Loading...
Logo TinLit
Read Story - Mutiara -BOOK 1 OF MUTIARA TRILOGY [PUBLISHING]
MENU
About Us  

That night, both Ara and her dad do not say a word. They eat their share of rationed food in silence in the dimmed light of their cell.

Ara proceeds to pack her black duffle bag with clothes, clean underwears, and socks. Without saying a word, she climbs on her bed and curls with her face facing the wall.

She cannot bear to see her father's disappointed face. She also cannot bear leaving him tomorrow. 

The reality starts to kick in as the day winds down. The 12th graders who just got their new destiny are leaving tomorrow. Some, like Ara and Guntur, are not seeing their family for a year. Only during the Komuniti day can they visit their family. But Komuniti day only happens once a year when the three ships stop sailing for one full day. The place is always above the land of Indonesia. Komuniti day marks the successful sail around the world and to remember the country that this fleet of ships represents.

The whispers in the corridor turn into an eerie silence. The lights have been turned off and Ara can hear her father's footstep towards his bed on the other side of their small, crowded cell.

But Ara cannot sleep one bit. She can hardly close her eyes because she is afraid that when she opens them again, it will be morning and morning means that Ara has to leave cell 444 and Rama behind.

But neither Ara or even King Mega can stop the time from moving. The centrally-controlled alarm clock is being rung loudly, indicating that morning has come. 

Ara's father is already in the dining table, sitting, and watching his only daughter as she fixes her hair in front of the mirror. Excitement from the previous morning has evaporated without a trace, leaving behind gloom and sadness.

"I have faith in you, Ara. I believe that wherever you are, you will do great, be the best, and make your parents proud," he said.

Ara does not answer right away. She avoids her father's gaze and chooses to stare at her bare feet instead.

"Are you not disappointed?" She asked with a meek voice.

"Of course not, my dear. You are my pride and glory. Always remember that!" her father raises up from his seat and hugs his daughter.

The central alarm rings again. This time it indicates that it is time for the new graduates to move to their new home.

"I love you, Dad!"Ara tries her best to not let her tears roll down her face. 

She hugs her father tightly one last time. She forces a smile and picks up her duffle bag.

"Don't forget to send a message home," says her dad.

"I will. See you next year, Dad. Take care."

Ara and her father wave at each other with a smile on their face. Neither of them wants to leave a sad impression of this day. They want to cherish it as a good memory.

As soon as cell 444 door swings shut, Ara finds Guntur already standing in front of her cell.

"I guess we are sticking together after all." Ara attempts to joke as she punches Guntur's shoulder lightly.

"I am glad we are sticking together, partner in crime!" Guntur punches Ara's shoulder back.

Both Ara and Guntur cannot be more grateful that at the very least, they have each other. 

With dignity, they walk toward the lobby of Rama, ready to start their adventure in Garuda. Ara does not even look back because she knows that if she does, she will never want to leave.

As ugly and as plain Rama can be, it is still home.

 

How do you feel about this chapter?

0 0 0 1 0 0
Submit A Comment
Comments (0)

    No comment.

Similar Tags
Bismillah.. Ta\'aruf
952      603     0     
Short Story
Hidup tanpa pacaran.. sepenggal kalimat yang menggetarkan nurani dan menyadarkan rasa yang terbelenggu dalam satu alasan cinta yang tidak pasti.. Ta\'aruf solusi yang dia tawarkan untuk menyatukan dua hati yang dimabuk sayang demi mewujudkan ikatan halal demi meraih surga-Nya.
PROMISE
722      536     2     
Short Story
ketika sebuh janji tercipta ditengah hubungan yang terancam kandas
KATAK : The Legend of Frog
470      384     2     
Fantasy
Ini adalah kisahku yang penuh drama dan teka-teki. seorang katak yang berubah menjadi manusia seutuhnya, berpetualang menjelajah dunia untuk mencari sebuah kebenaran tentangku dan menyelamatkan dunia di masa mendatang dengan bermodalkan violin tua.
Vandersil : Pembalasan Yang Tertunda
505      378     1     
Short Story
Ketika cinta telah membutakan seseorang hingga hatinya telah tertutup oleh kegelapan dan kebencian. Hanya karena ia tidak bisa mengikhlaskan seseorang yang amat ia sayangi, tetapi orang itu tidak membalas seperti yang diharapkannya, dan menganggapnya sebatas sahabat. Kehadiran orang baru di pertemanan mereka membuat dirinya berubah. Hingga mautlah yang memutuskan, akan seperti apa akhirnya. Ap...
I am Home
669      492     6     
Short Story
Akankah cinta sejati menemukan jalan pulangnya?
Trip
1147      648     1     
Fantasy
Sebuah liburan idealnya dengan bersantai, bersenang-senang. Lalu apa yang sedang aku lakukan sekarang? Berlari dan ketakutan. Apa itu juga bagian dari liburan?
Flyover
537      396     0     
Short Story
Aku berlimpah kasih sayang, tapi mengapa aku tetap merasa kesepian?
Unbelievable Sandra Moment
777      581     3     
Short Story
Sandra adalah remaja kalangan atas yang sedang mengalami sesuatu yang tidak terduga apakah Sandra akan baik-baik saja?
Man in a Green Hoodie
5924      1841     7     
Romance
Kirana, seorang gadis SMA yang supel dan ceria, telah memiliki jalan hidup yang terencana dengan matang, bahkan dari sejak ia baru dilahirkan ke dunia. Siapa yang menyangka, pertemuan singkat dan tak terduga dirinya dengan Dirga di taman sebuah rumah sakit, membuat dirinya berani untuk melangkah dan memilih jalan yang baru. Sanggupkah Kirana bertahan dengan pilihannya? Atau menyerah dan kem...
Rindu Yang Tak Berujung
662      486     7     
Short Story
Ketika rindu ini tak bisa dibendung lagi, aku hanya mampu memandang wajah teduh milikmu melalui selembar foto yang diabadikan sesaat sebelum engkau pergi. Selamanya, rindu ini hanya untukmu, Suamiku.