Everyone makes mistakes.
The difference lies in whether people understand the reason behind them.
Mistakes are human-a reminder that we are all imperfect.
But one thing Saka had only come to understand at twenty-nine was this:
A mistake doesn't always stem from malice. Sometimes, people make them simply because they have no other choice.
Back then, Saka believed Cayra had abandoned him cruelly.
He thought she chose to leave without a single word, shattering his heart on graduation day.
That night, he waited by the lake-soaked by the rain, body exhausted, spirit hollow.
And when he finally returned home, the news struck like a blade: Cayra had been seen elsewhere, as if mocking every fragile hope he had clung to.
From that moment, he lost trust.
In others.
In family.
Even in himself.
But time has a way of peeling back the layers of truth.
His meeting with Cayra's father just days ago shook his beliefs to the core.
What if Cayra never had a choice?
What if everything he had believed all along... was nothing but a carefully constructed lie?
~~~
That evening, after sending a feverish Cayra home, Saka decided to head straight to the hospital.
His father had been admitted the night before. Truthfully, hesitation weighed heavy on him. The old wound still throbbed-it was his father, after all, who once convinced him that Cayra had left for money. That lie had carved itself into him for years.
And yet, blood was still blood. Whatever had happened, his father remained his father.
Upon arriving, he found Pak Gatra, the long-serving family assistant, seated quietly on a bench outside the ward.
"How is he?" Saka asked, his voice low, restrained.
"Resting. His condition is stable," Pak Gatra replied.
Saka gave a short nod. "And... has Mami visited?"
The older man hesitated, then answered softly, "Not yet, Mas."
Silence fell. Saka's chest grew heavy. Only hours ago, he had lectured Cayra about the importance of family, yet here he was-unable to mend the fractures in his own. Their lives might have looked grand on the outside, but inside, it was fragile and hollow.
Finally, he rose to his feet. "Alright. I'll go in, then."
~~~
The room was quiet, filled with the faint sting of antiseptic.
The television flickered soundlessly in the corner.
On the bed, his father sat upright. He turned briefly as Saka entered, then returned his gaze to the screen.
"How are you feeling? Any better?" Saka asked. His tone was flat, though his heart pounded faster than he cared to admit.
His father looked at him for a long moment. "What's wrong? You sound as though you're angry with me."
Saka froze, caught off guard. He had tried to mask it, but apparently failed.
"You could tell?"
A faint chuckle escaped the man. "A Mahesa Ardhananta Wiratama can always read his son-even when his son says nothing at all."
Saka fell silent, the weight in his chest growing heavier.
"Even your voice betrays you, Nak. You're disappointed in me."
A deep breath slipped past his lips. He had never been good at lying. "Yes... I am disappointed."
"In what? Did I do something wrong?"
Saka's voice cracked. "Are you really asking me that? Do you honestly believe you've never done wrong?"
Silence. Their gazes clashed, dragging up the wounds they had buried for years.
"Forget it, Pi. No need to bring it up again. I know it's long past," Saka said with a bitter smile.
His father lowered his eyes. "Long past?" he murmured. Then suddenly, his eyes widened with realization. "Oh... this is about her, isn't it?"
Saka said nothing.
"It is, isn't it?" his father pressed.
Still, Saka kept quiet, staring at the floor, his fists clenched at his sides. His silence spoke louder than words.
"Answer me, Saka."
Finally, he exhaled. "Yes." His voice was heavy, raw. "I know the truth about what happened back then."
Instead of panicking, his father chuckled softly. "Good. Then it's better that you know."
Saka's eyes sharpened. "What's that supposed to mean? Do you really feel no guilt at all?"
"Who said I don't?" His father's tone softened. "This illness... it's also because of the guilt I've carried all these years."
"Then why? Why did you do it?"
The older man's gaze dimmed. "Because I was afraid you would break. I chose the wrong path-lying about her, framing her-just so you could forget her faster."
Saka froze. The words pierced through him, leaving him torn between fury and reluctant relief.
