as his heart which was now not glowing. Strengthened his steps in penetrating the cold of the foggy night. Losing and tired of making himself stop at the park with dim lights. Sighing down for a moment while gazing at the smiling moon from behind the clouds, laughing at the tiredness of his soul. And maybe it will be more tired with no one else who wants to hear his complaints, or just share the story.

Ah ....

Wouldn't it die alone. In his own grave. Why this solitude I must cry.

Herman immediately got up, wagging his hands at the clothes. In order for the grass that sticks out.

But he also could not prevent, when his tears came out. mixed with the dew of the night that began to fall. Until it does not feel at home with puffy eyes.

The creaking sound of the door leaf was able to realize himself, that now he had reached his destination.

Home ... a home that holds many memories.

💔💔💔

It doesn't feel like it's drifting into the past ....

Taarrr, Irwan's tiny glass was broken.

"No, just water!"

"Mas!"

"What. To argue."

Why am I so mean to Irwan, my little son. In your arms Irwan's cry subsided.

"Mas. Don't go with your mom's anger."

There is no anger in your words.

That's your love for me. But I ignored that.

Zulfa, you deserve to be happy with Hasan who can love you. I am willing ...

Maria, I am not a good priest to you. Now you have found the priest. Congratulations yes ....

Herman immediately took ablution water and prayed. Then try to close his eyes, lay down his completely tired body on the bed alone.

Let this dream end tomorrow. When you are awake.