Anna immediately called the number Susan had given her. However, the phone was ringing on the living room table in Anna's house. Perhaps Ferdi had forgotten to take it when he was playing pranks at her house.
Anna went to the living room and was surprised when she saw a flower arrangement on the table. Not only that, she saw a letter lying on the table.
“Anna, once again, happy birthday. May you live a long life and always be under the protection of Allah SWT. Ann, believe me, I did all this just to make your heart happy. Because if I didn't do all this, I was worried there wouldn't be anything memorable for you. Ann, please forgive me with all your heart!
From Ferdi Setiadi, your friend.”
Anna shed tears that soaked the paper. A few minutes later, the phone rang again. It was Susan. Anna answered.
”Assalamualaikum.”
”Waalaikumsalam. Ann, it's Ferdi, Ann!” Susan said, sobbing.
”What happened to Ferdi?” Anna replied, her voice anxious.
”He, he had an accident. His car tire exploded, then the car swerved, and worse, a sand truck overtook and hit Ferdi's car, causing it to flip into a ditch. The truck immediately fled the scene. Fortunately, the local community witnessed the incident. Now his condition is quite critical! I, Mom, and Dad are going to the hospital now.”
”Sis, Anna's coming too! This is all Anna's fault, Sis. Please, Sis!” Anna said, also starting to cry.
”No, this isn't anyone's fault. It's just a misfortune, Ann. Alright, I'll give you the hospital address.” Susan said, trying to calm her.
Anna wrote down the hospital address. Yes, the hospital's name was Putra Medikal. It was a well-known hospital at the time, offering the best services.
”Alright, Ann, that's it. Wassalamualaikum.” Susan said, hanging up hurriedly.
”Waalaikumsalam.” Anna said, holding back her tears.
Anna hung up the phone and ran to Tania. She cried her heart out in Tania's arms.
Tania and the other friends tried to calm Anna. ”It's okay, Ann, the important thing is to pray that Ferdi's condition isn't too serious.” Alia said, stroking Anna's hair.
”But this is all my fault. I caused all of this to happen.” Anna said, sobbing.
”No, Ann, this is fate. It's no one's fault, and it's not yours either.” Gustina said, reassuring her.
”What if something happens to Ferdi? To whom else can I pour out these feelings?” Anna said, her crying starting to subside.
”Alright, let's just pray that nothing serious happens. If you want to go there now, we'll come with you. We'll find a taxi now.” Tania said, still trying to calm Anna while slowly releasing their embrace.
Anna agreed to Tania's offer. They quickly packed up to go there. They waited for a taxi by the roadside. And finally, they managed to get an empty taxi.
Tania opened the taxi door and said to the driver: ”Sir, can you take us to Putra Medikal Hospital?”
”Oh, of course, young ladies, with pleasure. Especially since all of you are so beautiful. Hehehehe… Please get in!” The taxi driver ordered with a flirtatious look.
They got into the car and immediately set off.
”Hurry up, sir! This is an emergency!” Anna said, panicking.
”What's wrong, young lady? Who's sick there?” The driver said, speeding up the car.
”Our friend, he just had an accident.” Gustina explained.
”Oh… Alright, young ladies.” The driver said, now seemingly serious.
The driver increased his speed again. And finally, they arrived at the hospital. Anna paid for the taxi. After that, they immediately entered the hospital and met the receptionist.
”Good evening, Sir, we'd like to ask, where is patient Ferdi Setiadi located?” Tania asked a receptionist.
”He's still in the ER over there!” The receptionist pointed in the direction of the room.
After thanking the receptionist, they immediately headed to the room. Ferdi's mother, father, and his sister Susan were already there.
”Good evening. Are you Ferdi's friends?” Mr. Tanto greeted them.
”Yes, Uncle, we are all Ferdi's friends. How is Ferdi, Uncle?” Anna said, still panicking.
”I don't know, he's still very, very critical and is currently under intensive medical care. All we can do is pray for him.” Mr. Tanto explained.
”Uncle, please forgive me, Uncle, I'm to blame! If I hadn't invited him, maybe he wouldn't be like this.” Anna said, expressing her regret.
”No, Ann, we don't blame you at all. Indeed, my car's tires were already worn thin, and I forgot to replace them. Now, please calm down! What we ask from you all is your prayers for Ferdi's recovery.” Mr. Tanto said, still calm.
”Of course, we will pray for his recovery.” Gustina replied on behalf of the group.
”The patient has passed the critical phase and is just waiting to regain consciousness. We allow you to see him, but with the condition that you must enter one by one. Or only one person can go in.” The doctor replied, emerging from the ER.
”Alright, Doctor, thank you for the information. Anna, you don't want us to blame you, right? For that, you must go in now!” Susan said, pointing at Anna.
”Alright, then. Uncle, Auntie, please allow Anna to see him!” Anna replied, starting to walk towards the room.
