Part 34 # The Meaning of Your Presence
The process of Bi Yani’s separation from her husband was very complex and also quite lengthy, especially since her husband was a suspect in a domestic violence case that was supposed to be under investigation.
“Do we have to do an autopsy?” Bi Yani trembled upon hearing the word ‘autopsy’ uttered by the medical officer responsible for her husband’s body.
“It is very important to uncover the cause of the accident and fulfill legal requirements, Ma’am,” the officer explained firmly.
Bi Yani glanced at Lara briefly, considering her approval. She nodded. Bi Yani finally allowed her husband’s body to undergo an autopsy to obtain comprehensive information about the cause of his death and the extent of his injuries.
After obtaining Bi Yani’s consent, the medical officer carefully prepared the body for the autopsy. Bi Yani sat in the waiting room, her face pale and full of pressure. Lara sat beside her, trying to provide support even though words were difficult to utter.
Lara didn’t expect there to be an autopsy like this.
“How was it?” Andre had just arrived from the ground floor. He bought them cold drinks to refresh the atmosphere. Lara grabbed two cans of cold orange juice. She handed one to Bi Yani to uplift her spirits. After sipping the orange juice, Lara saw Bi Yani’s face brighten up.
“It has to be done,” she replied flatly.
Andre looked at her with deep sympathy. Lara could feel that he was also surprised by the decision of the medical team to accept Bi Yani’s husband’s body. They could only remain silent and try to strengthen the wife who was engulfed in deep sorrow.
After some time, the autopsy process finally finished. The forensic pathologist noted important findings that would be explained in the official report. Bi Yani’s husband’s body was then returned to the coffin, and Bi Yani was informed that they would soon provide the autopsy report once further analysis was completed.
Lara hugged her hand, trying to provide warmth in this difficult moment. Moments later, the medical officer called Bi Yani to give her initial explanations about the autopsy results.
“Ma’am Yani, we found injuries on your husband’s head, but please remember that this is just the beginning of the investigation. The full report will be provided after all analyses are completed,” explained a forensic pathologist who had examined the husband’s body.
Bi Yani cried. Mixed feelings of sadness, anger, and confusion emerged simultaneously. However, the truth revealed by the autopsy process brought a heavy emotional burden for her. Lara could feel that she must be imagining how painful it would be to die so suddenly like that.
“Then?”
“We will send the written report soon.”
Bi Yani nodded. Andre seemed to be conversing with the officer to ensure something. Shortly after, police officers – one man and one woman – came to inquire about the victim’s condition. Of course, they meant Bi Yani.
Overall, she had improved enough. Bi Yani no longer felt bruises on her face. However, the female police officer still asked for statements and contact information to monitor Bi Yani’s progress from time to time.
“Thank you, Ma’am,” Lara said to the officer.
“You’re welcome. We’re just doing our duty.”
Soon, the officers said goodbye and continued their investigation at the office, escorted by Andre to the exit. Andre served as a coordinator in providing the necessary information and statements to the authorities.
Meanwhile, Lara continued to accompany Bi Yani, who was still in shock and confusion.
The autopsy process and meeting with the police officers were just part of the events that Bi Yani had to face. After all the procedures at the hospital were completed, they returned to Bi Yani’s house, which now felt empty without the presence of her husband, who had always been a source of trouble.
At home, a quiet and mournful atmosphere still prevailed. Bi Yani sat on the couch, staring blankly out the window. Lara tried to provide warmth by approaching and sitting beside her. Although words couldn’t replace the loss she felt, Lara wanted her to feel at least not alone in facing all of this.
“Bi Yani, maybe you need to rest. This must all be very heavy,” Lara said gently.
Bi Yani looked at her, her eyes still radiating deep sadness. “I don’t know what to do, Ma’am. This all feels like a nightmare.”
Lara held her hand, trying to support her every move. “We will face this together, Bi. I am here for you.”
“My daughter…”
A calm voice from Bi Yani’s mother suddenly surprised them both. Lara even forgot that there was someone else in the house, waiting for Bi Yani’s return.
“Mom…”© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.
Bi Yani’s tears burst again, remembering how she had been passive when she was tortured by her late husband, who was now in the afterlife. Although her husband wasn’t a good person, Bi Yani still felt a loss.
Lara began to remember her own marital situation, which was not much different from Bi Yani’s story. Although she didn’t experience physical violence, Seno’s actions still hurt. Wasn’t mental violence equally torturous? Ah. She shouldn’t be thinking about that man.
“Why have you been silent all this time? Can’t your mother be a shoulder to lean on? I can’t bear to see you like this, dear,” Bi Yani’s mother said tearfully, gently caressing her face.
Bi Yani stopped crying and hugged her mother tightly, trying to speak. Lara could understand how she felt. Just like her, Bi Yani must be confused and didn’t know where to start.
“I’m sorry, Mom. Yani has been keeping everything to herself all this time. Yani didn’t want Mom to be sad and hurt because of… her husband’s treatment.”
“Astagfirulloh, dear… you shouldn’t be like that. Although it’s bitter, the truth must be conveyed. Seeing you like this, without ever knowing the real problem before, breaks Mother’s heart. It hurts so much.”
They both cried while embracing each other.
Since then, Lara’s heart also felt the pain. Her eyes watered, and she immediately wiped them with the tissue given by… Andre!
“Thank you,” she said, bowing in embarrassment. She had involved him enough in Bi Yani’s affairs. “Is your social service over?” she asked curiously. She just remembered the free medical clinic that Andre had left behind to help her.
“Haha. Of course, they have all gone home.”
Andre just smiled gently while looking deeply into her eyes. Somehow, she turned away. Her heart pounded fast seeing his dimples. Since then, until now, the beauty of his smile remained the same. She didn’t even feel disgusted anymore. What’s wrong with her?
Andre glanced at her, Lara could feel it because she had also glanced at him.
They stared at each other for a moment before someone’s voice suddenly startled them both.
“Ma’am! Mrs. Lara is around Pasar Induk. We found traces of her online taxi booking there!”