"I carried that burden for so long," his father whispered. "But now that you know... I can finally let it go."
Saka lowered his head. His heart was a storm, his hands trembling inside his pockets. He wanted to hate. He wanted to rage.
But deep down, he also understood: love can make even adults stumble.
Still, in the corner of his mind, one question echoed relentlessly-
Do wounds ever truly heal... or do they only become scars that never fade?
~~~
After returning from the hospital, Saka felt something shift inside him-
a stirring deep within his chest, as though a part of him long dormant had suddenly awakened.
He couldn't explain where the impulse came from, but one thought burned in his mind:
he wanted to see Cayra.
Maybe it was the memory of that young man at the hospital-the one who cared for his partner with such tenderness. The simple scene unsettled him, left an ache he couldn't shake.
On the way home, Saka kept pondering one thing:
How could he check on Cayra without looking too deliberate?
But when he finally arrived, he still hadn't found the answer.
Then, as his gaze landed on a food container that belonged to Cayra's mother, the solution presented itself. Without hesitation, he grabbed it and headed across the street.
Fate was on his side-Mama Cayra had just arrived on her motorbike. Saka quickly opened the gate for her, allowing the bike to enter. She removed her helmet, smiling warmly when her eyes fell on him.
"Oh, Saka. What brings you here?" she asked kindly.
"I came to return this," Saka replied, holding out the food container.
She accepted it with a smile. "Thank you, Saka."
"I should be the one thanking you-for the meal," he answered sincerely.
"Don't mention it. You're always welcome to eat here anytime," she said with a light chuckle.
Her simple offer warmed him more than he expected. It had been a long time since he'd felt the atmosphere of such a kind, open home.
"I'd feel bad... imposing on you and the family," he admitted softly.
"Nonsense. If I say yes, Cayra and the others will agree," she replied, laughing lightly.
Saka found himself laughing too. Then, carefully, he asked, "Speaking of Cayra... how is she? When I took her home earlier, she still looked a little weak."
"Oh, so you were the one who brought her back? Thank you so much, Saka."
"My pleasure, Miss."
"Don't call me 'Miss' anymore. Call me Auntie-it feels closer."
He blinked, surprised, then nodded. "Alright, Auntie."
"As for Cayra, I haven't checked on her yet. Let's go together."
"That's not necessary, Auntie. I'd hate to disturb her."
But before he could argue further, she slipped her hand around his arm. "It's fine. Come."
With no choice, Saka followed her inside.
~~~
In the living room, she asked him to wait as she went upstairs.
When she opened Cayra's door, she found her daughter fast asleep.
With tender steps, she approached, brushing a hand over her daughter's hair. Relief swept over her when her palm met Cayra's forehead-her fever had subsided. But as that relief settled, tears welled and spilled.
"I'm sorry, Caca... you're sick because of me," she whispered.
"I'm sorry you lost your dream. If only I had let your father take that loan... maybe you wouldn't have had to give it up."
Her tears fell harder.
"All this time, I've been selfish, making decisions without truly considering your feelings. I thought I was doing it for your future... but now I realize, my way was wrong. I just hope someday you'll understand."
With deep regret, she kissed her daughter's forehead. Cayra stirred slightly, but remained asleep-too exhausted to feel her mother's love.
When she stepped back out, she met her husband at the foot of the stairs.
"You're home early," Papa Cayra said.
"Yes. I wanted to take care of Caca," she answered.
"Where are you going now?"
"To the living room. Saka's here."
"What for?"
"He came to check on Caca. He's the one who took her home."
"Then I must thank him."
Papa Cayra followed her to the living room. His expression softened when he saw Saka.
"Thank you, son, for bringing her back."
"It was no trouble, Sir. Besides, I'm her client now."
Both parents exchanged surprised looks.
"Really? She hasn't told us," Papa Cayra said.
"It's recent. Just a few days. Maybe she forgot," Saka replied.
