On a cold and rainy night in Jakarta, Budi shouted and cried. Because Budi has just lost a father he loves very much. Whereas, three months ago, Budi had just lost his mother. At that time his mother was suffering from tuberculosis. The poverty that plagued his family could not pay for his mother to go to the hospital. So Budi and his father took care of his mother at home with minimal.
Tonight, it is raining very hard. It was as if the sky was also saddened by the fact that Budi's father, who had a high fever, died from being hit by a rusty nail that caused tetanus. Now 11-year-old Budi is alone. Losing both parents is the toughest test in Budi's life. The boy had to drop out of school and had to work hard to make a living.
Every day, Budi collects used bottles in trash cans to be resold to non-organic waste collectors. In a day, he can earn 15k IDR ($1). That amount was not enough for him. He had to sing at a red light in Jakarta to earn extra money.
One day, when Budi was looking for used bottles in the Pondok Indah Permai housing complex, Budi met two other used bottle scavengers. Very politely, Budi greeted them with a smile.
"Hello bro, good morning," said Budi.
But the two scavengers were silent and looked at Budi cynically. When they passed each other, the two of them suddenly attacked Budi. Both of them are 18 years old, and their bodies are twice as big as Budi's. Of course, Budi was powerless against these two people.
While lying on the ground, the used bottles that Budi had collected were confiscated by them. Even the 10K IDR ($0.6) in Budi's pants pocket was also taken. Budi's life is really hard. The poor child could only cry while going home.
At that time Budi was hungry. No used bottles for sale today. Even the rest of the money he got yesterday was gone. While it was still 07.00 pm, Budi walked to a red light to sing. Who knows, he might get the money to buy a loaf of bread so he doesn't go hungry at night.
On the way to the red light, Budi passed a house belonging to Mr Roni. Budi knows Mr Roni. He often gives money when he meets Budi. On the terrace of Mr Roni's house, there is an iPhone XI cellphone which is quite expensive. It was Susan's cell phone, Roni's daughter's.
Budi said in his mind, "If I sell the cell phone, I can buy food for more than a week. But, there's no way I can steal the cellphone, Mr. Roni is so kind to me. But, this opportunity can't come again, right?"
Budi slapped his cheek hard to wake himself from negative thoughts. "Oh shit, what was I thinking? I'd rather be singing than stealing."
Budi walked back to the red light to sing. But he met again with the person who beat him this afternoon.
"Hey, give me back my bottle and money," said Budi trying to fight them.
"If we don't want what you can do, boy?" The two scavengers answered with a laugh and passed Budi just like that.
Budi, who is thin and small, can't do anything. He was silent as they laughed at him. Budi turned to those who were standing in front of Pak Roni's house. Budi knew they were going to steal Susan's cell phone. As they climbed the fence, Budi took the logs that were around him. Budi's fear is gone to fight them.
When the phone was in their hands, Budi immediately threw a block of wood with all his might towards them. The cell phone slipped from their hands. Budi immediately grabbed him to the ground. The two men hit Budi and wanted to take the phone back. But Budi with all his might did not let go of the phone even though the blows came repeatedly.
Mr Roni came out and shouted. "Hey, what are you doing!" Ron snapped. Two scavengers immediately ran out, but Budi immediately fell to the ground in pain. Pak Roni looked at Budi's hand which was holding his daughter's cell phone and said "Hey Budi, why is my daughter's cellphone with you?" asked Mr Roni.
Budi painfully explained everything to Mr Roni. He told all the events that happened that day. Pak Roni didn't believe it right away, but he saw the CCTV footage in front of his house. It is true. Budi saves Susan's cell phone from being stolen.
"Budi, you are a hero. Whenever you want, come to me. I will feed you every day so you don't starve. Keep doing good, sis," said Pak Roni.
"Thank you very much, sir, you are a good person," said Budi.
Since then, Mr Roni often sits in front of the terrace and calls Budi to eat when Budi passes in front of his house. Even Budi was given money after eating.
The end.