Chapter 3 — Two Slices of Cake (Numb in an Anonymous Embrace)

Six months had passed since Mother’s death. I was still sixteen, while Ara was turning thirty-one. Every time she left for work or came home, she always wore a faint smile. However, the sparkle in her eyes couldn't lie—how deeply she missed Mother. And Father too.

“Father and Mother are in heaven, and it’s Ara’s birthday.” Ara gripped my hand tightly. “I hope they are at peace there.”

The sun climbed higher over the equator, sending a beam of light through the window. Drawing back the curtains, my smile widened as I watched the sparrows. Ara lit a small candle. As we sat on the floor, a cheer broke out when the candle was blown out along with the sadness.

Two slices of cake were served in front of Mother’s and Father’s photos. Ara ate her cake slowly. My fingers pulled at the gift I had decorated all night. Afraid of being caught, I had hidden it under the tablecloth.

“For you, Sis.”

A sliver of a smile appeared on her face. My own smile tickled as her hand reached for the gift. A single thread was pulled, and the wrapping fell away. Her eyes sparkled as she observed the gold-embossed paper.

It was a graduation photo, with the whole family together. It was labeled "Best Big Sister!". I had edited that photo, remembering that we didn't have a picture of all of us together. Besides, Father and Mother had been unable to attend her graduation.

A small chuckle escaped Ara’s lips, wiping away the tears that had briefly traced my cheeks. Hugs were shared, and the top of my head was stroked. Releasing the embrace, Ara spooned some cake onto my plate.

“You have to eat a lot, kiddo. To stay strong.”

I adjusted my seat and smiled brightly. At the very least, if not for myself, I had to live for my sister, right?

“How is it at the hospital, Sis?” I asked to start a conversation. My lips were busy chewing the colorful cake, though no flavor registered on my tongue.

Ara’s eyebrows arched as if she were trying to remember. “It’s alright. There’s a PTSD patient—she feels like her child hasn't died yet. I’m happy I can help.”

“Is she cured?”

“Not yet. But slowly.”

I mused for a moment, my gaze falling on the bottle of dark coffee next to her. It was full.

“Sis… how much of Father and Mother’s debt is left?”

A long silence followed. It turned out my question invited an affectionate ruffle of my bangs. Her snaggletooth showed as she gave a toothy grin.

“Just focus on your studies. Don't think about it.”

“Hm. Just asking. Since you’re the one paying.” A thin smile was plastered on my face. Ara laughed.

“How much, Sis?”

Instead of answering, Ara stood up and grabbed a scout hat. Without permission, the hat was placed haphazardly on my head.

“Ah, Ara!” I protested with a ticklish laugh.

A flurry of kisses landed on my cheeks, followed by gentle pinches that made me squirm. Ara grinned while tying her hair. Mischievously, I gave her ponytail a soft tug.

“I’m heading to the hospital now. Go visit Mrs. Dewi and give her my regards,” she said, shouldering a large black bag. “Bring a dessert box for Orion too.”

After tying her shoelaces, she went out. As I arranged the lunch box and dessert box on the table, Ara looked back from the doorway.

“Don’t forget to lock the house.”

I gave a toothy grin. I really am forgetful; I tucked the dessert box into my bag.

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The wind blew, embracing the cold. It teased the sun, which was shy about showing itself, while the moon waited behind the clouds—preventing the rain from falling to earth.

I ran. Fully equipped with gloves and a shawl, looking like I was ready for battle. My shoes climbed the wet grass toward Mr. Orion’s house, which was filled with goats and cows.

“Mrs. Dewi, I’m out of breath,” I complained, approaching Mr. Orion’s mother, who was sitting in a wheelchair next to a flower-decorated table. She was busy decorating a bag with dried leaves.

My knees were sore. All along the way, weeds had stuck to my jacket. I brushed them off with my fingers as my breath was carried away by the wind.

Mrs. Dewi welcomed me with a hug. A crescent moon curve graced her face, causing my "cat whiskers" smile to bloom.

“Oh right, Ma'am….” I handed over the drawstring bag containing the dessert box. Her eyes narrowed, followed by sweet dimples in her cheeks as she accepted the gift.

“It’s Ara’s birthday. She sends her regards to you and Mr. Orion.”

“Ah, don't go to any trouble, dear. Sit, sit here,” Mrs. Dewi replied, inviting me to sit next to her.

Nodding, I sat down while observing the surroundings.

“Where is Mr. Orion, Ma'am?” I asked after seeing no sign of him.

“Orion is looking for cow feed.”

“Oh.”

My breath continued to puff out. It felt like my teeth were about to chatter. Rubbing my hands together, I looked around. Watching the cows and goats happily devouring the tall grass.

I was amazed by the neatly arranged yard. Especially since Mr. Orion works as a teacher and competition coach. How does he manage his time?

“Ma'am… what kind of person is Mr. Orion, really?” I asked curiously.

Mrs. Dewi smiled. Her fingers wove flower petals onto the outside of the bag. I helped tidy them up.

“Orion is tough. He might look soft on the outside. But his heart is formed from stone. He never gives up. He is also skilled at hiding his feelings.”

I fell silent, staring at the fallen flower petals. Truly, he is just like Ara.

“Oh, right... Orion also left something for Ara,” Mrs. Dewi’s words snapped me out of my daydream. Her hand touched a neatly wrapped box on the table.

A sticky note was firmly attached to the box. The cursive handwriting caught my attention: ‘For Ara, Dessert box, Happy Birthday.’

The amber sun shifted my attention. Checking the time on my phone screen: six-thirty. I said my goodbyes.

“Ma'am, sorry. I can't stay with you any longer. I have to go to school. Need to catch the bus.”

Mrs. Dewi smiled understandingly, followed by a gentle stroke on the top of my head.

“Come visit often, and bring your sister too. I think of you both as my own children.”

Hugs were exchanged. I closed my eyes tightly in her embrace, soaking in the motherly love I missed so much.

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Running. Opening a book. Running again. It felt like twenty-four hours in a day wasn't enough.

The bell rang loudly. My pen ran out of ink just as I was writing a sentence on the exam paper. Just a little more. Before I could finish, my paper was taken by the proctor.

My eyes followed the stack of papers being carried out of the room. Smiling in disappointment, I brushed back my damp bangs. It felt like such a waste to try so hard when, in reality, time was the problem.

Suddenly, a bustle of people poured out of the classrooms. I stood empty among the busy faces sharing stories. The twilight was wrapped in a strong wind. My shoes stepped onto the noisy bus stop, watching the vehicles rush by. So busy chasing dreams that they forget their lives are at stake.

My damp bangs were blown by the wind. Tucking them behind my ear, my eyes met Mr. Orion’s as he ran to catch the bus. His smile spread. His pace slowed as he climbed onto the platform. Leaning on the railing, he looked at me, laughing breathlessly.

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