The first few months were heavy for Freya. Almost every night, she found herself sleepless, haunted by questions she couldn't answer. Why was it like this? Why did her heart feel as if it was searching for something-or someone-she could not name?
Since the day Liam's family revealed the truth about the arrangement, Freya's parents and Leiyah had kept a close watch on her. They cut off every possible link that could connect her to Liam. And even on those nights when she woke suddenly, restless and aching as if something was missing, the only thing she heard was her parents' constant reminder:
"Calm yourself, anak. You don't have to worry about anything anymore. Focus on yourself."
---
Therapy Days
With the help of a therapist, Freya slowly learned how to face the gaps in her memory. In each session, she was taught to release her emotions through writing and drawing.
"You don't need to force yourself to remember things that are unclear," her therapist said gently. "Sometimes, what matters most is the present-and how you want to shape your tomorrow."
So Freya began keeping a diary. She didn't understand why, but often her entries revolved around flowers, the color pink, and sometimes... a faceless figure that kept appearing in her dreams.
Whenever Leiyah asked, her only reply was, "Maybe it's just my imagination."
And slowly, she began to believe it herself.
---
Moving Forward
Years passed, and little by little, Freya's joy returned. Laughter once again filled their home, and her cheerful nature slowly came back. Yet even so, a faint thorn remained in her heart-an unshakable sense of incompleteness.
She chose to ignore it. To her, it was probably just the aftermath of trauma, the shadow of her amnesia. So she decided to focus on her studies.
"Anak, we're so proud of you," her mother told her one night as she studied for her finals. "You never gave up, even after everything you went through."
Freya smiled, though she still carried heaviness inside. "Thank you, Ma. Maybe... this is really my new beginning."
Leiyah, of course, never left her side. She stayed close through it all-study sessions, hangouts, every moment. And though Freya sometimes felt like something was still missing, she learned to smile and accept life as it was.
---
Graduation Day
Two years passed in a flash, and before Freya realized it, it was graduation day. She stood at the side of the stage, wearing her toga and holding her cap in her hands.
"Wow, Fe," Leiyah whispered as she adjusted her sash. "After everything, we made it. We're graduates!"
Freya chuckled and pursed her lips. "Yeah. I didn't think I'd get this far. It feels like just yesterday..." She paused, struck by an emptiness she couldn't explain, then quickly turned back to Leiyah. "Anyway, it's done."
From the audience, she heard loud cheers and saw her parents waving at her, their eyes brimming with tears of joy.
When she stepped onto the stage, her knees trembled, but as soon as the diploma was placed in her hands, a wide smile broke across her face.
"Congratulations, Freya," her teacher whispered as she handed her the certificate.
As she descended, Leiyah greeted her with a scream so loud it nearly deafened her. "Yesss! Finally!" The two burst into laughter, ignoring the heat and the noise of the crowded auditorium.
---
Day of Celebration
Back home, a simple celebration awaited her. Relatives, friends, and of course, Leiyah were there. The table overflowed with food-spaghetti, lumpia, cake, and more.
"Anak, we're so proud of you," her father said as he snapped photo after photo. "You look so beautiful in your toga."
"Thank you, Pa. This is all for you too," Freya replied with a smile.
But amidst the laughter, the familiar ache returned. Why do I still feel like I'm searching for something?
Leiyah nudged her. "Hey, stop being sentimental. Eat. We still have cake later."
Freya laughed and shook her head. "Okay, okay. I'll eat."
---
Cliffhanger
That night, after a long day of celebration, Freya stood on the balcony of their home. She gazed up at the stars, holding the small notebook she had used during therapy.
Flipping through it, she saw the sketches she had drawn over and over again-flowers. Hibiscus.
"Why do I keep writing this?" she murmured to herself.
As she stared blankly, the sudden blare of a car horn broke the silence. A vehicle had stopped right outside their house.
Curious, she stepped outside to take a look-and her eyes widened in shock.
A family was stepping out of the van. And in front of them... a face she somehow recognized. Older now, more mature, but unmistakable.
It was Liam.
And at that moment, Freya's heart raced wildly, leaving her unable to understand why.