Long time no see. His lips smirked. The smoke streamed out of his mouth and nostril from the cigarette he sucked. My heart almost jumped. How could he be here? The jail should have caged him until the end of his life. I took some steps back slowly while thinking about the strategy to run away. That man was the one who almost had scribed a bitter story in my life. Don't worry, he impended.

He paused a moment and trampled on the butt. His body didnt change much. He looked bulky. Tattoos still garnished his left arm. His face was wide and square with a long nose, full brown lips, and dark eyes. His hair curled, reaching the shoulder. He was wearing a black t-shirt and rebel jeans.

The earth pulled my feet into the ground. Meanwhile, that man closed the space between us. His eyes caught mine. It displayed the bad memory like a movie and towed me to the worst moment I never wanted to create.

The rain and thunder witnessed that tragedy. The sky was sobbing and cursing what my father did. He used me as compensation for his debt for losing the gamble. He sent me to that wretch. My father's words shattered my heart.
She is a payment for all my debts. He never looked back.

The shed turned into hell, getting hotter and narrower. Only the darkroom with the broken-legged desk and the wooden chairs witnessed what that wretch was trying to do to me. That scoundrel almost raped me.

However, God saved my life. The unknown person hidden in the dark stormed the door and hauled his collar. He was dying after receiving a barrage of fists on his temples and nose. His mouth was bleeding. I hurried up to go out of that shitty place.

Where is your father? I was jolted back to reality after releasing myself from the trap of the worst memory. He had stood right before me with hands clasping on his waist. Not even a single word slipped out of my tongue. The brain locked my mouth.

It seems that prison didn't make you learn your lesson. I should have sent you to death. A shout came from a middle-aged man in a Batik shirt, uncle Ardi. Our eyes suddenly met my uncles. A smile rose on my face. The man dithered.

See you, Sweetie. I knew the sentence meant more than another meeting. It could be a warning. There would be next time, another bad story. I should be prepared.
Are you okay? Did he hurt you?

I am fine I forced smile on my face. Where are you from?

Home. There's something I need to talk to your mom about.

We marched along the way to my house, the place which contained more woes. We had some chats. He asked about my study and hows life getting on. I caught the gloom through his brown eyes. Lots of things piled up in his mind. His plaintive face revealed them.

My uncle never used to take a stroll on foot. He was even willing to do it now. There had to be something crucial. But I inquired him no more. The silence immersed us until our steps stopped, in front of my house.

Have a drink. Why, don't you come here by car? Is it being repaired? My mom investigated uncle Ardi while serving a cup of tea on the old wooden table. Tea was a sumptuous drink for us here.

My wife needs the car to go shopping, my uncle answered after sipping his tea.

I am wondering what brings you here. It's just a little bit weird. We had your last visit when Ilana was still in elementary school, my mom quipped after settling on the floor, leaning her back against the wall. My uncle sat on the only plastic chair.

I'm sorry, he took a breath before continuing his sentences. There's something I need to discuss urgently with you and Ilana. Uncle Ardi took a second to formulate the proper sentences. It's regarding Ilana's education. Our family's life is getting harder recently. There are some issues with my business. So, we have to manage the outcome and reduce the expenses.

Can you make it short and simple? my mother impatiently insisted.

It seems I can only support Ilana's Senior high school education. You know me...

I know, my mom cuts his words off immediately. Your wife must...

Mom, it's okay. I never aspire to study at university.

Don't interfere, Ilana. Your wife must disagree with the idea of supporting Ilana's education. That makes sense. My mom didnt even let me speak up more.

I am sorry, Ilana, he muttered. His eyes reddened. He kept what he felt for himself. But, I could read there was more than guilty hidden in his heart.

No worry. You've helped enough. Besides, I plan to work upon completion of my senior high school. Thank you for always being there for me and supporting my study. I couldn't make it without you. I tried hard to hold the tears. Uncle Ardi had three children. He just sent his eldest son to a private university. His second daughter, Nina, went to the same school as I did although we were not registered in the same class. The youngest, the smartest of all, planned to continue her study at an international junior high school. It would be costly. Besides, uncle and aunts' networking and connection required them to have a high-class standard lifestyle. Sometimes, I thought money had the power to enslave people, outwit and force them to do anything.

Finish off your drink. It may not be able to release your stress. At least, it can quench your thirst. The cup became empty in a minute. How old is your youngest daughter? my mom switched the topic.
She will be thirteen next two months.
She must be smart like you. Uncle Ardi didnt say a word. His lips formed a broad line. It indicated his pride.
How is Nina? I've never heard about her for so long. She must have grown up to be a beautiful girl.”

She is good. Ilana and Nina go to the same school.

Ilana never told me that. My mom shifted to me, seeking clarification. I was dumbfounded.

We seldom see each other at school. Nina is a member of the Students Council. So, she's very busy, I gave an excuse.

“Yeah...she is an active student, uncle Ardi confirmed. He watched the time on the round black object wrapped on his wrist. I think I've got to go now, he parted after spending almost a half hours talking to us. His business was the reason why he couldn't stay longer. It was no wonder that as a businessman, he had always been busy.

"Send my regard to your wife.

Sure. Uncle Ardi left the house as soon as he said goodbye. I accompanied him to walk through the alley.

Don't tell your mom about what happened today. My eyebrows furrowed. I was clueless about what he was saying. It's about Karno, that bastard who just got his freedom. I just gave him a nod. Here's for you. A white envelope stretched out. My eyes blinked.

Thank you, but...

Keep it away from your father.

I cant receive this. He didnt accept my refusal. He lifted my palm of a hand and put that envelope on it, instead.

My gaze was still attached to the white envelope in my hand. I inspected around to make sure no one noticed it, particularly my father. My heart was alerted that this money might cause any trouble if my father found it out. What should I do with this money? I quickly slipped the envelope into my pocket. I just prayed that this money wouldn't cause doom to my world.