Some fictions inspired by true scenario in mainstream Indonesians life
“Actually, I was trying to sell out this dream over the counter. I am handing out my resigning letter today.”
Rapidly, her head lifted, where she stared at him in horror.
“Why?!”
“I am getting married. My wife does not allow me to work, because I have to care for the children, my parents and hers, plus I have to maintain the household.”
She looked at him, disapprovingly, “Well, someone can always find the balance, and work things out, no? It was just about time management. Have you talked to your future wife about possibilities?”
He sighed, taking a deep breathe. She could sense that he was about to cry. She had encounter this scenario, over and over again, but God, it was never getting any easier.
“I can’t. My future wife does not like it when I talk.”
Horror washed over her face, “What? How can you be married with someone you can not talk to?”
This time, he cried for real. It was as if everything suddenly, he is allowed to feel something, anything. To let them out. To be okay for not being okay.
“You would not understand.”
“How is so?”
“As a child, my mom always said that it was my duty for the family, to bring honor by marry well.”
“So, was it an arranged marriage?”
“No.”
“Then why do not you just run away?”
“Because,” he sighed deeply, as if the whole world’s burden was cast upon his shoulders, “I can’t.”
“Why not?!”
“I can not just run away, okay! I am fucking 30, and no woman ever wants me. I was always too ugly, too poor, too noisy, too much but also not enough. Mother found this woman who wanted me, and she insisted this woman would be a good match for a person who has been single for years. Besides, she came from a noble family.“
She rubbed her temple, frustrated, “I still do not get it.”
As if he had expected that response, he shot back, roaring, “Of course you would not have understand! You are a woman! No one will ever pressure you to do anything you do not want to, just because. You are FREE to be fucking everything you want, and be married anytime you want. OF COURSE YOU WOULD NOT UNDERSTAND.”
To that, he ran away.
She just watched at his disappearing back, unsure how to response. In the end, she just lifted her shoulders and muttered to herself, ‘marriage pressure or just in monthly cycle. Stupid man.’
As if the discussion never happened, she went back to her work, forgetting it occured at all.
Now, did you actually picture as you read, exactly as is written? Because in case you did not realize, it was him who had to undergo this disturbing scenario (at least to me).
Now imagine, how in reality, it is hers.
September 4, 2020
Some Attempt to Protest the Ignorance of the Society, Whilst Bearing Some Physical Pain. Also, Preparing Myself to Receive Backlash of Unpopularity for Saying This Deranging Truth Everyone Chose to Turned a Blind Eye Upon.
Prominent Queen est. 1995 