Lisa got up from her seat and invited Farrel to relax in the living room. While watching the cartoons on television, although she didn't speak, Lisa just wanted to hug Farrel with her feelings that never faded.
"What's wrong with you?" asked Farrell.
"I just want to hug you. Since when did you become so big? I don't want to be hugged anymore," Lisa joked while kissing the top of Farrel's head.
Farrel didn't answer and leaned on his mama's shoulder. This was the first time Lisa felt that Farrel didn't want to let go of her embrace.
In the last few months, her son had felt big enough to be a little uncomfortable being hugged and kissed again like a kindergartner. Even though he is also still in fourth grade.
"I once told papa, don't treat me like a child anymore," said Farrell.
Lisa released his embrace. Her son's face looked sad although he covered it with a smile on his plum lips. He leaned his back against the back of the sofa.
"Papa said, forever I will remain a baby boy for him. But earlier, when you said goodbye and didn't say anything, let alone kiss me, why did I feel strange, Ma? Papa still loves me, right?"
"What are you talking about?"
Lisa sat back down and hugged Farrell. She stroked his head until she realized he was hiding his tears. He must have sensed the distance Arka was beginning to create.
"What's wrong with this my boy? After watching soap operas or being rejected by Mizu? So mellow," Lisa joked, rubbing Farrell's back.
"Why bring up Mizu?"
Lisa was happy to see Farrel start laughing again. What a beautiful laugh Farrel had, as well as a very pretty eye-smile.
If Arka knew that Farrel's smile was starting to disappear because of him, he would probably be hurt. Therefore, Lisa had to continue to strengthen Farrel's heart so that he would not be sad for Arka's changes from day to day. Human hearts do change easily.
'I don't know if papa is starting to get away from you, but for me, you are a little angel given by God so that I stay strong. God entrusted you to me so that I could learn to be a good mother before the arrival of your little brother, Farrel,' Lisa thought as she continued to look at her son.
Not only Lisa, Arka's heart also still loves Farrel and will never fade. He was only too focused on the fetus in his wife's womb.
Arka was still sitting in the garden chair when he noticed an old man bringing him a package.
"Sir!"
Arka woke up and accepted the package of chicken porridge from the vendor. He reached into his wallet and handed over a twenty thousand bill. After that, he walked out of the park and approached his car. Preparing to bring home the chicken porridge for his craving wife.
*
After dinner, the living room was a little busy as Lisa helped Farrell organize the dozens of invitation papers that the courier had just delivered this afternoon.
Farrell showed her the list of classmates and teachers he'd invited to his important event.
"Mizu's name is first," Lisa teased, pinching Farrell's cheek.
"Mommy!"
It wasn't long before Frans and Wendi showed up after staying at Frans' sister for three days. This afternoon, Arka had followed them to Bandung because he had to attend an invitation even without Lisa. Her husband seemed to still be out and about transporting the goods bought by his dad. Also souvenirs that were ordered from home.
"That's grandpa and grandma coming home," Lisa said.
Just as Farrell was about to greet his grandfather, the old man walked away into his room. Farrel looked disappointed, how much he missed his grandfather after almost three days without seeing him. Only Wendi welcomed Farrel's embrace and gave a bag of souvenirs to his grandson.
"For you," said Wendi.
Farrel was very excited to receive the bag. The grandmother sat down in the living room to unwind. When Farrell opened the bag, there was a plastic mango inside.
"You bought me a mango?" asked Farrel with an innocent face.
Wendi tapped her forehead, immediately took the bag from Farrel and gave it to Lisa.
"This is your mom and papa's, Farrel. I think the souvenirs for you are brought by grandpa. Let me go to the room first," said Wendi.
Wendi left the living room. Farrel was annoyed to see his mother smelling mangoes while smiling. This was his first time seeing mangoes.
"Do you want mangoes, Mom?" said Farrell.
Lisa smiled. She nodded and was very excited to see a very large and yellow mango. It must be sweet. She couldn't wait to taste it.
"Your father is also craving mangoes, Farrel. Do you want some? I'll peel it, or make some juice," Lisa said.
Farrel immediately shook his head. He sat back down and wrote the names of his friends on each unfinished invitation. The event was only a week away. And for sure, he was waiting for a special gift on that day.
"No!" he moaned as he continued to write.
Lisa laughed and went back to helping Farrell finish his invitations. Farrel wanted to write instead of using a computer typing service. His writing was quite good, unlike Arka's which even Lisa couldn't read even if her husband wasn't writing a prescription.
Before long, Lisa paused and massaged her waist, which was sore from sitting too long. At the same time, Arka approached the living room while carrying many bags.
Seeing Lisa in a bit of pain, Arka rushed over after putting the bags on the floor. Arka grabbed Lisa's arm and pulled the invitation sheet and threw it on the floor. Lisa's pale face made him anxious.
"If you're tired, don't push it, Lisa!" he grumbled.
Once again, Lisa sighed at Arka's excessive attention. Farrel could only see the anxiety of his father who even unconsciously threw the invitation like it was worthless.
"I just helped write a few, anyway. I'm bored in my room anyway. I can play with Farrel. You know, Farrel said Mizu ...."