NOTHING LIKE US

"Let's go." Riri said softly. She felt confused about what to do.

"What the hell. Don't you miss your father?"

"I don't know." said Riri with a feeling of disappointment that returned when she saw her father. Hate seemed to be unable to kill her. Maybe there were too many things that her father did that made Riri hurt.

"Actually, I miss the figure of a father too. But my father seems to have forgotten me, let alone my mother." Riri explained sadly.

Akbar did not ask more about his father. Afraid Riri would be even more sad.

They began to exchange their respective writings. Riri held Akbar's paper and was ready to read it. She threw away her thoughts about her father. She just wanted the wounds he gave her to be buried deep in her heart.

(Why should I see the wound at the other end. The wound I never felt. It's like a thorn in the chest.

Papa, you are supposed to be my role model, but what is wrong with you? Why do you seem to paint black ink and bring bad news.

Don't you remember all this time I have always made you an encouragement in my life? Please don't damage this soul. Your son loves you very much, O leader of the family).

Riri read with compassion for Akbar.

She looked at Akbar.

"What do you think?" Akbar asked with a flat face.

Riri seemed to be able to see the sadness in Akbar's eyes.

"Good writing. I'm honestly sad to read it. What's wrong with your papa?" asked Riri as gently as possible. She did not want to break the wounds that Akbar kept.

"I saw my papa with another woman." Akbar said with his eyes distant.

Riri's eyes widened at Akbar's words.

"Are you serious? Maybe you saw it wrong. I know your papa is a very good person. There's no way your papa would do something like that." Riri felt a little annoyed by what happened. To be honest, she was very surprised by Akbar's story.

"I'm serious Ri, I saw it with my own eyes. I've been spying on my father all this time. And it turns out it's true that my father is having an affair. The climax was when I saw the woman get into my father's car and the two of them did things like husband and wife. That's when I got really angry. My heart hurt. That night I cried." Akbar explained with glazed eyes and then looked down. Actually, he was very embarrassed to cry and tell everything that was pent up in his heart.

"Well, now is the time for you to talk to your mom." Riri gave advice excitedly. As a woman. She felt upset if she was in Akbar's mom's position. Not annoyed anymore, she would probably cry her eyes out.

"No way I'm talking to my mom." Iyan said firmly. He didn't want to hurt his mama. But on the other hand, he wanted to expose his father's rottenness.

"You have to talk Bar!" Riri snapped at that moment. This was the first time she had raised her voice with Akbar.

"I don't want to hurt my mom, Ri." Akbar replied without replying to Riri's high tone. He kept his emotions stable.

"If you don't talk to your mom. That means you are slowly hurting your own mom. Your mother is living in the falsehood of your father's love." Riri accused as if she knew everything. She was indeed feeling very emotional.

"You don't know what it's like to be me. I'm confused, Ri." Akbar ruffled her hair roughly.

"I really don't know what it's like to be you. But I care about you. That's why I'm giving you advice." Riri said, looking away.

"I won't talk to my mom. Maybe I'll talk to my dad first. I want to know how much he cares about me, my mom and Bintang." Akbar said with narrowed eyes. He really hoped that he could talk to his father slowly so that his father would realize.

"Yes, you are right, maybe you should talk to your father first. Hopefully your father will repent soon and return with your mother. Love your mom sincerely." Riri said she really hoped Akbar's family could be harmonious like before. Because she was traumatized by her family. She was afraid that Akbar's papa would be like his own father who married another woman and left his mother.

They were both silent for a moment. Trying to breathe after the fiery conversation that took place. The maghrib call to prayer broke the silence between them.

"I'll pray first, Bar." Riri said softly. She lost some of her strength after the passionate conversation.

"Yes, I want to pray too. Uh, I haven't read your writing yet. I'll read it after dinner. Because I'm really hungry. After the maghrib prayer I want to immediately take my dinner ration." Akbar said trying to entertain himself by throwing a smile at Riri.

"Okay. Here's your writing." Riri handed Akbar's poetry paper to the tall man in front of him.

Akbar took it. Then the two of them walked together then took different paths to go to the toilet and perform ablutions.

"Ri, where have you been? I was looking for you. There was a man looking for you. He said it was your father, right Ri?" said Cahaya curiously.

"Huh? What?" Riri's eyes widened as she couldn't understand what Light was saying.

"What are his characteristics?" Riri asked again.

