ZULFA FORTITUDE
Tia's Still Afraid

"What's wrong, how sad?"

"Tia's sister wants to go, Ma."

"Yes, but maybe once a month Tia will visit us. Kangen with Rahman and his brothers at the orphanage. No, no, no sadness. Good mama's son, sholeh and handsome."

"Yes dech. Rochman is sincere."

Then Redha allowed everyone to enjoy the banquet she provided. Accompanied by his family as well. Sometimes throwing jokes between them. That adds to the family. Moreover, Rohman looks to mewek. Bikci ....

To the extent that, Redha keceplosan.

"Mother. Looks like ... How do we match them now?"

"They're kids, Jeng. They're afraid they'll mind it being big."

"Just kidding Mother."

Fortunately, the two children did not know the direction of the parents' conversation.

A delightful feast. They enjoy with joy and joy. Until it does not feel what is happening almost all over. Only the bones and the spines left. Maybe because I want to please Ridho Redha's family. Or because they want to do the Sunnah.

"Don't like to throw food away. That's the devil."

Or mother Redha's cooking is really good. Only they know. All three are good cooks.

After finishing the dinner provided. They all withdrew, bringing the Pearls back. Ridho, Redha and Rahman, deliver until all disappear from sight. With a half smile, Rahman waved at Tia and Aldo who could now be together.

Looking at them, envy arose in his heart.

"Ma, when did I have a sister like Tia" he said, sulking spoiled.

Redha could only answer the smiles with the eyeballs swirling to the right and to the left. Lha kok, papa Ridho listen ....

"Tuch right, Ma." said Ridho who wanted to tease the wife. Make Redha glare, with her lips pulled to the right. Oops ....

"Yok, Rohman. We go inside. You should be angry with your mom."

"But, really, Ma. Make it a little sister .." said Rohman without burden. Just make Redha keki.

"Yes, just doain, so that papa mama will soon get a sister for you" replied Ridho to Rahman. Make anxious ....

"We're already inside" said Ridho. Then he took his son to come in with him. Leaving behind Redha who was still dumbfounded.

"Ma, Ayok!" bring Ridho.

Papa and this child are there, Redha muttered in her heart.

💎

At first, Mutiara wanted a car with mother Zulfa. But because of Herman's desire, the Pearl followed his father. One car with Herman, Halimah and Aldo. At a crossroads, they parted ways, heading to each other's homes.

Zulfa was calm. The pearl has been found. There was no more burden and that worried him. He did not blame Tia for wanting to go to his house, as he treated Aldo, Pearl's brother. After all, want anyone's child, whose name is children, must want the affection of a mother as well, so that she feels and can grow well.

Now Zulfa has arrived at his house, when the night looks perfect. Just wanted to close his eyes, enjoy his rest, suddenly his phone rang. Apparently from Halima.

"Assalamu'alaikum .... What's up, Ma."

"I'm sorry Mama, son. Disturb you."

"Yes, what's up Ma ..."

"Pearl fainting. I've got to do it, son."

Zulfa was a bit surprised too. Why is it that my mom is preaching it now. Maybe because Tia is still traumatized.

"Now where is it?"

"We're in the hospital, "

"Good Ma. Zulfa get there."

I don't know, if it's in contact with the kids, Zulfa's heart must be full, no matter who the kid is. Once he got news from Halimah, not waiting for long, he had already left with Irwan.

"Since when was Tia Pinsan, Ma."

"Once into the yard."

It's true that I thought Tia fainted because she was still traumatized by the incident. Pity him, until when he will recover from his trauma. Only time will cure him. She stroked Tia gently, until she squirmed, then breezed open her eyes.

"Mother Zulfa, don't tell Tia to come back to that house. Tia's afraid. Mary will come."

"Darling, don't be afraid. There's a father, there's a grandmother, there's an Aldo. Who will take care of you."

"No, Tia's still scared."

"Sleep, your mother will take care of you. Or you want to come with me."

The pearl looked at his grandmother. Requesting approval. Halimahpun. There seems to be no better way than that. Instead of having to return the Pearl to the Orphanage or to the place of Mama Redjusta, which is far from where she lives.

Since Pearl was all right, Zulfa brought her home.

"Zulfa. Sorry to always bother you." said Herman who could only look at himself from the side of the door.

Zulfa did not respond well to Herman's words. He passed by from before Herman, as soon as he finished his farewell to Halimah.

After Zulfa and Irwan disappeared in the hospital hallway, Herman immediately completed the admistration and others, leaving the hospital as well. There were regrets he might not have been able to express, but it was too late.

Perhaps this is the lightest punishment given by the Most Merciful to him. There were children around, but they couldn't hold her tight. There was someone he missed so much, but couldn't reach in the deck.

Let her enjoy this night in silence, whether momentarily or forever. Only rely on the Power, rested on his desire. Either it will manifest in real, or it's just a delusion. Everything is still secret.

He brought Halimah and Aldo home, passing the increasingly lonely road, as lonely as he now began to feel.

Arriving home, tried to close his eyes, but could not. Finally he tried to cool the mind by taking the water of ablution, and rest on the most forgiving ....

Annabelle ....

💎

Tomorrow at Alfa's house ....

"Surely mistress Mary lives here" said a man who was quite neat.

"Yes, what's looking for non Maria?"

"sorry. I'm just you handing this over." said the man as he handed him a fairly wide brown envelope.

"Yes, I'll tell you later." Katabibi who has served in the house of Alpha long enough.

"Thank you" he said before passing by, leaving the house.

No need to wait for the man to leave, the aunt had already returned home. Meet Mr. Alfa, who this morning looks relaxed sitting in his rocking chair.

"What's up, Bi?"

"Here, there's a letter to non-Mary."

"Take here. I want to see it."

He handed the letter to Alfa. From the cover it is already seen who the sender is. The Office of the Religious Court.

"Please call Mary."

"Good sir."

The aunt passed from before Alpha, to meet Mary who was busying herself in the kitchen. Is making something that can make her dad smile back at her, hopefully. But it definitely ended up having to trouble auntie as well. He must repair and perfect his work.

He left his job, met his father who was reading the sheet he had just received ....

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