Black Rose (Completed)

Chapter Eleven

Hello Diary,

When you live in a world separate from the outside world that is told to you as a world of jungle law, then you will always be vigilant when stepping out of your previous world. However, what is seen in the meadow across from your 'house' looks beautiful and makes you curious.

That's the parable of me when living in the Pesantren that is full and very strict. Even though the outside world is seen as frightening but also part of a dream that must be realized in the future. The way of thinking of young people who are open and ready to learn anything leads me to small book stalls that sell old and dusty books, whether it's on Jalan Majapahit or in the aisles of the morning market like the one on Jalan Bogor Atas. At that time second grade high school students were still considered children, seniors who trained the theater had not shown signs to invite us to art shows on their campuses.

In one of the routine activities on the weekend, I decided to walk from Bandung Street to the Tugu Roundabout. It feels like a hero who successfully completes an important mission when you do it alone and no one is by your side as a guide. I had planned it for a long time with some of the preparations needed by a street fighter. ha ha

For that special weekend run, I first bought sports shoes that were very comfortable when I put them on. I feel very satisfied and happy, unthinkable before if shoes that are comfortable to wear can create that much excitement. Then I realized that it was the sense of freedom that really thrilled me. I've known for a long time, if I love this city and I don't feel scared anymore. Have you ever felt what I experienced? You love a city like someone you have known for a long time, in fact you have only lived for a while. But Malang city to me is like someone I have longed for a long time, I feel very happy when I am in this cool city. I love everything in it; leafy streets lined with old mossy trees until the food is sold on the roadside. In the afternoon, food vendors push their carts with typical sounds that are already very well known. Buyers can distinguish whether it is the sound that comes from a meatball cart, fried rice, and tahu tek tek. When it rains, the streets in Malang are more romantic. I was like a child who used to circle around the township with a group of other children, rejoicing to welcome the drops of water that fell abundantly from the sky that turned gray. Without feeling afraid of dying of cold or getting a fever and flu. Sometimes the theater trainers at the school invite us to practice vocals in the rain. I often remember my father's words citing one of the verses in the Qur'an, that rain water strengthens the legs and nourishes the body, also can release someone who is exposed to black magic.

Like someone who is beautiful, Malang is very easy to love. A classic city with beautiful and majestic ancient buildings, fresh air, with shades of green trees and flowers ... who won't fall in love?

While staying in a dormitory, if there is free time, I will spend the morning before sunrise with sports running from the Bandung road to the end of the Veteran road in front of the Brawijaya University. The area here is very pleasing to my eyes while the road is still quiet, it has not been contaminated by vehicle fumes which during the day can change unfriendly to pedestrians. Before returning to the dormitory, I stopped by the morning market to find snacks and warm drinks. If I don't have time then I will buy bread at the small shop on the way home.

Everything feels good if you live too long behind a high wall, like sitting quietly behind a classroom window while watching the passing of uniformed students in the school corridor. As a descendant of a Madurese family then lived in Pesantren with teachers and friends who were mostly Madurese too, then going to school in Malang then introduced me to Javanese language intensely.

"Teach me a Javanese kromo," I told Titi.

Some time she spoke using language that was full of manners and meekness to me. I began to learn and understood a little, but stuttered when I spoke. Already used to using Indonesian both at school and in everyday life. Besides, I like to write poetry since the first grade of middle school. So, how can I switch to using another language of conversation if I'm sleeping while dreaming I still speak Indonesian too?