Chapter 8 — A Bright Blue Sky (Numb in an Anonymous Embrace)

“Mom, Dad, I’ve graduated. I’m a neuroscience graduate now.” I embraced my parents' graves.

Dimas wiped the tears trickling down my cheeks, patting my shoulder gently, not letting go for even a second.

“Forgive me for being late to pursue medicine, Mom. I hope you and Dad remain at peace in heaven.”

Gradually, the clouds drifted away with the sun. It cooled the lilies that lay tied so sweetly, paired perfectly with red roses and jasmine. The brown earth mournfully embraced the grass. I touched the headstone and looked up. The sky was in my favorite color. Ah. A bright blue.

The car drove slowly away from the cemetery. I stared at my shoes, murky with brownish soil. Dimas drove calmly, while I looked out the window. I counted every car we passed, one by one. Everything moved so fast; I wished my days would pass just as quickly and insignificantly.

Upon arriving at the house, the suitcases were taken out of the trunk. I knocked on the door softly, bracing my heart to meet my sister. And Mr. Orion. My heart raced. My breath flickered. my hands felt clammy, and my lips twitched uncontrollably. Until the door opened, and a smile spontaneously spread across my face.

“Karina!” Ara was startled, her eyes sparkling.

An embrace instantly broke out at first sight. It had been four years since we last met. The last time I saw her was when I was eighteen; now I was twenty-two, a grown woman.

“I missed you so much.” My sister hugged me so tightly. I closed my eyes in her embrace.

“I missed you too, Sis.” My breathing grew heavy.

The hug broke, and I looked at her intently. Suddenly, the sound of clicking shoes—rushing down the stairs—stole my attention. My breath seemed to slow down. My hands gripped my sister's shoulders firmly.

Mr. Orion. The teacher figure and brother-in-law who had accompanied my teenage years—his eyes widened as they locked onto mine. It caused his lips to lift into a perfect smile. A wave of emotion and happiness surged, unable to be hidden. Entranced by the time that had passed, we fell into an unspoken silence, just staring at each other.

Nothing about him had changed. Black shoes, a white shirt, and the same black trousers paired perfectly with his comma hair. A serene face illuminated by a light of dignity. Only a few lines now defined his face more sharply. Much like me—my hair was still short as it used to be, only my height had changed.

“Karina...?” a single word escaped his lips. “How are you?” He could still greet me so warmly.

Nervous, for some reason my lips felt like they were trembling. “I’m fine, Sir.”

He didn't step closer; his black shoes stopped right in front of the stairs. Spontaneously, my soiled shoes took a step back.

Hesitant to speak again, our lips remained perfectly sealed. We didn't need to hug; it felt like we were embracing each other just by looking into each other's eyes. Truly, it felt painful.

“When did you get back, Dik? Why didn’t you say anything? I would have picked you up at the airport,” my sister intervened, ending the meaningless staring contest.

I felt awkward. “Yesterday, Sis.”

“Oh? Whose house did you stay at?”

“At Dimas’s house, with his family.”

The mentioned name immediately showed his teeth in a grin, bowing politely as if seeking a blessing. Even though there was no "confession" or "friends with benefits" situation between us. Why was this usually rowdy boy being so polite all of a sudden?

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A cup of hot tea accompanied the cold bread on the table. A napkin stood by as a backup in case of spills. We sat in the living room, talking about the years we hadn't shared for so long.

“What was your major, Dimas? I always forget to ask,” my sister asked, just making small talk with the man who gave me a ride.

“I’m a chemistry graduate, but now I’m entering medical school just like Karina. Classes start again this Spring,” Dimas replied with a horse-like grin. I wondered what was up with him. Did he like my sister?

“Oh, so your dorms are close to each other again?”

“Yeah, hehe.”

The conversation flowed between my sister and Dimas. Their cups were still full. Meanwhile, my cup and Mr. Orion’s were empty. Even though the tea was warm, did the weather feel hot? Why were we so thirsty?

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Twinkling stars draped over the moon, washed softly by the whispering breeze. Sparrows huddled together in the trees, chirping messages of nostalgia and longing.

The school held a combined New Year and Christmas event. After eating together in the hall, the event continued to the beach. Many sandals were scattered on the floor. Luckily, mine weren't lost. I put on my sandals and looked for Maya.

“Hop on, Na!” Maya invited with her Scoopy scooter. The girl with glasses adjusted her bogo helmet.

Suddenly, as I was about to get on, my body was pushed aside. Dion, the culprit, hurried on with bare feet, holding a pair of sandals in his hands.

“Go, May. Fast!” Dion tapped Maya’s shoulder.

“What the heck? I’m supposed to give Karina a ride,” Maya snapped.

The slender girl shook her Scoopy, trying to get Dion off. However, that "buffalo" of a man pulled the throttle instead, making the motor jump and speed away. Followed by Dimas’s Vespa which came leaping toward us. His face was bright red, looking like he was about to explode.

“Dion, you brat! Why did you steal my sandals!” he shouted, calling after the Scoopy that was speeding and swerving on the straight road. The flip-flops on his feet were mismatched.

I accidentally burst out laughing. I covered my mouth, my nose flaring as I tried to hold back the laughter.

“Then whose sandals are you wearing?” I asked curiously.

“I stole them! Quickly, get on before I get caught by the police!”

A Pororo helmet was forced onto my head. Since I couldn't ride a motorcycle, I had no choice but to ride with him.

The glittering lights of the shops, blue-purple reflections bouncing along the sidewalk, blended beautifully with the yellow-orange streetlights filling the night. The wind blew hard; it felt like I wanted to fly. The cars moved so fast, making me want to close my eyes tight.

“One. Two. Three. Happy New Year and Merry Christmas!”

Colorful fireworks filled the sky, matching the beautifully twinkling Christmas tree. Fragments of laughter scattered in the dancing wind, blowing strands of my hair as my eyes sparkled with joy. Suddenly, Dimas’s arm draped around my shoulder, followed by the interruption of a ringing phone.

I stepped away to check who was calling.

“Happy New Year, Karina.”

“What, Sis? I can’t hear you.”

“Happy New Year, Dik!” my sister shouted, and I laughed.

“Yes, Sis. Happy New Year to you too.”

“Be careful on your way home.”

“I will, Sis. You shouldn't stay up late at the hospital either.”

“I’ll hang up now, I have a patient.”

I nodded, even though she couldn't see it.

“Who was it?” Dimas asked, looking at me with a laugh.

“My sister.”

“Huh?” His eyebrows furrowed perfectly.

I shouted in his ear. “My sister!”

He grinned like a horse.

My phone vibrated. A message hung on the screen.

‘Happy New Year... Karina.’

I squinted my eyes to read the sender. Mr. Orion.

My heart exploded like a firecracker.

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