Two Love's
Endure Grief

Chapter 3

   Iqbal was amazed by me this morning. There's no breakfast. No coffee served. 

"don't cook, mi? "ask me who is ready to go to the mbok Yem stall with Alif. 

" i'm sorry, I'm not feeling well. We want to have breakfast soto meat at the mbok Yem stall, "my answer was flat without looking at Iqbal mas. 

" keep me? "ask, please, 

" pack for me, yes, " continued Iqbal. He sat on the dining table. Opens gawai. Then cover his evaporating mouth with the back of the palm. 

" God willing, "I answered flatly. Alif held hands, taking me away immediately. 

" it's God, anyway. Must dong. What do I want to give you breakfast? " Sahut mas Iqbal's. Looks like he's upset with me who's starting to get sick. I nodded and then left. 

     Iqbal opened his cell phone, my heart was suspicious. Remember their chat. My heart is burning wounds. 

***

    Alif was so good at eating his sotos. As for me, just accompany my son. My appetite is gone. My heart is restless and unsettled. How I wish to vent this anger and disappointment. However, for some reason, I wanted to open this truth before my own eyes. 

   I ordered a serving of soto for Iqbal. Then bring and serve the soto to Iqbal mas.

   Alif prepares to go to school. I helped her take a shower, get her uniform and school supplies ready. 

  Mas Iqbal seemed a little surprised because I was impressed to avoid it. I did that intentionally. So that my emotions do not come out when dealing with mas Iqbal. 

"you didn't make me breakfast. You didn't prepare my office clothes either. It's so strange that you're this morning, "soo Iqbal. I just kept quiet. My husband prepared his own needs. I am still clumsy and limiting myself. Actually I'm fed up. I wish I would vent the anger that is overcome in my heart. 

  Iqbal realized I was angry. He came over and touched my shoulder. 

"why are you, honey..? Getting angry? You're not usually this cold and cold, " asked Mas Iqbal. He tried to kiss my cheek, but I avoided. I feel uncomfortable around him anymore. The shadow of the face of the woman named Sarah seemed to follow, dancing in front of me. So fed up. 

" i'm just not feeling well. That'sthat's all. I'm gonna drop Alif off first. Did you go straight to the office? And come home again tonight? "ask me at Iqbal. He was busy looking for his clothes. Things he hasn't done since we got married. Indeed, I always prepare his needs before Iqbal asked and asked. 

" yes, that. If not go to the office, where else? And, yes, this time I still have to go home at night. Yesterday there was a scheduled meeting with the superiors that was delayed. "

  I know this is just the reason. My heart has lost faith. Whether true or just a lie, for me now both are just a thin thread.

  Kugandeng Alif arm. My son followed my hurried steps. 

 In front of the gate, there was a taxi waiting for us. 

"mi! "call me Iqbal, I open the taxi door. Iqbal ran towards us. 

" you sure leave the same taxi? I can drive you guys, it's still half-seven, Alif's entry is still an hour away. " Prevent Iqbal mas. It seems he's starting to smell my suspicions. 

" dear.it's okay, really. It just so happened that there was something I wanted to buy at the bookstore, some of Alif's school needs. That's why I deliberately left early, and I thought, I don't want to trouble Iqbal mas, afraid that later could be late to the office, "I replied. Trying to cover up by making up activities that I didn't actually schedule. I don't want to know Iqbal already knows about his relationship with Sarah. 

" oh, yeah already. Good then. You're a smart, intelligent wife, "praise Iqbal. I smile. Alif raised his thumb and laughed. Mas Iqbal kissed our son's cheek, then scrambled his thick hair. 

I opened the taxi door, then went in and sat down with Alif. My son waved to his father who was still standing in front of the gate of the house, looking at us who passed with this taxi car. 

***

"said Umi, we go to the bookstore first? How to go straight to school? "alif was astonished, as we went straight down in front of the school gate. 

" it's okay, honey. Sorry, umi lied. Umi has some business. Maybe I'll be late to pick up Alif, but don't worry, yeah. Umi has told Eni, Alif's teacher, to take care of Alif for a while. Yuk, we'll meet Eni's mom, "take me to Alif who's still confused. Still gulling my son's arm, he followed me to the school office. Ms. Eni and a few other teachers were already there. Indeed, it is common, the teachers in this school come an hour earlier than the entry hours of children, to prepare the tasks of their students. 

"Assalamu'alaikum, ma'am," I said, knocking on the door. The teachers turned towards me, Mrs Eni smiled. He understood the meaning of my arrival, because I had told him through a previous chat. 

"oh, ma'am Nafisah, come, ma'am., please come in,"welcome to our friendly Ms. Eni. Me and Alif went into the room. Alif kissed the undo back of his teacher's hand. 

Me and Alif sat on the couch. Ms. Eni approached us after finishing her work. 

"mom, please help mom a little. Later after school hours, if I have not come to pick up, take care of Alif. I have very important business, and I have no relatives that I can relate to Alif. Didn't Miss Eni come home an hour after school? "punyaku to this sweet-faced young teacher. 

" yes, mom. Don't worry, yeah. God willing I will take good care of Alif. Finish your affairs well, and don't worry about Alif. "

Ms. Eni smiled kindly. I feel more calm. I hugged Alif, my son nodded, as if giving an answer that he would be fine with his teacher. 

I stepped away before kissing my son's forehead, then waved at him and Ms. Eni. 

***