REDAMANCY - Love's Timeless Path

43rd Note

Today I finally came out of the hospital after lying in bed for almost two weeks. I still remembered how Prof. Linardi — Jagad's father — nagged me as he helped me gather my belongings. With Jagad's father playing such a pivotal role in my life, it often felt like I had two sets of parents, especially considering my long-standing friendship with Jagad and my relationship with Haira, which added another layer of familial complexity.

"Mas," a voice laced with concern, broke through my reverie. "Are you sure you don't need a company?"

I shook my head when Wimar was done packing my suitcase and shutting the car trunk. My car, having sat in the hospital parking lot for days, no longer gleamed like a luxury vehicle but instead wore a coat of dust from neglect.

"Are you sure you're up for driving?" Jagad's worried gaze met mine.

I firmly nodded. Declined their offer to be my personal driver for a day.

"I can drive myself; I feel better already." I convinced them both.

They finally gave up and bid each other farewell, going back to work.

I slid the rear of the seat down and leaned into the driver's seat. Reclining onto my back and briefly shut my eyes. The drowsiness from having just finished a bowl of crab soup and a plate of rice made my sugar intake increase. Hitting me with an overwhelming sense of sleepiness.

I glanced at my wrist.

It was still 3.30 in the afternoon. There was still an hour before the odd-even regulation was implemented. Perhaps a brief nap wouldn't hurt, especially since my car's license plate matches today's date, allowing me to drive legally.

I had just closed my eyes for a moment when I heard someone knock on my car window. I reflexively opened my eyes with a little surprise. I could even feel my heart beating erratically because I was too shocked.

My eyes caught a familiar face waving from outside the window. Honestly, I was disgusted.

I slowly unlocked my car and stepped out before slowly closing my car door.

"What do you need?"

"I heard you were sick. Yesterday, I wanted to visit you, but I was forbidden to see you. I brought fruits for you."

I stared at the person in front of me without expression. It was certain that those who forbade it were Jagad, Wimar, or Bria.

If you guessed that the person in front of me was Rara, I could give you a thousand points.

Honestly, I didn't want to meet her at times like this.

"I don't need the fruit, Ra. It's better if you just give it to security."

She turned to face me, taken aback by my too-flat response.

"But I bought it for you."

I shook my head. Refuse the gift. "Even if I accept it, I still give it to people I don't know who I will meet later on the street."

My eyes could see her hand tightly gripping the handle of the basket she was carrying.

"I was worried when I found out you were sick."

"Thanks." I answered briefly. I wanted to end our conversation immediately.

"I heard about your breakup with Haira," she ventured, a hint of satisfaction in her tone.

I drew a sharp breath. I had no idea where this woman had learned about Haira and me.

"Yes," I confirmed tersely.