"That must be it. She's been keeping to herself lately," Mama Cayra added with a sigh.
"And she's still upset with us," Papa Cayra admitted quietly.
Saka drew in a breath, then asked cautiously, "Sir, Auntie... may I speak honestly?"
They nodded.
"I've known Cayra for a long time. She's the kind of woman who wants to stand on her own feet. She doesn't like troubling others, which is why she resists being told what to do."
He paused before continuing.
"Sometimes, children don't need grand gestures from their parents. What we need is trust-and support. Just knowing you believe in us gives us the strength to walk forward."
His words settled heavily into the room. Both parents listened, silent, their eyes distant with thought.
Finally, Mama Cayra's gaze softened, glistening with tears.
"Thank you, Saka. What you said... it opened our eyes. We thought we knew our daughter, but we didn't."
Saka smiled faintly. "We children aren't rejecting you. We just... need your faith more than your control."
The conversation eased into warmth. For the first time in a long while, Saka felt like he was speaking to his own parents. His fractured family loomed in the back of his mind, but he held onto a fragile hope: maybe someday, he could have a moment like this with them again.
~~~
Moments later, Cayra appeared-her sudden arrival halting the discussion. Without warning, she rushed forward and embraced her mother tightly.
"Mama..."
Her voice cracked. "Mama... forgive Caca."
Saka's eyes widened, startled. Even her parents looked at her in surprise.
"What's wrong, Dear? They said you were sick, right?" her mother asked, stroking her back.
"Yes... Caca wants to apologize."
Her mother's voice trembled. "Yes. I forgive you. Mama also apologizes... for forcing you into an arranged marriage."
"Yes... Caca forgives Mama too," Cayra sobbed.
The scene tugged at Saka's chest. He felt moved, proud even, that Cayra had finally taken this step.
But as she cried in her mother's arms, trembling as though terrified of losing her family, Saka found himself speaking-perhaps to lighten the heavy air.
"Sorry, Auntie. Caca is indeed spoiled when she's sick." he teased gently.
Cayra's tears paused. Slowly, she turned toward him.
"It was just so funny earlier. Especially when her snot almost came out..."
"Huh!"
"Saka!" she exclaimed, quickly covering her nose.
Laughter erupted around the room, breaking the tension.
When the moment settled, Mama Cayra asked if her daughter had eaten. Learning she hadn't, she immediately urged her to do so.
Saka thought it was the right time to excuse himself. He'd already seen what he came for, and staying longer felt improper.
But before he could speak, Mama Cayra stopped him.
"Saka, you haven't eaten either, right? Let's eat together."
He hesitated, uncertain. His eyes met Cayra's, who was silently urging him to refuse.
Instead, Saka smiled-mischief flickering in his gaze.
"May I, Auntie?"
"Of course you may. Who's stopping you?"
"Who knows if someone objects," he said, glancing at Cayra.
Her mother caught on instantly, giving her daughter a meaningful look.
"No...Caca agrees," Cayra muttered in defeat.
Saka's grin widened, satisfied. Even Mama Cayra smiled knowingly.
"Then, please come in, Saka," Papa Cayra said warmly.
Saka entered the dining room first, followed by her parents. Cayra trailed reluctantly behind.
Seated at the table, Saka stilled for a moment. The atmosphere wrapped around him-welcoming, genuine, alive. It felt like family. Something he had longed for but had never truly known.
When his gaze met Cayra's, a soft smile curved on his lips. I'm here. I'll always be here.
And in that moment, a realization settled in his heart:
Wounds could heal-even the ones carved by love itself.
Because in the end, no scar is permanent if you dare to let someone in.
At that simple dinner table, Saka found what he had been searching for all along-
a home.
~~~
EPILOGUE ✨
[May 2014 ]
There's an old saying: "Never get too lost in happiness, for sorrow can arrive at any moment."
And that day, Saka learned just how true those words could be.
Graduation day was supposed to be the happiest moment of his life. After three long years of struggle, he was finally leaving high school behind. Relief mingled with a bittersweet ache, knowing that all the memories of youth would soon become nothing more than the past.
