Sweet Tears

Martin

I am discharged from the hospital feeling quite well. I am no longer smelling the medicines. I can sleep in my own room, smelling the scent of citrus. Because my room is citrus-scented. Mama and papa told me that Martin cannot contact me for now, he is undergoing medical treatment since he was the one who rode the bike at that time, so he was hurt more than me. If it was worse, how does it look like? From the way the talk to me, I can tell that they are lying. But I can only trust them, not wanting to add more burden. I can see mama's beautiful pair of eyes are puffy holding back her tears. Mama and papa always cheer me up, these two God's creation who were made only for me, who always calm this heart when I look at their faces, faces full of sincerity. In the midst of sadness, I wonder how is Martin doing. I take my cellphone to make sure whether or not Martin contact me. As expected, it's only Roy who contacted me instead of Martin.

"Hii.. I am so sorry, Mimi, I cannot visit you everyday. Today my Mother will come for a visit, Min."

"yea." as simple as that.

"I know it must be tough to be in your position. Too much pressure, isn't it? Don't be sad, Mimin. Everyone is facing the same ordeal, it is the form that different from one person to another. Be strong, bestie" Roy cheers me up.

"Thank you for cheering me up" I reply to him while shedding a tear.

My house is quite crowded now. Neighbors, relatives, teachers, classmates, and orphans come for a visit, except for a particular person, Martin. But, Martin parents come. He is definitely here too. It is a weird moment that I cannot comprehend. Martin parents come for a visit, but why can't I find Martin? This is my chance to ask his parents, about Martin's condition. I immediately fire questions at Martin's Mother when she approaches me.

"How is Martin doing? Why doesn't he contact me until now? Why doesn't he come for a visit? Is it true that he is undergoing medical treatment?" I ask Martin's Mother when we shake hands.

"How are you doing, Min? Get well really soon, okay" she says it whole-heartedly, it can be seen in her eyes. But I don't need that. I want Martin! Moreover, I'm already recovered. If I happen to look like a sick person, this is how I'm going to look like for the rest of my life.

"Please be honest"

"Do I have to explain everything?" She answers nervously.

"Why do you need to conceal it?" I dare her to explain.

"I am sorry, Min, I actually cannot say it. Martin is resting in peace, he is now in a place he belongs to be. You get it, don't you?" She says it while shedding tears. She then pulls me into a tight hug.

What?! Martin passed away? Why does God take him so fast? I need him, God. He is my best friend in good times and bad times, he stays by my side when I cry. He laughs with me when I laugh. Nobody can replace Martin now. Why do you make my life so hard, God.

I am falling into despair. Not only because of my current condition, but also because Martin has gone. There is no best friend like him, the one who completes my days. How am I supposed to live?

People who come for a visit went home. My house that once crowded is nowquiet. Like my heart, so quiet and empty, eroded by sadness. Happiness that Ireceive becomes worthless in my heart as the day goes by.