Mother Love

"How?"

"Delicious. As usual."

When our cooking is appreciated by our partner, isn't that nice?

Ilham finished the simple lunch I cooked, then I told him to rest. His long journey must have been exhausting. As a result, we decided to hang out on the upper terrace while enjoying a cup of black coffee without sugar.

"Does my mom know you're here?"

Ilham smiled. "Seems like I know."

"Why does it seem like that?"

"I just said goodbye to Zahra, but it seems like she's going to tell your mother."

"That girl, her mouth is a bucket."

"Don't get me wrong. Zahra just can't lie. If someone asks, she'll definitely answer, right?"

"Aish. You always defend Zahra. You don't know how scary she is."

"Of course she's terrible; she's your younger sister. Remember?"

"Zahra is scary because she's my sister? So, you say I'm scary too?"

I pretended to pinch his arm, and Ilham laughed. Making us a couple—can we still be called young—who are in love. I mean, come on! Who wouldn't want a boyfriend as good as Ilham? He is not only close to me, but also to my two younger siblings, regardless of how badly my family treats him.

*_*

Is Ilham jealous? Yes, but isn't that normal? Jealousy is a sign of love, right? In fact, if he doesn't get jealous when I'm close to someone else, that would be very strange. Even my mother, who is known for her confidence and often bullies my father, is very jealous of him.The person Ilham is usually jealous of is a stranger he doesn't know personally. He used to be jealous of Hasyim, but fortunately, he isn't anymore. He understands how I consider Hasyim and Devara as my own siblings. Even on this cold night, we invited Hasyim to join us.The party was held after the evening prayer, specifically in front of the dormitory.Devara and I made drinks and arranged snacks, while Ilham and Mr. Martin grilled the meat. Hasyim himself happened to be assigned the task of arranging the benches. He is indeed used to coming in and out here; he is even good friends with Mr. Martin. It's no wonder Devara is picked up and dropped off for dates almost every day. Not to mention that Hasyim's father, Ustaz Ali, is our teacher and often gives lectures at the orphanage and dormitory."So, when is your wedding party being held?" Mr. Martin asked while spreading seasoning on the beef.Devara replied, "After the election, sir.""Are your parents coming?""I don't know." Devara's expression changed to annoyance now, but I knew for sure that it wasn't directed at Mr. Martin, but rather at herself. "If they can come, great. If they don't come, it's okay. After all, they are old. Can choose between what is good and bad.""God willing, they will come," replied Hasyim. "My mother has already called Deva's mother; they will come. That's for sure."However, Devara just frowned. "You seem like you don't understand them, Syim. My parents are inconsistent when they talk. Now they say A; tomorrow they might say B. The point is, don't rely on humans."Mr. Martin sighed deeply, then turned to me. "What about you guys? When are you getting married?"Getting married?I glanced at Ilham."How is it, Ham?""If I just obey. When are you usually free?" He instead asked back while raising and lowering his eyebrows.Along with the aroma of cooked meat, a car stopped in front of the gate. Forcing Mr. Martin to reluctantly open the door."Who?" asked Ilham.I stood up and stretched my neck to reach the wall blocking my view. "Doctor Wahyu, I think.""Your boss?"

I nodded. "Yes." It's okay. He is just on a short visit. Routine."

Although he is very busy, I must admit that Dr. Wahyu is a very caring leader. He checks on us at the end of every month. Sometimes he even chats with Mr. Martin at the security post. I thought he wouldn't come this last week, but it turns out I was wrong. Even though the only residents are Devara and me, he will still check."Is Ms. Anggi not home yet?" asked the man with white hair as he walked towards us.

"She is staying at the shelter, Doc!" I replied.

Although he is already of age, Dr. Wahyu has a very fashionable and handsome appearance. Not many men his age can look so fit and charming. He somewhat resembles Mike Mikkelsen, in my opinion."Ah, Mrs. Anggi is very diligent!" said Dr. Wahyu. He moved the chair arranged by Hasyim, then sat down there. "Is there no seafood?""Eh?" We really didn't buy it, Doc!"If that's the case, please buy it first." So that there will be more." He took out money from his wallet and asked Hasyim to go look for it. Not to forget, Devara, who is clingy with her boyfriend, also joined. Leaving me, Ilham, and Mr. Martin.I couldn't hide the uncomfortable feeling when he stared at Ilham intensely.

"Is this Ms. Maya's boyfriend?"