”Oh yes, please, dear!” Mr. Tanto replied.
Anna entered the room. She saw Ferdi's body lying weakly with several medical devices attached to him. Anna's heart was deeply saddened to see him. She felt like screaming and crying at the sight of it all. She approached Ferdi closer and whispered in his ear: ”Ferdi, forgive me! I'm the one who's wrong. If I hadn't slammed the door and ignored you, maybe you wouldn't have rushed home and something like this wouldn't have happened. Fer, if only you knew, I also have…” Anna's words stopped as Ferdi's eyes slowly opened.
”Anna… Ann, forgive me! Anna, I just wanted to make you happy on your birthday. I was forced to do all that just for you!” Ferdi said faintly.
”Yes, Fer, I understand! Forgive me too for misunderstanding you. Now, please rest, Fer! I'll be here until tomorrow. ” Anna said, shedding tears again.
”No need, Ann, let my family take care of me. I don't want you to get sick from looking after me.” Ferdi replied, his voice a little stronger.
”It's okay, Fer, I'm sincere in doing it.”
The doctor came over to them.
”Hmm, it seems you've regained consciousness? In that case, we can move you to a recovery room. Oh, by the way, excuse me, what's your name, young lady?” The doctor said, looking at Ferdi, then turning to Anna.
”I am Siti Nurhasanah.”
”Are you one of his family members?” The doctor asked.
”No, Doctor, I'm the patient's friend.”
”Okay, in that case, please help me move the patient to that wheeled stretcher. Because all the nurses in this hospital are busy.”
”Alright, Doctor.”
They moved Ferdi to the recovery room. Ferdi's family was grateful that Ferdi had passed the critical phase and regained consciousness. They followed the Doctor and Anna from behind. And so, Ferdi arrived in the recovery room.
Ferdi was placed in a first-class room, with complete facilities, such as a bed for the caregiver, a water dispenser, a small refrigerator, and other supporting recovery room amenities.
Ferdi's family entered the room.
”Fer, forgive Dad! Dad didn't take good care of his car, which is why this happened.” Mr. Tanto said, stroking Ferdi's forehead.
”It's okay, Dad, this was Ferdi's fate. Ferdi doesn't blame anyone for this.” Ferdi said faintly again because Mr. Tanto touched his wound.
”Okay then, Mom and Dad have a meeting tomorrow, so it's alright if we leave, Fer, isn't it? Siti Nurhasanah and her friends, as well as your sister Susan, will be looking after you. Please take good care of Ferdi, Siti Nurhasanah! Auntie trusts you to look after him.” Ferdi's mother said to Anna, shaking Anna's hand.
”Alright, if Auntie and Uncle trust me. I will take care of Ferdi to the best of my ability.”
”Uncle and Auntie do trust you. Oh, by the way, this is for you! If you want to buy anything in this hospital. Please accept it!” Mr. Tanto took out Rp 200,000 and gave it to Anna.
”No need, Uncle! Anna has money for her own needs. It's better if the money is used to pay for the hospital!” Anna said, refusing the money offered.
”It's alright, the hospital matters are our responsibility. This is just for your needs. Maybe you're hungry from looking after Ferdi. This is for your pocket money! Just accept it! Otherwise, Uncle and Auntie will be angry with you.” Ferdi's mother said, offering the money to Anna again.
Finally, reluctantly, Anna accepted it.
”Alright, Uncle's leaving now! Susan, be careful if you go anywhere and don't accompany Siti Nurhasanah in looking after your brother Ferdi.” Mr. Tanto said, shaking hands with Ferdi's friends one by one, then looking at Susan.
”Got it, Dad! Where's Susan's, Dad?” Susan said, holding out her hand.
Mr. Tanto understood what Susan meant. Then Mr. Tanto gave the same amount of money to Susan.
”Thanks, Dad! You're really good.” Susan said with a happy expression.
Mr. Tanto just smiled, hearing his daughter's praise. Ferdi's father and mother left them all and went home.
”Sis, why did you ask Dad for more money? The money Dad gave to Anna is more than enough, and we can use it together. It'll be a waste of money, Sis, if it's like this.” Anna advised.
”It's alright, Ann, your job is just to look after Ferdi here. Not to advise me. The money you're holding is your blessing. The money given to me is my blessing. Do you understand?” Susan said, refuting Anna's advice.
”Yes, Sis, yes. Anna will just obey.”
”Now that's a sweet girl.” Susan praised Anna. “Alia, Gustina, and Tania, come with me now!” Susan invited them.
”Where are we going, Sis?” Tania asked, confused.
”Just come along! Ann, you stay here for now! I won't be long. I'm entrusting Ferdi to you!” Susan said, starting to walk towards the doorway.
”But Sis, why are all my friends being invited? Who will I be with?” Anna said, objecting to all her friends being taken away.
