The Forest Behind the House
28. Grief

He got home followed by Irfan behind him. Irfan who was lulled to smell the fragrance of flowers did not feel hit the body of Budi who stopped in front of the entrance of the house.

"Get." Mama rushed to Budi when she saw Budi in front of her.

"Where are you, son? Why didn't you go with your mom first?"

"Sorry, Ma. I didn't mean to make my mom anxious. Budi there is a sudden business, so forget the farewell to mama."

"Next time don't forget again, son. Mama was so worried when she found out you weren't home."

"Yes Ma, I will never forget again. Forgive me for making my mom anxious."

"What is this, son?" ask mama just smelled the fragrant flowers that Budi brought.

"It stinks of flowers, Ma."

"flower? What flowers?"

"Pink flowers. You don't know what the name of the flower is, you know, this flower is pink."

"Where's the flower?" I asked her when I did not see the flower.

"It." Budi raised his left hand as if he was holding a flower.

Mama was more confused as Budi raised his hand. Mama and Irfan looked at each other. I forgot that no one could see the flower but me.

"Ma-sorry, Ma, Fan. I forget. You can't see this flower I'm carrying. You can only smell it."

"Where did you get those flowers?" mama began to worry.

"Yuni Kingdom."

"Yuni?"

Just then, papa appeared from the back door. The conversation stopped. While Budi, he immediately approached papa.

"Let's talk to papa."

"Speak what?"

"Does papa smell good around here?"

"Yes. I kissed her. What's the matter?"

"Do you know what that smells like?"

"No."

"Budi, don't beat around too much. Just talk to the subject. No need to convolve," said papa began to get upset.

"Alright, Pa. The fragrant smell that papa smelled came from the pink flowers that were in the magical palace of Yuni. I just got home from there," said Budi explaining as he stared fixedly at papa's face.

Budi's words made papa's face change instantly. His face was a little pale with incredible shock looking extremely strong.

"What did you say? You're from the magical palace?"

"Yes, I just got home from the magical palace that's behind our house."

"God!" Mama called Budi loudly.

"Ma, Pa, I need you to speak honestly about the woods behind this house. Don't shut anything else from me. Just say about what agreement you have agreed with the forest dwellers behind this house," said Budi full of affirmation but the look on his face looks very sad and disappointed.

Mom and Dad looked at each other. For a moment, the house felt very quiet because not a single sound was spoken from the four residents of the house.

"What deal did you make, Pa, Ma? Why did you involve your brother in your agreement?" ask Irfan, I can't wait.

"Irfan! Quiet down!" Papa yelled at Irfan loudly.

"Pa, come on, don't get angry at our kids. Maybe it's time they found out what really happened. Besides, it's not papa's fault, is it?"

"And .. Two more days are Budi's birthday. We really don't have time to keep this whole thing a secret from them" she said.

"All right." Papa said in a weak voice barely audible at all.

"Ride, Irfan. You two are papa boys. Not one bit terbesit in the mind papa to hurt your heart, what else your body. You are my children. The child I raised with love, with all my heart. But .... "

"But what, Pa?" irfan asked so impatiently to listen to the continuation of the story that papa hung.

"That deal wasn't me. But, it was my great-grandfather who had made a mistake that the creation of this painful covenant."

"What agreement?" Irfan continued to ask in an angry tone that he could not hide, though, the father told him with a sad face.

Papa did not answer what Irfan asked. He even hugged Budi tightly while crying bitterly. As for mama, she could only be bowed while looking at the clear circle that continued to fall drop drop by a speck from both eyes.

"Pa!" Irfan is impatient. In fact, he also felt a deep sadness from both his parents. He wanted to cry, but was held back by the growing anger.

"What's up, Pa?" ask Budi gently while returning papa's embrace.

"I'm sorry, Papa. Forgive papa."

"Just say it, Pa. You won't be angry with me."