"Sir..." Aretha's soft voice broke the silence of the Narcotics Unit office. The wall clock showed 9:30 PM. Outside, the heart of the city was still beating, the sound of motor vehicles competing with the rustling of the night wind. Inside the cramped room, only the dim light from the desk lamp and computer screen illuminated the tired faces of the officers. The smell of coffee and cigarette smoke still lingered faintly in the air, adding to the heavy and gloomy impression. Naufal turned to Aretha, the only policewoman on his team. Aretha had only joined six months ago, but Naufal had already sensed something different about the young policewoman: a burning spirit, extraordinary perseverance, but also a hidden doubt behind her always friendly smile. He observed Aretha carefully. There was something different about the young policewoman tonight. She seemed restless and hesitant.
"Yes, Aretha?" Naufal put down his pen and the investigation report on a drug trafficking case in the Tanjung Priok area that he was examining. His voice was soft, different from his usual self when leading operations in the field. He knew something was bothering Aretha, something that made her seek time to talk so late at night. He felt a heavy burden that Aretha was carrying. He wanted to provide support and assistance.
"I... I want to discuss something, Bang. Do you have time?" Aretha seemed hesitant, her fingers playing with the edge of her uniform shirt. Usually confident, tonight she looked so nervous. Naufal felt a heavy burden that Aretha was carrying. He gestured for Aretha to sit in front of him. He wanted to create a comfortable and safe atmosphere for Aretha to talk.
"Of course. What is it?" Naufal gestured for Aretha to sit in front of him. He paid attention to every detail of Aretha's facial expression, trying to understand what was happening. He tried to create a comfortable and safe atmosphere for Aretha to talk. He wanted Aretha to feel comfortable and safe to tell everything.
Aretha took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heartbeat. She sat in the chair in front of Naufal's desk, their distance close enough, creating an intimate and comfortable atmosphere. She looked into Naufal's eyes, seeking support and strength from the figure she had always respected as a leader and senior. She trusted Naufal. She knew Naufal was the right person to share with.
"It's about... a man, Bang," Aretha said, her voice almost inaudible. She bit her lower lip, holding back the surge of emotions that were almost uncontrollable. This was a very personal matter, something she had been keeping to herself, afraid to reveal. She felt ashamed and hesitant to tell it. She was afraid of other people's judgment.
Naufal nodded slowly. He had suspected it. He understood the pressure Aretha faced as a policewoman in the Narcotics Unit, a job full of risks and high demands. Loneliness, threats, and psychological pressure were often part of their lives. And this often had an impact on their personal lives. He understood what Aretha was feeling. He wanted to provide support and assistance.
"Tell me," Naufal said, his voice soft and full of understanding. He gave Aretha time to organize her thoughts, to find the right words to express her feelings. He wanted Aretha to feel comfortable and safe to tell everything. He wanted to be a place for Aretha to confide in.
Aretha was silent for a moment, gathering courage. She looked at Naufal, seeking strength. Then, she began to tell about a man she had met.
"He... That man is always kind and friendly to me, Bang. Always there for me, supporting and understanding me. He always gives me encouragement and support, even when I feel tired and desperate," said Aretha. "He always makes me feel comfortable and safe. He tells how the man is always there for me, listening to my complaints and providing solutions to problems. Basically, he always makes me feel loved and appreciated."
"Okay. Then?"
"But, I doubt it..."
Naufal listened patiently, looking into Aretha's eyes attentively. He understood Aretha's feelings. He understood Aretha's doubts and fears. He also understood Aretha's happiness. He wanted to help Aretha overcome her doubts and fears. He wanted to help Aretha find her happiness.
"Then, why do you doubt it?" Naufal asked, his voice soft. He wanted to help Aretha overcome her doubts.
"I... I don't know if he likes me too, Bang. He's kind to everyone. I'm afraid of misinterpreting his kindness." Aretha expressed her doubts.
"Aretha," Naufal began, his voice serious. "Sometimes, we need to be brave enough to take risks. If you really like him, dare to express your feelings. Don't let regret come later. But, remember, express it in the right and wise way. Don't let it interfere with our work and professionalism." Naufal gave wise advice to Aretha. He wanted Aretha to make the right decision.
"But it seems he already has a girlfriend, Bang."
"Oh yeah? Then you make sure first. Don't get in the middle of other people's love. Which department? This police station? Which division?"
Aretha was silent for a moment, bowing her head.
"How should I say that the man is you, Bang?" Aretha thought to herself.
"Who? It's okay if you don't want to tell me."
Naufal glanced at an incoming call on his cell phone.
"Wait a minute, I'll take the call first."
"Yes, Bang."
Naufal answered the phone.
"Hello..."
"Hello, Bang. This is me, Aunt Chintya's neighbor. The one we talked to when you saw Raisa."
"Oh, yes. Siska, right? What's wrong?"
"Raisa keeps crying, Bang. The one who usually takes care of Raisa is going back to her hometown during the incident earlier."
Naufal sighed.
"Try to give the phone to Raisa. I want to talk."
"Wait a minute, Bang."
Soon Raisa's voice was heard saying, "Hello..."
Her voice was still accompanied by sobs.
"Raisa, why are you crying?"
Raisa didn't answer, her sobs grew louder again.
"Wait there, I'll be there soon."
"Yes."
"Have you eaten?"
"Not yet."
"What do you want to eat? Fried chicken?"
"Yes."
"Okay, I'll buy it for you later."
"Yes."
Naufal put down his cell phone while looking at the wall clock.
"Are you going to leave, Bang?" Aretha asked.
"I have a little business to take care of. You can still continue if you want to continue the story."
"Some other time, Bang. Thank you for your time, Bang."
Naufal put on his jacket.
"Okay, I'll go first, okay?"
"Be careful, Bang."
Naufal hurried out.
Aretha sighed.
"What else do I need to find out? It's clear that you have a girlfriend, Bang. Even though I've never seen the face of your girlfriend whom you call Sinta, I'm sure the woman you chose must be someone special. I'm definitely far behind your woman..."
Aretha opened the photo gallery on her cellphone. A photo of herself with Naufal after an arrest.
"Ah... it's really hard if it's just one-sided love."