The Hundred Coin Clown(Agus Sanjaya) The Hundred Coin Clown

The illawari flowers started to fall, spreading on the road to Azuria Village. The red color makes the eyes not stop looking. It's like a red carpet for a famous model to walk on, only it stretches a lot longer. That beauty may not be felt by a poor husband and wife.

They only thought about the fate of the stomach, how to raise money to buy a bag of grain. Poverty must make both of them feel the pain in their tummies. It's an irony that the authorities never understand. The husband looked for some sweet potatoes that were still left in the yard of the house. He pulled it out and took it to be burned. Apparently the sweet potato was not sweet at all, bland like the life of the husband and wife. Even so they are still grateful, God still gives them sustenance and health.

They grow corn in other people's small fields. The system is renting land, in a month the two of them have to pay two gold coins. When the harvest is abundant, the husband and wife will be happy, but when the rats attack them, they will lose big and live in misery. The corn seeds they bought at a high price would be wasted. Meanwhile, land rental fees must still be paid. Of course the debt is piling up. Like the snow that keeps falling in winter.

***

"Teddy your face it's gloomy," said Erick.

"How can not be gloomy? We are suffering, man."

"Haha, I already know."

Teddy looked emotional. "What are you asking for?!"

"Calm down, man! Calm down!" said Erick, drinking his hot tea, Teddy's wife prepared the tea without sugar because it was expensive. "The taste is very sweet."

Teddy laughed heartily, Erick's sarcasm churns his stomach. He had never been this happy before, even though the pressures of life were torturing him. "My wife mixed it with forest honey."

"Am I stupid? Can you lie." Erick sighed.

"Are you actually here, to entertain or mock me?"

"I actually wanted to suggest you to Mr. Miller, he has extraordinary wealth. Don't you want to borrow money from him?" Teddy took Erick's words very seriously.

Mr. Miller seemed to be able to help Teddy get up. If Mr. wanted to lend him the money, then Teddy's debt would shrink a little. Then Teddy and his wife could live in peace.

Teddy followed suit. Erick suggested. Tomorrow before sunrise, he and Erick will go to Mr. Miller's house in a neighboring village. Namely Azalea Village. Mr. Miller's house is famous for being the most magnificent among the others. Understandably he is the owner of a lot of land in the village, it is good if his wealth is abundant.

***

After a tiring journey. Finally Teddy and Erick arrived at Mr. Miller's house. His home is like the palace of King Louis for generations. The ancient Roman style architecture is very pleasing to the eye.

"Hello sir, how can I help you?" asked a young woman in a special dress, presumably Mister Miller's servant.

"Excuse me madam, I am Erick and this is my friend named Teddy. Can we meet Mr Miller?"

"Mr. Miller is currently relaxing in his private pool. Let me see him!"

Erick immediately followed the woman into the house. Teddy, who was initially hesitant and shy, finally followed Erick and the waiter left. Their journey was quite long, Mr. Miller's private pool was deep inside. They had to go through several rooms, starting with the living room with it's beautiful fountain. Beyond the antiques, a living room that outsiders are not allowed to enter. The bathroom is covered in gems and diamonds. Basement with very long hallway, garden with ornamental plants imported from China and Japan. Then they arrived at the private pool.

The pool is filled with colorful lights. The stones and flowers that were there were imported from seven countries. You can imagine for yourself the wealth Mr. Miller has. Someone who is also the grandson of the conglomerate in Azalea Village, Mister Millan Cruise.

"What do you want to see me for?" asked Mr. Miller to the heart of the matter.

"I'm having financial difficulties. Would you like to help me?" asked Teddy hopefully.

"I knew it must be someone coming to me needing money. Now ask your friend to leave! I want to have a private word with you."

"Yes sir." After Erick left there, Mr. Miller immediately continued his speech. "How much do you need?"

"I need fifty gold coins, Master."

"That's too small for me, do you want me to pay a hundred gold coins?"

"Really sir?" asked Teddy in disbelief.

"Sure, if you want to cheer me up. I'll give you money for nothing," said Mr. Miller as he opened a chest filled with gold coins, like the chest that belonged to The Flying Dutchman in the legend of the haunted ship.

"Sure Sir, I'm ready to do anything!"

"Okay, now you have to take this banana with your mouth!" said Mr. Miller threw the banana on the ground, Teddy had to pick it up like a pet.

Mr. Miller chuckled, his new toy was really fun. When he was down because of his heart disease, Teddy's entertainment was like an injection of happiness. Mr. Miller seemed to be reborn into the world. His enthusiasm was burning again.

Next Mr. Miller asked Teddy to dress up like a clown. Then Teddy did a throwing and catching action with several balls, not only that Teddy also asked to shake. Teddy was really tired, but for money he would do anything. It was late afternoon. Teddy was allowed to go home, even Mr. Miller gave twenty gold coins. He promised to give the rest, if Teddy would come back tomorrow.

Teddy came home in a pitiful state, with sweat soaking his clothes, messy hair and a strong smell from being pelted with eggs. His wife is very compassionate with her husband's condition. "Are you coming back tomorrow?"

"Of course, this is for the sake of our lives. Now look at this! We have a lot of money," said Teddy showing a bag of gold coins he made today.

"But you are only made into a toy, I'm sad to see you like this!" his wife named Dessy whispered softly, not feeling the tears dripping from her eyes.

Teddy hugged his wife warmly, he tried to calm as best he could."Don't cry my beauty! I work like this also for you."

"Okay."

***

The next day Teddy returns to Mr. Miller's house. Before leaving he had eaten a lot, anticipating his very tiring work. But Teddy was very happy, he was happy to have that job. Even if only as an entertainment clown. Mr. Miller threaded a string of sausages into Teddy's back, then released his pet dog in pursuit. It was a great amusement for Mr. Miller, but for Teddy it was the most terrible punishment. The big German shepherd dog kept chasing him. If Teddy ever gets bitten, it's a really scary experience. Luckily Mr. Miller immediately asked his servant to catch the dog.

Teddy felt like he could breathe a sigh of relief. After the challenge, Teddy is now pelted with tomatoes. His face and clothes were now red and dirty. Then Teddy was pushed to fall into the swimming pool. "I can't laugh anymore," said Mr. Miller holding his cramped stomach. Tears of joy dripped. His heart was racing faster than usual, Mr. Miller's chest felt like it was constricting. He felt pain in his chest, maybe his heart disease recurred. A confused Teddy starts screaming for help. It's too late. Mr. Miller has died with great happiness at the end of his life. Although his behavior is very inhumane and crossing the line.

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