ESL Blogs

KLIWON: PART 1

“I never believed in destiny until that rainy afternoon when our paths crossed.” I was a 7-year-old kid who lived in a small, harmonious family. Joko, a sweet name given to me by my mom and a big hope for my future from my father. I grew up like a normal kid, with the full Affection from my parents and a disciplined approach to parenting. A favorite food, Javanese cuisine, is a big meal made with handmade ingredients. My Mother was the best chef I had ever had.

I had no bizarre events, specious things, or others till I grew up as a teen. Graduated from a high school in Java Island, Central Java, the best island to live on so far. “Joko! Come here, let's accompany me to the Bank,” Mom said gently.  “As you wish, Mom, let me dress up first,” Joko answered, and so on, dressing up tidily in his favorite long shirt. “I gave you a ride, and I reminded you to be careful with the motorcycle.”  Told mother.

Mom and I went to the bank, withdrawing some money to register my university tuition at the first plan. “Lady Fortune turned her back on me, leaving me in misery. Misfortune weighed heavily upon my soul, and in that moment, it felt as though my entire world had collapsed.” I got robbed by pocket man. “I was robbed that night—my money snatched away in an instant, leaving nothing but fear and despair behind. As the thief disappeared into the darkness, it felt as though not only my wallet had vanished, but also my hopes, my dreams, and the fragile future I had been holding on to. In that single moment, everything I believed in collapsed, and I was left standing alone, broken by the weight of loss.”

“The streetlights flickered dimly above me, casting long shadows that mirrored the emptiness inside my chest. People passed by, unaware of the storm raging within me. I wanted to scream, to chase after the darkness that had stolen everything, yet my legs felt heavy, rooted in despair. It wasn’t just the loss of money—it was the cruel realization that my life could unravel so easily, that my future could be torn apart in a heartbeat.”

“Le (Javanese term: son) sing sabar yo, urung rejeki: “Be patient, for fate has merely delayed your fortune”. Though I was a boy, I cried at the moment. My heart broke, and my dreams were ruined. “What a cruel world!” I once thought. “Yet my mother still lifted my spirit, making sure I remained patient and strong in facing my fate. ‘Work!’ she said, ‘this was the best final choice I had at that time.’”