Oh Arunika
Living Shackles

Arunica

I got off the bike when I got into the alley to the rented house. I purposely got down here so I could have plenty of time to scoop up oxygen before I met Mom. Hoping to do so can relieve my heart that is squeezed by emotions caused by hearing the words of the loan shark's wife earlier.

From this distance it was seen by me Mother was drying clothes in the yard that blends with the yard of another rented house while talking to neighbors who also dried her clothes. I heard them laughing together, I don't know what they were talking about. The corner of my lips also lifted watching Mom laugh off like that. Will I be able to eliminate the joy of Mother who has begun to be seen by telling the debt left by Father?

“Home home, Son?” greet Mother when I realize my presence near her. I replied with a nod.

“Iya, nih, Aru is back now. The other employees have been home since. You bought first, ‘ya?” as long as Santi's mother teases me, the next-door neighbor who was chatting with Mom. He glanced at my bicycle basket containing rice and also some kinds of fruits that I had bought earlier. “Now mah freely want to buy anything, yes, ‘kan?” his claws again with raised eyebrows.

Almost all the people I live in know when the factory I work in pays its workers. Because most of the surrounding population works in the factory which is the largest textile factory in the city.

I responded with a smile. I can confirm that the smile I am displaying is very stiff. Mother who had been chatting cheerfully with Santi's mother, now became silent and did not respond to the neighbor's guyonan. Mother's gaze was fixed on my net and looked at him deeply, until I finally said goodbye to the two women so that Mother did not find anger in my face.

“What's up?” Mom's question was heard when I had finished taking off the shoes that wrapped my legs for over 8 hours. I'm sure you feel like something's wrong with me. How else, I've tried to make my face look calm, but Mr.'s many debts have awakened my emotions to make it explode on the surface of my face.

My upayaku turned out to be in vain when intending to calm the heart and mind by going around for a moment around this settlement. But it's not the calm I get. The more I convinced myself that this matter would have a way out, the more agitated I was.

The father, ‘ya, before he died was still able to make a problem of this magnitude by leaving a debt that much.

Yes, 15 million is a huge value to me. Holding it or even seeing it I never. Then how can I get that kind of money while Miss Ida just gave me 2 weeks?

“What's up, Aru?” Mom asked because she saw me just being quiet or realized I was being stunned. He sat in the mouth of the open door– beside me. His rough hands signify this woman I love is a hardworking figure, fondling my hair.

“Nothing, really, Mom,” I argue as calmly as possible. I wish I didn't find any irregularities on my face. “Aru is just exhausted and also very sleepy,” I replied again followed by a lying smile then by pretending to yawn.

“Yes, Mom, nothing. Aru is just upset that he has to be mutated in the new department. Aru did not like it there because the boss was fierce,” denied me again even though what I said just now was true.

Oh, so.” Mom took a breath. “Mommy thinks there is something serious,” he said again. “Im sorry Mom, Aru, from the past until now you have to feel the pain of looking for money for the needs of our family,” said Mother sounded sad with a sad face. I was surprised to hear Mom's words. Not that I meant to make him think that way. I cursed myself for giving the wrong reason.

“No, Mom. Aru has absolutely no objection to join in making a living,” I said in a reassuring voice. But my face was still sad. I feel more guilty.

“Last night Aru was reprimanded for Aru's own fault, Mom. Aru accidentally dropped the bobbin from the basket to make it scattered. Aru is only given a verbal warning, not with SP (Memorial Letter). So Mother do not be sad like this, ‘ya. Next time Aru will work carefully.”

I had to tell you about last night. Though I think the incident does not need to be told to anyone including Mother because it is not so important. But it's okay. You better hear me being reprimanded by the boss than hear your father's debt.

“Atasan also can not be arbitrary, ‘kan, Mom, scold the subordinates if there is no reason.” Mother still bowed sadly making me brainwound what kind of reason I should say.

“What do I want, Aru resigned from the factory after hard work to get in there?” Mom's still down.

Three years ago when applying for a job in the textile factory, my application was always rejected due to insufficient height. With the help of the scalpers I was finally accepted as well. But the money that must be given to the scalper is not small. I borrowed money from her employer.

“After all if Aru comes out of the factory, what will Aru do, Mom? Is Aru coming with Mom? No way, ‘kan, Aru is only at home only at the age of Aru who has grown up?”

I saw her raising her face and breathing. His hand raised caressed my cheek. “You're a good boy, son. May your future be filled with happiness.” I put it in my heart. “Do not like life Mother.” Mother's teary eyes made me also want to shed tears. “Iya already, you change clothes first. Mom will cook fried rice for our breakfast.” Mother moved to end this melow event that I did not like very much.

“No need, Mom,” prevent me. “Aru had bought rice uduk and some fruits.”

Mom came into the house with the food I bought. I stared at my frail back, Mother who was getting away. My intention to buy the item my beloved woman liked was not accomplished. My intention to ask him not to work at home anymore people can not say. It turned out that we still had to face the shackles of life that the Father gave us.