"Hair has a little gray, thin mustache, tall body and not fat. The man was wearing a jacket." said Cahaya while recalling the person he met.

"So what did you say to that man?"

"Yes, I told him that you were in this refugee camp, and he replied that he would be here tomorrow to see you." explained Cahaya, making Riri incredulous.

"Then the man went by rickshaw?" asked Riri curiously.

"Yes, he drove his own rickshaw." replied Cahaya nodding.

"That's right, he's my father. I saw him earlier. But I could only stay silent." Riri said while looking down.

"Why didn't you come over?"

"Well, I was confused about what to do after seeing my father. When I saw him, it felt like the old wounds had appeared. Your abusive behavior towards my mother instantly popped up in my mind and I felt pain." Riri explained with a sad feeling.

"Be patient, Ri. Maybe your father is here to see how you're doing. Maybe he also wants to apologize to you." Cahaya said trying to calm her best friend.

"Hopefully what you say can come true." Riri hoped fully.

"Let's pray maghrib first." invited Cahaya to embrace Riri's fragile shoulders.

They walked down the hall and queued at the toilet. After it was Riri's turn to enter the toilet. She cried as much as she could. She felt that today was full of emotions. In front of people she could smile. But when she was alone she was in tears.

Now Riri and Cahaya entered the musolla which was full of worshipers. The maghrib prayer line is more than the other obligatory prayers.

Worshiping the creator does make the heart relieved and feel cool. Especially if done together, a sense of enthusiasm must appear instantly.

Riri hoped that she would enter heaven with pious people. Her eyes looked at the people wearing mukena. Seeing the white color, Riri felt calm. She was very grateful to be in this refugee camp. Because she can worship without feeling lazy. She hoped that she would remain istiqomah in carrying out her orders.

It is true that humans were created only to worship Allah.

After everyone had left the mosque. And there were only Riri and Cahaya who were still folding their mukenas. Then they reflected in a mirror attached to the wall.

"I want to wear a veil like yours," said Cahaya spontaneously, immediately making Riri moved.

"Just wear it, you'll look beautiful when you wear a headscarf," said Riri while looking at Cahaya's face. Cahaya's long hair was now in pigtails.

"But I'm not confident in it," said Cahaya looking in the mirror while looking at her own face.

"It doesn't matter, if you're used to it, you can do it. And Muslim women are obliged to wear hijab from the head to cover their chest." Riri explained firmly.

"Duh, I don't feel confident if you say that, I don't feel confident if I don't wear a headscarf." Light smiled at Riri.

"It's good if you feel that way," said Riri, returning Cahaya's smile.

"So when are you going to wear a headscarf?" asked Riri as if teasing her friend.

"As soon as possible, but I'm confused. I don't have a robe like yours. I don't have a headscarf either." said Cahaya while pouting.

"Well, you don't have to think about that. You can borrow it from me." replied Riri enthusiastically. She imagined Cahaya wearing a robe and veil must look very beautiful.

"Huh? Is it okay Ri?" asked Cahaya by bringing herself closer to Riri.

"Yes, it's okay, just relax," said Riri casually while showing her teeth in front of Cahaya.

Instantly Light hugged Riri quickly. She was very grateful to have a friend like Riri.

Light released her hug. Instantly Riri saw a clear stream of tears on Light's cheek.

"Hey why are you crying?" asked Riri while wiping Cahaya's tears, but her friend's fingers prevented her from doing so.

"It's okay, I just felt relieved after deciding to wear a headscarf. Because this is the first time I got a friend like you, Ri." explained Cahaya while wiping her own tears with embarrassment.

"Ya Allah, I was touched by that. I want to cry!" said Riri holding her chest. Somehow there was a sense of happiness in her heart.

"I want to be a pious woman," said Cahaya smiling while looking down.

"Masha Allah, Alhamdulillah, I'm happy to hear that." said Riri stroking Cahaya's arm.

They immediately left the prayer room. Then Riri took her dress and robe and lent it to Cahaya.

"Here you wear it now. Hopefully it will remain istiqomah!" Riri smiled. Cahaya grabbed her robe and headscarf. Then went to the toilet to change her clothes.

Riri waited as she lounged on her carpet. Next to her was Akbar's mom who was busy fanning Bintang who was going to sleep.

