A Waving Red Flag_ by: Anita Galuh
“We had joy, we had fun. We had season in the sun…”
What can I say now? Standing here, on the 11th sector of Sepang International Circuit, I can’t say anything. I just remember Marco, my best friend.
He was so crazy. He was cheerful and humorous. And…he was my best friend. He liked race and he liked me, so much. He liked spaghetti and pasta, and some other Italian food. And…he was my best friend. Once, he came to my paddock to say good luck for our race. “Vale, you’re such a king on the circuit. Let’s do this, My Doctor.” I didn’t understand why he called me ‘My Doctor’, but he always called me with that meaningful name. I wish he was here by side, now, smiling and making a bet again here.
“Marco, what do you want to do in the end of this season?”
“Many things.”
“What? Spending your time and having some pasta on my private boat?”
“Cool… I’ll put it on my bucket list.” He laughed loudly.
“Oh…God. Finally, you will die. Ha?” I tapped his shoulder.
“Almost of our friends hope this. Perhaps you do the same.”
“What kinda crazy boy you are. You have to clean my boat before you die, Super Sic.”
“And before you ask me to clean your damn luxurious boat you have to fight me in this race, My Old Doctor.” He mocked me by behaving like an old rooster.
“Hey! I’m not too old, Sick Boy. I’ll bring my tenth title on you.”
Damn! Was I too old to ride my motor bike? That crazy young man always mocked me as an old rooster which was impotent. Yes. He said I had been impotent because I could not lay an egg anymore. Was he too stupid for science? Hey, a rooster cannot lay an egg.
As usual, the damn hot temperature covered Sepang at that time. My conversation with Marco continued. It was a kind of foolishness for us.
“I never understand why the temperature here very hot.” He moved closer to the fan.
“You have to know why. Do you want to know, Sick Boy?”
“Why?”
“Because I’m hot.” I said innocently.
“You? With skinny and bony anatomy?”
“Come on, Boy. Stop mocking me. It doesn’t make sense.”
“I learn from you, My Doctor.”
“Me?”
“Yes.” He nodded his head. “You will be hot if you’re not impotent.”
“I’ll show you my power, Kid.”
I threw a bottle of mineral water to Marco. He caught and opened the cap, then drank like a thirsty camel. I stared at him and thought that he will be the next bueno Italiano. I miss this moment, having a crazy and silly joke with him in my paddock before race. I want to feel the togetherness again, even though a few minutes.
The temperature was still hot this afternoon. Marco went back to his paddock to prepare for the race. It was only thirty minutes to warm up lap. I prepared myself. Standing near the fan, I put on my light green gloves. My crews were busy at that time, checking the setting of my bike.
…….(to be continued)
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