Short Story (Cerpen)

Unfettered by Time (Part 1)

Category: Fiction Fantasy Short stories

Title: Unfettered By Time (Part 1)

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In a city, precisely in Bandung, lived two people who were best friends once since childhood, they were Joe Sandy and Abu. Joe is intelligent and lives alone without his parents. While Abu is the family's child who is less fortunate because his legs are limping. Besides, his body strength is very weak. But their friendship was not hindered by the difference. Both of them love magic. The two of them often practiced magic tricks together.

One day, while returning home, Joe sees an advertisement for one of the private television stations hosting 'The Master.' Joe who really likes magic is interested in attending the event. He has not forgotten his friend Abu.

Joe cheerfully stopped by Abu's house and told him about The Master's show. 'It's time we reach for our dreams, ' Joe said. 'Being a professional magician.' Abu was excited and very interested. 'When did the audition start, Joe?' tanyakanya. 'Next week. Auditions in Jakarta. The Emporium Mall. Come on, we have to come, this show is really great, Joe said happily.

Suddenly a smile disappeared from Abu's face. 'I don't think my parents would let me, Joe. You know, they never supported my hobby, Abu said. Joe looked at his friend with pity. 'But, Abu, you can try to persuade them, right? They're taking you, right? Come on.. You're 22 years old, when they won't let you go?' joe said.

Abu smiles. 'Come on, guys, but I'll try to talk to them.' The answer. Joe smiled happily. 'Tell me after that, ok?' he said while winking. Joe went back to his house.

During dinner, Abu tried to talk to his parents. 'Pa, Ma, I want to say something, okay?' asked Abu while scooping his fried egg.

'All right, what do you want to talk about, son?' ask Andre, Abu's father. 'One of the private television stations hosted The Master. I'd love to follow her, her audition in Jakarta, would you mind Pa?' abu asked while looking at his father. The reaction of Abu's father and mother was immediately predictable. 'No.' They both said firmly. Abu breathed. 'Come. pa, ma. I like magic a lot, he said again.

Mr. Andre threw the napkin. 'But we don't like it, Abu. You know, you're weak, and we don't like you playing silly games like magic!' said firmly. Abu's mother, Rita, nodded in agreement. Abu was very upset. His eyes are glazed now. 'My mom and dad never understood me!' he yelled while taking his crutches, and he went inside his room, and slammed the door. His parents could only watch his son's disappointment. In his room Abu grumbled. Lucky for Joe, he is free to do whatever he wants, grumbled in his heart.

Next day..

As usual Joe stopped by Abu's house. Joe cheerfully recounted that his savings were enough to go to Jakarta. He talked about what he would prepare for the audition. Abu listened gloomily. Joe finally stopped talking. 'Why are you, man?' tanyakanya. Joe patted Abu on the shoulder. 'Come on, today is so bright! Why is your face cloudy like that?'

'Joe, my parents didn't allow me to go to Jakarta and audition for The Master, ' Abu softly replied. Joe's stunned. He felt very sorry for his friend. He doesn't know what to say. 'You just go there. Don't be because of me you can't reach your dreams, ' Abu said. 'I will always support you'. Joe shakes. 'Did you forget our promise? Together forever.' Joe said as he looked at Abu seriously. Abu looked at him in wonder, and smiled. 'Yes. but..'

'I'll help you out tonight without your parents knowing.' Joe said with a smile. 'You sure?' ask Abu. Joe smiled. 'So sure. You can't not audition for The Master. We're going to Jakarta tonight.' Connect again.

Abu smiles. Then he and Joe hook their pinkies. 'Together, forever,' kekeh both.

Evening has arrived. Abu was already preparing to wait for Joe. He didn't sleep all night. Seconds by second waiting for him. Until finally a soft sound hit the window. It turned out to be Joe, who threw a stone through the window of his room. 'Pst, ' said Joe. 'Come.' Joe was lying in Abu's window.

'Slow-slow.' Reply Abu, hand over the crutches. 'Don't till my parents wake up.' he continued. But the hands of Abu are slippery. The crutch slipped from his hand and hit Joe's head, then slammed into the ground quietly. 'Aw, ' said Joe. 'Be careful, man!' Ash immediately grinned. 'Sori, buddy, ' he said. There was the sound of Mr. Andre snoring. Abu slowly stepped his foot out the window. Joe held it. 'Your feet hit me in the head, ' Joe whispered in a very low voice.

Joe finally manages to help Abu out. They're tos each other. 'Yes! Jakarta, I'm coming!' said Abu while punching the air. Joe giggles. 'Come.' Said amusedly.

They both then walked. Until finally completely out of the area of Abu's house. 'So, ' said Abu. 'We're going to Jakarta now?' Joe's out. 'Want to wait next year?' said cheerfully. 'Come on, chase our dreams now!' The two friends laughed in the middle of the night. Joe then pulled a taxi. 'To the station well, ' Joe said as he helped Abu get into the taxi. 'OK, ' said the driver.

