This story happened just two days ago on my way to campus. Because of my condition right now, i have to take taxi every time i want to go (while usually Mas Bayu take me home after debate practice). It's just a normal day with the casualties: wake up, bath, make up, call for cab, and zap! Off to campus.
"Morning, Sir. Where to go?" said the driver. I replied "Campus please. UNS" while i was busy with my backpack and making myself comfortable inside the taxi (well, if u have to stretch your long leg inside a small cabin then make sure you get the best position). I didn't pay much attention about the driver until i hear his breathing sound. It was heavy and short. It was as if he has an asthma. I stare at him and starting from this point, i feel terribly uncomfortable w trip.
Please meet Mr. Surono (his id card was right in front of me), driver of a private-owned taxi company in Solo.. His hair is a total black but his mustache is as white as Gandalf's. Even that well-colored hair can't hide his age. His face shows wrinkles and other aging signs. He must be at least 60!!!! And HE DRIVES A TAXI!!! "OH MY GOD!! He's too old to drive!!"
Enough for the introduction. He drives uncomfortably indeed, and that certainly increases my adrenalin pressure. Moreover, he's rather impatient and loves to sound horns (every taxi driver does so). 1km away from home, he bought a newspaper from the seller on the street which hardly notice his horns and waves, therefore he muttered something grumpily. Hectically taking it from the seller, he tried to put it under the sun-blocking stuff above his head but somehow it keeps on falling and he lost his patience, ignoring it scattered all over the car. Can't think of any worse.
Jebres railway. Got to stop because a train passing. Here starts the tale. Mr. Surono opened the talk by asking about my study (he thought I'm currently studying in the FIFTH semester while actually i just enterd the campus life for 5 months approximately. And he keeps on saying that my body stature is "longgor" that i can say as "BIG". thank you sir!!).
Mr. Surono: My oldest child, a boy, he was a graduated accountant from UXX (no name allowed!!!). he was graduated one-and-a half year ago. When he's about to graduate, he asked for the graduation fee. 3 million at that time. I'm a poor person, therefore obtaining such amount of money is not easy. So i decided to pawn (menggadaikan) my only motorbike. i got only 2.7 million, and the rate was 5%. To make matter worse, it's returned with problem. I had to bring it to the mechanic. more money spent. Ah, but that doesn't matter for me. For my child, i'll do my best. even though he still can't find a job up to now. So i still have to work to help our family's financial condition. My daughter also works in a factory. Yah, that's how life is. I wish you for a best luck from now on and throughout your life, Mas. Because right now, being a university graduate doesn't guarantee a better living condition.
Can't say a word while he tells his story, and can only reply with "amin insya Allah" after his last sentence.
So there i was in the doorstep of my campus. I paid him, then he left with the first "lecture" i have that day.... And it worth a lot. parent's love, struggles of life, challenges ahead, and many more. I keep on praying to Allah that i will be able to stop working by 40. Or if i want to work, i'll work for my excitement, not for my struggle. Wish all of you so..
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