It was still four in the morning, and the sky was pitch-black. The cool air prickled against the skin, carrying the distinct scent of wet earth after last night's rain.
In the small kitchen of their house, Naufal deftly helped Adelia prepare the food boxes.
The fragrant aroma of spices filled the room, mingling with the coffee Adelia had brewed. The exhaustion was plain on his mother's face, yet a smile remained etched on her lips.
“Son, are all thirty boxes ready?” Adelia asked, her voice slightly hoarse. She spread green sambal over the grilled chicken, her movements practiced and quick, though she looked a little rushed.
Naufal nodded. “They’re ready, Mom. They’re all for Mr. Erwin.” He pointed to the neatly arranged stack of meal boxes on the table. Each box contained white rice, grilled chicken, urap vegetables, and green sambal—the signature menu of Adelia’s home-based food business, which had been running for just three months. It was a small business Adelia operated between shifts at the airport.
“Thank God,” Adelia murmured in relief. “I hope our livelihood always stays steady, son.”
“Amen. Let me deliver them to Mr. Erwin’s office before school, Mom,” Naufal offered.
“No, son. I’ll take them to the office myself while I’m out.” Adelia glanced at the clock on the wall. “Get some rest while you wait for Fajr.”
“You need rest too, Mom,” Naufal reminded her.
Adelia smiled and gently rubbed Naufal’s head. “Thank you, my good boy. Oh, wait here a moment,” Adelia said before stepping away from the table. She returned with a savings passbook and an ATM card.
“Keep these,” Adelia said, handing them to Naufal. “This year, you’ll graduate from high school and go on to college. Whenever I get paid and have some extra money, I’ll add it to this savings account.”
Naufal looked at the entries in the savings passbook. “I’ll add some of my allowance too, okay, Mom? I can add money from my job as well.”
Adelia shook her head. “Don’t, son. Right now, your job is to focus on studying so you can become whatever you want to be. Put your part-time job on hold for now, okay? Save your money for your own savings. Don’t mix it into this account. Let me handle it.”
“But you’ll get tired, Mom,” Naufal said worriedly.
“That’s all right, son. It’s my responsibility,” Adelia replied gently.
Naufal looked at his mother. “I want to continue my education at the Police Academy, Mom. Is that okay?”
“Why the Police Academy, son?” Adelia asked curiously.
“I want to be like Uncle Revan,” Naufal answered.
“Why look only to Uncle Revan? Uncle Kevin is an amazing person too, you know. He’s dedicated to his country as well,” Adelia reminded Naufal of another role model he could look up to.
Naufal fell silent for a moment. He knew Kevin had also devoted himself to the country as a member of the military.
“There’s something else I want to do when I’m part of that institution,” he answered, barely audible.
The betrayal of his father and Chintya still lingered in his memory. His request to his mother’s two older brothers not to search for his biological father’s whereabouts had not been without reason.
“All right. It’s up to you. Mom supports whatever decision you make. I’m going to rest for a while, okay? Can you clear the table, son?”
“I can, Mom,” Naufal replied.
“Thank you, son,” Adelia said before leaving the kitchen.
“I want to find those two thieves who betrayed Mom, no matter where they are,” Naufal muttered. “I have to be the one to find them, not someone else.” *** Seven years had passed since that day.
Inside the City Police Narcotics Investigation Unit, Naufal sat upright. His Monday investigation-uniform—clean white shirt, bright red tie, and black pants—emphasized his commanding physique. The straight hair he’d once had was now cut short, neat, and sharp, reflecting an officer’s discipline.
His sharp, determined gaze showed the maturity and responsibility he carried. A Police Academy graduate with an excellent academic record, holding the rank of Second Inspector and serving as head of the Narcotics Investigation Unit for the past two years, he was ready to face a new challenge: eradicating the international drug-trafficking network running rampant in his hometown.
The faint aroma of coffee from the cup on his desk took him back to the mornings in his home kitchen. It reminded him of his beloved mother Adelia’s struggle and sacrifices.
That strong woman had retired from her job at the airline, but her spirit had never faded. Her home-based food business had grown rapidly thanks to her hard work and the help of several employees.
Now Adelia enjoyed retirement by tending the small garden behind the house, planting her favorite flowers, and enjoying the fruits of all her hard work. Akhzam, Naufal’s nine-year-old little brother, always kept their mother company, filling the quiet house with a child’s laughter.
Today, a major operation awaited them. Naufal and his team were heading to a location their informant had called a “drug village.” The atmosphere was tense, and beneath his hidden nervousness, he remembered his mother’s words—“Mom supports you”—and his uncles’ advice: Kevin’s lessons about discipline, and Revan’s about justice. This was the real test, his first operation leading a full team.
In the briefing room, Naufal looked at his team members, his face slightly tense. “Our target is Ricky. The informant calls this place a ‘drug village,’ so be prepared for the unexpected. This is my first operation leading the full team, so I need solid teamwork.” His voice sounded calm as he tried to reassure himself and his team. “Senior Police Officer Dimas, lead Eagle Team. Police Officer Razak, take Raven Team. Make sure the equipment and weapons are in top condition. Team safety is our top priority. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
“Understood, Commander. Eagle Team is ready. Even though this is your first operation leading us, Commander, we trust your abilities,” Dimas said, trying to ease the tension.
“Raven Team is ready, Commander. We’ll provide our full support.”
Naufal opened his laptop and displayed a map and a photo of Ricky. “This is Ricky. He’s cunning, has extensive connections, and maintains secret hideouts. Dimas, lead the assault. Razak, prepare the reserve team and evacuation route. I’ll be at command center overseeing the situation.” He tried to look confident, even though his heart was pounding.
“Understood, Commander,” Dimas said.
“Understood, Commander. The reserve team is standing by,” Razak answered this time.
“Move fast and precisely, and minimize risk. Keep communications open. Report every development. Remember, team safety comes first. Don’t hesitate to request backup if necessary,” Naufal reminded them.
At 2:00 p.m. WIB, the teams moved out. Along the way, the radio crackled with brief reports and instructions. The tension was palpable, and Naufal tried to lead with calm authority.
At the location, Naufal gave his final orders. “Eagle, move in! Raven, stand by at the reserve position! Remember the procedures!” The assault was swift and precise. Resistance broke out—gunshots, shouts, and clipped commands blending together. Naufal’s trained team brought the situation under control, though Naufal had to issue additional instructions several times to anticipate the unexpected.
Several hours later, the operation ended. Ricky and his men were arrested, and methamphetamine and ecstasy were seized as evidence. Naufal approached Dimas and Razak, relief evident in his voice. “Great job. The teamwork was solid! The operation was a success!” They were exhausted, but satisfaction surrounded them. Naufal felt the weight lift from his shoulders.