During the trip, Joe and Abu continue to imagine what they would be like if they followed the show The Master. They finally arrived at the train station. Joe helped Abu down. He went straight to the ticket counter. 'Two tickets to Jakarta, ' Joe said cheerfully as he reached into his pocket. The ticket seller then rips 2 tickets for them. 'Wait another half hour, the train will come.' Said. 'All right, ' Joe replied.

Then they sit down. While killing time, Joe and Abu joke incessantly. They played suit of stone paper scissors, and continued to laugh. The passersby looked at them in wonder, for Joe and Abu were no longer children.

Without feeling half an hour passed. The waiting train finally arrived. Passengers also came down. 'Come,' said Joe passionately. Joe helped Abu stand up. With the spirit of Joe and Abu riding on that train. Luckily, there were plenty of empty seats. Joe and Abu sat down. 'About, ' said Abu, 'what will they say after seeing our magic attraction, huh Joe?'

'Mom, Abu, your mind is too far away.We just got there yet, ' Joe said with a laugh. Abu laughed back. 'Haha, I was just wondering, ' he said.

Their journey felt very short. Suddenly they arrived in Jakarta.

Ash fell asleep on that trip. Joe patted his cheek. 'Mom, get up, come on, we're there.' Joe said.

Abu rubbed his eyes. 'Had arrived? That's fast.' he said. Joe helped Abu up. 'This is Jakarta.' whispered Joe as he looked around. They then walked out of the station. The cold night wind did not break down the spirit of the 2 young people who wanted to pursue their dreams.

'Now, all we do is find a place to stay, ' Joe said. Abu nodded. 'It is very important, for days in Jakarta, ' Abu said. 'What date is Joe?' 'Date 6.. It's still a week away, ' said Joe. Joe stopped the taxi again, and they immediately asked the taxi driver to help find a place to stay.

Meanwhile, at Abu's house…

Mr. Andre, who woke up to a cat about to rob a fish, was surprised to see his son's room was empty and the window was open. It woke up Miss Rita.

'Mama... Abu is not in his room!' exclaim Mr. Andre. Miss Rita who was sleeping soundly woke up. 'Papa, don't joke!' exclaims Bu Rita. 'Come, just check the room!' said Mr. Andre while slightly dragging Ms. Rita.

Bu Rita was immediately surprised to see Abu's empty room and window open. 'It looks like Abu escaped through the window.. Otherwise why is the window open?' said Mr. Andre. 'Papa, our son is limping, he can't possibly get through that window alone!' sahut Bu Rita's. Mr. Andre fell silent and thought for a moment. 'There must be someone helping him out.' he said.

Bu Rita was stunned. 'If it is, oh my God, they are just two gini nights, Papa, what a worry!' said Ms. Rita. 'Mama calm down first.we call the police.' said Mr. Andre tried to calm Ms. Rita.

In Jakarta..

The taxi driver kept turning to and fro. Joe, who had just relaxed, now began to worry. 'Sir? Can you take us to the nearest guesthouse?' he asked, but his voice sounded strange. The driver did not answer at all. He continued to drive the taxi at a high speed. 'Sir, can you hear me sir?' joe asked, trying to stay calm. The driver then braked suddenly. He turned to look at the two of them, and grinned. Suddenly he held up a knife.

Joe and Abu tried not to scream. 'What do you want?' joe asked. The driver smirked creepily. 'Give me your money right now.' Said. Or the.. 'You'll feel this.' He said again, brandishing the glittering knife. 'But we don't have any money! We still need this money to stay!' said Joe rasping. The driver laughed. 'What does it matter to me? Treasure or life?' challenge him while grinning.

Joe was in a state of confusion. Geez, if he doesn't give up his wallet, they might die. But if he hands over his wallet, what will they survive with?

'Quick! Hand over your wallet!' the driver said again. Joe's not moving. Abu suddenly tapped his crutches on the driver's head. The driver screamed in pain, then Joe swiftly opened the taxi door, and ran. Abu limped behind him. Joe immediately shouted to his best friend. The taxi driver grumbled and disappeared in the dark of the night. The two friends chuckled again. 'No one can defeat us, ' Abu said.

Joe nodded happily. They both kept walking. 'Now, one question, ' Joe said. 'Where the hell are we?' Ash shrugs his shoulders. 'There must be a guesthouse near here, ' he said.

'Then let's go find it, buddy, ' Joe said.

It's very late. Joe put his hand in his pocket. Patiently he waited for Abu whose path was very slow. While they were busy looking around, a figure clad in all-black clothes suddenly hit Joe. Joe almost got into the gutter. 'Hey,' he exclaimed. 'If you look around dong! Have no eyes?'

The man did not answer, but continued to run. After being helped up by Abu, Joe groped his pockets. Oho! His wallet and bag are gone. 'Hey, give me my wallet back!' exclaimed Joe who was expressly running after that person. Ash followed him from behind. Joe managed to catch up to the guy. Joe jumped on the man's back so they both fell. Joe beat up the guy. But then the guy kicked Joe back in the belly, then ran far and fast, like a cheetah. Joe groaned while holding his stomach. It's screwed!! His wallet and bag are stolen now.

