-14-

Mom's words are true. How can a single man love a married woman? It is a shameful thing. Besides, I'm not sure, is it true that what I feel for Arni is love. Or is it just lust for a man?

****

In the morning, I was ready to go to the garden with my father. Don't forget, Uncle Junet and Uncle Sobirin too. We feel so handsome Now because he's the center of attention. Look at Uncle Junet, his style looks tired while combing his sleek hair. Meanwhile, Uncle Sobirin prefers to remain silent and daydream.

"See, Master Nathan is back, isn't it?" Uncle Sane seemed to speak. He was the one carrying a lump of straw. too, hastily approached my father.

"You're old, aren't you," dad teased. He really knows how to make fun of people. "I miss you, let's talk at the shop over there," he continued. Saying goodbye to me, he immediately took Uncle Waras to Mariisah's grandmother's shop. Don't forget, his loyal courtier--Sobirin came too.

"Uncle, where are you going?" I asked Uncle Junet who was following in my father's footsteps. He stopped in his tracks, then tilted his face to look at me.

"Of course, I'll go with your father. Drink hot coffee and eat sticky rice. Instead, you can't see sexy virgins." he says.

Indeed, when it comes to his work, this is a big zero. Just try it if the tea pickers are all old ladies, surely Uncle Junet will not want to accompany me from the first.

I just ignored Uncle Junet and then walked over to several foremen who were checking the workers' plucks. It seems that, in this rather cloudy weather, they are still eager to make a living.

"How was today's result?" I asked Warsito. He looked happy.

"Thanks to the rain for a few days, skipper, the caterpillars on the tea leaves that were bothering you for a while are now gone. The leaves are good again."

I'm glad to hear that answer. At least the pickers will not be scolded by the foreman, they can also get fresh tea leaves in large quantities. It's a picking season this time, there are obstacles.

"Then give them more wages for today. So that they can buy herbs or rice to cook later. After that, I'll wait as usual at home."

"Okay, Master."

I walked away, to catch up with dad. It seems, my work today goes easily and quickly. A cup of coffee definitely makes me feel lighter again.

"Sorry, skipper...." I stopped when I heard the soft voice. In fact, my eyes locked on the figure who was now standing in front of me. We are, like two strangers standing in the middle of a stretch of tea garden. Or even like a pair of lovers who want to let go because they haven't seen each other for a long time. So, which one should I consider?

"You haven't gone to the garden for the past few days. I heard from Manis that you are sick. Are you okay now? I mean, are you healed?" he asked again at length.