Events in Lana's Hometown

The train ride took half a day, or about 12 hours. I booked Chia a business class train ticket because she didn't want to be in the executive class. She was already comfortable with business class trains because every time she traveled to Bandung with her mother, she used that type of train.

I waited all day with my heart in turmoil. My mom was also waiting for Chia's arrival when I told her a bit about her. I guarded the shop with a happy heart.

I hope she's doing well. Take care on the road, beautiful. I'm sure you'll want to tell me something hard again, right? I'll always listen to your stories and calm you down when you're having a hard time. Cheer up my little fairy.

I prayed silently.

4.20 am.

Chia finally arrived at the station. I looked for her, but she found me first.

"Mas Lana!" Chia shouted while waving her hands.

I quickly approached the source of the voice, I saw her wearing her black hoodie while carrying a medium-sized bag and a red suitcase. His smile widened as I approached him.

"Welcome to my hometown, tough lady." I said as I helped her carry her bags and luggage.

***

I called Lana while I was eating out alone. Mom gave me the freedom to go anywhere as long as I got permission and it wasn't far from where grandma lived. Luckily, I found a Minang restaurant nearby. I ordered my favorite nasi padang chicken curry. While waiting for the food to arrive, the phone finally connected. I told her that I wanted to meet her and tell her a lot of things that I had experienced here. Unfortunately, she couldn't because her mother still wanted her to stay there until the vacation ended. Well, I can understand that. Lana must also feel at home there, especially since her family seems to be a fir family. Of course staying at home with her family would make her happy. Suddenly, I heard a soft female voice reprimanding Lana. Apparently, the woman's voice was her mother. Lana's conversation with her mom made me giggle. Their relationship is very good, I think. I could feel their warmth and emotional closeness even over the phone.

"I'm glad to see you. I'm glad you arrived safely," said Lana with a big smile.

"Me too. Where are we going?"

"Go to the house first. I'll introduce you to mom."

My cheeks were suddenly red. I imagined the awkward situation that would ensue. Noticing the change in my face, Lana calmed me down.

"Take it easy, my mom isn't fierce. Besides, she seems happy that I brought a girl home. Since this is the first time, I hope you'll be happy when I introduce you to my mom."

I looked at her intently.

"Where is his father?" I asked innocently.

"My father passed away three years ago. Right when I had just entered college."

"Uh, sorry... I didn't mean to"

"It's okay. I'm just glad you asked about me."

I didn't say anything... there was a bit of guilt that I was bringing up sad memories for her.

"Let's go up."

He told me to get into the white Avanza. I got in and sat next to him. He helped me fasten my seatbelt. It was quiet for a while. Not long after, Lana told me about her life.

"My father died when he was about to pick me up from the hospital. He had just gotten home from work. The road was slippery from the rain, and a truck drove into my father's car. The media said the truck lost control due to a brake failure. My father died in that terrible situation."

He paused for a moment, then resumed his story.

"At that time, my mother was devastated. She cried hysterically, unable to accept the fact that my father had left us forever. In the midst of her emotions, she vented her anger at me. If only he hadn't picked me up that day, he would still be with us. It was all my fault for asking to be picked up at the hospital, even though my mother should have offered me an online motorcycle taxi, but I refused. I wanted to be picked up by my father, but instead I ended up never seeing him again."

I saw her eyes start to tear up. I held her hand. Trying to calm her down.

"That's it, mas. I'm sure your father was a good man. I'm sure he's at peace there, if he sees you crying, his father will be sad too."

"Yes, perhaps you are right. There's no point in crying over things that have already happened. After all, fate cannot be changed. I just need to live my current life with mom and you. Right?"

Lana wiped away her tears, giving me a faint smile.

"Uhmm... yes... I guess so..." I replied shyly.

I looked around the street. There were many ancient buildings lining the city. Not only that, there were a few times I saw small children busking at the crossroads.

What a pity for them. I think I would have been like them too if my mother hadn't sent me to school. Becoming a busker like Randi, or starting a career as a middle school singer like Ina. They have supported themselves.

Just as I was thinking about my friends back home, Lana broke my reverie.

"Chia. What are you daydreaming about?"

"Uh.. so.. that's really, nothing."

"Hmm... What do you want to talk about? Yesterday you said you wanted to tell me many things."

"Oh yeah, that..." I finally told him what happened there. He listened to me while driving the car.

"Finally, an agreement has been made. Mom and Dad will file the divorce papers soon."

"Well, that means you won't hear them fighting anymore, right?"

"Yes. But that's not what I want. They never fought before either. Is separating the best reason? Why not just stay and make things right?"

"Chia, adult affairs are not that easy. Sometimes, there are some things that can no longer be forced. Especially when it comes to the heart. Fixing things that have already been broken and still wearing them? It's impossible to go back to the way it was. Holding on hurts too much, so it's better to let go."

I pondered. Yes. I knew that too, but I guess it's still hard for me to accept this fact.

"It's okay, take your time. You'll be able to reconcile over time. Trust me."

Suddenly I remembered his story earlier, what was he in the hospital for?

"Oh yes, mas I can ask you a question right?"

"Yes, please. What do you want to ask?"

"Do you go to the hospital often?"

"Yes, quite often."

"Why?"

"Just control your health."

"What's wrong with you?"

Silence. She did not answer my question. I asked again.

"Mas?"

"Uh, here we are. I can't wait to show you to my mom. Let's go down."

He got out of the car. Picking up my suitcase that was in the trunk. Meanwhile, he hadn't answered my question earlier, making me feel even more annoyed. Why did he seem to be hiding something from me? Was he uncomfortable if he told me his problems? Thousands of questions were present in my head. I felt uneasy because he didn't want to tell me what happened to him.

**

Lana POV

I finally told her a little story about the past. It was difficult, remembering the painful memories of my father's death. I still remember his smile, his laughter, and the advice he gave me back then. Puddles of water began to well up in my eyes. My voice trembled as I spoke. Chia seemed to see me, and then her hand touched mine, and she said something soothing to me. And I think that sentence was enough to make my heart no longer troubled.

We didn't talk for a while.

Before long, I remembered the problem she was about to tell me about.

Apparently Chia's parents are getting a divorce. I was saddened to hear that. How could I not? Divorce is not something that is easily accepted by all children. Everyone wants a happy family life. But, some people aren't lucky enough to have that. True love, a simple but meaningful thing for humans.

Chia hated that decision. She wanted things to be the way they were, when they were happy together. She couldn't accept that her mom and dad had to separate. She wanted them to make up and correct their mistakes immediately.

I explained to her that there are indeed some things that can no longer be maintained, it is better to let go.

She was silent. Then when we were close to home, she asked me about my illness. Again, I kept this a secret from her.

Poor Chia, I don't want her to worry because of me. []