Prologue (Dim Moon in the Sky)

Bulan quickly pushed the trolley out of the supermarket without paying. Her shoes hurried across the intersection. Tires screeched loudly; a motorcycle hit her.

Crash!

The daydream shattered. Angkasa, who had just arrived home, stopped in his tracks upon hearing the sound. He turned to see Bulan sprawled on the ground. The trolley had overturned; diapers were scattered. The security guard and the rider anxiously asked about Bulan's condition.

“Are you okay?”

Bulan stood up slowly, continued pushing the trolley, and quickly crossed while the light was still bright green. Car horns blared. Vehicles came to sudden stops, but Bulan kept running as if she didn't care about dying.

“Bulan!” Angkasa called from the sidewalk. The passing vehicles brought a rush of wind.

Angkasa picked up the diapers and tissues from the asphalt. Bulan’s figure drifted away as the traffic lights counted down. Red light. Angkasa chased after her while repeatedly calling her phone. Bulan didn't pick up.

Tut-tut-tut....

Angkasa lost track of Bulan in a slum housing complex. He turned around, searching for her. The minutes ticked away, the starlight dimmed, and the moon glowed as if being swallowed by darkness.

Clack!

A noisy sound from a boarding house made Angkasa turn. He saw Bulan struggling to step backward, lowering the trolley down the stairs. Angkasa adjusted his messenger bag and climbed the stairs.

“Where are you going?” His deep, vibrating voice reached her ears, making Bulan stop in her tracks.

Her hands tightened on the trolley, which was covered by a thick blanket. She didn't turn her head at all. Angkasa could only see her back in a shabby jacket.

Srett!

A wheel slipped, and Bulan nearly fell. Angkasa caught the trolley. The blanket shifted, and Angkasa was startled. An elderly person smiled palely, hiding behind the blanket. Bulan looked down and exhaled a weary sigh.

“Slow down, be careful,” Angkasa said, helping her lower the trolley.

Upon reaching the last step, Bulan pulled the trolley sharply, breaking Angkasa’s grip. She pushed the trolley again, leaving Angkasa behind.

Creak-creak....

Time dragged on. The sound of wheels on the broken road echoed. Sweat dripped. Bulan’s steps halted when she saw Angkasa still standing in front of the boarding house. Angkasa noticed the medicine in Bulan’s hand.

Thump-thump....

The sound of Angkasa’s worn shoes echoed as he climbed the stairs. With all his strength, he carried Bulan’s mother. Bulan watched in silence, staring at the man’s worn coat. Diapers, tissues, and medicine were gripped tightly in her hands.

“Be careful.”

Upon arriving in the room, Bulan pulled her mother inside. Angkasa stepped back to the doorway. He stared at the cramped, uninhabitable room. Bulan laid her mother on a thin mattress with a blanket, then stepped out.

“You... are an understanding child.”

“You... are a generous person.”

“I’m... going home.”

Angkasa adjusted his bag and headed down the stairs. Bulan stood in front of the room, lost in thought. Angkasa returned to the supermarket, returned the trolley, and paid for the items Bulan had stolen.

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