But this day was meant to be more than just a farewell. For Saka, it was the day he had vowed to confess his feelings to Cayra.
Since their second year, they had been close, though nothing had ever gone beyond friendship. Today, for the first time, Saka had gathered the courage to show her what he truly held in his heart. He believed Cayra felt the same. Especially since they had planned to attend the same private university after graduation. Once they finally opened up to each other, he was sure their relationship would take the next step forward.
In his excitement, he had even prepared a small gift—a silver bracelet. Simple, yet filled with sincerity. A promise. A symbol that he wanted Cayra to truly be his.
After dropping his bag in the classroom, he immediately searched for her. But Cayra wasn't there. Only then did it strike him—she might be outside, celebrating with the others on the school field.
And he was right. From afar, the laughter of his classmates filled the air. But Saka's eyes quickly found the one person he was looking for.
Cayra.
She was sitting alone at the edge of the field. Unlike the rest, she didn't join in the cheers and festivities. Her head was bowed, fingers clutching the hem of her skirt, her gaze weighed down by something heavy. Loneliness lingered in her eyes.
Saka's instincts whispered—something was wrong. Without hesitation, he walked over and sat beside her.
"Ayu…" he called softly.
She glanced at him, her smile faint and hollow. "What is it, Arda?"
"What's wrong with you? I looked for you in class but you weren't there. Turns out you're here, zoning out."
She didn't answer. Instead, she drew in a deep breath, as if trying to hold back something unbearable. The silence only deepened Saka's worry.
"Ayu… didn't we promise? If something happens, we share. Don't keep it inside."
Cayra lowered her gaze. Her lips trembled as though words were on the verge of breaking free. Saka waited, heart pounding, ready to listen to whatever she had to say.
But before Cayra could speak, a classmate suddenly approached.
"Excuse me, Saka. Miss Lia is calling you. She said it's something important about your university choice."
Saka turned, frowning but keeping calm. "Thank you, Aldo."
The boy nodded and left.
Saka looked back at Cayra. He could tell she had something important to say. But time was cruel—it wasn't on their side.
He could only whisper, "Ayu, I'm sorry. I have to go for a bit. After school, let's meet at our usual place. There's something important I want to tell you."
Cayra gave a faint smile, more like an attempt to soothe herself. "It's fine. Later then."
Saka smiled back. "Don't forget, okay? It's really important."
"I'll be waiting, Ayu. Don't let me wait alone…"
With that, he waved and walked away—heart soaring with hope, yet shadowed by unease.
~~~
In the teachers' office, Miss Lia was waiting at her desk.
"Good morning, Miss," Saka greeted politely.
"Ah, Saka. Please, sit down," she replied, hesitation clouding her face.
Saka obeyed, uneasiness tightening his chest. "Miss, why did you call me?"
Miss Lia held his gaze for a long moment. The pause was heavy before she finally spoke.
"Saka… it's about the university you applied for. I have to apologize. I couldn't persuade your father. You'll still have to follow his decision."
It felt like a hammer crashed against his chest. His dream of attending the same university as Cayra shattered instantly.
"Miss… can't you try again? Maybe he'll change his mind."
Her sigh was long, her eyes filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Saka. It's impossible. Your father threatened to shut this school down if we pushed your request. Do you know what that means? Hundreds of students will lose their education. Many teachers will lose their jobs."
Saka froze. His father… was truly willing to go that far.
"Please, Saka," Miss Lia urged gently. "Just obey him for now. Whatever his decision, I'm sure he believes it's for your sake. One day, you'll understand."
But Saka couldn't answer. His chest was too heavy, his mind too clouded. Graduation was supposed to be his happiest day, yet all he felt was despair.
Finally, he stood. His voice trembled. "Thank you, Miss. Excuse me."
Dragging his feet out of the office, he slipped a hand into his pocket and touched the small box. Inside lay the silver bracelet engraved with her name—Ayu.
