Ballad Inmates
Ballad Inmates (Part 8)

By Dalem Tehang

THEY greeted me from behind bars. Express concern for my condition.

“I represent friends in the office expressing concern for the disaster that you experienced. We pray you are patient and steadfast,” said Agus, representing friends.

I just nodded while trying to smile. Refresh the soul when the body is imprisoned.

Not long before they met me. Because it is nothing more than a pleasant talk. My heart's eyes are prejudiced if they just want to see the full extent of what I'm mentally after being detained.

On my way back to the cell, I saw my wife's sister, Laksa, walking towards the guard post. I'll tell the guard if it's my sister. He gave me time.

Laksa greeted me so hard. Her eyes are red. Resisting sadness. His head repeatedly shook. Sticking on the iron trellis that becomes a barrier. There is a distrust of reality.

“Sorry yes, brother. I can't help much until brother has to come in like this,” he said in a choked voice.

“Laise, deck. That's what my friends are teaching here. You've done your best all along. No less. But the Life Regulator already has a scenario, and it must work. So yes, we just follow the flow of this scenario,” I said. Calming the terrible turmoil that tormented Laksa's soul.

I pat Laksa on the shoulder. Face lowered. Keep sticking to the iron bars. His arrogance is so terrible. Soul rebelled. Shouting a chat of non-acceptance. His hands tightly clasped the iron bars. As if to destroy it.

“Yakin aja, your brother can take it and take care of himself well. There will be no test above our ability to handle it. Follow and enjoy the flow,” I said half a whisper.

Slowly, Laksa was able to control himself. His breath began to settle. Our inner clinging has been awakened for a long time. And very sturdy.

“Mongan outdoor people who make frequent emotions, sis. Plus the news in online and print media,” he said while looking at me sharply.

“Biarin. No need to be heard that does not need to be heard. Nor need to be seen, which need not be seen,” I said. Keep trying to calm Laksa's soul.

Laksa wiped away the water floating in her eyes. He took his hand out of my hand.

“So, I can only bring cigarettes for as little money. I don't know what you need here,” he said, opening his bag. Two packs of cigarettes and an envelope filled with money.

“Masyaallah, deck. Don't bother this. This morning Ayuk was here. Already brought sister breakfast and cigarettes too,” I said.

“This is nothing compared to the weight of the burden of my brother here. If you need anything, say yes. Inshaallah I can help,” said Laksa while giving a cigarette and an envelope to my hand.

The guard officer who kept watching, had scrunched his forehead. Seeing the movement of Laksa's hand handed something to my hand.

I showed you three packs of cigarettes and the envelope Laksa gave me. He took a pack of cigarettes.

Suddenly Laksa pulled something out of his pants pocket. He slipped it into the guard's hand.

“I'm ready for you to buy cigarettes. Please don't take that for my sister,” said Laksa. Half-baked.

The officer nodded. The cigarette he had taken from my hand was returned.

Laksa was a part. I looked at his steps from behind the iron bars of the guard post. Lungla. As if it had uprooted some of its power.

“Come om, back to the room,” a voice surprised me.

Tamping who had just followed, took me back to the cell. Along the hallway to room 10, I walked while looking down. Staring at the rough plaster floor.

“That's your rice,” said Joko as I entered the room.

I saw a packet of rice stuffed near my little bag.

I went to the bathroom. I slowly opened the envelope from Laksa. Calculating. There is Rp 650,000. I took a deep breath.

Express gratitude. “Alhamdulillah,” my sigh.

I approached Edi who was cutting his nails by biting his teeth.

“This three pack cigarette as a sign of friendship and monthly money Rp 600,000,” I said. Edi accepted it with a smile.

“Iyos, this catet. Mario paid,” he said, handing the money over to Iyos.

Two packs of cigarettes he threw into the position of friends who were chatting downstairs.

“It's from Mario. Don't waste. Share average,” says Edi.

Another pack he put on his pillow. Room head ration. (connect)