”Because I need their help to do something. It's alright, you'll be fine here! Look after Ferdi. If I took you too, who would look after Ferdi? While that task requires at least 4 people.” Anna simply obeyed those instructions.
Finally, they all left Anna in the room. And now only Anna and Ferdi remained in the room. Anna just sat silently in the chair, gazing at Ferdi's sleeping face. Occasionally, her mouth yawned from drowsiness. And finally, unable to resist the sleepiness, Anna also fell asleep in the chair. Anna woke up when a patient control nurse woke her and told Anna to sleep in the bed provided.
”Oh no, Nurse, I didn't actually intend to sleep. But I fell asleep in this chair.” Anna said with a tired tone.
”Hmm, but it's already late at night. Your health must also be taken care of! If you don't sleep, you'll get a headache, and I'm worried you'll get sick too. It would be a shame for such a beautiful lady to get sick. Hehehe…” Anna just smiled, hearing the nurse's joke. Finally, Anna followed the nurse's advice and slept in the provided bed. But this time, Anna found it hard to close her eyes. Her eyes kept drifting to Ferdi's face, who was still sound asleep. The time was already three in the morning, but Anna still couldn't close her eyes. Finally, Anna went to the bathroom to perform ablution. She performed the night prayer. After that, she read Surah Yasin, which she always carried with her wherever she went. She recited the surah beside Ferdi, which woke him from his sleep. After the Surah was recited and Anna finished everything, the word “Alhamdulillah!” was heard from Anna's mouth.
”Ann, what happened to me just now? Why was Surah Yasin read for me? Did something happen to me?” Ferdi asked, confused.
”No, Fer, you've been perfectly normal all along. As a friend, I asked Allah SWT to grant blessings from this surah, so that you may recover quickly and return to your usual activities.” Ferdi's tears flowed upon hearing those words.
”Why did you do so much for me? Why didn't you just sleep? Ann, I know you're very tired!” Ferdi said, still faintly.
”No, Fer, my tiredness disappears when I see you getting a little better like this. I already slept earlier. And I'm used to waking up at night at home to pray and pray for all the people I love. I did the same thing here at the hospital.”
”Ann, is there any water? I'm very thirsty.” Anna then got water for Ferdi.
”Let me help you! I don't think your hand is strong enough to hold this glass yet.” Anna held the glass and helped Ferdi drink the water.
”Thanks, Ann, for helping me.”
”As a friend, it's my duty to help my friend in need.” After the water was finished, Anna put the glass back in its original place.
Anna sat back down beside
Ferdi.
”Fer, your Dad gave me some money earlier. I felt uncomfortable accepting it because the amount was very large for me. It was Rp 200,000. I didn't want to accept it, but they insisted, and they would get angry if I didn't take this money.” She showed the money to Ferdi.
”I'd also be angry if you didn't accept that money. You don't need to worry about the value of that money. Because for them, the money they gave you isn't that much.”
”But I still feel uncomfortable accepting it.”
”Just accept it, consider it a blessing from Allah SWT for you, delivered through my Dad's hands.”
”Oh, by the way, your phone was left at my house. I forgot to bring it, Fer. Because I was panicking so much. Insha Allah, I'll bring it tomorrow.”
“Oh my, I left my phone, didn't I? Alright then. Ann, I'm still sleepy, I want to rest first.”
”Please, Fer, rest!” Anna left Ferdi and went to the caregiver's special bed. There, she simply lay down. She kept gazing at Ferdi's face, which slowly began to fall asleep. While waiting for Fajr prayer time, Anna performed dhikr to Allah in that spot. And finally, Fajr time arrived. Anna performed the Fajr prayer, and after that, she returned to the caregiver's special bed. Anna lay down there again. Perhaps because Anna was tired, she eventually fell asleep.
Around 7 AM, the control nurse visited Ferdi's room.
”Sir, excuse me, it's morning. We've brought breakfast for you.” The nurse said, carrying breakfast.
”What is it, Nurse?” Ferdi said in a tone like someone who had just woken up.
”Breakfast, Sir.” The nurse replied briefly.
”Oh… Thank you!”
The nurse placed the breakfast on the table near Ferdi's bed. The nurse saw Anna sleeping on the caregiver's special bed.
”Sir, should I wake up your caregiver to help you eat?”
”No need, Nurse, she seems very tired from last night. Let her sleep. I can do it myself.”
”But, Sir, your hand isn't strong enough to hold anything yet. Your bones are still weak. Okay, if you don't want to wake her, I'll help you.” The nurse spoon-fed Ferdi. “Why do I feel like a child like this?” Ferdi thought to himself.
A few minutes later, Anna woke up. Anna saw Ferdi being spoon-fed by the nurse. Anna approached the nurse.
”Good morning, young lady! How was your sleep, comfortable?” The nurse greeted her.
