Free The Timor Man by Kerry B. Collison

struggling to find the correct words in his limited vocabulary.
    â€œ Perhaps you will have the opportunity to visit my kampung halaman ,” suggested the guru.
    â€œ Insja Allah ,” Allah permitting, Coleman responded flushing immediately he realised his mistake. He corrected his error with a suitable Christian equivalent and apologised to Albert for his error.
    â€œ Tidak apa apa, ” Albert declared, not wishing that Coleman suffer for his mistake.
    The two men walked together each contemplating his own future until the intrusion of the putrid seaweed smell forced their retreat to prepare for the school day.
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    That evening Coleman decided to visit Albert briefly, away from the school, to establish whether or not the teacher would be prepared to offer additional tuition. He believed that, with the assistance of one of the indigenous speakers, colloquial and idiomatic dialogue would be less difficult to deal with once he had completed the course and commenced his tour in Indonesia. The basic syllabus provided only a general introduction to idiomatic terminology as most graduates would, in fact, have little opportunity to actually visit or work in Indonesia. Consequently, those who were fortunate to receive overseas postings would discover to their chagrin, upon arrival in the target language countries, that they would have considerable difficulty with the day-to-day communication.
    As he approached the well-kept married quarters, Stephen noticed Albert sitting outside his terraced accommodations. Mary remained inside, apparently preparing the evening meal.
    â€œ Selamat sore, Pak Seda ,” Coleman called, pleased with the opportunity to approach the instructor outdoors.
    Albert had not seen the young man coming. In fact, he had not been conscious of anything much for the past hour. Startled, he jumped up and prepared to escape from the intruder before recognizing the student on his way up the path. He quickly buried the letter deep into his baggy trousers pocket, then waved, beckoning for Coleman to approach, composing himself as best he could considering the weight of the communique hidden in his trousers.
    â€œ Selamat datang, Mas Koesman. Silahkan masuk .”
    Coleman hesitated, surprised at the initial reaction he had witnessed, then proceeded to address his teacher. “ Maaf mengganggu, Pak ,” he apologised.
    â€œ Come in, come in ,” Seda repeated opening the front door to his bungalow. They entered together. Coleman waited in the guest room while Seda disappeared momentarily, returning with his wife.
    â€œ Selamat sore Njonja Seda, ” Coleman extended his hand to the short homely-faced woman. Her hair was dull red and her skin showed signs of a harsh childhood, perhaps on a farm, the guest concluded.
    â€œSorry, I do not speak much Indonesian. I leave that to Albert,” she explained.
    Coleman was amused that Mary showed another of the country’s characteristics. Foreign languages were something never spoken and rude if used by others in front of real Aussies!
    They sat, talked, and drank strong black coffee. Coleman politely refused the offer to stay for dinner, returning to his room to study. The brief discussion had been rewarding. Seda had agreed to provide the additional instruction Coleman had solicited. Payment had been offered and brushed aside. A schedule was established and both had parted feeling pleased with the arrangements. Seda was particularly pleased that he had been asked. Coleman was delighted that the senior guru was personally committed to assisting with the extra-curriculum instruction. Later, as he lay awake, his mind recounted the two meetings with the Timorese that day. Albert’s earlier over reaction to being startled now caused Coleman to smile as he recalled the scene as the instructor’s behaviour had been almost comical.
    Albert Seda also lay awake anxiously contemplating the letter from his brother Nathan. Sleep was