"Any candles, ma'am?" Irma asked as she straightened the hijab she was wearing.
The tradition that still runs in Babatan village on the 29th night of Ramadan is lighting candles or torches in the corners of the house. The tradition is intended to enliven the odd nights in the last ten days of Ramadan. Because, they believe in a night of glory that is better than a thousand nights, as has been mentioned in the holy Qur'an.
"Yes, I put it on the refrigerator, it seems," said Mrs. Laila.
At that time, Mrs. Laila had just read the Qur'an. An activity that he always carries out regularly after Maghrib prayers. However, not only during the month of Ramadan, but every day as long as you can breathe oxygen smoothly.
Irma then immediately looked for something he asked earlier. Then, after finding the candle, he then lit it. Installed on the front fences of his house, also at the corner of the entrance. The previous people said that the family of the deceased would also visit the house that night. Asking for a gift of reading the holy verses of the Qur'an as a light in the natural barzah.
That night, the whole house looked more beautiful due to the light of the candles scattered in front of each house. There are also those who are creative in making lanterns that are hung on plants that grow in their home gardens. Then, there was also the sound of firecrackers which added to the splendor of the odd night. Small children also look very happy when lighting fireworks or the like.
Irma smiled seeing the surroundings of her house feel more peaceful with the candles that she put up.
"If I could feel something like this from the start, I would definitely be very happy every year," Irma muttered as she stared at the firecrackers that erupted like a fountain in the sky.
"Didn't you video?" Laila's soft voice then made Irma turn around.
Irma smiled seeing her mother wearing simple clothes with her syar'i hijab.
"In the past, Irma couldn't interpret Ramadan well, Mom," said Irma, pulling the corners of her lips up. His eyes heated up instantly. Little things that he never felt actually made him dissolve in the atmosphere of the 29th night.
Mrs. Laila then approached her daughter. Then, she stroked the shoulder of the very strong girl.
"Be thankful for all that you've been through, honey. In the end, you'll definitely feel the same way you do now." Mrs. Laila said softly.
She looks very grateful for all the gifts and pleasures given by his Lord. This Ramadan actually saves precious memories for him to always remember. What's more, slowly Irma can interpret inch by inch of her new life journey. A life that has escaped the darkness of its own conscience.
"You want to play firecrackers like that?" Suddenly, Mrs. Laila and Irma heard a distinctive baritone voice.
The two of them then turned their gaze to the source of the sound.
"Irma is not a child anymore, Dad!" Irma grumbled as she pinched her father's stomach.
Mr. Hartono then grimaced in pain. Irma's pinch never fails, it always hurts.
"Father goes first, Mom," said Mr. Hartono, who had already brought the 'blessing' that was placed on his shoulder.
Blessing is a kind of food that has been laid out on a tray. The food will be exchanged for food belonging to neighbors. In fact, some are given voluntarily to neighbors who do not bring blessings. This is done to create a sense of sharing among residents. Moreover, if there are residents who can not always enjoy the food. Surely they will be very happy.
***
"Mama wants to talk to you, Gus," said Mrs. Hartini when Agus had just entered his grandfather's house.
The laziness in his heart seemed to be pulling him endlessly. The devil's whispers told him to leave immediately from his mother's presence. I don't know, that night should have made Agus's heart as happy as Ramadan in the previous year. Where she always feels the love of a grandfather who is very patient in taking care of him.
"Just a moment. Please!" said Mrs. Hartini again when she realized Agus' expression of disapproval.
Agus then took a deep breath. Then she walked over to his mother's seat.
However, she did not ask what his mother wanted to ask. Instead she just sat silently beside the woman who had given birth to him into the world.
Agus is the type of guy who doesn't like small talk. Moreover, pretentious fun with anyone. Except for people who are really close to him.
Supposedly, Mrs. Hartini also includes people who are close to her son. However, the way of life outlined by God says otherwise. The fate that they lived forcibly left them apart. Not only physically, but also mentally.
"You want to go to France?" asked Mrs. Hartini with a slightly worried look on her face.
She seemed to lose the man in front of him. In fact, one of the reasons she stopped working in Jakarta was because he wanted to accompany Agus every day. It would really hurt him if the news was true.
Agus didn't answer right away. He was confused about how his mother knew this. In fact, he had never told this. And I really don't want to talk about it. It's not that he doesn't love or doesn't appreciate his mother's presence in the house. But because he knew that his mother would be very reluctant to give him permission.
"Right?" asked Mrs. Hartini once again.
Agus took a deep breath. Then, slowly opened his mouth.
"Yes, Mom."
Agus's answer is a very unexpected answer. Then he covered his face with his hands.
"Why don't you ever talk to Mama? How insignificant is Mom in your life?"
With all the tightness in her chest, Mrs. Hartini then issued a sentence that became a big question for her life. Questions that always arise after the departure of Agus several years ago. His eyes felt wet for a moment.
"Agus knows that Mom will be very sad when she hears about the plan," Agus replied with a heart that was as congested as his mother.
That odd night became very sad for Agus and Bu Hartini. They are two people who are both hurt by circumstances that are not on their side.
"In fact, Mom was more hurt when she found out about this from the mothers around here, Gus ...." Mrs. Hartini's tears were unbearable.
Agus also feels very guilty towards his mother. Although not as close as a child and a mother, Agus would never have the heart to see his mother cry. Moreover, the crying happened because of him.
"I'm so sorry, Mom. I love you so much," said Agus who spontaneously pulled the woman's body into his arms.
Agus never thought that this event would happen so quickly. In fact, he had tried to cover it up neatly.
To be continued ....