”Morning. Nurse, why didn't you wake me to help the patient?”
”I forbade her. I didn't want to disturb your sleep! You're very tired. I think you didn't get enough sleep last night, Ann.” Ferdi replied, speaking for the nurse.
”Ferdi, this is my duty! You don't need to feel reluctant if you need my help! I've been assigned for that, Fer! Come, Nurse, I'll take over.”
”Alright.” The nurse handed the food to Anna. The nurse left the two of them.
Patiently, Anna spoon-fed Ferdi. A sense of embarrassment sometimes arose in Ferdi, but he was forced to accept it because he was not yet able to do it himself. The food was finally finished. Anna got a drink for Ferdi, and gently, she also helped Ferdi to drink.
After everything was done, Anna sat back down beside Ferdi.
”Fer, has Sis Susan come back yet?” Anna asked.
”I don't know, Ann, I haven't seen her again. Why, Ann?”
”She went with Alia, Gustina, and Tania. She said it would only be a short while, but they still haven't returned. Where could they be? I'm worried!”
”It's alright, don't worry, I hope they're fine.”
And sure enough, they all appeared.
”Assalamualaikum!”
”Waalaikumsalam. Where have you all been? You said it would be a short while, but it's been all night?”
”Well, Ann, I went to my friend's house, we were working on college assignments. There were so many assignments, and the deadline was today! My fingers are still cramped from typing. And Tania, Alia, and Gustina took turns reading out the assignment to be typed. Here, we brought breakfast for you, Ann.” Susan said tiredly, pointing at Alia, Tania, Gustina, and finally Anna in turn, then handing a packet of ketupat sayur (rice cakes with vegetable curry) to Anna.
Actually, they didn't do that all night; they stayed at the hospital. Susan's plan wasn't really important; she just wanted to know how much Anna cared for Ferdi.
With the help of a hidden camera located in Ferdi's room, they could monitor everything that happened in Ferdi's room, after obtaining permission from the authorized personnel.
”Eat, Ann!” Tania offered.
”Have you all eaten yet?” Anna asked, gesturing with the food towards them.
”We're already stuffed! Hehehe…” Alia said, rubbing her stomach.
Anna ate it. After finishing her meal, Anna excused herself to go home.
She wanted to change her dirty clothes and clean herself. But, not long after, Aditia arrived. He came with his friend named Royani.
”Assalamualaikum!” Aditia and Royani said simultaneously.
”Waalaikumsalam.” They replied in unison.
”Hey Fer, I just heard the news! How exactly did you get into an accident?” Aditia said inquisitively.
Susan recounted the events that led to Ferdi's accident to Aditia and Royani.
”Oh… I see. Well, I hope you get well soon.” Aditia said sympathetically.
”Amen. Aditia, would you mind taking Anna home?” Ferdi asked, trying to point at Anna.
”Hmm, you want to go home, Ann? Alright, I'll take you. But wait a bit, I'll rest first.” Aditia said, taking off his jacket and sitting on the guest chair.
Aditia chatted briefly with Susan and friends. After he felt rested enough, Aditia then took Anna home.
”Roy, I'm taking Anna home first! You stay here for now. Let's go home, Ann!” Aditia said, getting up from the chair, then putting his jacket back on.
Roy nodded in agreement.
”Sorry, Dit, I've troubled you.” Anna said, looking at Aditia.
”Relax! I'm happy to do it.” Aditia said, looking back at her.
Aditia and Anna headed to the parking lot where Aditia's motorcycle was parked. Finally, after some time, they arrived there. Aditia started his motorcycle, and then they departed. A conversation took place during the journey.
”You were there all night?” Aditia said, focusing on the road.
”Yeah, Dit, I felt responsible.”
”Oh…” Aditia replied.
Before they knew it, they had arrived right in front of Anna's house. Anna got off and thanked Aditia. Anna offered Aditia Rp 20,000. Aditia refused! But Anna kept forcing him to accept the money, and because he was forced, Aditia finally accepted it.
”Thanks, Ann, I feel a bit awkward now, because I'm not an ojek driver.” Aditia said, stroking the money.
”I'm the one who should thank you for being willing to take me home.”
”Yeah, but the compensation isn't balanced. This is too much!” Aditia said, hesitantly putting the money into his jacket pocket.
”It's alright, since I received a blessing last night, I'm sharing 10% of that blessing with you. That's your blessing, Dit.”
”Alright then. I'm leaving, Ann! Wassalamualaikum.” Aditia said, immediately speeding off on his motorcycle.
”Yes, Dit, Waalaikumsalam.”
Aditia returned to the hospital.
As he was walking along the hospital corridor, suddenly about two reporters and one photographer swarmed him.
“Good morning, Sir! Excuse me, may I know your name?” A rather pretty female reporter greeted him.
