Happiness Does Not Have to be Rich
Gossip of teachers

Zahra entered the first classroom. All the students were sitting neatly on their benches. After greeting and missing all the disciples, Zahra began counting.

Zahra was very patient in teaching children who had not been fluent in reading and writing it. For Zahra, teaching in first grade is the biggest challenge because it tests patience and patience.

" Mrs Zahraaa...!"

A little teacher yelled out to Zahra who was just coming out of the classroom.

" Mr. Harso...? What's up...?" ask Zahra.

" Sorry, Ma... Have you heard the teachers gossip?"

" What gossip, sir? I haven't been in the teacher's room since."

" I'm sorry before, many talked about the closeness of Zahra and Rayyan sir."

" Athaghfirullah.. How can you, sir? Indeed, this morning I left with Mr. Rayyan because my bike broke down. He just happened to live in front of my house."

" I personally believe Ms. Zahra's words. But for others I'm not sure, especially in a village like this is just gossip as their entertainment."

Zahra and Mr. Harso walked side by side to the teacher's room because it was now a break. Upon entering the room, Zahra saw Rayyan sitting at her side table.

" Za, don't think of anyone else. Just keep acting the way you normally do." whispered Rayyan.

" Yes, sir." replied Zahra briefly.

Some teachers whispered, talking about Zahra and Rayyan. There was a cynical tone in their speech accusing Zahra of seducing Rayyan.

" I think she's a good girl - well, she likes to play behind her back as well" said one of the teachers.

" Yes, but her husband was handsome and hardworking. So women are not grateful at all." said another.

Mira who saw the sad face of Zahra immediately stood up and invited his friend to get out of there. He could not stand the mouth of the nyinyir fellow teacher who never seemed to be taught manners.

" Mother Almira is beautiful.. Where are we going...?" lirih Zahra's.

" Zahra's mother is kind and well-mannered.I just don't want my emotions to rise and claw at the mouth of those who nyinyir." said Mira annoyed.

" You believe me, right?"

" Surely, Za... You can't do something like that."

Zahra and Almira sat under a mango tree watching the children playing. His mind can be calmer by looking at the cheerful faces of children who do not seem to have the burden of life.

" Can I sit down...?" Rayyan stood behind Zahra followed by Reno.

" Was the teacher's room moved under the mango tree, sir?" joke Mira.

Reno sits next to Mira, while Rayyan is next to Zahra. They don't care about the gossip of the teachers who accuse Zahra and Rayyan of cheating spouses.

" Why wasn't I invited...!" exclaimed Mr. Harso annoyed but made the others even laugh.

The 50-year-old is indeed closer to Zahra and Almira because of his polite demeanor and respect for older people. Mr. Harso was sitting in the middle of Zahra and Almira as usual. They are used to it because Mr. Harso already considers the two beautiful women like his own son.

" Hey, why are you so upset about his face? Was I told to sleep outside with Mom last night?" ledek Almira's.

" Sir...! That's polite.." reprimand Zahra.

" Sorry bestie.." grinned Mira.

" I was upset by those who didn't stop gossiping. Actually they're educational or haters...!" furious Mr. Harso.

" Already, Sir. Don't think, Zahra and I have nothing to do. I am closer to her husband, there is no way we are ruining the image of the education world with that. As educators, we must set a good example for children. Later I will clarify the matter to other teachers" said Rayyan.

" That's better, Rayyan sir. Actually, this is just a person who is silent - silent like Mr. Rayyan. Seeing your closeness to Ms. Zahra he felt jealous" Reno said.

" Where does Reno know? Who's the one who dares spread hoaxes at school?" upset Almira.

Zahra was still silent in her place thinking about the matter. She was only afraid that until her husband knew this rumor could happen misunderstanding. No one knows that Azzam is a very possessive person.

" Za... Let's finish it now!" Rayyan.

" Zahra is afraid, bang Ray." whispered Zahra.

" I'll talk to them all later."

" Not now, Bang. They're still in the heat, better be tomorrow."

" Well, I'll talk to Azzam about this later."

Zahra and Rayyan walked side by side behind Almira and the others. They agreed to ignore the words of others. Zahra took her breath and exhaled violently before entering the teacher's room.

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Rayyan was struggling with her laptop after Isya's prayer'. Azzam came without greeting just sitting next to Rayyan.

" Why...?" rayyan asked without looking.

" Tomorrow you go to school with Zahra, I have to go to the city early in the morning" said Azzam.

" Yes, you just take my bike to go faster. You should replace it with a new one so as not to trouble the wearer."

" Ok! How about school...?"

Rayyan let out a long sigh then leaned her back on the sofa. He really needs a solution from Azzam this problem.

" Just the first job has been rumored as your wife's affair. I'm confused by the way people think." lamented Rayyan.

" This is how life in the village is, more noble than the people of the city." said Azzam.

" What should I do tomorrow? I'm not sure Zahra's leaving with me anymore."

" You just tell Zahra's distant brother to them. I don't want my wife's name to be bad either."

" Good idea, but wouldn't it be better to be your brother? If it was Zahra... would they have asked the father's brother or mother?"

" Whatever! I just want my wife to be comfortable at work."

They are back in discussion, no matter what they are talking about but look very serious and sometimes argue. Until ten p.m., Azzam had just returned to his house.

When I got home, Zahra was asleep. Azzam immediately washed his face before catching up with his son and wife sleeping. Azzam was very grateful to have a small harmonious family. He tried to forget his past.

Hugging his wife, Azzam did not take long to reach dreamland. He did not choose the wrong wife even though they did not know each other before.

Before going to bed, Azzam kissed his wife and son in turn. Guilt sometimes appeared in his memory. His past still pursues him. Azzam did not want his loved ones to be harmed if he was still in touch with people in his past who were full of cruelty.

" Mama.. I miss you, but it's not time we met" Azzam said.

Without realizing it, tears just flowed down the man's face. Every night Azzam cried out heartbreak unbeknownst to his wife.

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TB

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