Behind the High School Uniform

Chapter 3. The Datang Debt Collector

A week passed, after my father's departure. At first, my mother and I felt fine, even though we could not fully accept my father's departure.

One day, the unexpected surprised us. Some men, big, well-built and a little creepy to me.

They knocked on the door quite loudly, me and my mother, who happened to be at the dinner table, were shocked and stared at each other.

"Who is it, Ra? How, really fasten on the door?" I asked my mother, who I was wondering.

"Nadhira doesn't know, Mom. I'll wait here first, let Nadhira see who's coming." My heart, which then mother then nodded her head. And then I walked slowly to the living room, just to see and open the door for those who came.

"Clicks!"

I opened my door too. And how surprised I was, when I saw some men who were standing straight, while turning their waist, while looking at me with a pretty scary look.

.

"Sorry, who are these gentlemen? And, what's the need?" I said, who tried to dare to ask.

"God! Where is Hadi Atmadjaya? Get him out!" cetus was one of them, who apparently wanted to see father.

"I'm sorry, sir. My dad just passed away, a week ago. If I may know, what is the need, sir? Why are these men looking for my father? If my father is wrong, please forgive me, sir!" my mouth, with naive. And then one of them came back to me.

At that moment, I felt a bit scared as well. Remembering, their bodies were so big, also the look of their faces were quite fierce, without the slightest smile visible from the corner of their lips.

"Don't lie! I'm asking, call your father, now! Get him to meet us, mop!" he snapped, who had approached me.

"But, Sir. My father, he really is dead. Where could I lie about my father's death." My heart, nervous with fear.

Maybe, because the clash of the man was quite tight, making the mother then go out and approach me, also to be sad to meet these people.

"What is this storm? Why, Ra? What's up?" ask mom, astonishment.

I did not have time to answer and explain the question from my mother, all of a sudden, the person shook his hand at the door of my house, while explaining the purpose and purpose of coming home.

"We're here, just want to collect a debt. The money of 15.5 Billion Rupiah, which was borrowed by Mr. Hadi Atmadjaya, until this moment we have not received the slightest of his obligations in repaying the debts. So, if now he has not been able to pay his debts, we will be forced to confiscate all his assets. Including, the house and its contents." said the man who was large, which made us immediately stunned.

At that moment, my body fell on the floor. It was as if he was surprised, when he heard the explanation from them. So much debt left by the father, making it seem to be in disbelief and so confused to pay the debts.

I quickly held Mom's body. But apparently I was unable to support his body alone. In the end, I also sat down and leaned Mom's body in front of my chest, half hugging her.

And now, We are required again to accept the harsh reality of our lives. Which is, we have to bear all the debts of Father, the amount of which is very large for us.

Meanwhile, the company and also all the retail stores owned by the father had been seized by the bank, because of the losses experienced by the father's company. But it turns out that all of that is not enough. Now, they will also confiscate the house and its contents.

"Hows it? Can it be paid now?" continued the man, bowing his body.

I can only fall down while crying. While Mom, she could only shut up and cry like me. We both really don't know what to answer. Such a large debt, it is impossible for us to pay it off right now. Even if we ask for time, from which the money for us can pay.

"okay! We'll give you some time, a month from now. Remember that! If you can not pay too, we do not hesitate to bring this green shirt problem. Remember, that!" he snapped again, making us even more frightened.

Luckily, the debt collectors eventually left on their own. I felt a little more relieved, because they had left before me.

Meanwhile, I was trying to wake Mom from my lap. I understand how Mom feels right now.

He must be very sad, very heavy burden of life that my mother will bear after the departure of my father. Not to mention, I have to keep thinking about the continuation of our lives. Moreover, the cost of living is not cheap in this day and age.

"Ra! I can't stand it, Ra! I can't take it all alone. From where, can you pay your father's debts that big? Your school fees, not to mention the cost of daily meals, Ra. Plus, it costs us to rent a rented house. I don't know, Ra. I can't afford it." My mother complained, who looked very sad.

"Mom! I am calm, Mom. There's Nadhira here, who's gonna help me. Nadhira can really, work to help pay these costs. After school, Nadhira can go straight to work so that Nadhira can help Mom pay the debts of the father," I said, while reassuring and calming my mother.

"Work? What work, Ra? Work is also the most paid what salary, Ra? It won't be enough to cover your father's debts! Now, Mom wants to go to the room. You too, spit it out! Because of us, we're gonna vacate the house immediately." my mother ordered, walking toward her room.

I was quite surprised by the words of my mother, who told me to get ready to vacate this house, I asked my mother again.

"The emptiness of this house? What, we're moving out of here, ma'am?" my question, which made my mother stop her steps, and turn her head towards me.

"Yes, yes, Ra! What is the less obvious mother's speech? You know that, right? Your father left with a huge debt. Everything was seized by the bank, including this house! Is there any reason to stay here? There's nothing, Ra! There's nothing!" said mom, who looks so angry. Immediately I fell silent, shedding my tears. While mother, she immediately walked back towards the direction of her room.

To be honest, I'm not willing to leave this house. So many memories in this house. Including my memories with my dad.

But, what can I do? I can only hope that right now, if someday I will be able to redeem this house again. Because only this house, which can continue to make us remember our father and the togetherness of our little family.

I also walked into the room. With a heavy heart, I took out a few suitcases, which were neatly stored in my closet.

Little by little, I lowered the stack of clothes that were still neatly arranged in the closet. While continuing to shed tears, I took the time to look at every corner of my room.

It feels very, very heavy! But this is the reality I have to accept. Died so quickly, left home, and lived life far from the usual word. As was my life, before my father left us. Until finally, mother's screams made me instantly forget all those memories.