Lana POV
Chia's words startled me. Realizing my expression, she continued with her words.
"I don't know, I don't think my life has any meaning. I never asked to be born, let alone have consecutive bad luck. Why can't I just give up?" Chia lowered her gaze.
I wanted to answer her, but she had already changed the subject.
"Hahahaha, never mind. I guess I deserve it. By the way, how are you doing? Did the surgery go well?"
Chia seemed enthusiastic to hear my story. I told her what I'd experienced in the hospital, and how my body was getting better.
"Thank goodness. I want to stay with Mas Lana forever. I won't give up if Mas Lana doesn't give up."
Those words meant a lot to me. I, who was about to give up, found the strength to get through the day because Chia said so.
"Yes, I'm sure we'll stay together. Promise."
Our little fingers joined together, a sign of a promise made.
**
At 5am, the sun still hadn't come out. Because it rained last night, I just remembered the clothesline on the 5th floor. I immediately rushed to the 5th floor, wanting to check my clothesline. However, I was even more surprised that there was a girl who was about to plan to jump from the 5th floor. Before I realized too late, the girl was Chia.
Fortunately, I pulled her hand away. We both fell through the wet clothes. He survived, not jumping.
"What are you doing?" I yelled at her.
Chia said nothing.
"Answer me, Chia. Didn't we make a promise yesterday? You intend to break our promise?"
Chia looked away. Again, tears ran down her cheeks.
"I can't take it anymore..." she sobbed.
"I really can't live this life, mas. I'm not strong..." his eyes were puffy from crying. She must not have slept thinking about this all night.
"If you're not strong, tell me. We'll find a solution together."
"No. I'm a burden to you! I'm really useless."
"Chia, listen to me. You really mean a lot to me. My mom also believes you're a good boy. Don't think you're useless. If it wasn't for you, I would have given up long ago!"
I hugged her. Her sobbing intensified.
"Please, hang in there. You did your best. You're strong, okay? Everything will be just fine. I promise."
***
Chia POV
I was ready to resume my school life. Although my feet were reluctant to step foot into the classroom, my resolve was firm. I couldn't give up anymore. After school, my mother picked me up. I was accompanied back to counseling for a mental check-up with my psychiatrist, Doctor Lisa. I was able to determine my life goals. I would become a fair and honest lawyer. Although I know there will be many obstacles that I will face in the future, I am ready for any problems that come my way. I'm confident that I can get through this and realize my dream. Doctor Lisa was very happy to hear about my progress. Even so, she still prescribed some medication for when I hit a depressive phase again.
***
It was already night. The bright moonlight illuminated the narrow streets. Before I knew it, I felt like I could start my life over again, turning over a new leaf.
On Sunday, I met Mas Lana. We cycled around the neighborhood, after which he invited me to go to the mall with him.
In the afternoon, we relaxed at the food court while eating fried rice and brown sugar boba.
"Mas Lana, I already have a life goal!"I said.
"Well, thank goodness. What is your purpose?"
"I want to be a lawyer. So I can defend the right, punish the wrong justly."
"Hopefully it will come true. Study hard, you're going to grade 12 soon, so prepare so that your dream can come true."
I nodded steadily.
"What is the purpose of life?"
"The purpose of my life is to make you happy."
I blushed.
"Ih, don't be flippant. I'm asking for real, you know." I made a pouty face. She laughed.
"Yes, my goal is to make you happy. If possible, hopefully forever," he explained.
When we got home, he told me something. The news made me weak instantly. I closed the door to my room and thought about what Mas Lana had said all day until I fell asleep
***
Lana POV
"Chia, since we made a promise, I don't want to hide anything anymore. Although it's a bitter truth, it seems like it's something I have to say."
Chia looked at me with a questioning expression. I let out a long sigh.
"I'll be graduating from college soon. I'm going back to my town, we'll be separated for a while. Of course, I invite you to come to the graduation at the end of August. After that, we'll be able to keep in touch by phone, or I can visit you during the semester break. I hope we won't be separated."
Chia suddenly didn't budge. She looked at me as if in disbelief.
"Sorry, Chia. Trust me this won't take long. Distance is not a problem if our hearts are connected."
I hugged her. After that, she left me in the hallway of the 4th floor flat. I think my words hurt her.
**
Author POV
The Final Semester Examination week had arrived. Chia had done her best. And as it turned out, she got the highest average score in her school. She cheered happily. Her friends who used to scoff at her were surprised by her progress. One by one, they started befriending her. They asked Chia to share her study tips and ways to solve problems quickly. Chia was happy to help them. She tried to forgive the mistakes of the past, and started living peacefully for the present. Tania, however, was jealous of Chia. She tries to bully her once again, but now her friends defend her.
"Hey, cunt! You must have cheated on the exam yesterday, right? Confess!"
Tania snapped at her. When Tania wanted to grab her hair, another friend named Friska brushed her hand away.
"Never mind, Tan. It's the end of the semester, we'll be in grade 12 soon. Stop with the nonsense." He replied.
Tania was surprised by her friends' defense.
"Yes, Tan. Better take care of your ruined grades. We want to study with Chia, if you don't want to, then just leave, don't bother us," said Zidan.
The classmates stared at Tania. Annoyed, Tania walked away from the crowd, choosing to put makeup back on her face.
Chia was happy that she finally had friends. Her life is getting better. Her mother was promoted because she had done so much for the company. Now Chia believes that a little light has illuminated her life.
**
The end of August arrived. I came with my mom to my graduation ceremony. Chia would come later, around 9am with her mom. The ceremony started off very lively. Mom was really happy that I had finally gotten an engineering degree like my father.
"Praise God. Whatever the outcome, I'm glad you made it to this point. I'm proud of you, son." Mom said hugging me tightly.
"Hopefully it can be a filial child and be useful for the nation." he continued.
"Yes, ma'am. Thank you."
Not long after, someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was Leon, a high school friend from the same college as me. Apparently he was also at the graduation ceremony this time. We chatted for a long time. Until finally he had to go back to his major.
It was already 9am. My cell phone is ringing, Chia is calling me. Apparently, she hadn't been able to come here, because her mother had suddenly gotten sick, and was rushed to the hospital. I felt even more sad. After graduation, my mother and I intended to visit Chia's mother. But, unfortunately, a truck sped up at the fork in the road. I, who was driving the car, was immediately startled and tried to avoid it.
BRUAKK!
The collision was unavoidable. Slowly, I turned to the mother beside me. Blood was pouring down her body. I wanted to scream, but my vision started to blur too. Everything became dark.[]