Dul
113. A Hugs For Dad

Dul's desire at that time was just to quickly get back together with his family. He wanted to make sure of Bara's condition with his own eyes. Wanted to share a story with the man about the days he had spent with his comrades in arms in Solo. He wanted to say with his own mouth that he had successfully passed all those selections and would soon be educated as an Air Force officer. At the same time, his heart rumbled with happiness and sadness.

During this time Solo is just a small town as a stopover when Bara invites his family to take a walk. They all stopped by a few times to eat fried chicken and Sejah used to buy a few bottles of chili to take home. Just passing. Never spent a night in that small town.

Now, Solo has left behind a new story that Dul will remember for life. A city that when he left and came home had become a different figure. Solo will always occupy a special corner in his heart.

Previously, Dul had planned to buy souvenirs for his family. Hearing the stories of his friend who was going shopping before going home, Dul got excited. He intends to buy some kinds of souvenirs typical of Solo area to be taken home and distributed. He has included Mr. Wirya, Bu Yanti, Sukma family, Heru family and especially for his parents and younger siblings.

Dul was very excited because it was his first trip alone to an area that had not received too much attention.

However, his spirit was also shed when he heard about the Bara accident. The man had to be operated on. Enough money and neatly stored in his wallet at that time was the fruit of Bara's livelihood. His father worked hard during the night so that they would all be fulfilled. His heart could not even spend that money. It is reflected in how Bara left the house at any time when something happened with one of the news-seeking crew. Sometimes Bara also had to replace a journalist who was unable to cover. Dul felt his heart ache.

And with the reason not to bother the family, he was deliberately not asked to be picked up at the airport. If only from the airport to the hospital, he can easily take a taxi.

But it turns out that when his foot just arrived at the conveyor belt to wait for his suitcase, Heru suddenly called.

“Dul, Pakdhe have seen you. Later come out directly to the left, yes,” Heru said on the phone.

Dul turned to the nearest exit. He immediately recognized the handsome man with a sideburn that was waving at him. “Iya, Pakdhe. I'll be right out.”

Although it felt no problem if not picked up, but still Dul was happy with Heru's presence there. He felt his return was awaited. And most importantly .. he doesn't feel alone. Dul dragged his suitcase out the door and immediately turned left. Heru approached and hugged her very tightly. Dul's eyes faded again with tears.

Maybe Heru wanted to replace Bara's position at that time. Heru who joked with her more often, that day looked very serious. Repeatedly patting his back while saying, “Good, Dul. Goody. Congratuations. Your father would be proud.”

“Come, we're going to the hospital. Look at your father. Pakdhe didn't say if you'd come here. Your father may also have forgotten what time you were on the plane,” Heru said.

“Times Dad forgot?” ask Dul a little confused. It is impossible to forget such things.

“Your father just finished the operation in the head and is in recovery. You cannot be taught heavy talk. He'll think. Anyway, your dad is fine. Stay the healing process,” explained Heru.

Dul nodded. He did not see any panic or worry in Heru's countenance. His voice sounds ordinary. Dul felt he could calm down a little. He had arrived in Jakarta and they were heading to the hospital to visit Bara.

Along the way they were more silent. Dul arranged a conversation on what would be his topic with Bara later. Heru said that Bara should not be invited to chat with topics that are too heavy. Among his walking thoughts, Dul remembered something.

“How Akung circumstances, Pakdhe?”

“Akung well. His health has recently progressed. But Akung doesn't know that your father was in an accident. Pakdhe just said that your father went out of town.” Heru took a breath. “Sorry Pakdhe, yes, Dul …. You've only been gone for a while, but everything's gone awry. You do not calm down while there. You shouldn't need to know these things. And should Pakdhe reduce your father's work,” said Heru with a grim look.

Dul just kept quiet not knowing what to answer. Wasn't that job a risk to his father who made a living in that place? Or is it a form of concern for Heru to his brother? Or also ... Bara works harder because he feels responsible for his legacy company?

“Come, the suitcase does not need to be taken down. From here you go, right, home. Later Pakdhe inter,” said Heru when they arrived at the hospital parking lot.

“Ya, already. It's nothin. Also true. Your mother must have long since returned home. Can replace,” said Heru.

Dul asked Heru to just waltz without busying himself dragging a suitcase. “You have been tired physically and psychically while there. Home to near family is nothing if a little spoiled.” Heru blinked one eye. “That's your father's room.” Heru's gaze was fixed on a room located in the right corner.

“Halo ...” Heru pushed the door of the room ahead of Dul. “Ibra .. Mima .. Pakdhe bring special guest. TNI.” officer candidates

Ibra who was sitting on the sofa with Mbok Jum, jumped immediately. Mima dumps the television remote and hurls at the door.

I turned to the door. Her tears were already floating just by hearing Heru's words. His eyes were waiting impatiently. It felt like those moments went on for a very long time. As he felt, his hand was grasping it very tightly. Then, Dul appeared at the door with reddened eyes.

“Air Force TNI officer candidate,” said Bara in a weak tone. Her tears fell to her cheeks.

Dul put down his backpack and approached the bed. The blisters on Bara's chin made his heart even more pitying. He did not have time to reach Bara's hand to be placed on the forehead.

Not nothing Dul's cry had broken when he hugged his father. “Dad, I passed,” isak Dul.

Bara nodded and patted Dul's arm over his body. “Proud dad,” suhut Bara.

“Still. Thank you for always being there for me and Mom. For me and my sisters too. Dad is tired because we,” said Dul stammered. His breath was a little stingy as he spoke.

“All for Daddy family. Kids Dad. Now Father's son is an officer. Happy father, Dul. Thank you for being a good son Dad and Mom.”

One free Bara hand seeks the Seized hand to hold. The colonized directly caught Bara's hand and grasped it. Since the accident, countless more tears that he had let out. It feels inexhaustible. If only Dul knew that Bara was quite difficult to get through his critical period. Back to crying. Especially considering Bu Yanti who had to hold back tears in front of her husband to hide the condition of Bara. It was a really hard day for all of them.

Dul straightened his body to look at the Sejah. The two looked at each other without speaking. They are a pair of mothers and children who have a stronger bond than anyone. They starved together, cried together, and laughed alone. The tears are getting unstoppable. And Dul quickly wiped his tears. With two arms stretched out, he grabbed his mother into a hug. The woman he once saw was so strong and always strong, now turned into the most motherly woman and easily cried. The body of his mother who used to be often used as a protector against rain and sunburn now looks increasingly petite and frail.

Dul could see a streak of tiredness and deep sadness on his mother's face. He could imagine his mother's fear of losing a head of a family like Bara.

Dul and Dijah hugged very tightly.

“Mother ...,” isak Dul.

“Son Mother of the officer candidate," sahut Colored also in the talk.

To Be Continued

"Crying continues throughout the Nulis part of DUL lately. Btw, congratulations Mas Dul. It's so good to be writing your story." - juskelapa