Days at their small studio continued to be filled with activity. Inka and Rian were increasingly busy teaching art and photography to the children in the village. However, behind it all, there was one part of Inka's life that remained a mystery to her: her parents. Since she was a child, Inka had lived with her grandfather Bagyo without knowing much about her parents who had gone away for some reason.
One afternoon, while Inka and Rian were holding a painting class, they were visited by a woman who was not unfamiliar to Inka. A woman with a neat and dignified appearance. Inka recognized the woman clearly. She was her mother, Yuni, who had left Inka to stay with her grandparents since she was in third grade.
"Inka," Yuni said calmly. "I am your mother, Yuni."
Inka was silent, not knowing how to react. A mixture of confusion, anger, and longing filled her heart. Rian, who was beside her, looked on empathetically, ready to provide whatever support Inka needed.
"What do you want, Mom?" Inka asked, her voice trembling.
"I've come to take you back to Jakarta," Yuni said firmly. "You've been living in this village for too long. I want you to get a better education and life in the city."
Inka felt her heart torn apart. After so long without news, her mother suddenly appeared and wanted to take her away just like that. "Why now? Why do you care only now?" she asked, her voice filled with emotion.
Yuni tried to calm the situation. "Inka, I have my reasons. I want the best for you. I want you to have a bright future."
However, Inka found it difficult to accept that reasoning. "What about Grandpa? He needs me here. And I have a life and dreams here with my friends."
Yuni took a long breath. "Your grandpa is well taken care of. I'll make sure he gets the care he needs. But you, Inka, have to think about your future."
Rian, who had been listening from the side, finally spoke up. "Sorry, but Inka has the right to choose her own life. She has talents and dreams she's pursuing here. You can't just come and change everything."
Rian's words made the situation even more tense. Yuni glared at Rian. "This is none of your business. I am her mother, and I know what's best for her."
Inka felt the burden on her shoulders growing heavier. She looked at Rian and then back at her mother. "I know you are my mother, but Grandpa has been the one who took care of and supported me all this time. He has always been there for me. I can't just leave him."
Yuni looked at Inka with teary eyes, but she remained firm. "I'll give you time to think. But remember, this decision is important for your future."
After the tense meeting, Inka felt very stressed. She went to the hospital to talk to her grandpa Bagyo. Bagyo, although still weak, listened to Inka's story attentively.
"Grandpa, what should I do? I don't want to leave you, but I also don't want to disappoint Mom," Inka said, her voice full of confusion.
Bagyo smiled gently. "Inka, you are grown up and can make your own decisions. Whatever your choice, grandpa will support you. The important thing is to follow your heart."
Inka felt slightly relieved hearing her grandfather's words. She knew this decision wouldn't be easy, but she had to consider everything carefully. After talking to Rian and reflecting on everything that had happened, Inka finally made her decision.
The next day, Inka invited her mother to meet again. There, with Rian by her side, she conveyed her decision.
"I know you want the best for me, and I appreciate that. But I also have a life here. I have responsibilities to grandpa and dreams that I'm pursuing. I will stay here and continue with everything."
Yuni looked disappointed, but she couldn't force her will. "Alright, Inka. I will respect your decision," Yuni said heavily. "But I hope you know that my door is always open for you."
With the decision made, Inka felt more at ease. She knew the path she chose wouldn't be easy, but with the support of her grandpa Bagyo, Rian, and her community, she was confident she could overcome any challenges.
With strong determination, Inka moved forward, ready to face the future with all its possibilities and hopes. Together with Rian, she continued to chase their dreams, proving that with courage and the support of loved ones, they could achieve anything.