The Decapitation of Wounds
Chapter 28

Three days have passed. Tassa and Ayala didn't vote for me. While the youngest Resa has expressed agreement and expects the presence of Faris in this house. I was so confused to face the silence of my two daughters. Ika called me yesterday and begged me again. He said the pain was getting worse and his age could no longer wait. Duh, I went wrong.

"Please, An. Give me an answer before my death comes so that I can leave in peace. I don't want to force you. But by god I feel my age is getting closer" lamented Ika on the phone.

I couldn't answer anything but an appointment to contact him as soon as possible. I hope Ika can wait until my two daughters are ready to give an answer.

And finally, on the fifth day they came to me with a calm countenance. There were no emotions even though they looked serious. Both of them were sitting politely in front of me. Impatiently, I opened a conversation with them.

"Hows it? Did you guys get the best decision for Faris? It's the fifth day. And Auntie Ika called my mom twice. Poor thing, he said the pain was getting worse. And he felt his death was approaching. Aunt Ika needs an answer from us as soon as possible so she can leave in peace. Any decision for Auntie Ika does not matter. All Aunt Ika wanted was to know how Faris' fate would be. He wants to know who's going to take care of Faris later."

"Oh, so that's all Auntie Ika wants? Knowing who's gonna babysit Faris before he leaves? So Aunt Ika doesn't expect Faris to be able to stay here with us?" ask Tassa.

"Of course Aunt Ika wishes that Faris could stay here with us, Sa. It's just that Aunt Ika doesn't want to force it. He only begs for our greatness to accept Faris" I replied.

"Tassa thinks your heart is too broad" Tassa said slowly.

"Yes, as big as the ocean" continued Ayala.

I smiled hearing it. The compliment was also given by Mas Dudy last night. My heart is as big as the ocean, he said. Ah, I'm so flowery. And it felt like my heart was getting stronger to forgive Ika and accept Faris as my son.

"Is it true Aunt Ika is going to die soon, ma?" ask Ayala.

"Mama doesn't know, baby. Only God knows about a person's age. But according to the story of Aunt Ika, the pain she suffered was getting worse and maybe her body would not be strong to last much longer. We should now both pray a lot for the good of Aunt Ika. Forgive all his faults so that the burden of his heart will be lessened. Mama thinks, grudging is no longer any use now. There's nothing we can change with our revenge. The fact that Auntie Ika was ever present in our lives we cannot erase with a grudge. What else is the fact that besides you, papa also has a child named Faris who was born from the womb of Aunt Ika. Faris is not just a memory. But he's real, right in front of us now. So why should we run away from reality just because we have a grudge against Aunt Ika? I prefer to apologize and be sincere. For it is only sincerity that makes our hearts peaceful."

Tassa and Ayala looked at me with a sweet smile. "Yes, my mom was right. Revenge is no longer useful now. Because the reality is now Aunt Ika is very sick. Faris was born into this world. So maybe it's best to forgive Aunt Ika and accept Faris' presence in our midst" Tassa said in a clear voice.

"Yes, we want to be a sincere person like mom. Being a strong woman and having a heart that is as big as the ocean" Ayala continued with her beautiful eyes.

I immediately embraced them with pride. It turned out that I had managed to educate them into golden-hearted women. The grudge has now disappeared from their hearts. They have been able to forgive and accept reality sincerely. Hopefully without a grudge in the heart, our lives will feel more beautiful.

***

"Be a good boy, son. Be a pious and dutiful child" Ika said, hugging Faris. "Mama's with Faris. But mama can't accompany Faris any longer. I'm sorry, mama has to go...."

"Let me take care of you, Ika," I asked sincerely.

Ika shook her head slowly. "I don't want to bother you anymore, Ani. Let me be with my destiny" Ika refused. Then with great difficulty he tried to smile at me.

"Now I can go quietly. Thank you for all your kindness. I'm proud to have been your best friend. Because you're the nicest human I've ever known. I'm sorry I hurt you...

"Forget it all, I have forgiven you" I said sadly.

Hearing that Ika smiled sweetly at me. The last smile I gave. Because after that Ika say goodbye home and I don't want to see you again.

***

We rested on top of the Ika navel. Do'a sincerely said full of service. There was sadness in my heart when I remembered her. Ika who used to be my best friend and was once my biggest enemy, now stretched stiff in there. Death took him away a month ago. I leave memories for me. Scores of sweet memories, as well as a scrap of bitter memories. Memories that will always be in my heart forever.

I never imagined before that I would stand in front of Ika's grave and say a sincere do'a to her. Still vividly recorded in my memory when he took my husband. How could he betray me and say such poignant words that cut my heart. I remember everything clearly. Also the incident when he came to ask Ayala to me. I used to hate him so much. But now that hate has changed with a sincere apology. I want Ika to rest in peace there. And may my apologies ease his steps toward the Divine.

"Ma, have you finished praying?" ask Faris to me.

I'm turning. "Already, darling. Let's go home."

Faris nodded and then said goodbye to Ika's navel." Faris go home first, ma. Mama should worry again. Now Faris has a father and a mother who loves Faris. And good brothers too. Mama just sleep quietly here. Tomorrow if Faris has another school break, Faris will definitely come here and pray for mama."

I smiled faintly at Faris' words. Lovingly I stroked her black hair.

"Mama Faris must be happy now" I said sincerely.

Faris looked at me with a big smile. After that we walked away leaving Ika alone. But before leaving this burial complex, I turned my head once more. From a distance Ika's tomb looks silent. Ah, rest in peace, Ika. I promise to love Faris as my own son.

And we also stepped home.