Ballad Inmates
Ballad Inmates (Part 17)

By Dalem Tehang

suddenly the officer arrived. He opened the door to the room. Accompanied by Gustav, the head of the prisoner block. We all hurried back to our respective places. As if nothing had happened.

“Bang Mario, brother's cigarette how many packs?” ask Gustav to me who is still standing.

“There are three packs. What's the matter, Gustav?” sahutku.

Gustav looked at the attendant who was with him into the room. The officer took out three packs of cigarettes. Gustav handed it to me.

“This what does it mean?” my many. Still with annoyance.

“So my brother's cigarette was taken by the razia time officer, this was returned,” Gustav said.

“If you want to go back, have us all dong, Gustav. I don't want to accept that I'm the only one behind,” I said. Assertively.   

Gustav stared at the officer with him. For a moment they were silent. Only then inching. Get out of the room without saying anything.

“You should have received that, Mario. If this is the way, there will be problems,” said Aris. With a fretful voice.

“Let all problems arise, Aris. It's takin. Let's see which way. I'm ready for whatever happens,” I said solemnly.

Edi approached me. Take out a cigarette from the fold of his shorts. It was stuck and almost broke the cigarette. It was given and given to me. I smoked the cigarettes Edi gave me. I tried to lower my anger through the puff of smoke rolling from my mouth.  

“Sorry disturb. Please tell each how many cigarettes that had been to the officer who raided,” suddenly a tamping man stood up from behind an iron trellis while carrying a paper and pen. 

“Don't say laugh yes. But they were brought. Exactly deprived,” I said. With high notes.

“Iya, um. Sorry, I was wrong to say,” said the tamping while bowing his body. 

Edi was still sitting at my place. I'm tearing down. While enjoying the cigarette. Trying to bring down a sudden surge of anger is difficult to control.

“Slow, Mario. Prison is a hard world. Even rude. But don't make us rude humans either. Give up on winning,” says Edi. Exhorting. 

“I understand that. But if it's too much, I'll fight it. Officers can't do it. There are rules they must follow as well. Like us, must obey the same rules,” I said.

A moment later the door of the room opened. A tamping asked Edi to the guard post. Edi hurriedly moved.    

It wasn't until 15 minutes, that Edi was back. He holds a plastic bag. Contains 18 packs of cigarettes that the officer had taken. Ijal distribute cigarettes according to who the owner is. 

“Thanks, Mario. Only once this cigarette seized by the officer can be returned,” said Edi while looking at me. I just give a thumbs up.

Suddenly Doni approached me. I was still lying down, reflexively moving my right leg tight. Stripped his face. Doni's body was slammed. Fall downstairs. Joko hugged me. Stopping my efforts to wake up. 

Doni limped, tried to get up. Arya and Tomy. Aris and Asnawi are surrounding me. Sitting on my right left. Watch me.

“Sorry, Mario. I want to apologize to you. Not want anything,” said Doni while wiping the blood that poured from the corner of his lips. Hit by my foot reflex. 

I just kept quiet. Joko who was hugging me, let go. I sit. I looked at Doni's face. His forehead turned blue and there were still traces of blood as a result of being smashed by Asnawi into the wall. Her lips broke because of my foot. 

Edi gestured for Doni to greet me. While enduring the pain, he inched. Come close. Saluted me. I received his hand.

He brought his body closer. Wanna hug me. I refuse. Enough shaking. There is still anger in my heart. In addition to my self-care instincts, it signals me to stay alert. Life in prison is full of unexpected things.

Aris patted my shoulder. I wish I was patient. I know, patience is very necessary to live in the cell, but it does not have to lose decisiveness. Because patience is choosing the most appropriate time to act. (connect)