The Game Of Death

Working Hard

After a long rest, Ernest was finally able to return to work with Hellen. Today, customers are very deserted. That made Ernest less excited about his work today. Hellen noticed Ernest was less than eager to get close to him.

"Ernest, what are you thinking? You don't seem very excited today. Is there another problem?" asked Hellen attentively.

"Hellen, since when have you been here?" asked Ernest after he woke up from his daydream.

"A while ago, there was another problem with your father. You seem less excited, unlike usual," asked Hellen again.

" Ah, no. I'm just paying attention to the customers," Ernest replied Ernest.

"The customer is quite deserted today. Are you thinking about it?" asked Hellen to Ernest.

"Right, I'm worried if my income can't pay for all the needs of the house and everything. The reason is, you know what my father is like. His words cannot be held," explained Ernest.

"I might be able to help you pay for some of it, Er. Even if you need it the most," said Hellen who was immediately rejected by Ernest.

"No, Hellen. I owe you enough. I don't want to trouble you. Just find me an extra job so I can pay for everything. I don't want to keep you, Hellen. I know your intentions are good, but I can't if I keep doing it," said Ernest.

"I understand how you feel, Er. I'll try to find it for you. So, don't make it a burden on your mind. You'll be sick, now cheer up. Hopefully tomorrow, customers come more!" said Hellen trying to cheer Ernest.

"All right, thank you, Hellen! You know how I feel," said Ernest.

That day, Ernest and Hellen worked until nightfall as usual. His work is open every afternoon till night. So, tomorrow morning he can rest well enough. At 10 p.m., Ernest walked home. He's quite tired of today's work even though not many people come.

"Huft ... a long day, working till night, sometimes I feel like the world is ignoring me too much," Ernest sang on the way to his home.

Even Ernest didn't feel finally got in front of his house. He also pressed the doorbell. His father came with a hasty step. When he opened the door, his face looked very happy.

"Welcome my dear boy!" said the father with a happy face.

"Daddy? Why are you not sleeping?" asked Ernest in wonder.

"I'm worried about you. Come in, did you eat?" asked the father attentively. Ernest felt unusual about his father's treatment, but he was grateful for it. The sign is, maybe his father changed.

"I haven't eaten yet, Dad. My God, why are you waiting for me? I usually go home, you're already asleep," Ernest said feeling bad.

"I'm trying to be a good father to you. Is it wrong if I try to, Ernest?" Lewis asked sadly.

"No, Dad. I'm glad you changed. I'll sleep after I eat," Ernest replied.

"Dad will accompany you. What do you want to eat? Do you want warm soup? Or fried rice? Instant noodles?" Lewis asked repeatedly.

"Don't bother, Dad. Are you cooking today? I'll eat your cook today," Ernest said.

"I cooked soup tofu today. I'll warm it up first if you want, wait a minute!" said Ernest's father excitedly.

Ernest smiled at his father's change. He didn't think that his father's words had changed. He hoped that his father would have no ill will for this. Despite all the debt he's owed everywhere, his little attention is pleasing to those who tired Ernest today.

After a long wait, the father finally returned with the tofu soup and a bowl of rice. It's simple, but it feels good to see his father who he's been missing for a long time come back again.

"Here, eat it. I'm sorry if there's only soup tofu today. I'll make good food for tomorrow, I promise!" Lewis said while serving the bowl of food to Ernest.

"I told you it was okay, Dad. I ate first! Thank you for the food!" said Ernest then devoured the food.

Lewis was watching his son closely. It's been a long time since he noticed his son. He abandoned his son a lot for his selfishness. He promised to be a good father to Ernest after this.

"What about your job today? Was the cafe crowded?" Lewis asked looking for a topic of conversation.

Ernest looked up and smiled at his father. He also shook his head, "No, Dad. The cafe is getting quiet. But, I will try hard to make extra money. I will work harder," Ernest replied confidently.

"No problem. I'll also work from tomorrow. I don't want you to be tired alone. You need a lot of rest. Now, eat a lot. After that sleep, you have to love your body too," Lewis said taking good care of Ernest.

"Did you get a new job? Where did you work tomorrow?" Ernest asked enthusiastically.

"There is. But, I make sure it's not a gamble. I'll make sure we live happily after this. Trust me," Lewis convinced Ernest.

Ernest felt suspicious, but a moment later he nodded and smiled. Hopefully, his father will no longer lie to him. He was very tired of all his conduct.

"All right, I'll trust you. I'm done eating, I'll take care of it and fall asleep," Ernest said, and went from his seat to bring the dishwasher to wash.

"No need to wash it. Just stack it there, tomorrow let me wash it. Get some rest, it's late!" said Lewis.

"All right, then good night dad. You also sleep, okay? Don't stay up late, pity your old body!" Ernest reminded.

"Of course, good night, my son! Rest well!" Lewis said, and they parted ways to each other's rooms. That night, was a night of questioning for Ernest. He felt happy but full of suspicion because suddenly his father was very kind and attentive. Just like before dad got to know to gamble and got drunk. Ernest was so grateful, he hoped that his father would be like that forever and never lie to him again.