Night passed like that.
Nothing happened between those two.
They ate breakfast together.
Yet they didn't talk much.
Nyra told Arin that his mother will come tomorrow to see him.
Suddenly, Arin stopped eating.
"Why… is that woman coming tomorrow?" he asked.
Nyra got angry.
"Don't ever call her that. She's your mother," Nyra said coldly.
Arin's eyes went quiet.
He looked at Nyra and said only one thing—
"You don't know me.
So don't talk like you do."
After that, they both went to their rooms.
That night, Arin couldn't sleep.
His mind was shaking.
His heart felt heavy.
What should I do…
Should I run away…
Or should I just disappear…
On the other side, Nyra lay awake too.
What's wrong with this boy?
Shouldn't he be happy?
His parents are coming all this way to see him…
Morning came.
Arin looked dizzy.
He didn't sleep at all.
They ate breakfast again.
Silence.
Then—
someone knocked on the door.
Arin stood up.
"It looks like your parents came," she said.
You should open the door Arin, Nyra said.
"Huh? Why should I open it?"Arin replied.
"You should open the door," Arin said quietly.
Nyra sighed.
"Okay, okay… I'll do it."
She opened the door.
A young woman stood there.
Beside her, a girl about Arin's age.
And behind them, an old lady.
"Is this the house where Arin lives?" the young woman asked.
"Yes. And who might you be?" Nyra asked.
"My name is Sufia. I'm Arin's stepmother," she said.
"This is my daughter, Luma. Same age as Arin."
From behind them—
"Good morning, miss," the old lady said gently.
"Is my darling Arin here?"
"Granny—!"
Someone ran from inside and hugged the old lady tightly.
It was Arin.
Nyra invited them inside.
"I'm tired," Nyra said.
"Let's talk later. I'm going to sleep."
Sufia looked at Arin.
"We'll talk later," she said.
Arin lowered his head.
"Yes… mother," he replied.
"Brother, how are you?" Luma asked politely.
"Luma… you've grown very beautiful," Arin said softly.
"I'm fine."
"Grandma, how are you? How's father these days?" Arin asked.
"He's fine, dear. Don't you worry about him. He wants to come but i told him not to come.
"My little boy… you look just like your mother.
Your eyes… your hair… even your kindness."
Arin said nothing.
But his heart trembled.
Luma… how are you?" Arin asked softly. "Did you find your goal?"
Luma smiled. A gentle, warm smile. "Yes, indeed," she replied. "However, the man I found… he has been gone for too long. He is the man I always dreamed of." She laughed lightly as she spoke.
"Is he kind enough?" Arin asked.
"Yes," Luma nodded. "He is even kinder than you, brother."
"Is that so…" Arin replied quietly.
Luma looked at him again. Her tone became smooth and fragile, as if every word needed care. She spoke slowly, gently, as though her heart was trembling. Just look at my brother granny he really grown up, don't you think? He is indeed a man. She wants to cry but this is not the time.She stayed strong throughout their conversation.
Nearby, the old lady listened. You two sure get along with each other like the old day. Now I can die happily. "Just like when you were little children."
Both Arin and Luma smiled and looked at their grandmother.
After some time, Nyra returned, and so did Luma's mother. Sufia stood in front of Arin.
"Arin, my child," she said softly, "I'm here to warn you. Never go outside without telling someone."
Arin's reply was filled with sadness. "Mother… if I can say this… trust me. I'll never worry you again."
The room fell silent.
Sufia started crying quietly. "Arin… did you just call me mother?" she asked.
"Yes," Arin replied.
"Forgive me, my son," Sufia said, tears falling. "Your father isn't here to see you… but I am."
No one spoke. Only Sufia's quiet crying filled the room.
"My dear Arin," she continued, "you don't have to push yourself so hard. I'm here. I am like your mother, your sister and your grandma , even Nyra is here and there for you to listen. Nyra looks worried, confused however, deep inside, she felt happy seeing them getting along with one another.
After quite some time, they all left.
"Hey, Nyra…" Arin said quietly. "There's something I want to talk about."
Arin looked terrified. His eyes were dull, lifeless.
"What, pervert? I'm not going with you," Nyra said jokingly, teasing him.
Suddenly, tears fell from Arin's eyes.
Nyra understood. If she didn't help him now, no one would.
She held Arin in her arms. She was a little older than him, about seven years older. After that, they both went to Arin's room. They sat back to back, leaning against each other.
"Now, boy," Nyra said softly, "tell me everything."
Arin replied calmly, "Aren't you the one who wanted to talk? During my parents' visit, you kept glaring at me. There's something you want to ask, right? Don't you, old hag?"
Arin smiled.
"Calling me an old hag, huh?" Nyra laughed. "Feeling okay now?"
She looked at him with hope, wanting him to tell her everything. They both laughed over nothing.
"Arin… if you don't mind," Nyra said gently, "can I ask you something about your family?"
"Yes, ma'am," Arin replied.
"Why are you always so happy?" Nyra asked. "It feels like you're about to break… yet you keep smiling."
Arin went quiet.
"When I was five years old," he finally said, "my mother died. I was just a boy with anger issues . But my mother… she was kind. I think all mother are kind to their child. They loved them like She always been to me. She loved me so much."
He paused.
"She always told me… that in order to live… and survive…"
His voice slowly faded.