"Where the hell is Papa! This hour hasn't come home yet. Usually after maghrib papa comes home from work. Why is it that lately he's been working late. Even as late as 10pm." Akbar's mom grumbled while fanning her little boy.

Riri could only listen silently to Akbar's mom. She wished she could speak. She would reveal what Akbar's father really did to Akbar's mother.

"Ri, please take care of Bintang. Aunty wants to go to the toilet for a while. I want to wash my face." said my aunt as she handed the fan to Riri.

"Oh, yes aunty," Riri immediately fanned Bintang. Afraid that the little girl would wake up, because her mama left.

At once Riri's eyes lit up to see a friend who was older than her age wearing a robe and headscarf.

Light sat next to Riri.

"You're so beautiful!" Riri was amazed to see Cahaya's appearance from toe to head.

"Eh, really, I'm embarrassed," said Cahaya by covering her mouth while laughing. Riri also laughed.

"Well, there's no need to be embarrassed. I'm happy to see your appearance."

"Thank you, Ri, for letting me borrow your clothes." said Cahaya with a smile. She was so happy now.

"Yes, you can borrow any of my clothes. Eh, I'll give you three clothes and a headscarf."

Hearing that, Cahaya widened her eyes in disbelief.

"What, seriously?"

"Yes, seriously, I'm sorry about my stock clothes. Not new clothes. Later when I'm already working and get a salary. I will give you clothes and a headscarf." Riri said with enthusiasm. Because he is very happy to be able to make people obey God.

"Duh, I'm touched by your kindness." said Cahaya then hugged again.

"Take it easy with the hugs. It feels like dating again." Akbar's mom said sarcastically.

They both released their hugs.

"Eh, I thought your aunt was not Cahaya." Akbar's mother said feeling surprised by Cahaya's appearance.

"Really, aunty?" asked Cahaya holding his veil. Afraid that she was wearing her veil the wrong way.

"Yes, from close by it's not you. It's beautiful. I like it." said Mama Akbar looking at Cahaya.

"Aunty, please try wearing a veil." said Cahaya bravely.

"Heh?" mama Cahaya's face was not ready to answer.

"Tente is not ready to wear a veil, it's really hot here. huh!" she said while fanning with her palm.

"Still better, aunty, it's hot in the world than hot in hell." said Cahaya bluntly. Riri glanced as if giving a signal that what Cahaya said would hurt Akbar's mother.

"Nih boy if you say like right." said mama Akbar while chuckling. They both laughed. Riri was relieved, fortunately Akbar's mother was not hurt by Cahaya's words.

Someone handed out packets of food to the three of them. They immediately opened it with hungry stomachs.

"Wow, ayam geprek!" said Riri with sparkling eyes seeing ayam geprek with tempting sambal.

"It's really unusual that the side dish is geprek chicken, usually it's just tofu tempeh and vegetables." said Cahaya then ate her rice with her bare hands.

"Alhamdulillah." said Riri, grateful for the food that was served tonight.

"Where did Akbar and Iyan go? They usually eat together on this carpet." said mom while chewing her food.

"Earlier when I went to the toilet, I saw them talking outside." said Cahaya.

"Hem! What the heck Akbar, it's time to eat, you should eat quickly!" Mom said with annoyance.

Akbar and Iyan ate their meals outside. They enjoyed the evening breeze while eating the spicy geprek.

"It's really good!" said Iyan with his eyes reddened from the spiciness.

Akbar laughed amusedly at Iyan's funny expression. Akbar didn't like spicy, so he got rid of the chili and just ate the chicken.

"Have a drink first, you're so hot," Akbar said, seeing Iyan's pity.

Iyan's hand immediately reached for a plastic cup filled with mineral water.

"Duh! Why is it so spicy, Huh!" he grumbled after drinking the water.

After eating, they sat for a while and looked around outside. Papa was seen walking towards where they were sitting.

"Pah!" Akbar yelled at his father. Iyan smiled politely at Akbar's papa.

"You're home early. It's usually until 10pm," Akbar quipped subtly.

"Yes, papa wants to hand over these papers to Riri immediately," papa sat beside Akbar. He looked at the pile of papers he was holding.

"What the hell, papa?" Akbar asked as he picked up the paper his father was holding.

Iyan followed suit.

"Oh, is this going to be distributed, pah?" Akbar said after finishing reading the personal data of Mrs. Kartika, Riri's mother.

