Yearning

Yearning

“Akif!”. “Just now you go out by yourself again, huh? You’re just
eight. It’s good that you got home safely. You make mom worried, you
know?”. Silent. No answer from Akif. “Eh, did I talk with the wall?”.
“Did you ask dad permission before you go out?”. “...” . “Err… What
is in that plastic? Oh, you buy vegetables?”. “Why didn't he answer
anything?” Mom talks to herself. “…What do you want, mom?” Akif
finally answered. “He he he… Mom just wants to spend some time with
you. It’s not like I always talk with you.”. “Oh, don’t worry. I will
not bother you. So, what are you gonna make now?” she asked. “I want
to make fried rice.”. “Oh, OK!”. Akif started cooking. “Fried rice
done…” Akif finished cooking. “Wait, how did you know how to cook?”
she asked. “I watched a cooking show on TV.” Akif answered. “Ooo… Did
you cook because you want to be a chef in the future?”. “No… I'm not
interested at all. I just want to learn how to cook.” Akif answered
her question. “Really?” she asked again. “…Actually, I do all this
because of dad. It is because dad seems to be getting thinner and
unhealthy.”. “Dad began to ignore his health. Dad is still depressed…
because he still can’t accept the fact that… mom passed away even
though five month had passed…” Akif said in a sad tone. Mom smiled at
Akif. “Dad misses you, mom… until he is able to lock himself in a
room. Now, I’m the one who lost my mind… Why do I feel like you're
still alive, mom?” I try to ignore what I just saw. But…”. “Akif…
That fried rice. How about you draw something on it using ketchup?”
Mom said. “Oh, I forgot. But, what to draw?” Akif asked. “Heart
shapes, flowers, cars… or just draw dad's handsome face. Ho ho!”.
“Heh, he's not that handsome. I’m the one who’s handsome here!” They
laughed. “Oh! Now I know what to draw! Easy… But dad must like it!
Right… Mom? Eh?”. “…” Akif continued to draw. Suddenly, tears begin
to fall, “Akif can’t even say that Akif… Miss mom too!” Akif cries
his eye’s out after his mom disappears from his eyes. ‘Knock knock’
Akif knocks the door. “Dad… Akif cooks something for you. Akif came
in, OK?

-the end-