Trapped in 2001

Proud Of You's

"Mario, daddy is proud of you."

Deddy said when the martial sports match that followed Mario just ended. Mario and Deddy were already in the car, they were preparing to go home.

"Although your mental condition is often worrying, but you can overcome it all. And you can show that a kid like you can do well."

Mario looked down and smiled, he did not know if this was some kind of compliment or innuendo. But those words felt so sweet in the ear. Until his heart feels peaceful to listen to him.

Maybe indeed in this era, his life is set to have many mental health disorders. At least that's according to Deddy's view of him, even though Mario himself does not feel that way.

But the compliment felt so sincere. Mario so imagined, if the real him in the future can overcome everything that raged in his head. Perhaps he was currently living with a myriad of achievements.

Because actually everything can be cultivated, as long as there is a will. But all this time Mario more often dissolved in his uncertain feelings. His mind was often tangled and disheveled, each time facing Michael's harsh attitude towards him.

It often makes Michael's bad attitude, as an excuse to laze around. He killed his own spirits by taking the heart of all his brother's attitudes.

But in this time, he could even kill all the feelings that were trying to suppress him. Such as fear, not being able to do something better than others, feelings of anxiety about intimidation of outsiders and so forth.

"But daddy's not mad, is he?. About that medal that Mario gave to Galih."

This time it was Deddy who smiled. He started to start the engine of his car.

"It's precisely daddy even more proud of you. You are a big hearted and soulful child. In the future, you will be a successful person that many people love."

Again Mario smiled, but with tears that suddenly spread in the eyes. He turned his face towards the windshield and looked at the side of the road.

There were too many compliments for her in this era, and everything felt so real. As if this was the real age, not an illusion.

Everything Mario wants in the future, everything is here. Anything is given to him in this age. Love, praise, affection, attention.

"Ah, if only he was born in this era with a father figure like Deddy. Surely his life will feel happy." he murmured.

"Mario."

"Huh, yes dad."

Deddy's voice broke Mario's daydream, he turned to Deddy with a smile. But the one thing he had forgotten was, wiping away the tears flowing in both corners of his eyes. Deddy sighed and hugged Mario. Instantly Mario awakens, if he has formed the wrong perception in Deddy's mind.

"You must have forgotten to take your medicine again today."

Deddy thought Mario's mental disorder was relapsing, so the boy was crying indistinctly. Though he was only touched by everything he could in this era, including a father figure like Deddy. With all his attention and affection.

Mario let it go of that opinion. He was crying even though he had no voice. He let his tears fall as much as possible. For the sake of issuing a burden that for a dozen years is squeezing his mind.

Mario can never cry and is forbidden to cry. Both Marcell and Michael always educated him so that he became a strong person.

But again, Mario is just a human being. Plus he is still very young. He never felt raised and given affection by parents. Can you demand more of it on him?. Until he can't be sad?.

"It’s ok, daddy's here."

Mario wiped his tears. It doesn't seem appropriate to tarnish Deddy's pride and happiness towards him today, with the inner wounds he's gotten from his two brothers over the years.

He did not want Deddy to be a container, where he poured all his frustration over the attitude of Michael and Marcell to him so far.

At least Deddy deserves to be made proud and happy to have had a child like him.

"Is it better?" ask Deddy to Mario. The boy nodded for sure, smiling.

"You're the one, the psychologically disturbed." Deddy tried to bully the boy across the ages.

"From the bulls of wolves."

"What?" asked Deddy while frowning.

"No, just forget it." Mario laughed as the car started to creep.

 ***

"Ratna, wait...!"

Mario chases Ratna one cold morning. The rain fell all night, leaving a speck that has not stopped until this moment.

"Pass...!"

Ratna threw out Mario's hand trying to block his arm.

"Lo just there, same Galih and Lia."

"Rat, don't be a kid."

"I'm a kid, I'm only 13."

"Yes, but you shouldn't behave like this. This is clearly wrong. I'm the same Galih no problem, the problem is elo same Lia."

"Oh, so if the problem is me, you don't care?."

"Well, how should I be?."

"Why are you so good with Galih?. If it's good with Galih, automatically Lia also be good with lo."

"Yes what's wrong?"

"Eh, Rat. What makes Lia evil is the same because of your own attitude."

This time Ratna stopped her steps. He was silent but did not look at Mario.

"Elo who fucked with her guy. I already know the guy also has the same feeling lo, even lo ladenin. Honestly yes, actually Lia is not wrong if she is angry with you. You've disrupted her relationship with Galih. If you were in Lia's position, what would you do?"

Ratna's breath was heard hunting, he could not accept being blamed by Mario.

"Not to rebuke me anymore" he said later.

"Rats."

"Ratne."

"Rats."

Ratna passed away from the place, making Mario now in a confused state. He continued walking down the school corridor, not even realizing that his shoulder had hit someone.

"Braaac."

Ratna kept going forward, while Cavin held onto his painful shoulder. He had seen the look on Ratna's face full of anger, before it finally passed.

***

Two days later, their school field was enlivened by an inter-school baseball game. Brian, who was initially underestimated by Christopher, managed to prove that he deserved to play there. Even now their team advanced to the semi-finals.

But not Christopher name, if not looking for faults others. Not even a single compliment had he ever given Brian, since this match began.

"Lo is still not good. Just how many times did you almost miss."

Christopher scouts Brian, as they all break and wait for the next game to start.

"Lo why the hell, look for the same mulu problem as people?"

Heru denied Christopher's words. He was very angry with the attitude of the frontman of the F4 gang.

"Can't what, appreciate a little people's effort?" continue then.

"Heh, why are you the sewot anyway?. We still have the next game. Don't laugh yet, nih mentang-about the child who always prints the score."

Christopher.

"Say you envy." Heru's voice sounded out loud.

Christopher turned around and was about to hit Heru in the face. But swiftly, Brian immediately parried his hand.

"Casual dong lo, still a boy already nyolot. Wanna be your hero, huh?."

Brian pushed Christopher's shoulder.

"Lo relax, don't worry."

"From there was a noisy elo, motherfucker."

Just as Brian was about to throw his punch, suddenly their coach called.

"Gather everything."

Want to not want them to finally end the matter, then run to the edge of the field.

The semi-final round began, the game was fierce for some time. In the end, Brian's team won the game.

Their opponents are now reduced. Before starting the final round, they rested for a moment and were briefed by their coach. Mario who had just arrived immediately sat in the audience. Right next to Cavin, on the back bench was Adrian who was chatting with Ratna.

"Where the hell is that?. I have entered a new final" said Cavin sewot.

"My daddy's sick."

"Huh?. Om Deddy sick?"

Mario nodded.

"He had dengue fever" Mario later said

"How are you doing?."

"Still treated, so I'm slow here.?"

"Ntar finish this match, I'll take care of Deddy."

Mario nodded. Honestly, he was very tired, because all night he was looking after Deddy who suddenly fell ill. Mario barely even slept all night, but he forced himself to be here. All for Brian.

The final round begins. The supporters of their school team and the school team next door, both provide support and creative yel-yel.

Shortly after, the match took place. So much tension has occurred. Because they are equally strong opponents. But after much effort,

“Wouu, yeeeeee."

The entire school students Mario and Cavin were hosting, shouting in excitement. The victory now falls to their school team.