Uncle Indra, who had come to Aunt Darsih’s house, apparently intended to see Gilang. He had heard from one of his employees that Gilang was at Aunt Darsih’s house.
“What brings you here so late at night, Uncle?” Angga asked.
“Uncle heard Gilang was here, right?” Uncle Indra replied.
“Yeah, he’s in the bedroom visiting Mom,” Angga answered.
“Oh, I just wanted to make sure. Gilang came back to Antajaya without telling me,” Uncle Indra said.
“Oh, and Angga, how’s your mother doing now? Is she feeling any better?” Uncle Indra asked.
“Not yet, Uncle. She’s still the same,” Angga replied.
“Can I see her too?” Uncle Indra said.
“Sure, Uncle. Come on in,” Angga replied.
Uncle Indra entered the bedroom with Angga and found Gilang and Aunt Darsih there.
“Gilang, how are you? It’s unusual for you to come home without telling me. I thought you weren’t coming home for semester break, since you said you were going to spend the vacation there,” Uncle Indra asked.
“I’m fine, Uncle. Sorry, I forgot to tell you. I was in a hurry to leave there this afternoon because Angga told me Aunt Darsih was sick,” Gilang replied.
“Oh, I see. It’s okay, but stay at Uncle’s house tonight, all right? We’ve already cooked a lot for you. As soon as someone told me you’d come home and were here, I asked your aunt to start cooking. She’s waiting at home too,” Uncle Indra said.
“How are you feeling, Aunt Darsih? Are you doing any better?” Uncle Indra asked Aunt Darsih.
“I’m feeling better, sir,” Aunt Darsih replied.
“Are you sure you’re feeling better? If not, let’s go back to the public hospital over there. Don’t worry about the cost. I’ll cover everything, because I already consider you family,” Uncle Indra said.
“It’s okay, sir. Thank you for your help. I’m really feeling better,” Aunt Darsih replied.
“Mom really doesn’t want to go to the hospital, Uncle. I’ve asked her several times to get treated there, but she refuses,” Angga added.
“Hmm... All right, then. But if you need anything, let me know right away, Ga. Don’t hesitate,” Uncle Indra said.
“Okay, Uncle. I’ll let you know if we need anything. Thanks for your help,” Angga said.
“Don’t hesitate, Ga. Besides, I haven’t actually helped with anything yet. Your mother is the one who’s done so much to help our family,” Uncle Indra said.
“Thanks again, Uncle,” Angga said.
“Gilang, it’s getting late. Come on, let’s go home to Uncle’s house,” Uncle Indra urged Gilang.
“But, Uncle, I was planning to stay here with Angga tonight and help look after Aunt Darsih,” Gilang replied.
“Aw, but your aunt went to all that trouble to cook for you on such short notice,” Uncle Indra replied.
“I already ate earlier, Uncle,” Gilang answered.
“Your aunt will definitely be disappointed if you don’t come home tonight. She misses you too—it’s been a long time since she last saw you, Lang,” Uncle Indra said.
“Lang, it’s okay. I’ll look after Mom. You go home with Uncle. It’d be a shame after Auntie went to all that trouble cooking for you,” Angga chimed in.
“But, Ga...” Before Gilang could finish, Aunt Darsih immediately spoke to him.
“It’s okay, Lang. Go to Uncle’s house tonight. Aunt Ningsih—Uncle Indra’s wife—is waiting for you,” Aunt Darsih said.
“Yeah, Lang. Come on, let’s go see your aunt at home,” Uncle Indra said.
In the end, Gilang went home with Uncle Indra that night. However, a couple of questions still nagged at him. First, why had his uncle come straight to Aunt Darsih’s house to see him when he could have simply asked over the phone or chat? And second, there was still the matter of what Aunt Darsih had wanted to tell him, which she hadn’t finished saying.