"Your parents?" Kirana asked with a surprised face.
"Yes, sorry, I have never told this story before to you, Sister," said Falin, bowing his head.
It turned out that Falin was the son of a wealthy businessman in the Bandung area. However, five years ago, Falin was desperate to leave his home. The wealth owned by his parents did not necessarily make him happy. He is one of the children who lack parental love. This is of course because his parents are too busy working.
As a child, Falin was always accompanied by his household assistant whenever there were activities at his school. Once he begged his mother to see his performance at a school farewell party, but still, his mother did not grant his request.
By the time he was about to enter junior high school, Falin decided to run away from home. Met street children who Falin usually saw singing on the streets.
"Yesterday I accidentally met them while singing on the street, Sis. Then, they chased me and asked me to go home." Falin spoke in a hoarse voice.
He seemed to want to shed the tears he had been holding back since yesterday.
"Go home if you are more comfortable at home, Lin." Kirana tries to give advice.
However, Kirana understands the feelings of Falin's parents very well. Just like how his father felt when Shinta left him. Even at the end of his life, Mr. Sarmidi was still thinking about Shinta's condition.
"But ... I can't bear to leave them, Sis," said Falin while pointing his index finger at the children who were still busy with their food.
Kirana took a deep breath. He seemed to be thinking of the right words to say so Falin could be enlightened.
"Your house is still near here, right?"
Falin nodded, but his head was lowered again.
"Well, that means you can always visit them like, Sis. In fact, if you go home, you can send them decent food any time," Kirana explained so that Falin would return to his home.
Falin was silent and did not respond.
"I'm also sure, they will be happier if you want to go back to your parents." Kirana continued her words while looking at the children.
"But, Falin doesn't believe that mom and dad can turn into attention to me, Sis," Falin said with full of concern.
Actually, Falin really missed his home, room, and peace when he played with Aunty Ijah—his housekeeper—. However, it was the fear of his parents' attitude that made him hesitate and be afraid to return to his magnificent home.
"They must have changed, Lin. Believe in, Sis," Kirana said while stroking and hugging Falin's body.
***
"Falin!" said a woman from behind the car window when she met Falin on the street.
Falin who recognized the face rushed to run away from the car.
That morning, as usual, Falin would be singing in the streets with the other children. With a gleeful expression, he tried to sing from car to car when the red light flashed. At first the activity seemed very despicable, but after he tried to live it, everything felt light and fun. In fact, he used this activity to unwind after his mind was filled with various kinds of problems.
"Dad, that was Falin. Let's go after him!" asked the woman who turned out to have the full name Retno Wulandari.
Even the man who was focused on driving the car didn't seem to believe Mrs. Retno's words.
"Mommy is fine," said the man with his eyes still focused on the traffic jam.
"Really, Dad. Let's go after Falin!"
Mrs. Retno, who was still adamant in her opinion, decided to get out of the car, ignoring the man who turned out to be her husband. He rushed to follow where Falin ran.
"Falin! Wait for Mommy, Dear!" shouted Mrs. Retno with all her might.
The well-proportioned woman did not give up pursuing Falin. Even though her breath was already very tight, in her little heart, Mrs. Retno really wanted to meet her only daughter.
Meanwhile, from behind Mrs. Retno, a man was seen chasing Mrs. Retno. The man didn't believe it at first, but seeing his wife running around barefoot, he turned worried.
"Wait Daddy, Mom!" shouted the man, panting for breath.
Falin, who knew that the two people he met were chasing him, then increased his running speed. Unfortunately, Falin tripped over a rock that could make him fall to the ground.
"Ah! Drop everything!” She cursed as he wiped away the blood that was running down his leg.
Falin tried to stand back up, but the pain in the small wound he could not bear. He was forced to move away with the condition of his legs a bit limp.
“Wait Daddy, Falin!” A strong hand grabbed Falin's arm. It turned out that Mrs. Retno and her husband were Falin's parents.
Falin was surprised and tried to release his papa's grip. However, it was of course in vain. Mr. Wisnu Mahendra—his father—held Falin's hand firmly. Falin took a deep breath.
"What do you want?" snapped Falin harshly.
Mrs. Retno, who was already in tears, spoke up.
"Please come home, dear," said Mrs. Retno while holding Falin's palm.
"What's in it for me if I go back to your house?!" Falin said with a feeling that he was fed up with the drama of his parents' promises.
During his life with Mrs. Retno and Mr. Wisnu, Falin often received sweet promises that did not materialize.
“It's also your house, Falin! We work for you." Mr. Vishnu spoke in a rather high tone. This of course made Falin even more hurt.
"Enough, Dad. Falin knows that Daddy never misses me. And one more thing, wealth doesn't make me happy, Mom ... Dad," said Falin with overflowing emotions.
Without Mr. Wisnu knowing it, Falin rushed to run when Mr. Wisnu’s grip loosened. With his leg still hurting, Falin kept trying to stay away from his parents.
"Falin! Falin!"
Mr. Wisnu is still trying to catch up with Falin. However, Mrs. Retno prevented it. The instinct of a mother will certainly feel and understand the condition and mood of her daughter. Mrs. Retno also invited Mr. Vishnu to return to the car. With a heavy heart because he was unable to persuade Falin, Mr. Vishnu complied with his wife's invitation.
Twilight was the saddest evening for Mr. Vishnu and Mrs. Retno. They had been waiting for Falin for years. However, never once did Falin show his nose in the house that became his palace when he was a child. Then, when an accidental meeting occurred today, Falin vehemently refused their invitation.
To be continued ....