THE GUARDIAN OF THE HEART

Chapter 29, A Beginning (Part 1)

After Sherly's house, Shaka stops for a while on the side of the road. He took out his wallet and took out a business card that had been stored in his wallet. Shaka looked at the name and address on the business card. After some time, he kept the business card back in his pants pocket and then he went along with his motorbike.

After fifteen minutes had passed, Shaka finally arrived at a car repair shop. Shaka saw that the car repair shop building was very simple and far from luxurious. The workshop is only made of paving stones and a lot of used car tires are neatly stacked in front of the workshop. The building is also not too big. At least only fit 2 cars to be parked there. Shaka looked at the signboard above the workshop which read "Bagas Workshop".

Shaka then parked his vehicle in the area next to the corner of the workshop so as not to disturb other road users. After removing the helmet and placing it on the rearview mirror of his motorbike, he then entered the car repair shop. The workshop was empty of visitors and there were only 1 mechanic who was squatting to tidy up the utensils scattered on the paving floor.

"Good Day, sir" said Shaka.

"Siang" said the mechanic as he turned towards Shaka.

He stopped his activities and then stood up from his place. He then walked towards Shaka.

"Can you help me, brother?"ask the mechanic.

Shaka saw the mechanic standing in front of him. He was not too old, he looked to be about 50 years old. But his stature was high and firm. It has a sturdy body and field.

"I'm sorry, sir. I am Shaka, I intend to meet Mr. Bramantya" Shaka said.

"Is Mr Bramantya there, sir?" ask Shaka.

"I'm Bramantya" said the mechanic.

Shaka was shocked to hear the mechanic's words. Shaka did not believe that the person standing before him was a former international athlete.

"Can I help you, brother?" ask Mr. Bram.

"I'm sorry, sir. I'm looking for a coach to take part in this year's Junior Taekwondo National Championship. And it was my father's friend who recommended you" Shaka said.

Suddenly Mr. Bram laughed at Shaka's words.

"There is" said the man.

"You have the wrong address, brother" he added as he passed from before Shaka.

It's back in its place. Then he put the scattered tools back together. Shaka stepped closer to the squatting Mr. Bram to retrieve the screwdriver and the wrench.

"Sir Bram, I'm sorry. I beg you for help" said Shaka.

Bram continued his activities. He did not care about Shaka's words. He continued to tidy up his things. Shaka realizes he is being ignored by Mr. Bram. He then squatted and helped Mr. Bram tidy up his car tools. Mr. Bram who knows Shaka helps him prefer to be quiet and continue his work. Until finally, when the activity was completed, Mr. Bram stood followed by Shaka.

"Thank you" said Mr. Bram as he passed from before Shaka.

Shaka could only look at Mr. Bram's back. He then stepped closer towards Mr. Bram. He breathed and then said :

" Bram sir." said Shaka.

Bram turned his head towards Shaka. He looked into Shaka's eyes and was ready to wait for Shaka's next words.

"Sir, I'm sorry if I bother you." said Shaka.

"I don't want to go to a championship for prestige or praise."

"I want to restore my long-destroyed self-esteem, sir."

"I also want to restore the trust of those who love me, sir."

Mr. Bram just kept quiet. Then he said :

"You can find a good coach."

"I'm just a mechanic."

Shaka was silent for a moment. He lowered his head. After that he said to Mr. Bram.

"I beg you very much, please help me and my parents."

"At least you can realize your dream first through me."

"I beg you, Sabeum Nim (Chief Coach)" Shaka said, bowing before Mr. Bram.

Mr. Bram breathed heavily. He tried to digest and reflect on every word from Shaka. His heart was touched by Shaka's words and good intentions. He was then remembered by his past dreams that ran aground in the middle of the road. How broken and sad his heart was at that time. He finally closed and buried his dream deeply. He then remembered his promise to realize his dream at any cost, either through himself or through someone else someday.

"Wake up." said Mr. Bram.

"I won't wake up before you train me" Shaka said

Mr. Bram sighed and shook his head at Shaka's hardness of head. He was silent for a moment. He caught a glimpse of Shaka similar to him in the past. Have the determination and determination to get something.

"When is the Junior Championship going on?" ask Mr. Bram.

"About two months away, Sabeum Nim" said Shaka, still struggling.

"Crazy..!! You want to kill yourself with just two months?" Said Mr. Bram.

"I need Sabeum Nim to train and guide me" Shaka said.

"I will pay whatever it costs, Sabeum Nim." he added.

"Where did you get the money?" ask Mr. Bram.

"From your parents?" continued.

"No Sabeum Nim, I have savings from the results of the Junior National Championship last year" Shaka replied.

"I self-financed my tuition and activities" he added.

"What champion are you?" ask Mr. Bram.

"I happen to be champion 1, Sabeum Nim." said Shaka.

"You think it's a coincidence?" ask Mr. Bram while frowning his forehead.

"No Sabeum Nim, it was the result of my hard training" Shaka replied firmly.

"Baguss...., Baguuss..!" said Mr. Bram.

"I don't believe in coincidence. I just believe in training.., training and training" said Mr. Bram.

"Yee, Sabeum Nim (Yes, Head Coach)." Shaka.

Mr. Bram was silent for a moment, he then looked at Shaka who was still resting in front of him.

"Wake up. bring your Dobok (taekwondo uniform) from tomorrow."

"I'm waiting for you to start tomorrow at 4pm."

"I don't need your money."

" But once I see you giving up or complaining with all the training I give, go home and never come back here again" Bram said firmly.

"Yee, Sabeum Nim. Thank you." said Shaka who then stood up.

Mr. Bram walked up to his desk. He sat down and looked for a ballpoint pen. After that he wrote something on a piece of paper that was in front of him.