"How is your father?" Wildan asked while preparing a spoon that he polished with a tissue for Galuh. He also poured her a glass of water. Every small thing Wildan did drew Galuh's silent attention. Something warm stirred deep within her heart.
"My father is doing fine."
"Thank God. I'm glad to hear that."
"But… sometimes Father asks about you, Mas. He wants to repay your kindness."
"Tell him that as long as he stays healthy and eats regularly, that's already more than enough," Wildan replied without looking at Galuh.
Galuh didn't say much after hearing Wildan's words. She simply admired the man before her even more—someone who turned out to be very considerate. She hoped that one day, Wildan would find a good person to become his life partner.
Wildan returned to his lunch, eating heartily. Galuh smiled as she watched the man she had only just met eat with such appetite.
"Eat up, or it'll get cold and won't taste good," Wildan reminded her gently as he looked at her. For the first time, that soft gaze made something flutter in Galuh's chest.
What is this feeling? I'm not falling in love with him, am I? Galuh wondered anxiously. She then began to eat her lunch. The black pepper beef she ordered—same as Wildan's—had never been her favorite. But this time, it delighted her taste buds. It was also the first time she had ever liked black pepper beef.
They didn't talk much during the meal. About an hour later, lunch ended, and Wildan invited Galuh to leave.
"Where should I drop you off?" Wildan asked once they reached the parking area.
"To my workplace, please."
"Okay, I'll take you there. If possible, avoid night shifts—especially if you have to go home late. It's dangerous."
"Yes, Mas. Thank you."
The car fell into silence, accompanied only by music from the MP3 player. Wildan drove calmly, his face once again expressionless.
"May I ask you something?" Galuh finally broke the silence.
"Go ahead."
She hesitated before asking, looking unsure. But when Wildan glanced at her with curiosity, she finally spoke.
"When we met at the café where I work…" Galuh paused. "Why did you pretend not to know me?"
"Because of you."
"Because of me?"
"Yes. Because you seemed uncomfortable meeting me. So I knew my place."
"Oh…" Galuh responded softly. "Did it really seem that way?"
"Weren't you trying to avoid me?"
"I'm sorry."
"Forget it. I'm used to it."
Suddenly, Wildan's phone rang. He immediately connected it to the Bluetooth system. Arya's voice came through the speakers.
"What is it, Arya?"
"Wow! You caused quite a stir at the office, Mas."
"What kind of stir?"
"Well, because you were holding a girl's hand the entire time in the office."
"We'll talk about that later. I'm driving," Wildan said, glancing at Galuh, worried she might hear Arya's voice clearly.
"But this is more important, Mas. Don't hang up yet!"
"What is it now?" Wildan asked sharply.
"Mr. Cakra collapsed again. This time, he's unconscious."
Wildan froze at Arya's words. His grip tightened on the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white.
"Alright. I'm heading to the hospital now."
The call ended, and Wildan immediately sped up. Seeing the sudden change, Galuh sensed something was wrong. She wanted to ask, but hesitated.
"Your workplace is across from the hospital, right?" Wildan asked coldly.
"Y-yes…" Galuh answered nervously, startled by the change in his demeanor.
"I'll drop you off in front of the café."
"Yes. Thank you."
Wildan didn't say another word until the car stopped in front of the café. After briefly saying goodbye, he immediately drove off. Watching the car disappear into the distance, Galuh felt confused.
"What's going on? Why did he suddenly change?"
Disappointment crept into Galuh's heart, but she tried to respond calmly. She then entered the café—it was time to make her report.
Wildan rushed toward the room where his father was being treated. His thoughts were in turmoil, fear of the worst flooding his mind. His face hardened, and his eyes burned.
"Wildan…" Mona greeted him with relief. Inside the room stood Wistara and Henggar—Mona's biological eldest son—both filled with concern. "Your father has been looking for you, dear."
"Hello, Mas Wildan. How are you?" Henggar extended his hand. Wildan shook it coldly, responding only with a nod.
"Has Father regained consciousness?"
Mona shook her head. Her eyes were red, as though she had been crying for a long time. Wildan approached his father, who was still lying unconscious.
"What did the doctor say, Tara?"
"Let's talk outside, Mas," Wistara said, leading Wildan out of the room so their father wouldn't hear.
"How is it?"
"Doctor William predicts Father won't last long, Mas. At most, he may survive until next month. We never know what could happen at any time."
"What do you think?"
"I predict the same—perhaps even worse."
"Do they know about Father's condition?"
Wistara nodded. "Yes. They were informed during the doctor's visit this morning."
Wildan exhaled deeply, massaging his temples, clearly overwhelmed. Everyone had done their best—even arranging treatment in Singapore—but his father had refused.
"So… what should we do for Father?"
"At the very least, we shouldn't add to his worries. We should make him happy." Wildan shot Wistara a sharp look, making him frown. "I mean… why don't you hurry up and find a partner?"
"You think finding a wife is that easy? Like pulling weeds?"
"At least do something, Mas. Besides, Celine—introduced by Aunt Mona—is quite decent." Wistara grinned sheepishly under his brother's glare. "Okay, okay. I'll leave it up to you."
The door opened, and Mona appeared, her eyes red, tears streaming down her face. Wildan and Wistara immediately looked at her with concern.
"What should we do, dear… I can't bear seeing your father like this anymore. Please do something for him," Aunt Mona sobbed. "Can you really stand seeing your father like this?"
"Aunt…" Wistara embraced Mona gently, patting her shoulder. "We'll do our best for Father."
Henggar appeared at the door. "It seems Father has regained consciousness."
Wildan was the first to rush inside, approaching his father's weak body, tubes attached everywhere.
"Father… where does it hurt?" Wildan asked as he tightly held his father's fingers.
Instead of answering, the elderly man pointed to the left side of his chest, then pointed at Wildan's chest. That alone was enough to weigh heavily on Wildan's heart. His father only wanted him to find a partner soon.
"Just a little longer, Father…"
***