9:00 p.m. WIB. Darkness had completely enveloped the night. The black car driven by First Inspector Naufal Hasbi stopped in the yard of a white-painted house.
The house wasn't particularly large, but it had a fairly spacious yard. A flower garden was neatly arranged on one side, while an ornamental fish pond reflected the glow of the garden lights.
After spending the entire day leading the tense operation to arrest Ricky, the quiet atmosphere in the yard felt soothing. It was a sharp contrast to the adrenaline still surging through him.
Bone-deep exhaustion stabbed through him. Yet the gratitude and satisfaction of successfully carrying out the operation brought his spirits back up. The faint scents of roses and jasmine mingled with the smell of wet earth left behind by the afternoon rain.
Naufal got out of the car and swept his gaze around. His mother, Adelia, and his youngest brother, Akhzam, had lived in the house for the past year.
He smiled when he saw the well-tended garden. Garden lights illuminated the blooming flowers and created a peaceful atmosphere. His mother had always been meticulous about caring for flowers, an activity that served as therapy after she retired from her job at an airline.
Naufal walked toward the door. His steps felt heavy with exhaustion, but his heart was full of joy. He imagined his mother's face, the warm smile that always welcomed him, and the aroma of the robusta coffee that was usually waiting for him.
That aroma always reminded him of years filled with love and support. But tonight, it wasn't coffee waiting for him. It was the aroma of his mother's cooking—the scent that made him feel at home, comfortable, and loved.
His footsteps echoed through the silent yard. He knocked softly on the door.
A few moments later, the door opened. His mother's face showed surprise before breaking into a wide smile. Adelia immediately hugged Naufal. Her hands brushed against his slightly rumpled white shirt.
“Naufal! You're home?” Adelia exclaimed, her voice full of relief. “I thought you weren't coming. That arrest operation was pretty dangerous, wasn't it? I was so worried.”
“Sorry, Mom. The operation took longer than expected,” Naufal replied as he returned his mother's embrace. He felt the warmth and love that had always been his source of strength. “But everything went smoothly, Mom. The suspect was arrested without putting up any significant resistance. The team worked very professionally. Thank God, everything went according to plan.”
“Thank God,” Adelia said, rubbing Naufal's back. “I always pray for your safety. Whenever I hear about a crime, I immediately think of you.”
“Have you had dinner?” Adelia asked after releasing him. “I've already prepared your favorite meal.”
“Not yet, Mom. I came straight here after finishing. I've already submitted the report to my supervisor. I can finally get some extra rest tomorrow morning. I need a good night's sleep.”
“I've already prepared dinner. Come inside. You must be starving. I made your favorite fried chicken, along with urap vegetables and green chili sambal.”
“Yeah, Mom,” Naufal replied.
He went inside, but his eyes immediately searched for Akhzam. He missed his youngest brother. Ever since he had been assigned to a district two hours from the city where his mother lived, Naufal had lived apart from his mother and brother.
Adelia understood how much he missed him. She pointed toward Akhzam's room.
“Azam is asleep. He seems really tired today. He went straight to bed after school. In the afternoon, he practiced karate at Sasana Garuda. After Maghrib, he studied the Quran and finished his schoolwork. That boy is so diligent. He often asks when you're coming home.”
Naufal followed his mother into the house. It felt warm and comfortable, filled with the familiar aroma of home cooking.
At the dining table, Adelia quickly served warm white rice, fried chicken, urap vegetables, and green chili sambal—Naufal's favorite meal. The light above the dining table added to the cozy, familial atmosphere.
Without waiting long, Naufal sat down with his mother and began eating.
“It still tastes just like it did before, Mom. It's so good,” Naufal praised her between bites. “You really have magic hands.”
“I'm glad you like it,” Adelia replied with a smile. “I always do my best to cook the finest food for my children. Everything I do is for you two.”
After dinner, Naufal stood and prepared to help his mother wash the dishes.
“Just leave them there. I'll wash them,” Adelia said.
“It's only this much. How could I make you do all the work, Mom? Let me help.”
“Get some rest, son. You still have to go back to work tomorrow. Don't let exhaustion affect your work. Your health is more important.”
“Okay, Mom. Thank you. For everything—for the food, your prayers, everything.”
“I've already straightened up your room. Sleep well, son.”
“I want to sleep in Azam's room tonight. I haven't seen him in a week. I miss him.”
“Sure, whatever you want,” Adelia said. “I've put a change of clothes in your room, okay?”
Naufal went into Akhzam's room.
The room was decorated with a Batman theme, his brother's favorite character. Naufal gently stroked Akhzam's head. For the past six years, the boy had no longer experienced a father's love.
Maybe Akhzam had already forgotten what it felt like to have a father. The only people he knew were his mother and his older brother, who was always there for him. Naufal felt responsible for filling that void.
Suddenly, the phone in his pocket vibrated.
An incoming call from Sinta Kharisma. She was the only daughter of a three-star TNI high-ranking officer and a woman who had been close to him for the past five months. Naufal was slightly annoyed, but he answered the call anyway.
“Yeah,” Naufal answered as he walked to the window so his voice wouldn't wake Akhzam.
“Hey, Sinta?”
“Baby, are you home?” Sinta asked in a slightly sulky voice.
“Yeah, I just finished dinner with Mom and Azam. What's up?”
“I'm annoyed. I was planning to go on vacation to Korea next week, but Dad won't let me,” Sinta complained. “I had everything ready. Dad actually forbade me from going. He said I just got back from Australia and already wanted to leave again.”
“Just do what Dad wants, Sinta. Maybe he wants to spend some time with you.”
“Or what if I go on vacation to where you are next week?” Sinta asked, sounding hesitant.
“Maybe Dad really wants to spend the weekend with you. Can we continue this conversation tomorrow? I'm really tired tonight.”
Sinta fell silent for a moment, then said, “I miss you, Naufal.” Her voice was soft. “Can't we talk for just a little while?”
“I miss you too, Sinta. But I'm really tired. Can we talk tomorrow? I promise.”
“All right. Get plenty of rest, okay?”
Her voice held a hint of disappointment, but Naufal knew she was sincere.
“Good night.”
Naufal ended the call. He turned his gaze back to his little brother's peacefully sleeping face. He was grateful for his family—for his mother, who always supported him, and his brother, who gave his life purpose.
He knew he had a great responsibility to protect them. He also prayed to always be given the strength and health to carry out his duties as a police officer and an older brother.
Naufal stared at his phone screen for a moment, then let out a long sigh and slipped it back into his pants pocket.
He turned to look at Akhzam, who was sleeping soundly on the small bed with Batman sheets.
“I'm sorry, Zam. Your older brother hasn't been home much lately. But I've never forgotten you.”
Akhzam stirred slightly but remained fast asleep.
Naufal smiled. He sat on the edge of the bed, squeezing his own fingers.
“Oh God, thank You for watching over Mom and Azam while I've been busy out there.”
He lowered his head, then clasped both hands in front of his chest.
“Give me the strength, oh God, to keep protecting them. Let me be a son Mom can be proud of and an older brother worthy of Azam.”
Silence settled for a moment. The only sounds were Akhzam's soft snoring and the ticking of the clock on the wall.
“You have to grow up to be an amazing boy, Zam. I'll always be here for you. Always.”
Naufal slowly stood and pulled the blanket up to cover his brother more neatly.
“Good night, my little champion.”
The moonlight from the window fell across Naufal's calm face. He stepped out of the room and carefully closed the door, as if he wanted to leave the peace undisturbed inside.