Page 83 - B. Ing_Antologi Cerpen Xl-6

I sat alone under the tree, looking up at the window of
my father's room that was visible from there.

There was a deep sense of longing that made my
eyes begin to water. “Dad will get better, right, Mom?” I
asked softly to my mother who was sitting beside me.
Mom just smiled, clasping my hand tightly. "Let's just
pray for the best, son. Your father is a strong man. He
must be fighting with all his might."A week later, my
father was in intensive care at the hospital. I was little
and didn't understand much of what was happening, but I
knew something serious was going on. I saw less and
less of dad's smile, and mom started to look tired, even
though she always tried to look strong in front of me.

Every afternoon, I would sit under the mango
tree, hoping that dad would come home and sit with me
again, telling me stories about fun things. The mango
tree was my link to my father, the only place that made
me feel close to him even though he wasn't beside me.
One month passed, and my father was finally discharged
from the hospital. His condition was still weak, but at
least he could return to home. I couldn't contain my
excitement when I saw my father sitting in a wheelchair,
even though his body looked much thinner than before.
“How are you, Father?” I asked as he sat down beside
me. Dad smiled, stroking my head gently. "I'm fine, son.

82