“Uh…, good… morning. I am Aditia Prasetyo. What's going on?” Aditia said, surprised, looking at the reporters who were now surrounding him with a photographer.
“Excuse me, Mr. Aditia, we are reporters from the newspaper ‘Important News’, and we'd like to interview you briefly.” Said another reporter, who was rather tall, thin, and wore glasses.
The photographer began taking pictures of Aditia.
“Uh…, su-sure.” Aditia said nervously.
“Excuse me, Sir, are you still in school or already in college?” The female reporter asked again, ready with her writing tools.
“School.” Aditia replied briefly.
“Where?” The female reporter asked again, writing.
“Pelita Harapan Jaya.” Aditia said clearly.
“Hmm, in that case… Do you know Ferdi Setiadi?” The female reporter asked, starting to write enthusiastically.
“Yes… I'm his close friend. What's wrong?” Aditia said, confused again.
“Can you tell us where he is?” Another reporter asked, full of curiosity.
“He's in this hospital, currently being treated.” Aditia said, pointing the way to Ferdi's room.
“Can you take us there?” The female reporter asked, now folding her report paper.
“I- I can. Let's go!” Aditia replied, half-nervously, then walked towards the room.
A few minutes later,
they arrived at Ferdi's room.
The reporters greeted Ferdi and everyone else in the room, introducing themselves.
“Excuse me, do you know someone named Adolf Malfoy?” The female reporter asked Ferdi, pointing her writing tool at her report paper.
“Yes, he's my friend.” Ferdi replied clearly.
“According to his statement, you were involved with him in transacting illegal goods, a sonic recorder, belonging to a secret agent member. Is that true?” The female reporter asked firmly.
Susan, Alia, Gustina, Tania, and Aditia were all very surprised to hear that question.
“Do you mean…, a Sensitive Recorder? A device capable of recording up to a hundred-meter radius and amplifying if a microphone is used?” Ferdi asked them.
“That's right.” The female reporter replied, writing.
“Yes, I almost made that transaction because I was very interested in the device. However, I didn't know it belonged to a secret agent member. He only explained that it was a birthday gift given by his grandfather who had just returned from Japan. Since I didn't have enough money for the offered price, I finally canceled the transaction.” Ferdi said very clearly to the reporters.
“What was the full story of how you almost made that transaction?” A female reporter asked, her writing tool ready on her report paper.
Ferdi then recounted the entire chronology, from his meeting with Adolf in the library to issues that were almost personal. Everyone listening could only smile.
“Okay, we think that's enough, thank you for your time and good morning!” The female reporter said on behalf of everyone.
“Yes… You're welcome.” Susan also replied on behalf of the group.
After all the reporters and the photographer left the room, everyone else still in the room began to ask Ferdi questions.
Ferdi answered the questions casually.
“Good thing you didn't buy that device, if you had, who knows what your fate would be now.” Susan said anxiously.
A few minutes later, Aditia said goodbye to Ferdi and Susan to go home. After saying goodbye, Aditia and Royani left the room.
”So, Fer, how was your night with Anna? Hehehe…” Susan said, now completely changing the topic of conversation by 180 degrees.
”Seriously, you're all heartless! Anna didn't get enough sleep all night. Even though Ferdi was sleeping, Ferdi could see from her face that she was sleep-deprived. Sis, Ferdi was shocked, I was sleeping, and suddenly Anna was reciting Yasin for me, so Ferdi thought something bad had happened to me. But Anna said Ferdi was perfectly fine, Sis. Ferdi is confused.” Ferdi said with an innocent tone.
Susan, Alia, Tania, and Gustina all tried to hold back their laughter, though it eventually burst out.
”Dear Ferdi, even though your sister here isn't very knowledgeable about religion, I do understand a little of what she did for you. She just wanted to pray for you, so you'd recover quickly. That's proof of her affection for you!” Susan said, laughing and stroking Ferdi's face.
”Really? Ferdi doesn't understand.” Ferdi said, not knowing why they were all laughing.
”It's alright, you'll understand eventually.” Susan said, still laughing.
Alia, Gustina, and Tania said goodbye to Susan and Ferdi five minutes later.
”Sis, we're going home first! Just like Anna, Sis, we want to change our clothes; they're dirty! Do I smell bad? Hehehe…” Ferdi just smiled, hearing Alia's joke.
”Oh yes, thank you for last night! Do you have money for the fare home?” Susan said, starting to reach into her wallet.
”Oh, we do, Sis!” Gustina replied, patting her own pocket.
”Here, I'll add some!” Susan took Rp 40,000 from her wallet.
”No need, Sis! We have enough money to go home.” Tania said, refusing Susan's offer.
”It's alright, just consider this your payment for last night, OK!” Susan said, offering the money to Gustina.
”We did it sincerely last night!” Gustina said, refusing her offer.
”It's alright, just take it!” Susan said, offering the money to Alia again.
