I WISH THERE WAS HAPPINESS
CHAPTRE 1
On March 29, 2017
The alarm goes off in the morning, indicating 05:00 am according to the time setting I set up at night before going to bed. I woke up earlier than usual, the job interview started at 09:00 a.m., but I was happy to hear the news.
Understandably for five months, I was constantly looking for a job, entering the application letter to various companies, then it is only natural that I am happy, right?
“Kak, are you awake?” It was Mama, she knocked on the door from outside.
I still live with my parents, we are not from an established family, nor from a lower family, we are in a safe position. My parents only have two children, I as the eldest who wants to boast of family, and there is my younger brother who is still in 3rd grade Junior High. Both my parents are in compliance with the government program, with two children enough.
“Already, Ma,” reply.
I opened the door to greet Mama who was waiting out there, Mama was young, 47 years old, with a modest stature like most Asians in general, not too tall nor short, even so Mama still looks fresh and youthful. Will I be like that too, when I am old? Looking young with a beautiful face, should be sure, right?.
“Mama, let's get some water. You take a morning shower, ‘kan? Time to work do not shower,” said Mama half mock.
“Ya shower. Not yet working, Ma. This is still a job interview,”.
“As a parent should pray, who knows immediately accepted, pray no special conditions, as long as it is a good prayer, just want to pray at any time,” Mama advised.
“Iya, Mother. Hopefully yes?” my reply.
“Nothing is impossible, trust me. Udah gih bath, water is hot tuh sure,” orders.
“OK,” replied me spirit.
I immediately ran away with the towel on my shoulder, entering the bathroom with a calm mind. I can not take a bath with cold water in the morning, therefore, Mama always prepares warm water. I spent half an hour in the bathroom, fairly fast compared to most other women, right?.
After I finished the bath, I entered my room again, looking at myself in front of the mirror. I began to approach the closet, carrying a clothes hanger, then wearing the clothes I had prepared before, dressing modestly.
I don't really like to dress up, but today's an exception. If you think dressing up I mean polishing yourself with various beauty brands and complete beauty components, you guys are wrong, I just polish my face with moisturizer, you know, then equipped with a foundation and a little solid powder, after that sweep lip balm on the lips, it's done, that's what I mean dress up, very troublesome.
I'm ready, time shows 07.30, there's still plenty of time, but since my house is quite far from the company where the job interview, inevitably I have to leave early, to be on time. I took myself for breakfast, another one I can not miss breakfast, when waking up that morning it is mandatory for me to have breakfast. I went to the dinner table, my parents and my brother were there.
“Tumben dandan?” ask sister.
“It's mah, not dandan,” chirps Mama.
“Ih, Mama. It's so complicated, it's dance, Ma. Where do you want to go until menor everything, want to be a manten?” my answer.
“Bby tuh. When, Brother?” Instead of quitting, she had another chance to ask about something else I often avoided.
“Ihhh ..!” my screams.
“Udah, eat,” said Papa firmly, stopping us who joked is not clear.
I started scooping the rice onto the plate, with fried chicken side dishes and vegetables sauteed by Mama. The menu is simple, but the enjoyment can never be replaced with anything.
Eating with a warm family, it's everyone's dream, I'm lucky, not just dreaming but I feel it right through my family. For me that was enough, but not for this world, which demands me to act even more.
“Later to work in what part, Brother?” ask Papa in the middle of silence.
“No idea, anyways not necessarily accepted work there,” I replied accordingly.
“Hush, don't say it, it must be accepted,” said Mama in an anxious tone, hearing my answer.
“So anything does not matter, inget do not arbitrarily answer his job interview questions. Have you not been working for a long time? Do not waste the opportunity, who wants the work is not you, if the opportunity is thrown away so, later miesel you,” Papa's advice.
“Tuh dengerin,” Excite Mama.
“Yes, promise, won't mess around. I've been in discussions for a job interview later, don't worry,” I replied, smiling reassuring them.
At first I was very happy to be contacted for a job interview, big company anyway, but I thought again, there I had to meet new people and also a new place, it made me lose my spirit.
Again the feeling of fear comes without the hassle of being invited, the feeling that I always cover in front of many people, the feeling that initially only became fear is meaningless, now it's a whip ready to rebuke me later.
Breakfast was over when my family and I were talking, I went back to my room to bring the equipment for a job interview. I grabbed the bag lying on the bed, and grabbed my phone that was on the nightstand by the bed.
I was ready, starting to walk out of the room, I slightly pegged myself in the mirror attached to the closet near my room, glancing from top to bottom. According to people I was fairly tall, with a height of about 168 cm, but people also said I was too thin, my skin was not too white but quite well maintained.
I walk into the living room, I grab some flats that have been on shoe racks for a long time, I usually just wear them for a special occasion, I think this time on time, it's a special event, wasn't he?
After everything was ready, I got out of the chair in front of the terrace, saying goodbye to my parents and my sister. I usually drive Papa everywhere, but this time, I tried to brave my future.
I have to prepare for the possibilities in this world, I'm sure it's not silent, it's all moving irregularly, it's not what I want. That way, I decided to wrestle with the outside world myself.
“Hopefully according to what you expected yes, Son,” Mama said.
“Iya, Mother. Brother go first yes, bye,” my farewell.
I got into the pre-booked taxi, I saw them back, and waved, answered by Mama's warm smile, my heart was relieved if it was like that.
***
“Good morning, Neng, are you ready? Please install the seat belt,” said Pak taxi driver, friendly.
“Good morning, sir,” I replied, while installing the seat belt, as requested.
After making sure I'm comfortable and safe, the driver took the cab. “Work there, Neng?” ask the driver, after seeing the address I will go to today.
“No, Sir. I have a job interview there,” I replied.
“Not yet, Neng?” the driver replied, asking.
“Iya, perhaps,” I replied doubtfully.
“Kalo has been called for a job interview, as far as I know I usually go straight to work anyway, Neng,” said Mr. driver back.
“But it's a big company, sir. I only attended job interviews,” I replied.
“Definitely accepted anyway, Neng,” said Mr. driver expectantly.
“Iya, Sir. Aamiin, thank you.”
After that no one else started the conversation, Mr. driver very carefully drove his vehicle. I looked out the window, getting nervous without being able to control, however this was the first time I went out of the house at such a long distance.
Not done with that nervousness, the notification from the phone made me jerk, shocked. I immediately checked my phone, afraid there was news from the house or other news from the company. But it turns out …
The Crown: Where are you?