Man In the Twighlight City

Adorable Culture

Amanda lives in the western buffer zone, which is not far south of the capital. An area that can be said to be perfect for a prosperous life. Amanda is an indigenous resident of this area with her entire family for generations.

Occupy. Procreate. With one feature, as well as the culture that accompanies it. Amanda. No need to think about what he wants anymore.

Everything is available, maybe even before he was born.

Nevertheless. The fact that is happening now is that urban people are more dominant in general.

However, it is still the natives who are in control. As long as the land, as well as the area that is trampled on, is still deeding in their name.

Their people also consider themselves as Cultural Conservation. It's really special thanks to the gift of the ruler who is cement - men in my opinion. Marginalized urbanites. Until you feel that there is no place to stand.

Even just kneeling, giving thanks, or raising your hands to ask the Almighty seems in vain.

Derryant. Born in the center of the capital. However, both of his parents can be said to be native migrants. The father comes from the area of Central Java, born as an orphan. Lives with Uncle who is the captain of a cross-island ferry. Half of his life was spent between going to school and helping his uncle sail. Meanwhile, the mother?

Being born and raised in the center of the capital does not make him a native. Because his parents still have a hometown in the Central Java Region. So historically. Derryant is a descendant of migrants.

Even without having a hometown. Since birth, he has always moved from place to place. Even, until he was twelve years old.

Maybe for Derryant. This was the only luck for him because from birth he was loved by his surrogate mother. Who is none other than the mother's older sister?

This Is Where This Story Begins*

It was already eleven o'clock in the evening. The wedding process is over. The guests and invitees were no longer visible. The organizers have returned to tidy up all the party equipment.

The bride. Amanda and Derryant can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Especially Derryant, who had to endure pain in his head.

Why not? Since the morning before the marriage ceremony, I haven't touched any food at all.

He even conveyed his wishes to Amanda after the marriage ceremony. In fact, it had just finished and the first event was a banquet.

But what happened?

He must be ready at any time to receive guests who come or want to give greetings, especially Amanda's family.

Out of respect for the family. Derryant complied at least, holding on until just before the next event, namely at the aisle.

All. It's not what Derryant wanted. Until the process is complete. It's like you weren't given a chance. He is just a mere display!

Just like a mannequin in a fashion center window, it becomes an ornament to attract buyers.

That's enough ...

Derryant thought. After all, all events were appropriate. This is the stage that all brides look forward to. His heart felt a little relieved.

The bridal room looked beautiful. With various decorations and matching colors. On the bed. Arranged with a pile of fresh red roses.

Derryant rushed to help Amanda who asked to remove the bun on her head.

“It also hurts to wear this all day,” Amanda joked a bit.

Slowly moving back her long hair which is now half stiff. Derryant helped open several pins that were difficult for Amanda to reach in the tank she used.

Three times changed costumes, with the same model. Of course, Derryant understands. How tortured the wife, who had just legally become his property.

Unlike the accessories and costumes that he uses are easier to remove.

There was a knock on the door from outside, then it opened

“Amanda!

Later, after being released... Accompany Mama for a moment!?" Amanda's mother's face was seen appearing from behind the door.

"Yes Ma, I'm taking off my kebaya first!

Later, as well as cleaning up your make-up… Amanda will be there soon!” Amanda replied while removing her half-opened kebaya.

“Oh. Yes, that's it!" The door closed again.

"I'll clean up first, okay?!" said Derryant. Because he looks like he has replaced all his costumes with everyday clothes. Meanwhile, Amanda was still cleaning off the rest of her make-up with cleanser in front of the dressing table.

"Yes ..." The answer was short.

Derryant is out. Heading to the bathroom, to wash off the remaining makeup that was still on her face. When passing a room which was apparently the mother-in-law's room.

Derryant briefly saw his mother-in-law sitting with her aunt. He was unpacking a box, and in his hand was a notebook and pen.