Reluctantly, they finally accepted the money. They then left the room. Now, only Susan and Ferdi were in the room. The doctor entered Ferdi's room to check on his progress.
”Good morning, patient Ferdi Setiadi. Excuse me, I'm going to examine you for a moment.” The doctor said, holding the bandages wrapped around his hands and feet.
”Alright, please, Sir.” Ferdi replied, inviting him. The doctor examined Ferdi's injured body parts and changed the bandages covering the wounds. To his surprise,
”Hmmmm, why are the wounds almost dry? They should have dried in about 1 to 2 more days. This is a miracle for you.” The doctor said, looking at the wounds with admiration.
”I don't know, Sir, I don't understand. In my entire life, this is the first time I've been hospitalized like this.” Ferdi replied innocently.
”Oh, by the way, last night, when I was on duty, I happened to see your room. I don't know if it was your relative or your friend. She was reading the Quran beside you.” The doctor said, cleaning the wounds and re-applying new bandages to Ferdi's wounds.
”Yes, Doctor, that was my friend last night. Her name is Siti Nurhasanah.” Ferdi said, enduring the pain.
”Oh… Your friend. She's very caring. Perhaps she prayed to God for your quick recovery. This is the result! Your wounds are almost dry.” The doctor said, having already applied the bandage adhesive.
Ferdi just remained silent, listening to the doctor's words.
”I hope you don't hurt her feelings! You are truly very lucky to have a friend like her.” The doctor said as a conversational interlude.
”I will try my best, Doctor.” Ferdi replied.
”Okay, I'll leave you now! Don't move too much yet! Because your bones are still weak. I'm worried it might become fatal.” The doctor said, now writing a report on the progress board at the foot of Ferdi's bed.
”Alright, Sir.” Ferdi replied briefly.
The doctor left Ferdi's room.
Susan's eyes started to redden from sleepiness. Her mouth yawned repeatedly.
”Fer, I'm so sleepy, Fer! I didn't sleep all night. The three of them slept in shifts.” Susan said, yawning repeatedly.
”Alright, Sis, just sleep on the special bed for caregivers!” Ferdi said, looking at the spot.
Susan obeyed Ferdi's instruction. Because she was so sleepy, she immediately fell asleep there.
At Anna's house, Anna was tidying her clothes. She ironed some of her clothes and her siblings'. Indeed, she was a very diligent child in her family. After everything was neat, Anna intended to return to the hospital to return Ferdi's phone. After getting dressed appropriately, Anna departed for the hospital by taxi. On the way, she bought fruits for Ferdi. And finally, she arrived there. In the hospital corridor, she met the doctor who had just examined Ferdi.
”Good morning, young lady! Were you the one looking after Ferdi Setiadi last night?” The doctor greeted Anna.
”Morning, Doctor. Yes, that's right. I was the one looking after him last night, Doctor. What is it?”
”I truly thank you. You have helped his recovery process by praying to God.”
”Doctor..., I am just an ordinary human being full of sins, how could my prayers be answered?” Anna said with humility.
”That's God's business! Never say such a thing! Whether your prayers are answered or not is His will. But what's clear is that the patient's wounds are almost dry. A condition that should have only occurred in about 1 to 2 more days.”
”Really, Doctor! In that case, I am truly grateful to Allah.”
”Of course, as a medical professional, I admire your care for him. Okay, I still have duties, please go ahead if you want to see him. You are a pious child!” The doctor stroked Anna's head and then left Anna. Anna continued her steps towards Ferdi's room. And a few minutes later, Anna arrived there.
”Assalamualaikum!”
”Waalaikumsalam. Come in, Ann!” Anna then entered the room.
”Fer, here's your phone. And these, I bought fruits for you. Eat them, okay! So you can recover quickly.” Anna placed the phone and fruits on the guest table.
”Oh my, Ann, am I troubling you?” Ferdi said, full of pleasantries.
”No, Fer. Not at all! This is my own will.”
”Forgive me, you've been too kind to me. But I haven't been able to repay any of your kindness.”
”There's nothing to forgive. As a friend, my heart is moved to help all my friends who are in need of assistance. Therefore, please eat the fruit, okay! Let me help you!”
Anna peeled an apple. And after the fruit was peeled, the apple was fed into Ferdi's mouth.
Patiently and with full affection, Anna continued to feed Ferdi until the apple was finished. ”Ann, please turn on the TV! It feels so quiet.”
”Just a moment, Fer! Anna will wash her hands first.”
After she washed her hands, she did what Ferdi had asked. And they watched TV. Anna glanced at the caregiver's special bed and saw Susan sleeping very soundly.
”Fer, since when has your sister been sleeping there? And where are my three friends?”
”Earlier, my sister slept after the doctor examined me. As for the three of them, they went home around 9 AM. They said they wanted to change their clothes.”
