As Ayunda stepped away from the dinner table and wandered into the garden, her mother watched her leave with a lingering concern.
Once Ayunda was out of sight, her mother sighed softly, her fingers tracing the edge of her cup. "She is so quiet," she murmured to herself, though Bayu, who had remained at the table, heard her clearly. "I had hoped that after recovering, she would become more like herself again. But she seems distant, withdrawn."
Bayu, who had been listening intently, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He didn't know how to fix this or what exactly Ayunda was going through, but he hated seeing his mother so worried. "She's still recovering, Mother," he said gently, trying to comfort her. "It's only been a few days since she woke up. Maybe she needs more time."
"Perhaps," his mother replied softly, still unconvinced. "But I can't help but worry."
Bayu nodded, understanding his mother's concern but feeling helpless. He thought for a moment before standing up, a determined glint in his eyes. "I'll go with her tomorrow. I'll take her to the market. It might help her relax, give her a change of scene. A day out, just the two of us."
His mother looked up at him, a faint smile lifting her lips. "That sounds like a good idea, Bayu. She might feel more at ease with you. Thank you."
The next morning, as Ayunda sat by the window, staring out into the garden, Bayu approached her with a wide grin. "Good morning, Ayunda!" he greeted her with enthusiasm. "How are you today?"
Ayunda glanced at him, offering a quiet smile, though she still felt a heaviness in her heart. "I'm fine," she replied, her voice soft but not unkind.
Bayu didn't seem to mind her subdued response. He clapped his hands together, eager to brighten the mood. "I was thinking," he said, leaning forward with an excited gleam in his eye, "why don't we go to the market today? Just you and me. You can pick out some things you like, and we can have a nice lunch afterward."
Ayunda raised an eyebrow at him, unsure at first. A trip to the market didn't sound particularly appealing to her; the bustling crowd and noise didn't seem like the kind of place she would find solace. But then she saw the hopeful look in his eyes and found herself nodding. "Alright."
Bayu's smile widened. "Let's go!"
The day turned out to be much brighter than Ayunda had expected. When they arrived at the market, the vibrant sights, sounds, and smells overwhelmed her at first. The market was a hive of activity, with vendors shouting out their wares, the aroma of spices and freshly baked goods filling the air, and the colorful displays of fabric, pottery, and produce. For the first time in days, Ayunda felt a spark of something she had been missing: curiosity.
She wandered through the stalls, admiring the intricate patterns on the cloth, the variety of fruits she had never seen before, and the carefully crafted trinkets. Bayu, ever the attentive brother, walked beside her, pointing out this and that, encouraging her to take in everything around her. She couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm as he insisted that she try different kinds of fruits.
"Here, try this!" Bayu said, holding out a small round fruit. "It's sweet, and the vendors say it's good for your health."
Ayunda took it from him, amused by his excitement. She bit into the fruit and was pleasantly surprised by its sweet, tangy flavor. "It's delicious," she said, her voice lighter than before.
They continued to shop, picking up small things—some cloth for Ayunda's new clothes, a basket of fresh fruits, and even a few trinkets for their home. The day passed quickly, and before they knew it, they were seated at a small food stall, enjoying lunch together. The food was simple yet comforting, a hearty soup with vegetables and rice, served with fried fish and a side of sweet cakes for dessert. Ayunda savored every bite, feeling a sense of warmth and happiness that had eluded her for so long.
By the time they finished, the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a golden light over the streets. Ayunda felt lighter, the heaviness in her chest beginning to lift, her mind distracted from the quiet isolation she had been feeling.
On the way home, Bayu chattered away beside her, recounting the sights they had seen at the market and all the interesting people they had met. Ayunda listened quietly, her mind still lingering on the unfamiliar joy she had felt during their outing. She hadn't realized how much she had needed a simple, carefree day.
When they returned to the estate, the house was quiet. The evening meal hadn't been prepared yet, and the family's usual routine was still a few hours away. As they entered the house, they found their father sitting in the main hall, a small stack of scrolls spread out in front of him. He looked up as they entered, his gaze briefly flicking over Ayunda before landing on Bayu.
"How was the market?" he asked, his voice calm but expectant.
"It was great, Father," Bayu replied eagerly. "Ayunda enjoyed it a lot. We got some nice things, and I think it did her some good."
Ayunda nodded, offering a small smile, but she remained silent. Her father studied her for a moment, his brow furrowed slightly as if trying to read her thoughts.
After a brief pause, he turned back to Bayu. "And how have your lessons been going?"
Bayu sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's been alright, Father. Not as much fun as the market, but I'm doing my best." He glanced at Ayunda, and for a moment, his expression softened. "I think Ayunda should start her lessons soon too. It's been a while since she had proper study time."
Ayunda looked at her father, then at Bayu, feeling a sudden wave of responsibility. She hadn't thought much about study in the days since she had arrived, but now it seemed inevitable. She knew her illness had delayed everything, but it was time to catch up, to take on the expectations of this new life.
"I will start soon," Ayunda said quietly, her voice steady despite the weight of her unspoken thoughts. "I'll make sure to catch up."
Her father gave a brief nod, his gaze softening ever so slightly as he looked at her. "Good. We will make sure you have everything you need to begin."
As the evening wore on and the family gathered for dinner, Ayunda couldn't help but feel a quiet sense of contentment. The day at the market had brought a small measure of peace, and as she sat with her family, she wondered what other steps this new life would bring.
End of Chapter 3.