Misunderstand

"I really can't stand your misbehavior, Rafael. Rafael... you know how hard work as a single parent has been? Especially since I've been having a hard time making money lately. You know that, right, Rafael? "

"I understand, Dad. That's why I never asked dad for pocket money again, right?!" interjected Rafael in a voice that was already shaking.

"Then, if you understand why you are still involved in a brawl between students, huh?!" Mr. Reno shouted again. His body fell and was now sitting on the steps in front of the cafe. Mr. Reno massaged his temples who were dizzy thinking about Rafael.

"I've worked hard, El. Leave in the morning, come home late at night. Take care of this and that, look for debts here and there for your school fees and your sister. You know how tired I am, Rafael?"

Rafael nodded and answered quietly.

"Yes, Dad. I already know if you're having a hard time with money."

"But, why are you adding to our problems, Rafael?! I don't know how to educate you anymore so that you obey, Rafael!!"

Mr. Reno's loud shout made Rafael gasp and Rafael's chest felt like it was burning. Very ill. Rafael's breathing had been irregular since the fight earlier. But, Rafael tried to stay afloat and awake.

"That's why dad ... I told you it was just a misunderstanding." Rafael spoke softly.

Rafael wants to tell the truth, but Rafael is afraid that his parents will be belittled again by his friend's family like before, if his parents go to Gaida's house to seek revenge. And if that happened, Rafael's friendship with Gaida would really end. Rafael thought of all the possibilities.

"What? Misunderstood you say?!"

"Yes, Daddy. This is all just a misunderstanding," said Rafael. Keep repeating the same sentence without daring to tell what really happened.

"You said something like this misunderstood?!" While saying this, Mr. Reno gripped Rafael's jaw to take a closer look at Rafael's battered face.

"You think we didn't know all this time, huh?! Your uniform is often stained with blood and dirty. Your grades are still often below average. And you often hang out incoherently every time you come home from school! We understand that because we feel you are still small and deep a period of self-discovery. But now! You're about to advance to second grade, Rafael! If you don't go up, I'm not sure I can see you graduate any faster!"

Mr. Reno shouted back. His annoyance at fate, and his concern for the education of his two children made Mr. Reno vent all his worries on Rafael, his favorite eldest son.

Mr. Reno wants to see Rafael become a student he can be proud of and graduate with good grades. If Rafael is always naughty like this, Mr. Reno is afraid that his son will stay in class. And Mr. Reno will not see his son become successful according to Mr. Reno's dream.

"But ... I already intend to change, Daddy. Should, Daddy supported me by believing my words," Rafael whispered.

To be continued ....