”Oh… Your sister seems very tired!” Anna replied sympathetically.
”Yes, Ann, she said she didn't sleep at all last night.”
They were still engrossed in watching TV. While watching TV, Anna told Ferdi funny stories. She did all this just to entertain Ferdi. Ferdi just smiled, listening to Anna's stories.
During that time, everything proceeded as usual; there were no significant events. Until finally, the time showed 4 PM. Susan woke up from her sleep.
”Since when have you been here, Ann?” Susan greeted her in a tone of someone who had just woken up.
”Earlier, around half past ten, Sis.”
”What time is it now, Ann?” Anna glanced at the digital clock on the wall.
”It's… 4 PM, Sis.”
”Oh my goodness… So I slept for a very long time! Have you eaten, Ann?”
”Yes, Sis, coincidentally Anna brought food from home earlier. This is the food. Anna didn't finish it earlier. Do you want some, Sis? But don't be angry if it's not tasty.” Anna showed the food she brought to Susan.
”Here, let me taste it!” Susan tasted the food Anna brought.
”Wow, it's good! Who made it, Ann?”
”Really, Sis, it's good? You must be lying to Anna! Because Anna made it, Sis. It's impossible for that food to be tasty.” Anna replied, half-disbelievingly, smiling.
”It's really good! Try it, Fer!” Susan spoon-fed the food to Ferdi.
”Yes, it really is good, believe me! I'm always honest when I say something.”
”Alright then, whatever you say.” Anna replied, giving up.
Susan finished the food Anna brought.
”Oh, by the way, at 5 PM, I have an evening class today. Coincidentally, I have a test. Please pray for me so I can do the test easily.”
”Amen, Sis.”
”Ann, as usual, I'm entrusting Ferdi to you again. It's a shame there's no one else to look after him besides you. Oh, by the way, do you still have the money from yesterday?”
”Still, Sis, I still have it. Do you need that money?”
”Oh no, Ann, I was just asking. Alright, I'm leaving now. I'll come straight here after class.”
Anna just nodded. Then Susan left the two of them.
The doctor returned to Ferdi's room.
”Good afternoon, Excuse me, young lady, can you help me?”
”Excuse me, help with what, Doctor?”
”The patient will be given a compress. Please put warm water in this container, then mix this powder into the water. Can you do that?” The doctor then gave Anna a container and a packet containing powdered medicine.
”Insha Allah, Doctor.” Anna did as the doctor instructed. After all the instructions were carried out, Anna returned the container, now filled with water, to the doctor.
The doctor began to compress Ferdi's body. Occasionally, Ferdi groaned in pain as his wounds were cleaned by the doctor.
”Fer, be patient, Fer! All of this is being done so you can recover quickly. You want to get out of here quickly, don't you?”
”But it hurts, Ann!”
”Yes, it hurts, but it's for recovery.” Anna advised.
Ferdi just remained silent, feeling the pain. The doctor then changed the bandages on Ferdi's wounds again.
”The wounds are almost dry. Insha Allah, tomorrow the patient will no longer need bandages. And hopefully, in 2 or 3 more days, the patient's hand will be able to hold things. So, he won't need to be spoon-fed anymore when eating. As long as the patient doesn't move too much.”
”Yes, Doctor, I feel embarrassed. I feel like a baby again. Hehehe…” Ferdi said, enduring the pain.
”Oh yes, what's your name, young lady?”
”I am Siti Nurhasanah, Doctor. But I'm usually called Anna.”
”Your name is nice. Do you aspire to be a nurse?”
”Oh, what would it be like to be a nurse? I can't, Doctor! Besides, I'm not a very patient person. I might end up scolding my patients all the time, Doctor. Hehehe…” Anna said humbly.
”Oh, you. It's already reflected in your expression! You have a high degree of patience! That's one of the requirements to become a nurse. And for the rest, you can learn at nursing school.” The doctor replied, tidying up his equipment.
”Actually, one of my aspirations is to become a writer, Doctor. And I have no interest in becoming a nurse.”
”Oh… That's good too. Alright then, I still have other duties. Take good care of the patient!”
”Yes, Doctor, I'll probably just hit him! Hehehe… No, no, Fer, just kidding.”
The doctor left the room.
”Ann, you said you wanted to hit me, so go ahead and hit me now!”
”Ah, I'm too lazy, maybe later, besides, my hands are aching right now. If you were already well, I would have beaten you black and blue. Hehehe…”
”Unfortunately, I still need you, otherwise, I would have squashed you!”
”Am I a flea to be squashed? Hehehe… Alright, if you don't need Anna anymore, Anna's leaving now. Besides, there are many more important things to do than just looking after you.” Anna then left Ferdi. Ferdi shouted, calling her name, but Anna ignored him.
“Ugh, she's sulking again.” Ferdi thought to himself.