Derryant continued his intention to clean himself and finished by returning to the bridal chamber. His eyes glanced back briefly at the room containing his mother-in-law.

There was a look of disappointment on their faces. I don't know what their wry smiles mean. Darryant didn't understand.

"What are you looking for Derry?" Amanda asked. He saw that Derryant was busy with an astonished face.

“Um… uh! It's fine!” A slightly astonished face. But surprised to get a question from Amanda.

Until the end?

"Indeed, this door doesn't have a key, Amanda." Derryant tried to confirm what he had been thinking.

"Yes, here. Lock the door. Really, don't use the key!” Amanda replied convincingly.

"Where? Nothing?” Derryant asked again to make sure.

"It's at your door...!?" Amanda didn't continue answering because she saw there was no key. On the door leaf. The slot key also experienced the same thing.

"Then what about Derry... I'll ask first," Amanda said innocently.

“hush..! No need... Just turn off the lights. "I'm really tired!" suggested Derryant. While his eyes hinted at something.

Not until Amanda did what was suggested.

Suddenly?

The door opened again. The mother-in-law popped her face while saying "Can Amanda come with Mama for a while?" Then left Derryant alone who immediately lay down on the bridal bed because he felt exhausted.

***

Amanda looks like she's writing something in a book. It seems like last night was held by the mother-in-law," said Derryant to himself. For a moment Derryant just entered the room. After previously going to buy food at his wife's request.

“Derry! Can you come here for a moment?" Amanda said. His hand pointed at the written note.

"What's going on?" asked Derryant

So. Amanda told me about the contents of the book. Is a record of receiving donations from guests. As well as records of Amanda's parents' expenses. For every time you attend or hold an event. This has become a common thing among them. As a value to build a sense of togetherness. As well as helping each other if there are relatives or friends who are holding an event.

"Then... What do you want to say, Amanda?" Derryant asked. I still don't understand the meaning of this explanation.

“It's Derry! "Total number of receipts for special boxes for parents" While showing what is written. Amanda seemed a little disappointed with the results received. It turned out to be very little, and not comparable to what they had spent.

Amanda's statement made Derryant's forehead wrinkle slightly. Because according to Derryant's understanding. It's not like this. isn't it? Should this be an expression of gratitude to hold a celebration?

Without having to calculate profit and loss, right? The cost of the celebration incurred is the cost that has been mutually agreed upon. Before this event was held, and of course for all these costs, Derryant had also handed over the amount requested by Amanda's family.

Derryant was able to find the costs of his wedding without having to. Even if you have to borrow from the office where you work. And gave up his two-wheeled vehicle to help with the costs of this wedding. According to him, it was more than enough.

"Derry, so how is this?" Amanda's question jolted Derryant out of his thoughts, and he was surprised to face a situation that was something new for him.

"How what?" Derryant just repeated the question without being able to answer.

"Well, that's that then! Now let's just open our box. You count me as the one who wrote it!" Amanda suggested suddenly. Derryant saw the look on Amanda's face that was a little sad because of that answer.

***

After removing all the contents from the box. Derryant started counting and Amanda didn't forget to take notes similar to what was shown in the previous book.

"It seems ten times more than what was recorded in your mother's book, Amanda!" said Derryant.

Amanda didn't respond and kept taking notes.

Then ...

"That's all in the cupboard... There are some," said Amanda.

“The one straight from the hand? "I also had it last night. I put it on the nightstand... behind you!" Derryant pointed out while obeying Amanda's orders and vice versa.

After counting again. Derryant's final number is close to that in the box.

"Thanks too, Yes... It turned out pretty good" Derryant said jokingly.

After everything is collected and recorded. Then Amanda told what she was facing about everything that basically needed to cover these deficiencies.

"How's Derry? Love... Yes?!” Amanda suggested.

"Yes. It's up to you...!” Derryant replied. According to him. Don't let this embarrass Amanda. On the other hand, Derryant also thinks that luck can still be sought again.

So he handed over everything he got through Amanda to his parents.