Tales from the Former Universe

54. Crossroads!

As the end was near, the Earth continued its relentless rotation, oblivious to the impending end of the world, as all of life, slowly left and decimate, saving what they can. Despite the darkened oxygens and the imminent demise of humanity, Gongsun Island remained overcrowded with refugees. Some had fled, some still remained, while others still faced a daunting journey toward the hope of a new life they had struggled to create.

Lobertari was patiently waiting, breathing, recollecting herself as she made preparations. Instead of reading, she spared time to look at her planning notes, still empty of plans but the words of conveying conversation: berbakti setinggi sentosa

She pictured speculative plans for that universe, until she realized, why should contributing and opening her heart have to be so difficult. She found ease and redemption, when she circled the words 'bakti' and 'sentosa.'

Beside Lobertari, a woman was still crying helplessly, begging that her only true love be miraculously given another chance. Seeing her broken tears, Lobertari knew she couldn't just stand there and let that poor woman cry. She opened her heart, and asked her, "Is everything alright, miss?"

Lepille looked at Lobertari, slowly finding comfort in the conversation.

"My mother passed away before making it here... and my son is in there," she pointed at the medical room. "He will make it," she cried. "Right?"

Lobertari said to her, "Confident, I am, that he will make it."

"Thank you," Lepille smiled. "A lot, my son means to me... everything, I did it for him... I had abandoned a life... for him."

"A blessing, it is, to have all the moments with your son," Lobertari warmed her up. "You must cherish that with every bit of your life."

"Thank you," she thanked again, covering her tears. "You are very kind."

But Lobertari looked down then.

"What's wrong?" Lepille asked.

"You said I am kind," Lobertari saddened. "You don't even know me."

"I... know... enough," Lepille said. "Words may not be powerful, but genuineness is," she said. "And your genuine sympathy for my son... that's kindness."

"I... am nothing of what you claimed," Lobertari opened. "A horrible person, I am... One who made... unforgivable mistakes," she said. "I am far beyond kindness."

Lepille then held on to Lobertari.

"Madame... if I may?" Lepille requested. "Mistakes, we have made in the past... heavy ones, regrettable ones... and we can't change that," she said. "What we can change... is what we can do now... along with our future," she said. "Some things are hard to mend... but you have already taken a very kind step towards kindness," she said. "Perhaps now, and forever... you should continue making those steps."

"For those of Portal Area 1945, queues 250-350, approach you must!" called the guards.

Lobertari stood up, not to enter the new world, but to be a better person.

"Terima Kasih (In Bahasa Indonesia: Thank you)" Lobertari shook Lepille's hands and left to her queue.

Minutes later, the doctor got out of Hwillfyrd's room.

"D—, doctor?" Lepille held on.

"Sorry, I am," the doctor apologized. "Your son can't make the trip."