Ballad Inmates
Ballad Inmates (Part 14)

By Dalem Tehang

WHEN Rayhan said goodbye, and I was going back to the cell, the guards asked me if there was a message they should do.

Spontaneously I said that I did not receive any guests except my wife. The officer nodded.

That day was a big day. Prisoners' families usually arrive. Until jubilee. Although it can only be by remaining limited to iron bars.

Once in the room, I saw two plastic bags that Rayhan had brought in. I open. It turned out to contain seven-pack of pecel rice, as well as peyek. There are also two packs of cigarettes.

I call Ijal. I'm handing over my wife's delivery for breakfast with the occupants of the room. I also gave him a pack of cigarettes to share after breakfast.

That morning, we had breakfast rice pecel. The entire face of the occupants of room 10 was full of joy.

“If Tuesday and Friday’at, all must be cheerful, Mario. Because of the day. Kayak lebaran it feels if the big day arrives,” said Edi. While continuing to chew the peyek that my wife sent.

Everybody smile. I only realized that morning, the entire room was already in the shower. The smell of smell is striking. The smell of perfumes with a variety of brands and classes.

I sit in my place. In the corner near the bathroom. One by one the occupants of the room were called tamping because there was a family who came to visit.

Not long after, the tamping was back. Carry a plastic bag containing food while mentioning who the owner is. Ijal hurriedly accepted it and put where they each were.

The faces of the friends of the occupants of the room looked very cheerful after the bustling. Right said Edi, the day for prisoners is like a leafan. Only Ijal and Aris remained in the room.

“Not made yes?” I ask both of them.

Who is playing chess. They nodded, without turning their faces.

I'm not continuing the conversation. I realized that comforting myself in a cell was very difficult. Therefore, when someone is enjoying it, I try not to tease even if only with a piece of the question.

“Have been, Jal. Bete om!” aris suddenly closed the chessboard.

“Yes, Aris is a habit. When else is the pinch position, definitely close the game,” between Ijal. Half sewot.

“Yes that's not it, um. It should be until someone loses or wins. That's just fair its name,” said Ijal. Still with annoyance.

“Jal, often we are in a position that is in the view of people if we lose. But we even feel like we won. It's also the opposite. Life is not black and white. Often even gray is dominant. You are still too young for the mahami,” said Aris while leaving Ijal tidying up the chessboard.

“Yes that's not it too times, om!” said Ijal again.

“Now you ask. You get into this cell feeling win what lose?” aris.

“Yes lose, om. If you win, there is no way Ijal here,” said Ijal. Assertively.

“Well, that's wrong, Jal. You should feel like winning. Because the boyfriend you bought, must be proud of your struggle for your love, even though you finally have to be in prison,” said Aris.

Ijal. For a moment there was a faint smile at the corner of his lips. The young man who served as the kitchen person in room 10, did look smart. Only his soul was collapsing, making him lose his joy.

“So, Jal. In this life there are two wounds that must be experienced by all humans. First, the hurt hurt. Second, the wounds that will change. Well, you should be able to enjoy this wound in the second position,” said Aris. Advised.

“Where Ijal wants to win, om. Ijal was arrested, Ijal's girlfriend even cut out the relationship and now dating the same person who Ijal at that time. Who made Ijal held gini,” said Ijal with a heavy voice. Resisting emotions and a thousand turmoil in the heart.

Aris rises. Hugged the young man. There is a strong newness. The merging of two souls who were both confined in an abnormal atmosphere. I also felt that joy.

The atmosphere melted as Joko took out his wife's luggage as it hit. Apem cake and fried banana.

“This is a wife-made snack. Let's enjoy and be grateful,” said Joko while offering a hand.

We picked up a snack that was placed in the middle of the room.

“Jal, set it later for lunch and the mallem yes. Ordinary kayak. Check first all the default friends,” said Edi the head of the room. Ijal.

After the opening hour, each of them handed the food he received to Ijal. Except for personal needs. Like cigarettes, drugs or vitamins.

Deftly, Ijal directly divides which foods should be eaten immediately, and which can be set aside. For dinner or for the next day (connecting).