Secrets Revealed

Mom greeted us with a big smile.

"Hello sweet boy, is this Chia?"

"Yes, aunty. I am Chia."

"Chia, this is my mom. You can call her Tante Bina," I said. Chia nodded with a friendly smile.

"Duh, how beautiful my future daughter-in-law is. More beautiful than in the photo."

"Uh... no, tan... " Chia blushed.

"Yes, it is more beautiful. I'm glad to see you. Let's go inside, I've prepared breakfast for you."

We entered the house. I put Chia's bags and luggage in the living room. Chia and I had breakfast together in the dining room, while mom went to the market alone.

I watched as Chia spooned rice into her mouth, her right hand clutching my mother's special fried chicken.

"How is it? Is it good?" I asked for confirmation.

Chia nodded firmly. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's okay to eat a lot. Mom prepared good food while you're here."

"Eh? I feel so uncomfortable. I must be troublesome."

"No, it's all a special meal for you. My mom is happy to take care of you here. I'm also happy to have you visit."

She chewed her food while looking at me.

"Already, just finish it. We'll wash the dishes together soon."

He nodded in agreement.

After eating and washing the dishes, I took a shower. Chia followed afterward. I went back to my room, tidying up the books scattered on the bed. Then, I continued sweeping the yard and feeding the chickens. Chia appeared, surprising me from behind.

"HWA!"

"Oh my god!!!"

Chia giggled at my shocked reaction. I tickled her back. We laughed together.

"There are no mountains or beaches here? I want to go there..." said Chia.

I thought for a moment.

"There is. Let's go there tomorrow. But let's go to the beach first. Maybe the day after tomorrow we can go to the mountains."

Chia cheered happily. We had finally spent a day together. At night, she slept with mom. I was happy to spend time with her.

The next morning, while Chia was taking a bath, I chatted with mom.

"Chia is a good girl. I would be happy if she became my daughter-in-law." Mom said as she sprinkled chicken feed.

"Yes, I hope so too. But he's still in high school. I'm about to graduate from college. Is it okay then?"

"No problem. You and she are of legal age. The important thing is not to disappoint her. Just watch out if your son hurts a woman's heart. I will curse you!"

"Hahaha... Yes, yes. I won't do anything like that, mom. By the way, can I go to the mountain tomorrow? Chia will be happy if she climbs with me."

The atmosphere was suddenly quiet. Mom didn't say a single word.

"Mom?"

"No way."

"Why? Haven't I only climbed a mountain once?"

"But I'm worried about your illness, son. You're not strong."

"I promise mom, just once. I'm sure I'll come home safely."

Mom stared for a while, then turned her gaze away from me.

"Okay, just this once."

In the afternoon, I went with Chia to watch the sunset at the beach. I think that was the moment I felt the happiest.

**

Chia POV

The beautiful view of the beach made me want to dance there immediately. I squealed with joy in my heart. As soon as I got off Mas Lana's motorcycle, I immediately walked along the stretch of white sand. I approached the coastline, then I observed the various animals that lived around the reef.

"Chia!" Mas Lana's shout echoed from the corner of my eye. I waved at him.

She ran over to me.

We played on the beach until sunset. Witnessing that scene was a meaningful experience for me.

It was getting dark. The moon was showing its face. It was time for us to go home.

"I'm really happy to be traveling with you, hehe. We're going to the top tomorrow, right?" my eyes lit up.

"So. Tomorrow we'll leave in the afternoon. In the afternoon we can see the sunset. The day after tomorrow we can see the sunrise."

We arrived home. Tante Bina had made us some roasted rice to enjoy. I helped wash the dishes after eating. We talked together while watching TV in the living room. This was the atmosphere I had always wanted. I wanted to stay here like this forever...

**

We left at 2pm. All the equipment was ready. I was carried by Mas Lana on his motorcycle, while chatting on the way. Before we knew it, we had reached the climbing location.

Initially, the journey was still safe. We and the group climbed together. But, not long after that we were left behind because Mas Lana asked to rest for a while. The group continued on their way, while I accompanied Mas Lana who was sitting on the edge of a tree. I think she seemed to be having trouble climbing the mountain, her breathing was labored. She repeatedly held her chest. Was she sick?

"Mas, are you sure this is still going on? It's okay, if we just go down to post 3."

I'm worried. Seeing her current condition, I think it's better if we don't continue our journey.

"Already, I'm fine. Don't worry, we'll make it to the top no matter what."

10 minutes passed. Finally, we continued our journey.

Still halfway through the trip. I was already breathing heavily. I looked behind me, and Mas Lana was pale. His breathing is getting weaker.

I was getting panicky.

"Mas! Mas!" I tried to shake her body. She was still limp.

"HELP!!! ANYONE, HELP US!!!"

Still, the situation at that time was quiet. I didn't see any hikers crossing the road. I kept shouting for help.

"Please, please..." a cry echoed in a trembling voice. I didn't know anymore.

***

My shout was heard by a group of other hikers. They helped us to the nearest post. Mas Lana was carried along by the group of people.

I was really scared. The old man guarding the post immediately helped us.

"Get me some aspirin. I'm sure she has it in her bag. Hurry up!"

I rummaged through the bag. I found a rather large pouch filled with medicines. I read through the unfamiliar medicines one by one, and finally found the medicine in question.

The old man immediately grabbed the medicine bottle I was holding, opened it and told Mas to chew the medicine. Mas weakly tried to chew the medicine. When he was done, he drank a bottle of mineral water.

"Son, if you're not strong, don't push it. Already, you go home. I happen to have an acquaintance to pick up climbers like you to return to post 1." The old man said while looking at us with pity.

I was pensive for a long time. The old man was right. We had to go back, before Mas Lana's condition worsened. Finally accepting the old man's offer, we returned to post 1 using a jeep owned by an acquaintance of the old man. Mas Lana's body was still weak. Even though her breathing had returned to normal again, it still could not be said to have fully recovered.

"Mas, you don't have to force yourself like that. I'm so sad that it's like this. Why didn't you tell me that you have a history of heart disease?"

I cried in front of her. She was stunned after hearing me say that. My guess was right.

I sobbed even more.

"What if I can't see Mas anymore? I don't want to lose you..." my voice was soft and sobbing.

"Sorry..." that one word came out of her mouth. She was silent until we returned home.

**

Author POV

Lana was no longer allowed to go out. Instead, she was told to go to the doctor for immediate control. Chia accompanied her. The doctor said that Lana's illness was getting worse. She had to prepare for surgery for about 2 months. They were separated for a while.

"Sorry, we have to part ways. But it won't be long, just pray that after this I recover. I promise, after I recover we'll eat your favorite brownies together."

"Promise?"

"Promise. I won't make you wait long. I'm sorry I've been hiding this from you. I just didn't want you to share in my pain."

Lana looked down. Chia hugged her tightly. Slowly, tears fell down Lana's shirt.

"Never mind, no problem. Next time, don't hide anything anymore. I'd be sad if I knew you also have problems that are heavier than mine. We will face our problems together, so there are no secrets between us. Promise?"

"Yes, I promise. Thank you, Chia. I love you."

It was Chia and Lana's last moment in the hospital. Unbeknownst to them, fate is cruelly crashing into their lives.[]