12 Badoets
Mature Limo

January of 1992

The scorching afternoon. Although the breezy air feels quite cool on the skin wrapped in cotton cloth, in fact the sun is so stinging and creates an irresistible sultry. Trembesi trees become a shady and comfortable place to find coolness.

Santoso rolled up his shirt sleeves. Trying to get rid of the sultry taste with a bottle of water that he brought from home. His yelp bike was leaning against the trembesi tree that grew huge height next to him.

Across the street there is a simple building with a wooden board that says Orphanage owned by the district government. Many small children were running around with sounds of laughter echoing in the shady courtyard of the parlour. They look happy even though they do not have a full family.

Santoso bit his own fingernails. After taking part in a robbery at Sumiran's home, his own employer a few weeks ago, his life is not calm. He had difficulty sleeping at night because he remembered the face of his master when he died.

Santoso's parents are very ill, requiring a lot of money for treatment. Then came Umar, who invited Santoso to plunder his own master's house. As the guardian of Sumiran's trust house, Santoso is assigned to investigate where Sumiran keeps his wealth.

Seduced by Umar's invitation, moreover he promised that the identity of the robbers will be safe as long as everyone moves according to plan, eventually Santoso was willing to take part. Unfortunately, the plan did not go well. Sumiran's dead. Santoso lost his employer. And more to his heart, the spoils of money could not save the lives of his parents.

A week after the robbery, Santoso's parents breathed their last. Santoso was devastated. Moreover, the people he considered friends, the clown hordes were none of them who appeared at his parents' funeral. They often spoke to each other as brothers. However, what kind of brother when Santoso was hit by misfortune no one was present even though just saying condolences?

Now, Santoso feels he has a chance to atone for sin. The son of Sumiran was entrusted to the orphanage across the street. Santoso intends to take care of her and give her a better life.

Santoso's daydreams were scrapped, when he saw a well-built man coming out of the parlor. Drizzly-haired man with a circular golden watch on his left hand. Half-run Santoso approached him.

"Hey, what are you doing here number 7?" asked the golden watch with a smile spread among the neatly shaved thin whiskers.

"I should have asked. What are you doing here?" Santoso asked back. He did not like the person in front of him. An officer, but even helped with the crime. Santoso lost his respect.

"Well, I visited the boy. Bring him some food, some new clothes. What do you want yourself?" The golden watch smiled widely. His large tall body blocked the dazzling sunlight. Creates a dark shadow that covers Santoso's body.

"I want to pick him up" Santoso said briefly.

"What do you mean?" The gold watch looked surprised.

"I will take care of him and raise him sir" Santoso replied. He was about to step up, leaving the Golden Watch. But the police officer grabbed Santoso's arm.

"Don't act silly. The boy has to stay here" said the golden watch. His gaze was sharp, spreading threats.

"Why? I just want the boy to get affection from people he knows. He's still very small. I'm the only one he knows now" Santoso said in a trembling voice.

"This replacement is run by my wife. Although the boy was still very young, but he was a key witness. It could be dangerous if he remembered yesterday's events. No need to feel guilty and try to do penance. Just live your life, enjoy what you have. Let all this be as if it never happened" whispered the golden watch. His boxed jawline looked firm and intimidating.

I don't know what really happened. Why until an officer with a brilliant career must take part to silence Sumiran up to his lineage. Santoso really feels trapped in a big, scary conspiracy.

Santoso dropped his body. Now he knelt before the golden watch. Santoso was crying, holding the feet of the dignified-looking man but his aura was terrifying.

"Whatdoyouwant? Stand up!" snapped Gold watch.

"I beg you Sir. Allow me to take care of the child," Santoso pinta cried. He realized he had no ability and no power except to kneel down and beg.

"Damn it! Stand up! Don't let anyone see your behavior like this!" The gold watch looks panicked. Looking left and right, worried that someone might see them.

"I really just want to babysit it. I want to give him the love and education he deserves so that he will be a successful person. Every child has his destiny, sir. Don't let us snatch those buds." Santoso continues to wander.

"Pity sir if the boy stays in this place. I really know him. He doesn't like crowds. I promise you, I'll take him away away from this territory. I swear I won't show my nose in front of you again" Santoso continued. Her tears are unstoppable.

The golden watch fell silent. As bad as humans, there are still organs of the heart that have a conscience. Seeing his companion pleading like that, the golden watch softened. Then he crouched down in front of Santoso.

"Grow him like your own son. Forget who he really is. Make him forget that his Father is Sumiran. That is your duty, as well as your redemption" whispered the Golden Watch. The aura of the man was indeed different. It felt gripping and made Santoso shudder in horror.

"Yes. I promise," said Santoso with trembling lips.

"I will lead you inside. Pick up the boy," the Golden Watch command stood back up. Then turn around and walk ahead. Santoso followed behind him. Wiping his tears and snot on the cheeks.

Santoso went into the orphanage which turned out to be quite spacious and comfortable inside. There are some children's toys on the porch. Congklak, carambol, gasing and also puzzles made of wood.

Santoso continued walking, trailing the Golden Watch. Arrive in a room in the back area. Slowly Santoso's feet entered the room.

The room is not too spacious, with dim lighting. A cot of iron with blue paint is in the corner of the room. The study desk is in the other corner.

A middle-aged woman is seen persuading a young boy to eat. The boy looked handsome, clean-skinned with his hair straight. But his eyes looked empty. Until finally he saw the arrival of Santoso, his face turned sparkling.

"Om Antoso" the 5-year-old choked.

"Den Angga," said Santoso as he rushed towards his employer's son. They hugged and cried. The crying felt different. For Santoso, he was feeling sad, sad and guilty to Angga. As for Angga, he was happy to meet people he knew.

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