Paper Boat ( Jelsa fanfiction )

The paths

Amsterdam , June 1999 ...

No reason for leave Amsterdam at summer . This is the best time to cycling at Leidsepien and Dam Square while enjoying sunshine which is heaven to the people at there. He still want to sat at the beach , or enjoying cafe latte at one of the cafe at 9 Straatjes from morning until sunset with his sketch book.

While clearing last book from his shelf that hang beside his bed. Same question last week's is still ringing at his mind : My age is still 18 , but why I feel this is too heavy to me?

Door behind his back creacking

" No , Jack. Don't overload your suitcase with books. Let Grandma send your book to Bandung ."

Jack fake smiled, stop his activity, tidy up his books . His heart is disturbed . Grandma say it like he will not go back to this house.

Jack know this moment is present unavoidable. Just a miracle who can cancel his trip to go back to Bandung . Many years he praying for the miracle . But , the miracle don't come. Just occasionally call from Mom who praise his paintings , without word that say he can stay in Amsterdam , accompany grandma struggling to avoid eviction to nursing homes, paints in the one of the chair in Vondelpark , growing up to be artist he admire.

Miracle that Jack have is expired . Just six years . His parents fighting and decide to call their first son to go home to Bandung. Didn't in this city his mom born and be a artist ? Jack didn't know exactly how this this happen. How can her parents who gave him a painting talents , is blow out what just they intherited?

Dad is worried Amsterdam will turn the talents of artist in their son. Why Dad is worried? He first asked . Because your brain are too smart to just be a painter . There are question in his mind, Should he sabotage his grade to proof his father wrong? But , luckily, before it's happen he gave permission to live at Amsterdam for six years . Just six years.

Over two thousand days pass and Jack feel six years like a blink .

" Maybe just this that you should bring, son" Grandma give two books that reads 2500 exercise for UMPTN . " so that you can study at plane."

" Yes, grandma" Jack accept the books that he will leave under the bed after Grandma is out .

" I wait you at dining room , ok?" She stand up , straighten her motif paisley blouse , tighten her hairpin , her hair is white but still much . Wrinkled didn't lose her beauty . Grandma very similiar to Mom . Jack suddenly feel he miss his family that make his return didn't look very bad.

" Grandma did cook?"

" bean soup and chesse bread . As you wish . Grandma will never forget , son . Grandma is always keep the promise"

One night at first winter in this house , the heater in that house is broken . Grandma cover him and hug him with thick blanket . That night Grandma promised that she will never cry when Jack is go to Bandung. And Jack is promised too without know how heavy to keep that promise.