The Monster In Me

Between Selfish and Hypocritical

“It turns out to be a child,” taunts Adira in a slow voice. He, Firda, and Aron are now embarking on a journey through a region inhabited by many zombies. “You just need to whine a little, stare a little, sob a little, then everyone will instantly obey your will.”

“Ssttt! What's wrong with you?” reprimand Firda with an equally slow voice. His frowning face held back his anger towards Adira while fixing the position of the quite heavy bundle that was on his back. “Don't complain much! It's not you who has to carry a boy who can shout at any time!”

“You volunteered yourself.” Adira rolled her eyes lazily. “Do not overdo it. Aron we have closed his eyes, even almost his entire face and body. He won't be able to see anything, there's no way he's suddenly screaming.”

“You don't know what it's like. Try replacing!”

“No.”

Firda snorted loudly. Since the sun had set, he had been carrying Aron with great difficulty. Although it looks small, Aron turned out to be quite heavy so Firda repeatedly asked for rest. Adira herself granted her request, but while grumbling. Firda just lets it go, thinking that Adira just needs time to accept the fact that they have now really taken responsibility for Aron's life.

Now that the sky is completely dark, without the existence of stars that may be covered in cloudy clouds or pollution, Adira is still indifferent and even more throwing cynical comments. Firda himself felt very uncomfortable interaction with his best friend changed drastically like this, but how else? He can't just grant Adira's selfish wishes.

“I'm not the selfish one, but you're the hypocrite.” Firda still vividly remembered the sentence that Adira had uttered when he released Adira. “You may not want to admit it, but I know that deep down you are quite sorry for forcing yourself to look after Aron.”

Maybe Adira's words have a point, because now Firda began to regret his decision and miss the moments he and Adira encouraged and strengthened each other. They were so considerate of each other and very rarely said sniffly. Different than this moment.

However, had Adira been able to succumb a little and bear all her own disappointments without being cruel to Firda, would Firda regret everything?

Sure didn't.

‘So, in conclusion, I'm not the hypocrite. But indeed Adira's very troublesome nature,’ broke Firda final.

They now arrive at the rides that have a large pole and high in the middle and many swings with large and long chains around it. Adira's stunned. This was his favorite ride as a child. Although he himself could never remember the name of his party, because each Playground gave a different name.

Firda rounded his eyes in confusion as Adira came out of hiding just like that. The girl looked back and forth with a sad face. Regardless of the number of zombies stuck in several swings spread out their hands and tried to grab them.

“Search what, Dir?” As Adira turned her head towards him, Firda asked with just a muttering move, without making a sound.

“Papan description of the vehicle,” replied Adira loudly. It seems that he is too focused on his desires to forget to be vigilant. “I want to know the name of this vehicle. I remember riding it in SD first.”

Firda raised one of his eyebrows. He never thought that Adira had ever gone to the Playground. As long as she knows the girl, Firda continues to think of Adira as a girl who is only interested in things that are able to improve her quality and grades in school. However, Firda should know that Adira remains just an ordinary human being.

And it seems, this giant swing vehicle has its own memories for Adira. Because if it wasn't so, it would be impossible for him to force himself like this just to know the name of a now abandoned vehicle.

“Aron achy, Brother,” replied the boy with a slight whine.

Firda took a deep breath to hold back her emotions. Because, he thought Aron absolutely no right to complain achy when the task is just quietly carried by Firda. “Hold a little more, yeah. Later in a quieter place, Aron can walk alone,” replied Firda who is still trying to be patient.

For a while Aron was silent. Makes Firda think that the child already understands her words. However, not long after, Aron again whined until Firda had to slightly swing his body to calm the boy.

“What else is it?” Firda frantically looked behind his back before looking back to the front. He must serve Aron while watching Adira. Firda really feels like she has become a Housewife at this time.

“Mau peed.”

Firda's breath was choked. What's he supposed to do? He has never helped a child to urinate before. Moreover, they are not currently in a situation where they can go directly to the nearest toilet. Firda himself had no idea where the restroom was currently located.

Plus, Firda was slightly suspicious that Aron had only said that so that he would allow the boy to get off his back. Because it hasn't been five minutes since Aron complained.

For too long, Aron now begins to thrash, forcing Firda to release him immediately. The boy even tried to open the cloth that covers his body and remove the blindfold attached to encircle his head. Of course his little hand couldn't do all that quickly. Firda deftly lowered Aron and carried the child in the front by hugging him. With this position, the girl is better able to watch over Aron well.

There was the sound of slow steps approaching that made Firda panic. Both eyes widened and only returned to relax after confirming that the sound of the move belonged to Adira who was now standing nearby again.

“What? Do you think I'm a zombie? The zombies are not running properly like me.” Adira chuckles down on the underestimate. However, his forehead immediately frowned after noticing Firda who had difficulty holding Aron in front of the body. “What's with Aron?”

“I want to pee!” Aron began to shout impatiently. Firda had to feel Aron's face from outside the cloth and smother the mouth of Aron.

“If you keep doing so, he could die out of breath.” Adira clicked her tongue while shaking her head. He stretched out his hand, as if he was willing to take a turn holding Aron.

Firda who was too tired then handed the boy to Adira. And how surprised he was when he saw that Adira actually let Aron stand and remove all the cloth that covered the boy.

“What?” Adira smiled mischievously. “He's male. He must learn to stand on his own feet.”

***