Ep 15: A Desperate Journey
After dropping Mini off at her home, I realize that I need my brother-in-law's moped because my bike is currently being used by my sister for work. It frustrates me how my sister always criticizes me for being unreliable while she borrows my bike without considering my needs. I'm already running late, and the pressure is mounting.
Tomorrow, Mini is leaving for a three-day camp, and I can't shake off the fear of a third person entering our lives. I worry that someone might come between us, or worse, try to break us apart. Despite Mini's reassurances, the thought lingers in the back of my mind.
As the days go by, I spend my time at home editing videos of Mini and me, trying to capture our happiest moments. I hope that showing her these memories will make her smile. But something feels off. When I try to reach out to Mini in the evenings, she seems exhausted and asks for some rest. I don't want to disturb her, so I patiently wait for the third day, hoping it will be different.
Finally, it's the third day, the day Mini is returning from the camp. She suggests that I meet her midway so we can have some time together before heading home. I'm overjoyed at the opportunity and make plans to borrow my sister's moped since my bike is still with my brother-in-law. I ask my sister for the moped, hoping she understands the urgency, but she coldly denies my request, leaving me frustrated and hurt.
Sister: Max, I'm sorry, but I can't let you use the moped right now. I need it for work, and I can't afford to be late.
Max: (frustrated) But sis, you know I'm already running late! Mini is waiting for me, and I promised her I would be there on time. Why can't you understand?
Sister: (impatient) Look, Max, I have my own responsibilities. You can't always rely on others to bail you out. Get your own transportation sorted out. It's not my problem.
Max: (voice trembling) Not your problem? I thought family was supposed to support each other. I've always been there for you, sis. Whenever you needed help, I was there, no questions asked. And now, when I'm in need, you turn your back on me?
Sister: (defensive) Don't make this about everything I've asked for in the past. This is different. I can't risk losing my job because you can't manage your own time.
Max: (voice cracking) It's not just about losing a job, sis. This is about Mini, about us. I wanted to make this day special for her, to show her how much she means to me. And now, because of your selfishness, I might let her down. I might lose her.
Sister: (softening) Max, I didn't realize... I didn't mean to cause you pain. But I can't change the situation right now. I'm sorry, truly.
Max: (with a heavy sigh) Fine, sis. Just forget it. I'll figure something out on my own. But remember this, when I needed you the most, you turned your back on me. Don't expect me to forget that.
Feeling crushed by my sister's rejection, I retreat to my room, overwhelmed by a mix of anger and sadness. In a fit of frustration, I slam doors, kick the walls, and unintentionally break a cup. Blood starts to drip from my wounded hand, but I don't care. I keep punching the broken cup, venting my pent-up emotions. Finally, I regain my composure and demand that my sister call her husband to return my bike immediately. Time is slipping away, and I can't afford to waste any more of it.
Max: (frustrated) Sister, I really need you to call your husband and ask him to return my bike. I'm already late, and I have an important task to complete.
Sister: (dismissively) Why should I help you? You're always unreliable, and I can't count on you for anything.
Max: (pleadingly) I know I haven't been the best brother, but this is important to me. I need to be there for Mini, and I can't let her down. Please understand, it's not just about me. It's about keeping my word and being the person she deserves.
Sister: (mocking) Oh, so now you're suddenly concerned about Mini? You've always been selfish, thinking only about yourself. Why should I go out of my way to help you?
Max: (emotionally) Please, sister, I'm begging you. I'm trying my best to change, to become a better person. This means everything to me. I can't bear the thought of disappointing Mini again. I need your support, your understanding.
Sister: (hesitant) Fine, I'll call him, but don't expect any favors in return. And don't think these changes anything between us.
Max: (grateful) Thank you, sister. I know we have our differences, but I truly appreciate your help in this moment. I won't forget this.
Within minutes, my bike is back in my possession. I don't bother cleaning my wounds or washing my face. I put on my shoes, start the engine, and race towards the camp, determined to make it in time to meet Mini.
This part of the story dives into my emotional turmoil, highlighting the frustrations with my sister, the anxiety about the third person, and my relentless pursuit of being with Mini. It sets the stage for the upcoming chapters, where Mini and I will face more tests and challenges in our relationship.