ZULFA FORTITUDE
Is He Himself in His Memory

Herman, after all, is still the father of my children. His presence is indispensable to their development. But I don't know the fate that surrounds us. It's hard for you to change. Which we eventually had to part ways with.

I hope, with this you can take a lesson. The kids and I will always be waiting. Your presence in the new household togetherness we passed.

For a moment in the beginning we moaned in goodness. That one is so beautiful to me, and I'm so happy. But it can't bring you back to good forever.

Despite the journey ahead, I don't know where it's headed. But I do think well, that all goes on the qodrat irodah that God has set for us.

I pray for you always. So that you may find a way home.

Day after day, Zulfa lived his life as he always did. He continued his efforts. While taking care of her young daughter's son who needs a lot of attention.

Slowly his efforts are growing. Although not yet big, but he can already help some of the surrounding neighbors who need work.

There are about 6 mothers who now help him in the production. And also packing. And one person specialized in recording as well as marketing.

Due to the increasing orders. The space that used to be used for fermentation has now been converted into a production room for making cakes.

Thank God, for the sale more who took themselves to his house. Instead of asking to be delivered. This makes it easy in marketing.

Sometimes there are orders from outside the city, he uses the services of shipping goods.

Mama Halimah and her sisters, were grateful for Zulfa's independence in her solitude.

"Sir, this is from outside the island asking to be sent, can you?"

"How much did you ask?"

"Each kind of cake 20 kilos."

"20 kilos?"

"Where is it good to be accepted?"

"Accept it, Ms. Zulfa."

"All right."

Thus, day by day the development of his business is increasing. Zulfa's life was more prosperous than it was when Herman was around.

And now Lika has gone to school too. Irwan went to primary school. But never once did Herman come or send word to Zulfa.

At first Irwan looks happy when his father leaves. Likewise with Lika, she also seemed happy with the situation. Even though he doesn't know anything.

But over time, there was a sense of kangen also in his sons and daughters, of the presence of his father. Especially Lika ....

"Mother, I never came home" asked Lika one day.

Zulfa was stunned and kept silent for a long time, responding to his daughter's question.

Then he grabbed his daughter in his lap.

"Dad is looking for a lot of money, to buy a plane for Lika."

"Certainly Mother?"he asked in surprise, "But Lika doesn't like planes."

"Then what dong."

"Lika likes dolls." she replied with a slight sulk.

"Well, Mommy will say. But must be diligent school and prayer. And not to be naughty." said Zulfa consolingly.

Irwan who heard the conversation, approached them.

"Sik, don't say that .. pity Mother."

"Why, brother?"

"Mother will be sad." while holding Lika's hand, he will be invited to leave.

"Mother is okay, dear."

It was precisely then that Irwan was hugging his bunda sadly. For a moment Zulfa was shocked. Then she stroked Irwan's head gently.

"What's the matter, honey?" ask Zulfa.

"Actually .. actually Irwan is also kangen, Mother."

Zulfa smiled, looking at Irwan.

"Of course, we do'a. So that I'll be home soon."

"Well, now go take a shower first. Later Mommy will take you to TPQ."

"Yes, Mother." they said in unison.

They went out from before Zulfa with vigor, to take a bath.

Zulfa stared at their departure, whispering in his heart.

Look at our children, they are getting bigger. Do you not miss him.

🔷

"Hi, how are you?" greet a friend.

"I don't know, it looks like I'm starting to feel at home here."

"Whoever stays here, must be a fool."

"Hem ...."

"Yesterday, my friend was looking for someone who could drive, do you want to?"

"May also."

"OKAY. Make a proposal ... I'll wait."

"Well, important letters in the village."

"What's wrong, can follow." he replied.

"Siip."

"If you can tell me to send, so I can promote you."

"Yes, I'm working on it."

"This is with me, to the boss."

"This is what I'm waiting for."

After finishing drinking coffee and eating his banana, the two of them headed for the parked truck.

"Come on, you drive."

Herman's heading for the wheel, sit down. Then run the truck quietly.

"Where are we going, Ziz" he asked his close friend Aziz.

"We go to Bengkulu. Taking things. Come back here again."

"OK-okay."

That's the life Herman now has to live.

🔷

It's been over a year, Herman was stranded in this place. In the slums, which are in the capital. Complaining of fate, sleeping to and fro. And work odd jobs just can survive.

Sometimes gather with the thugs, just to drive away the boredom. And sometimes from them, he accepts job-joban. Certainly the halal.

Luckily he has driving skills. So often asked a friend to replace his job if it is impossible.

But it's very rare. So that the result can only be to meet the needs of food and just clothes and rent.

The shadow of the family is always in his eyes. But there is no courage to go home. Although the habit of gambling and drinking hard is no longer lived.

In this situation, he felt ashamed to go home. Meet Zulfa and his children. Especially her mother and her sisters.

Now Aziz offers her to get a permanent job by filing an official application.

In his mind, how would he ask for the important papers that were in his mother's house. While he does not want to be known about his existence by his family.

Confused as well, he thought. But eventually he decided to contact his sister. Once in the port of Bakaheuni in Lampung.

Several times he called, but did not lift up. Maybe because of an unknown number, so they have to think long, to answer it.

But he did not despair, kept trying. Finally lifted up too.

"Assalamu'alaikum ...." He tried to say hello. A word he never said to Zulfa.

There was an answer from a woman he still knew very well.

"Wa'alaikum salam .. sorry who is this?" the question said from the guy on the other end of the phone.

Herman hesitated to continue the conversation. Did they really forget me ....

But for the sake of hope, the conversation continued.

"I'm your brother, Rahmi" said Herman.

"This is you, Brother Herman."

The answer that left him a little aghast, why did his sister call it with the word 'You'. So disgraced was he that his sister did not want to know him.

Thankfully, there are still words left. Those are the words 'Sister', so he has the courage to express his needs.

Although not related to his sister. But with him, he could figure out the state of Zulfa ....