A chill swept over him. His heart whispered of an omen.
Please, he prayed silently. Let today's misfortune only be about university. Please… don't let it touch my relationship with Cayra.
~~~
He pedaled his bicycle to the lakeside—their promised place. The evening wind stung his skin, but it wasn't the cold that weighed him down. A dark premonition followed him with every step.
When he arrived, he scanned the lakeshore. Empty.
No Cayra.
For a moment, panic surged. But he brushed it away with fragile hope. She'll come. She promised.
Parking his bicycle, he sat on their usual bench. Time trickled by. Five minutes. Ten. Thirty. Still, she didn't come.
Saka bit his lip. He wanted to call her, but his phone had been confiscated by his father. Helpless, he clutched the small box tighter.
The bracelet inside bore her name. He stared at the sky, now covered in heavy clouds. Rain began to fall—first a drizzle, then a downpour.
Yet Saka remained. His uniform drenched, body shivering, but his heart clung to one hope. Cayra will come. She has to.
But as night deepened, she never did.
A pair of headlights cut through the storm. A luxury car pulled up, and from it stepped a man—the same man who had approached Cayra at school earlier.
Saka's heart sank. One glance at the stranger's expression was enough to shatter his fragile faith.
When they took him home, he didn't resist. He didn't even speak. Like a lifeless doll, he simply allowed himself to be led away, while his bicycle was placed in the trunk. As if a chapter of his life had been sealed shut forever.
~~~
At home, drenched and trembling, Saka stormed into his father's office. The older man sat calmly, sipping his coffee as if there hadn't just been a storm ripping through his son's heart.
Saka stood before the desk, fists clenched.
"What happened, Pi? Tell me the truth!"
His father only gestured to the phone on the table. The screen was lit. With trembling hands, Saka picked it up.
His heart nearly stopped. A photo of Cayra staring at the brown envelope, clutching it tightly in her hands.
"What… what is this supposed to mean?" His voice cracked.
"You still don't understand?" His father's voice was cold, calm. "That photo is proof. That girl has left you. She chose money over you."
The words struck harder than any storm. Saka wanted to deny it, but he couldn't. The photo was too clear. Too real.
"Saka, listen," his father continued. "Tomorrow, we leave for overseas to tour your new university. It's for the best."
Tears blurred Saka's glasses. The boy who had always forced himself to be strong… broke completely before his father.
"Crying won't change anything!" the man barked. "She left you. And you will still go abroad!"
Saka's sobs tore out deeper.
"Is it so wrong for me to cry, Pi? All this time I've pretended to be strong, obeyed everything you said—but I'm tired! I'm sick of all this!"
His father's glare was sharp as knives.
"Enough. Listen carefully. If you refuse to study abroad, I'll destroy that girl's family. I'll shut down her school."
The threat pierced like a blade. Saka's breath caught. This time, it wasn't just his future at stake—it was the people he loved.
"I'll count to three. If you don't answer, I'll assume you've chosen their ruin."
"One."
"Two."
"Okay!" Saka shouted, voice trembling. "I'll do it! I'll obey you, Pi. Just don't hurt them. Don't touch her family!"
A cruel smile curved his father's lips.
"Good. That's better. Obey me, and I'll give you what you want in return. Tomorrow morning, we leave. And remember—she chose money. Forget her, no matter what it takes."
~~~
Saka stumbled back to his room.
Instead of changing clothes, he pulled out the small box from his pocket. Slowly, he opened it.
The silver bracelet gleamed faintly under the lamp, the name Ayu engraved on its surface.
Tears slid down his cheeks, fogging his glasses. His trembling fingers brushed against the bracelet—filled with anger, with despair, with a love that had just been shattered.
A part of him still wanted to believe that Cayra wasn't like that. But the photo was too clear. Too real to dismiss as a trick.
That night, Saka lost everything.
His dream.
His hope.
And the girl he loved most—the one who, it seemed, had abandoned him for money.