Abu approached. 'Joe I'm sorry, I, I can't go after that guy, ' Abu said.

Joe nodded. 'I don't know the condition of your feet? It's okay, Abu, ' said Joe while cleaning his clothes from the dust.

'Now, how are we? My wallet and my bag were stolen when all my money was there!' said Joe limp. 'You brought money, Abu?' Abu shakes. 'I only brought 10 grand, I completely forgot to bring my wallet.' said Abu regretfully.

Joe looked at his best friend. He could not blame Abu. Of course, Abu did not remember to bring a wallet because he rushed down from the window..

'Well, we could be vagabonds here.' Complain Joe. Abu was silent, confused as to what to say.

'Now how…?' joe's words were cut off. Lightning suddenly blared, the wind blew hard, and tick tick tick tick tik. 'Oh... raining again. Come on Abu, we must take shelter.' take Joe while pulling Abu and help him walk. They then took shelter under the garden tree. Joe is feeling very confused now.Where are they going? What do you want to eat? Where do you sleep? Pupus has auditioned for The Master. In reality, their wallets and belongings were stolen, and they were stranded under the garden tree.

The rain showed no sign of stopping. It was even getting louder, with a considerable thunderclap of lightning. They couldn't stay under that tree for long.

Joe looked at Abu. The ashes looked sweaty and shivering. Joe holds Abu's forehead. Real hot. Joe feels so guilty. He then took off his jacket, and took it to Abu. 'I shouldn't have brought you here, ' Joe said. Abu did not answer, he kept shivering. Why did it end up being like this anyway? It's unfortunate our fate, lamented Joe.

A black shadow then appeared before Joe. The shadow becomes more and more obvious. At first Joe was horrified that it was a pickpocket again. But when the man appeared under the light, it seemed that he was not a bad person. A tall, very handsome young man, he seemed to have finished trading. The young man looked at the two of them in surprise. Then the young man approached them.

'Well, what are you guys doing here?' asked the young man was friendly. From his face he looked pity at Joe and Abu.

'We're robbed. We came from Bandung, we were going to audition for The Master but all our belongings were robbed.' Joe replied. The young man shook his head. 'Indeed, be careful, in Jakarta it is crime-prone. Come on, come to my house, you can take shelter there, it's not good here, it's cold.' The young man said again kindly. 'But we don't want to bother.' Joe said. The young man shook his head. 'No, no. It's cold in here anyway, and it looks like your friend is sick.' The young man said again while pointing at Abu who was still shivering. 'Yes, ' said Joe. 'All right if you force it. Is your home far from here?' ask Joe.

The young man smiled. 'No, not so far away, ' he replied. Joe then took Abu. He cursed Abu alone. 'need help?' ask the young man again. 'Yes, please dong.' said Joe. The young man helped to get Abu. 'Hey, I don't know your name yet.' Said Joe. The young man smiled. 'I am Rain, ' he replied.

'Oh I'm Joe and this is my best friend Abu.' Rain smiled. 'It's nice to meet you, Joe, Abu.'

Joe and Rain then took Abu. It is true that his house is not too far away. Rain's house is across the street from the garbage dump.

'Not good indeed, understand, the name is also not capable, ' said Rain blushed. 'Geez don't say that, we thank you so much for helping us.' Joe said. Rain knocked on the door. 'Mother!! I brought a guest!!' yells. A middle-aged woman then opened the door. 'Rain's? This who?' tanyanya friendly.

'This is my new friends, ma'am, ' said Rain. 'Let's go in.' Joe and Rain come in and take Abu. 'Geez, you guys are soaking wet, ' said the mother kindly. 'Dry with this.' Mother Rain gave Joe a towel. Joe immediately dried his body and Ash with the towel.

'She is sick ma'am, ' said Rain, pointing at Abu who was still shivering. The mother suddenly looked pitying. Then he prepared a compress. 'Wear this, ' he said kindly while handing over the compress to Joe's hand. Joe immediately compresses Abu. The friendly Mother Rain sat down. 'Rain, I've never seen the two of them before.' he said kindly.

'I just saw them, Mom.. Poor them both. Take shelter under a tree when it rains big Rain said.

Mother Rain looked surprised. 'Oh. Where are you guys from, son?' tanyanya friendly.

'Cummer, Ma. We were going to Jakarta to audition for The Master, but, our money and belongings were stolen, Joe replied. 'Oh my goodness, what a pity. What's your name, son?' ask Mother Rain again. 'I'm Joe and this is Abu' Joe replied as he pointed at Abu.

'Oh.. The rain is still pouring outside, you better stay here for a few nights, ' said Ibu Rain again. 'But Ma'am, we don't want to bother.' Joe said. Rain shakes. 'It's okay!'