Alma's Struggle

"If you believe, mother will support you"

"Thank you mom! Pray for Alma that Alma will get a good job soon"

"Mom always pray for you dear"

Alma is used to working hard from the beginning, he is used to being the backbone for his family. So don't be surprised if Alma wants to go back to work. He then entrusted Aletta to Mrs. Yulia.

"Mother! I want to leave Aletta," said Alma.

"Yes dear! You take it easy, Aletta is safe with mother"

Alma smiled wordlessly, he then kissed the back of Mrs. Yulia's hand and said goodbye. Alma brought a brown envelope containing the documents to apply for a job.

Alma went alone, he used public transportation because he didn't have a motorbike. He toured the city center, submitted several applications to several large shops, he also submitted applications to one of the largest restaurants in the city center.

City center restaurant.

Alma looks tired, sweat dripping down his forehead. He wiped it with his own hands, his clothes also looked tattered because they were crammed into the carriage. But that didn't make Alma weak, he just got even more excited.

"Excuse me!" Alma greeted one of the security guards who was standing guard in front of the big gate.

"Can I help you?" Ask the security.

"I want to submit a letter of application sir, is it possible?" Asked Alma Politely.

"Sorry Miss, you should just go inside. Please meet one of the receptionists" The security replied.

"Thank you very much sir"

"You're welcome"

Alma then stepped on his feet, he only used ordinary flip-flops. She looks like a very simple country girl. Arriving inside, Alma asked one of the waiters who was serving several guests at table Number 12.

"Excuse me, Miss!"

"What is it?"

"Where's the reception area?" Ask Alma.

"Please just go straight from here and turn left. The reception room is over there" replied the waiter.

"Thank you very much miss" Alma then continued his footsteps, with full hope that he could meet the receptionist.

Arriving in the living room, Alma did not find anyone, he only saw an empty, bone-white chair with quite unique carvings. He felt disappointed as he looked at the brown envelope in his hand. Alma turned around, with empty hopes.

"Looks like today is not my lucky day" Alma thought. There is still hope for tomorrow.

It was almost 02.00 noon, Alma had not eaten lunch at all. His stomach suddenly felt hungry, his face looked very pale. Alma opened his wallet and he saw that he only had five thousand rupiah left. Meanwhile, he also needs a fare to go home using an angkot.

"Oh how is this? Do I have to go back to the Café where I used to work?" Alma thought.

But the problem is, if he returns to work at the cafe. Alma must feel uncomfortable, he will continue to feel haunted by Arfha. Because the cafe is a witness to the story of their meeting from the start. Alma gave up his intention, he then saw a woman selling on the side of the road. He took the initiative to approach the mother. Incidentally, the place where the mother sells is like a small shop, there are also many people who leave the place.

"Excuse me!!" Said Alma.

"Sorry, there are no donations here," replied the mother bitterly while serving the buyer.

"Sorry Auntie, I'm not looking for donations. I'm here to apply for a job," explained Alma.

"A job? Sorry, this is not a five-star restaurant, so I don't need workers"

"I beg you Auntie, please accept me today"

"Sorry! I can't accept you, you better get out of here" The mother didn't give Alma a chance at all.

But today the stall was really busy, so the mother was overwhelmed to serve the customers. While Alma left the place, Alma had not yet walked far, suddenly the mother called him.

"Wait!!"

Immediately Alma stopped for a moment and turned his body, he looked to the right and to the left there was no one. Alma then pointed at himself, he wanted to make sure whether the mother called him or not.

"I called you! For today I accept you to work" said the mother.

"Really? Wow, I'm very happy," said Alma gratefully.

"Yes! But for today only"

"It's okay Auntie, the important thing is that today I really got a job even though it's only half a day"

"That's it! You'd better help me wash the dishes, because there are so many dirty dishes"

"Okay Auntie" Alma let go of her small bag, she also put down the envelope. He immediately washed the dishes, after which Alma cleaned the dining table. He also makes mixed ice for several buyers.

Alma enjoys his job today, even if it's just as a dishwasher. He looked completely relaxed and looked very happy. There was no sign of complaining on his face.

The mother saw that Alma was very diligent, she even felt sorry for him. The mother then told Alma to eat. Maybe he knows that Alma hasn't eaten yet.

"You should eat first," said the mother.

"Later Aunt"

"You look so pale, you let go of this work first. We'll continue after you eat"

"It's okay Auntie, I'm still strong"

"Health is more important"

Alma then gave up his job, he then ate well even though the side dishes were simple.

"Here I make iced tea for you" said the mother as she put it in front of Alma.

"Thank you very much Auntie, I feel bad for being a bother"

"You're not a bother at all, in fact I'm grateful that you've been willing to help me"

"Yes Auntie, I asked for it anyway"

"If you want to add please, you don't have to be shy"

"That's enough Auntie, I'm really full of this"

"Well then, I want to clean up, because it's late"

Alma smiled as he chewed, a few minutes later he finished eating. Alma didn't forget to wash the dishes too. Alma felt very relieved, because her stomach was filled to the brim.

It doesn't feel like it's getting late, it's time for mom to close her shop. Because he only sells until 06.00 pm.

"Is there anything I can help?" Ask Alma.

"Nothing! Wait a minute" replied the mother. He took his wallet. "Here's a little sustenance, you accept it." The mother gave Alma some money.

"No need mother, I was given food, I'm really grateful"

"Just accept it! This is a sign of my gratitude to you"

"No need Auntie!"

But the mother forced Alma to take the money, even though it was not much. He put the money in Alma's bag. Because the money was already in the bag, Alma felt bad to return it. I'm afraid that if the mother thinks that she doesn't appreciate the gift, Alma is forced to accept it.