Srikandi (For Hire) - English Version

Shadows of Departure - 1.2

Listen to this music before reading:
The Night We Met - Lord Huron

That morning, sunlight gently crept into Kiana's room, creating a warm glow that touched her face. However, the brightness could not penetrate the dark clouds that weighed on Nadia's heart. Slowly, she approached her sister's bed, feeling the tranquility enveloping Kiana, even though she knew that behind that peace, a great struggle was taking place. Kiana looked like a weary warrior, fighting against an invisible monster.

Kiana awoke, her eyes opening slightly, staring at Nadia with a vacant look, as if trying to remember memories buried deep within her mind. "Sis, have you had breakfast?" Her voice was weak but enough to make Nadia's heart tremble. Nadia smiled, trying to hide her sadness. "Not yet, Kiki. We can have breakfast together after the doctor comes."

They had a little morning ritual, although often Kiana had no appetite. Every spoonful of rice that Nadia fed her was a battle against despair. Nadia knew that each bite symbolized hope, a reminder that they still had each other.

After feeding Kiana, Nadia sat on the edge of the bed, holding her sister's cold hand. "Kiki, I promise I will always be here for you," she said, her voice trembling. Kiana closed her eyes, weakly cupping Nadia's hand, a gesture that meant more than a thousand words. In that moment, they understood that the love between them was a shield against all suffering.

The days ahead would be filled with challenges, but they knew they were not alone. A strong bond was forged between them, and amidst the sorrow, hope for a bright future continued to shine. Nadia promised herself to stay strong, even as the burden on her shoulders grew heavier.

That afternoon, as the atmosphere in the hospital grew tense ahead of Kiana's chemotherapy schedule, Nadia tried to calm herself. She tidied up some books and toys around the bed, hoping to create a more comfortable environment for her sister. Carefully, she placed a storybook that they often read together, trying to bring back beautiful memories in these difficult times.

In the midst of her preparations, Nadia's thoughts drifted back to the wonderful memories of their time spent in the park. Kiana had always been the star of every game, laughing with a cheerful voice that filled the air. Her sister's laughter was the most beautiful melody Nadia had ever heard, and now, that melody felt increasingly distant. Kiana, with her long hair and wide smile, was everything to Nadia. Now, behind this curtain of sorrow, everything felt like a dark dream.

That night, as the stars began to appear in the sky, Nadia sat outside, observing the twinkling lights. She remembered the beautiful moments when Kiana could still run in the park, laughing and playing without a care in the world. Those memories echoed in her soul, reminding her that happiness once adorned their lives.

As the days went by, Nadia began to feel the impact of the disease that was eating away at her sister. She was not only fighting for Kiana but also for herself. Every time Kiana struggled to rise, Nadia felt that spirit flowing within her, reminding her that hope must not fade. In the darkness, she was determined to create a light for her sister.

"If you can accept that you cannot control everything, you will be free," said Alan Watts, and Nadia tried to embody that wise saying. In this struggle, she discovered a strength she never knew was within her. Every small step Kiana took was a sign that hope was still alive.

With confidence, Nadia lifted her face to the twinkling night sky. She prayed that the strength and guidance of her parents would always accompany her steps. In the dark, she longed for a light of hope, not just for herself, but also for Kiana. She knew this journey would not be easy, but in her heart, a seed of hope grew to not give up. For her sister, for the memories of their parents that would always live on in their souls.

"If you can accept that you cannot control everything, you will be free." — Alan Watts