The Decapitation of Wounds
Chapter 15

Dark clouds darkened creepily above the sky. The clumps filled the vast sky until there was no bright color left. It is likely that the rain will fall throughout Jakarta. And surely those water points will soon fall kissing the earth. Look at that black cloud growing thick. It looks like he's so heavy hanging up there.

I accelerated my foot. I really don't want to be raining this afternoon. What's more my groceries are pretty much. One large bag of toys for children and one bag of fruits.

These toys I bought for Tassa and Ayala. I hope they will be happy and be able to forget their sadness a little.

I do feel the need to pay more attention to my two daughters. Because I've noticed lately that both of them have changed, which makes me more anxious. Ayala who used to be just naughty, now even likes to talk rude. While Tassa who used to be jolly, now even turned quiet and likes to be alone. He never laughed and laughed like he used to. His attitude became very indifferent, especially to Mas Dudy. Every time Mas Dudy came home, Tassa always locked himself in his room. Even talking to Mas Dudy seems reluctant. I was really worried to see their attitude like that. I should approach them and try to fill their empty hearts. I want to be able to bandage the wounds of their hearts. So that they can return to being my sweet daughters like they used to be.

The test! The test! The test! The rain started to wash over me. I also ran to the bus stop that was in front of me. I had to book a taxi online so I wouldn't get rained on. But a voice stopped my steps and forced me to turn my head.

Oscar?" I said when I recognized the person who just called me.

Oscar smiled broadly. She ran a little towards me. "This, I didn't think we'd meet here. Out of shopping, huh?" he said kindly while looking at my shopping bag.

"Yes, buy a kid's toy," I said quickly. Meanwhile, the rain started to grow.

"Well, the rain is getting bigger. Come on, I'll take you home" Oscar said, offering to help.

I hesitated to accept the Oscar offer. It doesn't feel good if I get home delivered by a man. Anyone who looks can think negatively. But the rain is getting heavier. Maybe I should just take an offer from Oscar to take me home.

"Yuk, An, we're getting wet," asked Oscar a little forcefully. Without waiting for my answer, he took my grocery bag and walked ahead of me to his parked car not far from us.

"Almost we're soaking wet" Oscar said as we were in the car. "Look, it's raining so hard. If you get rained on, you can get sick. Good thing I just saw you, An."

"What are you doing here?" I asked because I didn't see Oscar bring any groceries.

"Just foraging. There is my favorite place to eat. Padang Soto. Next time I'll take you to eat there."

I smiled and then nodded.

The car runs slowly in the middle of traffic. Meanwhile, it rained very hard. In my heart I am grateful for not having to take shelter at a stop in this kind of weather.

"Oh yes, An. I want to apologize about what happened the other day. I really didn't know you were married. Faisal said your divorce is almost over. If I had known, I wouldn't have come like that. I feel like a person who doesn't know the rules. I'm so ashamed of you" Oscar said in a serious manner.

"Yes, Faisal is outrageous. I'm not mad at you, Oscar. It was all Faisal. Sometimes he doesn't think long before he does something" I said immediately.

"Yes, Faisal is like that. To be honest, I was angry with him. But after Faisal told me about the true state of your household, I came to understand that he was in good faith. It's just the wrong way. Maybe he thought after we got acquainted you'd fall in love with me and leave your husband" Oscar said, ending with a laugh.

"Faisal did hate Mas Dudy after his marriage. And every time we met, he always asked me to leave my husband and start a new life with another man" I explained.

"Maybe it's because she loves you so much, An. I'm sorry, but if I were him, I would have taken the same attitude. How could I possibly be willing to see my dear sister being hurt like that by her own husband. The one who's supposed to look after you and love you, An."

I'm silent. Yes, Oscar is right. I wouldn't want to see someone I love hurt like I do now.

"Hey, how are you quiet? You're angry with my opinion, aren't you? I'm sorry, I shouldn't have given any opinion on anything that doesn't concern me. I'm sorry I was so lazy to give my opinion, An," said Oscar in a sorry tone.

"I'm not angry, Oscar. Maybe you and Faisal are right. Maybe I'm wrong for still loving an older husband" I said bitterly.

"I don't understand." he said after a long silence.

"About what?" my many.

"Why would anyone betray his wife while she has been so devoted to him? A good and loving wife. As for me who dislikes betrayal, who promised myself to be faithful, I have not even had a wife until now." Oscar laughed as if laughing at himself.

"It can't, but it can't yet" I said.

"Come on," Oscar said.

"It sounds like desperation" I said commenting on Oscar's tone.

"Maybe," said Oscar short.

"Ah, men as brave as you are desperate to find a wife?"

"I'm still alone until now."

"What kind of woman do you want?"

"That's like you," said Oscar without a plea.

I laughed softly. "That's like me? You just don't know what I'm like, Oscar."

Oscar looked at me with a smile. "I've known you through the story of Faisal, An," he said.

"Is that so? I wish you a good story" I said blushingly.

"There's no ugly story about you, Ani. You're a good wife" praise Oscar. "I envy your husband."

Once again I blushed. My cheeks warmed. The Oscar compliment made me soar for a moment. Meanwhile, the streets are getting crowded. Oscar's car drove slowly under the rain. Occasionally a flash of lightning seemed to split the sky. Followed by a creepy thunderous sound. Ah, the weather is really unfriendly.

It didn't feel like this whole trip opened the door for me and Oscar to get to know each other more closely. We talk about everything. Oscar's a fun talkative. His insights are broad and he is good at judging things in a wise way.

"Oh yes, said Faisal you have a tomboyish daughter, An. To be honest, I also have a super tomboyish sister. Name's Gisella. Because of her tomboyishness, I often felt that she was more male than me." Oscar's laughter broke.

"Oh, huh?" I'm interested in the story.

"She's married now and has a nine-month-old baby girl. Funny thing is, she married a weak man." Oscar laughed out.

I'm laughing too. Interesting Oscar story as well. Gisella may be similar to Ayala. And maybe I can learn from Oscar how to deal with a tomboy like them.

"If I may want to know your children, An. Especially tomboy Ayala. Maybe I can see Gisella's little figure in her. It's like remembering our childhoods" he asked.

And I nodded too. Without me knowing it, I've let Oscar into my life.