Weeks had passed since Inka's meeting with her mother, Yuni. Although her decision to stay in the village with her grandfather was firm, uncertainty and anxiety still lingered in her heart. Yuni frequently called Inka, trying to convince her to move to Jakarta, but Inka remained steadfast in her choice.
One bright morning, while Inka and Rian were preparing for their art class for the village children, they were surprised by an unexpected visitor. An elderly woman with a familiar but more aged and tired face than the last time Inka saw her. It was her grandmother, Grandma Sumni.
"Inka, Rian," greeted Grandma Sumni with a soft yet clearly weary voice. "How are you?"
Inka immediately ran to hug her grandmother. "Grandma! I've missed you," she said, her eyes brimming with tears.
Grandma Sumni gently stroked Inka's hair. "I've missed you too, dear. I heard the news about your mother wanting to take you to Jakarta. I felt the need to come back and make sure everything was alright."
Rian, witnessing the touching moment, smiled. "Welcome back, Grandma. It's good to see you again."
Grandma Sumni nodded and gave a faint smile. "Thank you, Rian. I'm happy to be back and see you all."
After a brief conversation, they all went inside the house. Grandma Sumni went straight to Bagyo's room to check on her husband. Bagyo gave a weak smile upon seeing his wife, and they spoke in a silent language of love only the two of them understood.
"Inka, please tell me everything. I need to know what's really going on with Yuni," asked Grandma Sumni after they sat together in the living room.
Inka then recounted everything, from Yuni's sudden arrival to her decision to stay in the village. Grandma Sumni listened attentively, occasionally nodding and sighing deeply.
"I know Yuni wants the best for you, but I also know she has her own ways that are sometimes hard to understand," said Grandma Sumni with a gentle yet wise voice. "She is stubborn, like her mother. But what worries me is how she will care for you in the city. Back then, when she separated from your father, she left you with us."
Inka lowered her head. "I understand, Grandma. I feel the same way. I'm not sure if Mom can really take good care of me in Jakarta. Here, even though it's simple, I have a life and purpose."
Grandma Sumni nodded in agreement. "I'm proud of your choice, Inka. But we need to find a way for your mother to understand and accept your decision."
Rian, who had been listening to the conversation, finally spoke up. "Maybe we can invite Yuni to stay with us for a while. That way, she can see for herself how Inka's life is here and maybe understand better."
Inka and Grandma Sumni exchanged glances. "That's a good idea, Rian," said Inka. "Maybe that way, Mom can see how important my life is here."
Grandma Sumni smiled gently. "We can try that. I'll talk to Yuni."
The following days were filled with preparations for Yuni's arrival. Inka and Rian ensured that their art studio ran smoothly while Grandma Sumni helped around the house and took care of Bagyo. The house became more lively with Grandma Sumni's presence, bringing spirit and wisdom.
Finally, the awaited day arrived. Yuni arrived in the village with some of her belongings. Inka and Rian welcomed her warmly, although the tension was still palpable.
"Welcome, Mom," greeted Inka politely.
Yuni nodded. "Thank you, Inka. I hope to understand your life here."
For the next few days, Yuni stayed with them and witnessed firsthand Inka's life in the village. She followed Inka to the art studio, seeing how village children learned to paint and photograph enthusiastically. She also observed how Inka took care of Grandpa Bagyo with great affection.
One afternoon, after a day of following Inka's activities, Yuni sat with Grandma Sumni on the house's porch. They talked in a more relaxed and open tone.
"Yuni, I know you want the best for Inka," said Grandma Sumni gently. "But you also need to see that here, she has a life and dreams she's pursuing."
Yuni sighed deeply. "I know, Mom. But I'm also worried about her future. I want her to have a better education and wider opportunities."
Grandma Sumni looked at her daughter with understanding. "You're right, education is important. But so are happiness and well-being. Inka has found her happiness here. She has friends who support her and a family who loves her."
Yuni was silent for a moment, contemplating her mother's words. "Maybe I've been too stubborn, Mom. I just don't want her to go through the difficulties I went through."
Grandma Sumni smiled gently. "Everyone has their own path in life, Yuni. We can only support and guide them, but the final decision is in their hands."
That night, Yuni invited Inka to talk alone in the backyard garden. The quiet night, with twinkling stars, made the atmosphere more intimate.
"Inka, I've seen how your life is here," said Yuni softly. "I still hope you can move to Jakarta, but I also see how happy you are here."
Inka nodded. "Thank you, Mom. I understand your wishes, but I also have dreams and responsibilities here."
Yuni smiled faintly. "I'm proud of you, Inka. You've grown into a strong and independent child. I just want you to know that whatever happens, my door will always be open for you."
Inka felt relieved hearing her mother's words. "Thank you, Mom. I also want us to stay in good touch, even though I choose to stay here."
With a calmer heart, Yuni decided to stay a few more days before returning to Jakarta. During that time, she spent more time with Inka, getting to know her friends and even helping in the art studio. Although there was initial tension, they tried to rebuild their once-separated relationship.
On Yuni's last day in the village, they held a small event at the art studio to celebrate their togetherness. The village children showcased their artworks, and Inka and Rian awarded the most talented students.
"Inka, I'll be returning to Jakarta today," said Yuni after the event. "But I'll come often to visit you all."
Inka hugged her mother tightly. "Thank you, Mom. I'll always be waiting for your arrival."
Yuni smiled and kissed Inka's forehead. "Take good care of yourself, dear. I'm proud of you."
With a heartfelt farewell, Yuni returned to Jakarta. Inka felt more at ease knowing that her mother had understood and accepted her decision to stay in the village. Grandma Sumni also felt relieved seeing the improving relationship between Inka and Yuni.
The following days were filled with renewed enthusiasm. Inka and Rian continued to develop their art studio, accepting more students and gaining support from various parties. Grandma Sumni and Bagyo always provided encouragement and wise advice.
"Inka, you've made the right choice," said Grandma Sumni one night while they were sitting on the porch. "You have great talent and a big heart. Keep pursuing your dreams and never give up."
Inka smiled, feeling more confident in her chosen path. "Thank you, Grandma. I'll keep trying and fighting."
With support from her family and friends, Inka felt ready to face a future full of challenges and hopes. She knew that as long as she had the love and support of those closest to her, she could achieve anything she dreamed of.