Promise

I was in 3 countries in one day. All for a promise I had to fulfill.

8am Friday left for Singapore from Thailand. Reach Singapore at 11.30am.

Made a surprise call to my father and met at the airport at 12noon.

Had lunch at World Trade Centre food court with him. I know he missed me a lot. Just that he didn't say it. Had a good chat with him. Went for Friday prayers and then headed for the ferry terminal. Took the earliest ferry to Batam with hope that a flight to Solo, Indonesia will be available for me at Hang Nadim International Airport.

My guitarist's grandmother in Solo, Yogyakarta, Central Java, is critically ill. She was diagnosed with cancer a month ago. Her breathing got worse a week ago. I had to see her soon.

When she came to Singapore, she made me promise to visit her again before she left for Indonesia. I couldn't say no. I'm very close and attached to her with reasons I just cannot explain. It was as if we are related. I just had to fulfill that promise and at least see her for one last time.

Here I am, typing away at an Internet cafe called Google.net just nearby her house. At least for now, she could still smile when I visited her at the hospital. I've never felt such overwhelming mixture of sadness, happiness and helplessness seeing her on the bed. Allah granted me my wish. Alhamdulillah.

I really don't know how long I will be here. I only have 30 days. I just want to be with her as long as I can. After that, my whole backpacking trip will be taking a totally new detour.

Await good news and interesting stories. That, I assure you. For now, your silent prayers are truly appreciated. May god lessen Bu' Uwa's pain and suffering. InsyaAllah, Amin.

jamiel
Breathing Sampoerna air finally