Live like Ice Cream

Up in class...

Everyone looked at me sarcastically. Whispers spread with various insults directed at me.

Just as I was sitting on the chair, someone pulled my chair. I fell down.

"HEI! APOLOGIZE PROPERLY TO TANIA! IT'S OKAY TO ACT LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED!"

Rosa, Tania's close friend snapped at me.

I didn't say anything. Again, another friend chimed in. "Apologize properly there. You're already in high school and you still don't want to admit your mistake. Just go back to kindergarten"

"Yes, all you have to do is apologize. Besides, if you're wrong, don't hit, it's really weird."

Bad remarks about me by my classmates filled the room. I was still silent. There was no one by my side, which made me feel scared.

Soon, the entrance bell rang. They returned to their seats, as the teacher had arrived.

During the lesson, I just daydreamed. I wanted to cry, but I held it in. I was sure God would reward them handsomely.

At the end of class, I apologized to Tania. Still, Tania didn't accept my apology.

"Never mind, I don't need your forgiveness. You're going to slap me again anyway, I just want to say, you should know yourself, Chi. Realize your position, don't cause any more trouble. Bye, I'm busy."

Tania and the others left me. At least I apologized. Everyone knows that. As for the rumors, let them dry up on their own. I took Heri's advice. All I needed to do was keep quiet. I'm no match for rich and powerful people like them.

After school, I met Mas Lana. As always, he always has a way of making my mood better. He bought me ice cream this time, and we enjoyed it in the park while talking about many things. He listened to my stories attentively. The longer I'm with him, the more comfortable I feel around him. His warm manner, his face beaming like the sun. I hope this little happiness can continue.

"Already, yes, tomorrow is another walk. Remember, I'm there if you need me. Don't keep it to yourself, okay?"

He smiled at me. As he reached into his pocket for the house key, other things fell out. I helped clean them up. Then I saw a pill bottle, I think it was medicine.

"What is this medicine?"

He was surprised, and immediately took the bottle in my hand.

"It's nothing."

He answered briefly. The look on his face turned tense. I knew she was hiding something.

"Are you sick?"

I asked again.

"No, never mind. I'm fine. That's it, I'm going in."

She opened the door to her house. Meanwhile, I was still curious about the mysterious pill bottle. What secrets was she hiding from me?

**

Lana's POV

After class in the afternoon, I intended to finish my assignment in my room. The scorching weather conditions had drained my energy. The traffic jam, plus air pollution from motor vehicle fumes made my chest even more tight. I had to go up and down the stairs every day in the flat. I grunted in annoyance,

"If only I didn't have this disease, I think I'd be fine climbing stairs without having to pant."

Arriving at my room, I forgot that I hadn't mopped the floor this morning. As a result, I cleaned the house first and then I could do the assignment so I could focus.

Before I finished mopping the floor, I suddenly felt pain in my chest. I had trouble breathing. Cold sweat broke out all over my body. I tried calling my uncle, and he answered my call.

"Hello? What do you need, son?"

"Uncle help me in my room."

Even with a choked voice due to breathing difficulties, he fortunately came to my rescue and took me to the nearest hospital for emergency treatment.

"Thank goodness you brought him here immediately. A little delay could have cost him his life."

Uncle Taufik was relieved. I was still lying on the hospital bed, just watching them talk. My condition was still weak.

"Since the patient had an abnormality from birth, mild heart attacks like this are common. We suggested some medication to prevent the recurrence of such a heart attack. Of course, he must also have regular check-ups at the hospital so that we can monitor his progress. Remind him not to overexert himself, if he's tired just rest. Forcing yourself will worsen your condition," the doctor explained at length.

Uncle Taufik nodded his head.

"In that case, please take the medicine at the pharmacy after her condition improves. Please excuse me."

The doctor left us.

"The doctor said you should be diligent in checking your health at the hospital. You're a big boy, I hope you understand that. And, what did you do earlier? You could have had a heart attack. It's a good thing uncle came, otherwise what would have happened?"

Uncle nagged me. I just kept quiet.

"Never mind. It's a good thing you're still alive. I don't want to blame your mother if you let your guard down again. Your mother will definitely be sad if she finds out about your condition. Do I need to tell your mother about this?"

I shook my head quickly. If my uncle told my mom about this, I'd be sent straight home and not allowed to go to college anymore.

"So be obedient. Don't push yourself too hard. Do everything regularly. If mopping the floor should be done in the morning, then you have to do it in the morning too. Followed by your sick condition. Take care of yourself next time. I'm warning you once again. If necessary, I'll set an alarm on your cell phone so you can take care of yourself more regularly."

Uncle tried to open my phone, but he couldn't because my phone had a password.

"No need, uncle. Thank you for helping me earlier. Please forgive my carelessness. I should have mopped the floor this morning so that I could rest comfortably right after class. I understand the stifling conditions of the city, and living on the top floor, it was the combination that caused me to have a mild heart attack. This is purely my fault." I said while looking down.

Uncle rubbed my head, then said, "Yes, next time don't repeat it, son. Your mother doesn't want to lose you, you're her only hope. After your father left, she was devastated. You must be a good and dutiful son to your mother. Don't disappoint her."

"Yes, uncle. I won't disappoint him again."

We went home after getting medicine from the hospital pharmacy. Uncle repeatedly reminded me when we arrived at the flat. I responded with a nod and a "yes" every time he spoke.

Time had passed, the orange sky signaled that the afternoon had arrived. Soon Chia will be home. I remembered the promise from this morning. I quickly finished mopping the floor, took a shower and prepared to meet her.

Before long, my cell phone rang. An incoming call from Chia.

"Hello? Are you busy? Did you remember your appointment this morning?" she asked.

"Yes, I'm ready. It's about to come out."

"Okay sis, wait for me. I want to change my clothes first because I just got out of school."

"Yes, ready princess."

The call was over. No sooner had I waited than there was a knock on the door. I saw a pretty, casual-looking girl in front of me.

"Let's go to the park, mas,"

She took my hand. For a moment, I forgot about the problem I had just experienced.

**

At the park, I bought her an ice cream after she finished telling me her story. Apparently, she had a sad life story. Being dumped by her friend, being in the middle of a domestic situation that was not okay, and also her escape to cigarettes and liquor to vent the pain in her heart. But she is still going strong today, still smiling and laughing. I feel sorry for her.

"You know, they say we should enjoy life like ice cream." I chuckled as she licked the ice with her tongue.

"Why is that?" he asked back.

"Life is like an ice cream, enjoy it before it melts. It means that we should enjoy life while we are still alive, be grateful for every moment of our lives. Making lessons so that we don't take the wrong steps in the future. If we don't enjoy it, there will be countless regrets."

"Hmmm... I see, yes. I don't know what to be grateful for. I think my life is already miserable, so what should I enjoy? I'm tired of enjoying endless sadness."

"Look at me."

I pressed my palms against his cheeks. We stared at each other.

"Aren't you grateful to meet me?" I asked.

"Umm... yes... I'm grateful. But, I think only you understand me. I don't have anyone here. Heri is also busy with her own world. He only helps when he wants to."[]