Ferdi could only daydream on the bed, thinking about Anna's departure. Outside, Anna just stood in front of Ferdi's room door. She watched people passing by. “Let him learn his lesson! How dare he speak so carelessly.” Anna thought to herself. She then went to the hospital canteen to find food. In the canteen, she bought various fried snacks and other foods. After that, she returned to Ferdi's room. From outside the room, she watched Ferdi, who looked confused. Apparently, he was thirsty and wanted a drink. Slowly, and without Ferdi knowing, Anna entered the room. She hid under the caregiver's special bed.
“Ann, Anna, come back, Ann! Get me a drink! I'm thirsty, Ann!” Ferdi said pleadingly.
”Anna's not here, Uncle! She went home! If you want a drink, get it yourself!” Ferdi was surprised by a voice that sounded exactly like a child's. His eyes searched for the source of the voice, but he couldn't find it. Finally, Anna suddenly emerged from under the bed and said: ”Boo…! Sir, thirsty, are we? Oh dear, how pitiful. Where's his wife? Are you two fighting, Sir?”
”Wife? When did I get married? I feel like I've just been in the hospital since yesterday.”
”That's why, Fer, if you still need someone, don't pretend you don't. I really was going to go home, but I couldn't bring myself to leave you. You might die and no one would know. Hehehe…”
”Yes, yes, forgive me! Now get me a drink, dear!” Ferdi said, coaxing her.
”Get it yourself! Untie your hands!” Anna said in a grumpy tone. Finally, Anna got a drink for Ferdi.
”Get up! Here's your drink!” Anna said, still in her grumpy tone.
Ferdi drank the water Anna gave him.
”Ann, forgive me, Ann! Why are you like this? Why have you changed 180 degrees?”
Anna remained silent. She took a cake she bought from the canteen. She ate it in front of Ferdi.
”Hmmm, delicious! This cake is so good. Seriously, it's incredibly tasty. Those who are sick shouldn't be given any.” Anna said, eating the cakes.
Ferdi just watched Anna eating the cake.
”Want some?”
”If you give it, I'll take it.”
”Easy there. This is Anna's cake.”
”Who said it was Ferdi's cake?”
”You just said it. Your face looks so pitiful. Alright, I'll give you some.”
Anna then returned to her true self, that of a patient woman. She spoon-fed Ferdi the risol (fried spring roll) little by little, until it was finally finished.
Around half past seven in the evening, the evening class had ended. The students exited the classroom. Susan also came out of the classroom. Toni, Susan's loyal male friend, had been waiting for a long time at the campus gate. He indeed wanted to pick Susan up. Susan met him. ”Hi, have you been waiting long for me? Sorry, Ton! The test earlier almost scrambled my brain.” Susan said, running towards Toni.
”No, dear, I haven't been waiting too long. I just arrived, and then you came out shortly after. Have you eaten yet, dear?” Toni said, feigning concern while kissing Susan's forehead.
”Not yet, I'm starving! Would you mind taking me to find some food?” Susan said coyly.
”Of course, dear, let's go quickly.”
Susan and Toni immediately got on Toni's motorcycle and went to look for food. Finally, they found a fried rice vendor by the roadside. They stopped there. They ordered three portions of fried rice. Two for them, and one for Anna. After they finished eating, Susan asked Toni to take her to the hospital. Toni complied with Susan's wish. A few minutes later, they arrived at the hospital. After Toni parked his motorcycle, they immediately headed to Ferdi's room. Upon arriving at Ferdi's room, Susan saw Anna and Ferdi joking around. Susan was very happy to see it.
”Assalamualaikum!” Susan said, knocking on the door.
”Waalaikumsalam. Oh, Sis Susan, please come in, Sis!” Anna replied warmly.
”How is Ferdi, Ann?”
”Alhamdulillah, he's a bit better, Sis.”
”Oh, by the way, Ferdi, Anna, this is my friend, his name is Toni.” Anna shook Toni's hand while saying her name. Since Ferdi's hand was not yet able to move, he only mentioned his name to Toni, and Toni understood.
”Oh, by the way, Ann, here, I brought you food.” Susan gave Anna one portion of fried rice.
”Why go to all this trouble, Sis! You shouldn't have. Anna already bought food at the canteen earlier.”
”It's alright, if it's not eaten, it'll go to waste.”
”Fer, want to eat with Anna! Anna might not be able to finish it.” Ferdi agreed to Anna's invitation. They then finished the fried rice together. And finally, the fried rice was gone.
Around 9 PM, Toni said goodbye to Ferdi and everyone looking after Ferdi. And after saying goodbye, Toni left them all.
”Ann, please stay with me here again tonight! I'm scared to wait for Ferdi alone. I'm also worried if you have to go home at this hour. Will you?” With a little persuasion, Anna finally complied with Susan's wish to accompany Susan in looking after Ferdi.