25 Years of Father
First Salary

After dinner, here we sat down. Living room that is minimal lighting adds tension in the room. Although not clear, but the gaze of the father who supported the chin looking at Angga made me feel uneasy myself. The hand that often floated on my face and body kept me looking. Afraid, if until Angga misspoke it makes dad act rude. I see every time Angga's hand rubs the rough face and neck that is full of sweat. Honestly, I wanted to laugh, but there was a much greater pity. The nervousness is clearly visible in the Angga at this time.

“I'm sorry, Angga. God please calm yourself father so as not to act rude this time,” in my heart I continue to pray.

Even if you disagree, you may be able to talk about it carefully. That's my hope now. And the next second I heard Dad start to open his voice.

“So, what are your goals here for?” The bigger my heart is the bigger I feel.

Dad's tone sounded unfriendly. I know you're thinking about something that's not right in your heart.

“I'm here to ask for approval with om. Anggia and I are dating. We want to be serious going forward, Om. Anggia asked me to face om first. If om agree maybe in the future we will be easier to live this relationship.” The words from Angga made me bow without daring to look at father. I really couldn't stand my father's answer this time which was so hard for me to imagine.

“I want to marry Anggia, but for now there is still a work bond that requires me to wait two years to get married, Om.” Angga again voiced.

For a few seconds, Dad was silent. Mom beside me was silent to my father's decision. Because, regarding the future continuity of our children, the father is always in control of all without asking for input from the mother. Dad has that attitude. But, I'm sure every attitude you take has been thought of very carefully.

“Anggia still has to lecture s2. You are young, I think for now focus on your future. If you have good intentions, I will accept. You can live as long as you also focus on education and work. Later the time comes we will talk about this again.”

My body feels weak, right my guess. Dad won't let us get married fast. I have no voice at all, while Angga is silent. He no longer forced his intentions on me.

We have known each other for a long time between families. Even if there is no relationship. That's why Angga is very careful when talking to dad. He knows that he has a very hard disposition and easy emotions.

That night we decided to go to Angga's house. He wants to introduce me to his little brother. Dad didn't forbid. For the first time I got permission from dad on the road with a guy.

Honestly, there is a feeling of pleasure. I don't need to hide from Angga anymore. My father approved of us, but not for marriage. It was my dream to have a high education. Later I will educate my children with the knowledge I get said father.

And that night time seemed to spin very fast. Where me and Angga must separate back. Sad feeling. During the courtship of several months we could not meet other than communication from mobile phones. And now we've only been found for a few hours. Angga had to return to work that night as well.

Mama and I drove Angga away at the door of my house after Angga came to say goodbye.

“Be careful well? Don't pace.” I said looking into Angga's eyes.

I feel very worried. I know he's very tired right now. A very long journey he had to take to fulfill my desire to face my father.

I don't feel like my vacation has been running for almost three weeks. Where I was surprised by the arrival of both Angga's parents to the house.

“Loh Aunt, Om?” I said hello while I was busy cleaning the flowers.

Both of Angga's parents seemed to smile at me. I hurriedly kissed the back of their hands. Wherever father is also out to welcome. There is no awkwardness at all because they already know each other.

I'm outside with Ica and also the sister of Angga. Both of my parents were talking inside the house. Samar I heard Angga's wish to ask his parents to come ask me to father and mother.

“Actually I want Anggia to continue school first. I also talked to Angga. Let them focus on their future. But, if you really want to get married after two years, well what can I do?” My father sounded disappointed. I knew Dad had high hopes for me to succeed.

But, my mind that has almost graduated from college is eager to have children and fathers can spend time with their grandchildren. I know you're dying to have a grandchild. I can even go to college after marriage.

My experience that did not have a long time with my grandparents made me not want it to happen to my children in the future. Even my grandparents never saw and knew me because they were long gone.

I was afraid that the age of the father who was getting older and sickly made me regret not feeling the marriage in the company of father. Though in my heart I always refused that fate. I didn't feel ready if one of my parents would leave me.

Since then my relationship with Angga has improved. We're really serious about the commitment we're taking. All the lectures and thesis work I did was so full of passion.

Even during college I was willing to set aside time to sell various cosmetic products to help my wedding expenses later. Not until there, as long as the script was also busy writing a novel where I would get a decent wage there. Dad's getting proud of me. He was happy when I could have my first income from writing a novel. Until I graduated without the presence of my father and mother, of course we feel sad because my country is being hit by a dangerous virus.

My fear is getting, a father who is easily exposed to pain makes us very anxious. Many of my friends' parents fell one by one because of the deadly virus. I had to go online, and then I went home.

This is where I received my first salary from writing. My father and mother gave me very little. I know dad and mom don't need that nominal money. But, I just wanted to feel to them the money from my hard work thinking while waiting for graduation.

“Daddy, ma'am, this is part of my salary. This one I want to put in an envelope for some parents who can't afford.” Dad's eyes look teary looking at me right now.

He kissed me on the cheek, hugged me from behind. I was touched to see this warm father's treatment. True said people, the parents did not see from the nominal we gave. But, the way we remember them alone has become a happiness in itself.

“Dad's son already has a salary. Thank you, dear. Thanks though. May your work always be successful and blessed. Can help many people well?” I could not feel my tears dripping from my father's words.

My heart feels so happy to hear my father's words. I'm happy to be able to give you money without asking from them again. Since college in the final semester I already have income from sales. But not as big as when I was a writer. Although in the first few months I became a writer, my results were not much. But I can set aside money for some people in need is already a satisfaction in itself.