
In the living room, Elzata sat as a defendant waiting for the verdict to be read at his final trial. He sat on a sofa, while his mom and dad sat side by side on the opposite sofa.
Elzata ventured to explain. That he will focus on completing his studies and will pursue his obsession without anyone's help. He did not want if someday he could become a great statesman, the public would judge that it was a favor from the minister and his son if Elzata accepted the marriage.
"Zata please, Pa. Let Zata chase Zata's dream"
Rahardian, papa Elzata just listened expressionlessly. Every now and then his eyes looked at the wife sitting next to him as if seeking support and input, what answer he had to give to the youngest daughter he knew was so stubborn. Eta, Elzata's mother who caught the view of her husband just smiled and nodded slowly, no matter what kind of answer it was, only they knew.
Old, quiet family room atmosphere. Nothing is heard, only occasionally heard a long breath that is then released again alternately.
"Papa's disappointed in you, son. Papa never refused any of your requests, and now Papa only asks one of you, you refuse it"
Rahardian's voice was really like the sound of lightning striking. The clear crystal grains suddenly dripped on Elzata's cheek and could not be held back. Hope that had just been awakened, might just crumble and be scattered into pieces of grief that scattered somewhere.
"But papa appreciate your decision. You have grown up to make decisions about your own life", Rahardian continued, throwing a smile and waiting for his daughter's expression to hear the answer her father chose.
Eta smiled, and approached Elzata who was staring as if he did not believe the papa verdict he had just heard. Cuddled by his beloved daughter, gently behind her back of the princess who still wore a surprised expression without budging at all.
***
Again Ega was restless. He was waiting for the results of the Elzata lobby to his parents like what. Can he escape? Or was she forced to marry like Siti Nurbaya?
That day it seemed to spin for so long. Watches and screens alternate, as people compare whether the clocks on both objects show the same numbers.
Ega really can't stand it. He was pacing around like a person without a purpose. Sometimes he sits on the couch. Sometimes he rolls around in bed. Soon moved to the tv room again, and intermittently looked back at the phone in his hand, hoping that there was the name of Elzata who called him there.
Because the expected never arrived, he finally chose to send a message first.
"Where, Za?"
"In nich's house. Maybe I'll be back tomorrow"
" You've met your papa mama, haven't you? What did they say?"
"They said they were disappointed with me, Ga. Papa said he only asked for that one from my life, but I refused it", Elzata deliberately hung his sentence.
Ega's heart suddenly thumped, waiting for the end of Elzata's sentence that never came. If his parents are disappointed, that means....
"But they say I have a right to decide for myself over my life"
Ega smiled with relief.
"That means?"
"That means, tomorrow I go to the library. I want to find a reference to the title of my script"
Finally they chuckled at the same time, releasing the overwhelming weight it had been reining in.
And one man is done, just Elzata working hard for the next five months. The end of the year must be graduation. Point.
***
It was a strange sight to see an Elzata so solemnly sitting in the library all day. It has even been almost 8 semesters at the campus, this is the first time he set foot there.
An unusual sight was seen from the lovers. If usually the lovers will be close together or face to face while reading the same book, or have a fun discussion about each book they read, another with Elzata and Ega. They chose to sit far away. Elzata is busy with a stack of books on his desk, while Ega is in the other corner playing his phone.
Sometimes they look at each other and throw smiles at each other. Occasionally Ega clenched his hands up, cheering. While with a strong heart, Elzata was busy looking at what was written in every book he read.
In his book, it has written several titles that he can submit for the title of his script.
The next day, Elzata with a burning spirit headed for the campus early in the morning. After parking his car, he immediately faced the kaprodi to submit the title of the thesis that he had written neatly yesterday.
Kaprodi also checked the title he submitted. Several times the title he offered turned out to be the same as his other senior friend. Fortunately, he had prepared several alternative titles, so that that day he could immediately replace the same title earlier, with a new title.
"OKAY. Fix use this title yes, Za", they finally agreed
"Ready ma'am",
"Who would you like to ask the instructor who?"
Unlike treating other students, Kaprodi actually offered Elzata. Maybe because Elzata is close to all campus officials, including officials in the department so he's as good as that to Elzata. Maybe also because it was tired of Elzata who was very vocal and provocative in criticizing every campus policy, so the kaprodi wanted Elzata to immediately leave the campus. Probably because of both.
"mmm, who do you think mom is?"
Elzata threw a hot ball at Kaprodi's mother.
"Mmm, teaching lecturer 1 pack mosaic, teaching instructor 2 pack kajur how? He both entered and stayed in the department office every day. So you can get guidance every day if you want"
As well as knowing that Elzata immediately wanted to graduate, or as he really wanted Elzata to be finished immediately let the campus be peaceful without the presence of Elzata, the choice of his captain against the guidance lecturer Elzata really in accordance with Elzata's wishes.
"Ready buk. Thank you"
Elzata immediately threw the sweetest smile he had.
Shortly after, he soon found a mosaic pack and putut, the head of the department to ask for directions.
The two lecturers were also very excited to welcome Elzata to be guided immediately. Maybe also already really want Elzata Passed, so as not to make the department always confused with the always provocative act.
***
In a different place, Ega was just riled up. Seen many times his phone screen, hoping Elzata immediately gave news.
Finally as usual, Ega sent a message first.
"Where?"
"Breaked"
"Alhamdulillah..."
"Siiipp"
A very short conversation, but it holds such a deep meaning. Will the end of the year Elzata really get a graduation?
SERIATE