Ilham awkwardly nodded, then placed the cooked meat on the table. "Please, Doctor.""Just wait for the others," replied Dr. Wahyu. "How old are you guys? Twenty? Thirty?""I'm thirty-two, sir!" replied Ilham."One year older than my child."I've often heard that Dr. Wahyu indeed has a son, but he works in another city. It's a pity; his son doesn't want to follow in his footsteps. It is actually his youngest daughter who is interested in becoming a doctor. Dinda Maharani, that's her name. She often visits the nursing home with her friends to entertain the grandmas and grandpas. Even back in high school, it was said that she liked to invite the dance club at her school to come and put on entertainment shows. However, he is now studying in England. Far away and making all the grandparents miss him."Kids nowadays in their thirties are still relaxed, Doc. Back in my day, if a man was 27 and not married yet... it could become a topic of gossip. Especially for women, being single at 25... then being in a long-term relationship... it's a sure way to get people's tongues wagging.""Times change, Mr. Martin. I used to marry the children's mother when I was in my thirties.""That's the difference between rich people and poor people. Poor people get married young, even though they can't earn money. That's why now I tell my children to pursue higher education so they won't marry young. As the doctor used to say, early marriage is prone to death during childbirth. My neighbor's child got married at 16, gave birth, and died. The mother and baby did not survive."The three of us just smiled upon hearing that.Not everyone, but that's just how it is, unfortunately. As a privileged person, I will certainly be considered evil by most people for saying this. Even perhaps being called an unempathetic person.Our conversation was interrupted when my phone rang. I hurriedly grabbed it and checked. Mom?"I'll take the call first, Doc." I was making small talk.Doctor Wahyu smiled. "Please, Doctor Maya."I chose to move away, approaching the large tree on the other side of the yard. Because I know it will be hot."Hello, Ma'am? Assalamualaikum—""What do you want, May?" Before I could finish my sentence, Mother interrupted. Complete with a scream that pierced the ears. Immediately, I moved the phone away from my body. "How many years have you not been back, Maya? What happened? Oh, you did it on purpose … you will come back when your father and mother die? Like that?""Astagfirullah, Ma'am.""Don't make up stories about God.""Excuse me, Ma'am."

"Then? What do you want? Taking a break from work and not coming back, and even their partner... I see you haven't even become Ilham's wife yet, and you're already being unfaithful with someone else. What if I give my blessing? Most likely, your father and I... will be left in a nursing home, right, May?

"I will educate you until you become a smart doctor, Maya. In my hope is that you become a role model for your younger siblings. Not like this. I'm disappointed, Maya. My heart feels like it's being sliced. Yes, it's okay if you really don't love me and your father anymore.""Mom, why are you saying that?""So, what do you want me to say, May? Happy? Laughing? What?

Maya doesn't want to go home, but Maya has to take care of the elderly at the nursing home. Only the Christians get a holiday, Ma'am. This is Christian Eid, after all. Fully aware, I lied, but I had no choice. Truly, I am aware of my sin, but what can I do?

"Can't we take turns? Last Eid you didn't go home, and now you're not going home again? Your boss is being unreasonable, Maya."I took a breath and exhaled as quietly as possible so that Mother wouldn't hear it."Then, how did Ilham get there? Did you tell him to go?"Should I lie again?"Eh …, that …, he really wanted to meet Maya, but he came here on his own initiative. He happened to have some work too. At the same time, meet Maya. Not at Maya's invitation.""Really? Aren't you lying?

"Why would I lie to Mom?"

My mother was silent for quite a while before finally speaking again. "Maya, I want to buy a car."

"Car? Didn't you buy it last year?""Different, May. Mom, you bought it yourself yesterday. If now Mom wants you to buy her a car.""Huh?""Because, May, Mother is embarrassed in front of her friends. Their children bought their mothers motorcycles.""Mom, Maya has already bought you a motorcycle before.""That's exactly it, Maya. Mom wants a car. So it's different."Wow!Here I am holding back my stomach so it won't be overfilled, but there, Mother... No! It's not that I'm being stingy with my own parents, but with all her money, why is Mom reluctant to buy it herself?

I even need to save for months to buy a motorcycle.

"Yes, May? How? Just a car, May?""God willing, Ma'am. I doesn't promise.""Hey, you have to promise, May.""Let me check the savings first.""That's how it is."Mercy! Mercy! My head feels like it's being pierced by a big nail."Oh right, yesterday your dad and mom threw a party."What is meant by my dad and mom here are my uncle and aunt. They do not have children, so my two younger siblings and I are considered like their own children. Understandably, Mother is the only biological sister of Father. Meanwhile, my adoptive mother is an only child, so she has no direct nieces or nephews other than us."Then?""There's a handsome subordinate of your father, Maya.""Mom, that's enough! I doesn't want to discuss this right now! I is dizzy.""Are you sick?""That's all, Ma'am." Greetings to everyone else. Peace be upon you.