It's still four in the morning, the sky pitch black. The cool air stings the skin, carrying the distinctive scent of wet earth after last night's rain.
In the small kitchen of their house, Naufal deftly helps his mother, Adelia, prepare boxes of food.
The fragrant aroma of spices fills the room, blending with the scent of coffee brewed by Adelia. Fatigue is evident on his mother's face, yet a smile remains etched on her lips.
"Son, are thirty boxes ready?" Adelia asks with a slightly hoarse voice. She spreads green chili sauce over the grilled chicken, her movements skillful and quick, though appearing a bit rushed.
Naufal nods. "Yes, Ma. All for Mr. Erwin." He points to the neatly arranged stack of lunch boxes on the table. Each box contains white rice, grilled chicken, urap vegetables, and green chili sauce—the mainstay menu of Adelia's home-based food business, which has been running for only three months. A small business that Adelia runs alongside her job.
"Alhamdulillah," Adelia mutters in relief. "May our fortune always be smooth, Son."
"Aamiin. Let me deliver them to Mr. Erwin's office before going to school, Ma," Naufal offers.
"No, Son. Let Mom do it, I'll go to the office anyway," Adelia looks at the clock on the wall. "You rest while waiting for dawn."
"Mom also needs to rest, Ma," Naufal reminds her.
Adelia smiles, stroking Naufal's head. "Thank you, my good son. Oh yes, wait here for a moment," Adelia says, then leaves the table briefly. She returns with a savings book and an ATM card.
"You keep these," Adelia says, handing them to Naufal. "Next year, you'll graduate from high school and continue to college. Later, every time Mom gets paid and has extra fortune, Mom will add to this savings account."
Naufal looks at the contents of the savings book. "Later, I'll add from my allowance too, Ma, right? I can also add money from work."
Adelia shakes her head. "No, Son. Your job now is to focus on studying so you can become what you want to be. Stop the part-time work for now, okay? Just save your money for your own savings. Don't mix it into this savings. Let Mom handle it."
"But Mom will be tired later," Naufal says worriedly.
"It's okay, Son. It's already Mom's duty," Adelia replies gently.
Naufal looks at his mother. "I want to continue my education at the Police Academy, Ma. Is that okay?"
"Why the Police Academy, Son?" Adelia asks curiously.
"I want to be like Uncle Revan," Naufal replies.
"Why only look at Uncle Revan? Uncle Kevin is also a great figure, you know. He is also dedicated to his country," Adelia reminds Naufal of another figure who could be a role model.
Naufal is silent for a moment. He knows Kevin also dedicates himself to the country as a member of the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces).
"There's something else I want to do while in that institution," he replies almost inaudibly.
The betrayal of his father with Chintya is still etched in his memory. His request to his mother's two older brothers not to seek the whereabouts of his biological father is not without reason.
"Alright then. It's up to you. Mom supports whatever decision you make. Mom will rest first, okay? Can you clean up the table, Son?"
"Yes, Ma," Naufal replies.
"Thank you, Son," Adelia says before leaving the kitchen.
"I want to find those two thieves who betrayed Mom, wherever they are," Naufal mutters. "I have to find them, not someone else."
7 years have passed since that day.
In the Narcotics Investigation Unit room of the Police Department, Naufal sits upright. His Monday detective uniform—a clean white shirt, a bright red tie, and black trousers—highlights his dashing posture. His once straight hair is now cut short, neat, and sharp, reflecting the discipline of an officer.
His gaze is sharp, gleaming with determination, showing the maturity and responsibility he bears. A graduate of the Police Academy with satisfactory honors, he is ready to face a new challenge: eradicating the rampant drug network in his hometown.
The faint aroma of coffee wafting from the cup on his desk brings him back to the mornings in his kitchen. That aroma reminds him of his mother's struggles and sacrifices, Adelia.
That tough woman has retired from her job at the airline, and her spirit has never faded. Her home-based food business is growing rapidly, thanks to hard work and the help of several employees.
Now, Adelia enjoys her retirement by tending to a small garden behind the house, planting her favorite flowers, and reaping the rewards of her hard work so far. Akhzam, Naufal's younger brother, who is now eight years old, always accompanies his mother's days, filling the silence of the house with children's laughter.
Today, a major operation awaits. Naufal and his team are heading to a location that informants call "drug village." The atmosphere is tense, and behind his hidden nervousness, he remembers his mother's message, "Mom supports you," and the advice of his two uncles, Kevin about discipline, and Revan about justice. This is the real test, his first operation leading a full team.
In the briefing room, Naufal looks at his team members, his face slightly tense. "Our target is Ricky. Informants call this location 'drug village', so anticipate unexpected situations. This is my first operation leading a full team, so I need solid teamwork." His voice sounds calm, trying to convince himself and his team. "Aipda Dimas, lead the Eagle Team. Bripka Razak, the Raven Team. Equipment and weapons must be in top condition. Team safety is the top priority. Remember, better safe than sorry."
"Ready, Sir. The Eagle Team is ready. Even though this is your first operation leading, we believe in your abilities, Sir," Dimas tries to ease the tense atmosphere.
"The Raven Team is ready, Sir. We will support you fully."
Naufal opens his laptop, showing a map and photo of Ricky. "This is Ricky. Cunning, wide connections, and secret hideouts. Dimas, you lead the raid. Razak, prepare the backup team and evacuation routes. I will be at the command center, monitoring developments." He tries to look confident, even though his heart is pounding.
"Ready,Commandan," Dimas says.
"Ready, Sir. The backup team is on standby," this time Razak answers.
"Fast, precise, minimize risks. Maintain communication. Report every development. Remember, team safety is number one. Don't hesitate to ask for help if needed," Naufal reminds them.
At 2:00 PM, the team moves out. On the way, the communication radio buzzes with brief reports and instructions. Tension is felt, and Naufal tries to lead calmly and firmly.
At the location, Naufal gives final instructions, "Eagle, go in! Raven, stand by in backup position! Remember the procedure!" The raid is quick and precise. Resistance occurs, gunshots, shouts, short commands mixed together. Naufal's trained team controls the situation, although Naufal has to give additional instructions several times to anticipate unexpected situations.
Several hours later, the operation ends. Ricky and his men are arrested, evidence of methamphetamine and ecstasy is confiscated. Naufal approaches Dimas and Razak, his voice relieved, "Good, solid teamwork! Successful operation!" Fatigue is felt, and satisfaction surrounds them. Naufal feels a burden lifted from his shoulders.
On the way home, Naufal remembers his mother and the advice of his two uncles. He reflects, "Our job is not just to catch criminals, but to protect the community, to uphold justice." The aroma of coffee from the past is replaced by the aroma of victory and a stronger determination. His adventure has just begun, and he has passed his first test successfully.