"Yes, you guys help Riri too, how sad for her, she hasn't met her mother so far. Even though papa has helped through social media. But the results are nil. So I help in this way. Hopefully Riri's mother will be found soon." he said as he handed out several stacks of paper to Akbar and Iyan.

Akbar didn't know why his father was so kind, but on the other hand, why did his father have an affair? Akbar kept asking that question to himself. Akbar would get up the courage. Tonight he would have a one-on-one talk with his father.

"Om, sorry in advance, can I work at your place? It's okay to be a construction worker, as long as I can earn some money." Iyan said in a pleading tone.

Papa Akbar furrowed his brow. He had not expected Iyan's words. He could see that Iyan's body was not promising for him to be a construction worker.

"I want to help you, but I can't bear to see you become a construction worker." Akbar's father said honestly.

"Om, since I was in the first grade of high school, I've worked as a waiter in a restaurant. So I can really work at your place, can you?" Iyan pleaded with a pleading look on his face.

"No, no one else is the same age as you. They've all become gentlemen. You won't be strong enough to be a construction worker." said my uncle seriously.

"Duh! If I don't work, I'm confused, living in this refugee camp, I don't get any income at all. Now my father has died as a victim of this natural disaster. And I don't have anyone anymore. My mother died when I was little."

Papa scratched his head, he still felt confused about how to act.

"Actually, I also need more employees, so I'll try you first to become a construction worker at my place. If you can't do it, just talk to me, okay?" Akbar's father said in a wise voice.

"Alhamdulillah...thank you very much, uncle. I will try my best. So when can I start working?" Iyan asked enthusiastically.

"You can start tomorrow," replied Papa Akbar with a smile.

Finally, Iyan was very grateful to Akbar's father and Akbar. He was very grateful to be able to get a job. Later, he would save the money from his work as much as possible so that it could be useful.

Papa Akbar suggested that tomorrow he come to papa Akbar's car so they could go together, but Iyan refused. Because he did not want to trouble Papa Akbar, he also felt bad for the other employees.

Iyan had a little money to take the angkot. The money he earned was from helping orphans affected by natural disasters.

"But if you take an angkot you have to walk about 200 meters to the big road. Aren't you tired yan? Never mind, just go with me. It's okay." Akbar's father said sincerely helping Iyan.

"No need om, I'm used to walking long distances anyway, just calm down om," Iyan said confidently.

"Hem, it's okay if you stick to your guns."

"I'll go in first. I'm about to call to prayer." Iyan said and immediately left and headed for the prayer room.

"Pah..." Akbar called as softly as he could to his father.

"Yes, why, Bar?"

"I want to have a serious talk with papa." Akbar said bravely. He had to be strong no matter what would happen. because he was a man. He was also the only brother for Bintang.

"Let's talk, Bar." papa said casually as he stuffed papers into his backpack.

"I saw papa with a woman," Akbar said calmly.

"You saw your papa with a woman? Where?" he asked. He felt tense about what his son had said.

"Already pah, don't ask me anything else. Akbar has seen it with his own eyes. Papa is cheating, right?" Akbar couldn't wait to get to the point.

"When did you know that?" papa asked, looking at Akbar sharply. He also looked around. He was afraid of his conversation with his son being heard by other ears.

"Since the first time I set foot in this refugee camp. Why is papa like that? papa is really mean to mom. Papa is insolent." said Akbar who was already angry. As if a red horn had appeared on his head.

Papa swallowed hard. He was overwhelmed by what to say to Akbar. He looked down at his forehead in frustration. The lies that he had kept all this time had been discovered long ago by his own son.

"You don't know about papa's problems. Papa did have an affair. Because I was fed up with your nagging mom. I have no more affection for your mother. I'm bored with you." I said honestly. Indeed, that's what he has felt for a long time.

"What, you say that so easily? How long has your marriage been going on? You have the heart to ruin everything." Akbar was downcast. This time he was very angry with his father.

"You don't know how papa feels." papa said as if he wanted Akbar to defend him.

"Now you choose. That girl or mom. I will also tell mom that papa is cheating on me." Akbar said boldly looking into his father's eyes.

"Papa can only surrender. You're already in a long relationship with that woman. Papa will also marry her." papa said, making Akbar's eyes widen in disbelief.

Akbar shook his head as he stared into his father's eyes. His jaw hardened with anger.

"Akbar is hurt." Akbar said with his eyes beginning to sting.