Uncovering the Truth
Elsa immediately turned to look at Adrian, then turned back to Benny, observing how Benny paused, realizing Adrian's guess was spot on.
"Haha, you're amazing! You're right, but I couldn't tell you that, could I?" Benny said with a laugh.
"And about the money from my house sale, just give back whatever you can. The important thing is your wife's delivery costs first, and then stabilize your finances, right?" Adrian said.
"How did you know?" Benny asked, surprised.
"Don't worry about how I know, but what's clear is, take care of your family first. Your relationship with your wife isn't great, is it? Plus, she's pregnant again; it's a mess. So you don't have to force yourself to help me, I'm doing fine," Adrian replied, having read Benny's mind.
Benny fell silent. He tilted his head back and rubbed his face, then looked back at Adrian.
"My face really shows all to you, huh," Benny said.
"I've known you since we were kids, cuz. As far as I remember, you're the calmest person in the world. For you to respond so aggressively just now means you're in trouble, right?" Adrian said, feigning ignorance.
"Yeah, you're right. Sorry, I kinda lashed out at you earlier," Benny admitted.
"Why did you end up in this situation, cuz?" Adrian asked.
"Well, how do I put it? It's hard to explain," Benny replied.
"Uncle Hadi's been bleeding you dry, hasn't he?" Adrian countered.
"Haha, seems like my dad has a really bad reputation in your eyes. But yeah, you're right. Besides my dad, Sheila's also been a drain me," Benny revealed.
"College fund and... whatever else?" Adrian prompted.
"Yeah, exactly. That's actually why my wife and I are fighting. My finances are a mess. Sorry for dumping all this on you," Benny said.
"Yeah, I get it, cuz. So don't force it. Even if I need money, I'll go directly to Uncle Hadi myself," Adrian replied.
"Well, give it a try. So far, he still says he doesn't have any money, even though I just heard from you that he sold your house. Your house wasn't cheap, you know. Where did the money go? Honestly, I'm pretty pissed about it too, that's why I suggested what I did to you earlier. Sorry," Benny said.
"Hehe, it's okay, cuz," Elsa said (turning to Adrian), "he's being honest."
"Oh, okay, then we'll head out now, cuz. Elsa and I are going back," Adrian said.
"Oh, your name's Elsa, right? Sorry, we haven't properly met," Benny said, extending his hand.
Elsa shook Benny's hand, then both stood up and walked to the cashier. When Benny saw them at the cashier, he immediately stood up and approached them.
"Hey, I said I'd pay, didn't I?" Benny asked.
"It's okay, cuz, we got it. Just sit down and finish your drink. We just came from Bandung, so we're tired and want to go home," Elsa said.
"Yeah, cuz, just relax for now. Calm down first, then head to Uncle's house," Adrian added.
"Huh... I got paid for? Oh, I'm so embarrassed. Sorry," Benny replied.
"It's nothing, relax, cuz," Adrian said.
After that, Benny returned to his seat to finish his drink and compose himself. Adrian and Elsa said goodbye, then both left the cafe. They immediately hailed a taxi to go back to their apartment. While in the taxi,
"So, you were just kidding about wanting to fight back there, right?" Elsa asked.
"No way, I was serious. If it wasn't so crowded, I would've asked you to open a portal and feed Galvin again," Adrian replied.
"Heeee... I thought you were joking," Elsa said, moving closer.
"If someone as calm as Benny can get that mad, it means he's under a lot of pressure. His thoughts were a mess, like a frozen computer; his 'box' was full, I had to scroll down to read his box," Adrian explained.
"But what he said about trying to at least get you some of the house sale money, that was true, you know. He really meant it and wasn't lying," Elsa noted.
"Is that so? Was he lying about anything else?" Adrian asked.
"When he said he'd send you money every month, his heartbeat was erratic. He was more confused than lying. Yeah, a promise that can't be kept is basically a lie, hehe," Elsa replied.
"Haha, well, thank goodness. I was getting pretty heated just now until I reading his thoughts that were basically saying, 'just get it over with'," Adrian said.
"Phew, almost got into a fight. You know, Benny was right; your emotions make things chaotic. Try to be a little calmer," Elsa advised.
"Yeah, I'll try. It's true, ever since training in the other world, I've become more emotional for some reason," Adrian admitted.
"Even before, remember? You pulled that guy's collar and made him fall just because he was thinking something. You never socialized with anyone before, plus you can read minds... yeah, your emotions are always running high," Elsa pointed out.
"Yeah, sorry," Adrian replied.
"It's okay, it's called learning, right? I'm emotional too. That's why both of us need to learn to control our emotions for the future. I don't want us to end up like Benny and his wife, or like Papa Jimmy and Mama Irene, who died with regrets," Elsa said, hugging Adrian's arm.
"Haha, you're right. Yeah, I get it," Adrian replied, hugging Elsa back.
Meanwhile, the taxi driver looked back and smiled, seeing the two embracing. But in his mind,
"What are they talking about? It doesn't make any sense," he thought to himself.
"Sorry, sir, if we're confusing you and causing a disturbance," Adrian said.
"Oh, no, no, it's fine. No disturbance at all," the driver replied with a confused look.
Adrian turned to look at Elsa, who was trying to suppress her laughter after seeing the driver's face reacting to Adrian's answer to his thoughts. Meanwhile, at the cafe in the station,
"Ugh... today was truly chaotic. Good thing he didn't realize what I was doing here wearing this suit," Benny mumbled.
"Ring... ring!" Benny took out his smartphone and checked the screen. He saw his sister, Sheila, calling him.
"Yeah, what is it?" Benny said.
"Where are you, brother? Mom's about to be buried," Sheila replied.
"Yeah, yeah, hold on, I'm on my way," Benny replied.
"Hurry up, brother!" Sheila said again.
Benny hung up the phone and wearily walked out of the cafe. He then hailed a taxi to attend his mother's funeral. Once in the taxi,
"Sorry, Adri, I didn't tell you Mom passed away last night. I didn't want to burden you again because of my family. But I'm happy to see you're still alive, and in the future, you have to be happy with your fiancée. I'm rooting for you. Again, sorry my family caused you trouble," Benny thought to himself, closing his eyes and enjoying the ride.