Comparative Scale
Arriving Vacation

I remained silent and said a word until when Me and Jody returned home.

I don't want to tell Jody about my life. But I don't want to be a burden to him. I don't want to hang everything on him either. According to me, Jody also has a personal life, personal difficulties that I may not even know. Should Jody endure all my suffering as well?

And again, I also don't want my life to depend on other people who end up making me feel like I can't live my own life. I have to be strong to go through all this.

I know, Jody must be upset by this attitude of mine. Especially when he knows from others. Hmmmm, sometimes I myself am confused by this attitude of mine.

***

Finally, the school holidays arrived. The hardest day I'm going to have is because I'm not going anywhere which means I have to be home every day with Uncle. And that means, I also have to be smart to keep my distance, position myself in the situation around the house. Huuhhhh, throughout the holidays that will feel longer than usual.

"Good morning" came a voice from outside that was like Jody's.

"Good morning, son. Come on in." Uncle's voice was also heard.

"Keee...Your friend is coming." Uncle screamed a little bit to call my name.

Who has been visiting early in the morning? the thing I asked in my heart. I immediately got out of my room and headed forward.

"Eh,jo..Lha, haven't we walked yet?" surprised I saw Jody who was indeed the one who came.

"Can't I come in the morning?" tanyakanya.

"Eh, not that. But I thought you were walking that morning." And immediately sat down in the chair next to Jody.

"I'm still thinking about you from yesterday. So, I'm here before I walk, let the problem settle. I don't want to walk around with gini cake discomfort."

"Eh, why? are we fighting? isn't it Jo?"

" Yes, we don't fight, but from yesterday we were just in. I don't want to be like that. I'd like it when I get back to finish this vacation, you can be more open to me. Whatever it is. I don't want me to just hear or know from other people. Can I?"

I kept silent and stared at Jo silently. Yes, I was wrong because I was less open to him.

Jo approached me, holding both my hands, looking up at me waiting for the answer that came out of my lips. But I just kept quiet and just moved my head.

"Ke, please answer me this time." Jody seems dissatisfied with just nodding my head.

"Yes, I promise."

"really?"

"Yes, Jo. I'll be more open and honest with you."

"Yes already, I'm going yes, Ke. Take care of yourself here. I'll miss you this month." Jo stood up, gently rubbed my head and immediately stepped out. I followed him from behind.

"Bye, Ke." Jody had already stepped up followed by a wave of her hand. I smiled, and returned his hand.

A minute later, while I was still standing there, I heard Uncle's voice from inside. I held my breath for a moment, closed my eyes.

Aahh, I'm outside so be safe.

God, I was so scared of him even when Uncle's voice sounded without his body.

my mom is still there too.

I immediately walked into the house. Started making my bed and my room. Understand, so far more often left out.

While tidying up my room, I had time to think how I would live a month at home without being disturbed by Uncle. But, the result is nil. All my friends are on the go. Maybe, I'm just one of the students who spent the holidays at home.

I'd love to go to brother's. It's just, he must have been burdened there. Remembering He was there also working and surely I was alone there too. I don't know.

"To.." Mama's voice startled me.

"Yes Ma.."

" You're off, right?" ask Mama and I nodded.

" Can you help Mama?"

" Help me?"

" Cleaning the office archives. Yesterday Mama heard that if you want to find additional energy to clean it up, well Mama thinks than you will bete alone at home, what's wrong help Mama right?"

Gosh, this is the best news of all my friends all this time. And, with a radiant face plus sparkling I assented Mama's question without having her repeat it.

I went to the bathroom, took a shower, and changed clothes. My mom was waiting for me at the dinner table.

After breakfast, Mama and I headed straight to the place where Mama worked.

Oh God, you still the best!

That's the only thing I always say in my heart. And, I started with my part-time job with a burning passion.

***