A BETTER PLACE

Alaura sighed and continued walking while holding some leaves and fruits in her hands. Her eyes wandered around, slightly scared if someone is around. She has nothing to be scared of since she can handle herself. But she has two siblings that are still depending on her, that's why she can't just go anywhere and not come back home.

She continued walking as she passed the boundary of the neighboring country and the country she is located. She looked back for a while, thinking that some sort of spies might be behind her, following her trails. Her journey back home was resumed when she already made sure that she made it back peacefully. Without knocking, Alaura entered their house and went straight to the kitchen. She lay down the fruits and vegetables on the simple table in their kitchen and proceeded to the room she and her siblings share. It wasn't spacious. In fact, their room only consists of a simple bed, a cabinet, one table in the corner, and windows on the wall. They have nothing more than those things. But who is she to complain? Those are the only things they got so she'll settle with those.

As Alaura enter their room, she saw her siblings, a boy, and a girl, still sleeping peacefully. She sighed and lay herself down on the bed, slightly moving her sibling's places so she will fit. She just stared at the ceiling, bothered about the news he heard as she is finding their food for the afternoon and evening. She heard from the people of the other country that there is some sort of virus spreading around. It's a gossip though. She won't believe something like that so easily. But what bothers her is the fact that almost everyone she passes by is afraid and is genuinely scared about that rumor.

She shook her head. If that is true, then we'll be doomed. Alaura is just imagining their situation if ever that happened, but still, she can't think of it thoroughly. She can't think of it for more than a minute. That rumor can't be true. They are suffering at the moment. Having difficulties finding food and clean water, and then, that virus will come through. What can they do? Of course, above all, Alaura and her siblings might be the most scared – they find difficulties finding food, and the fact that they live near the boundary of two countries. Those are enough to scare her. If that virus will spread in our country, then most probably, we will the first to be infected.

Alaura's heartbeat amplified and doubled in speed. That really can't happen. Just thinking that they will be infected with that virus made her feel a strange, unexplainable emotion. She unconsciously looked at her siblings and slowly rub their heads with her palm, alternately. For the nth time, she sighed. Alaura can't think of anything at the moment. All she wants right now is to move to a place where she knows that they are safe. A place where they know they don't need to be afraid and be cautious. She wants a place where no one can come near them. Alaura wants to build their new house in an undiscovered place.

Alaura stood up and walked to the kitchen. She started slicing the fruits after cleaning them and served them on a plate. Any minute now, she is expecting her siblings to wake up. It's only 7 am, the sun is rising, and she lacks sleep. It's her routine every day – to go wherever she knows that food can eat exist. She sat down comfortably as she stares at their open door. The sunlight is peaking and it gives off a faint light inside. Thankfully, their government provided them the light that requires sunlight to operate. But Alaura often turns it off after knowing that her siblings fell asleep to conserve energy.

A lone tear fell off her eyes out without her consent. It was one of these moments that she remembers her family. Every time a deafening silence embraces her, her brain starts to remind her that she has no parents, and was left alone with two siblings who can't stand by themself. It wasn't a burden to her. But because of it, she lacks time for herself. She didn't have time to cry when she heard that her parents already died. Her parents left responsibilities, and those things were the first thing Alaura looked after.

After a few minutes, her sleepy siblings entered the kitchen. They're still yawning and crumpling their eyes. She smiled. Cuties. After all, she has a brother and a sister left – no reason to be sad at all. Instead, she is thankful that, at least, there is still someone close to her heart beside her. She wouldn't know what to do if she was left with no one. She thought she might go crazy if all of her family died at that time.

"Good morning, big sister!" Corlissa and Lilo greeted, making her smile. It was like that every morning. They were like programmed machines who will greet her every morning, and they were always in sync.

"What's for breakfast?" They asked again at the same time making Alaura laugh.

"Hmmm… what do we have here…" She pretended to be thinking and wondering. "Apples? Grapes? Bananas? What do you think?" She playfully asked the two while pinching their nose.

"Apples?"

"Bananas?"

"Nope."

"Grapes?" The two asked.

"Wrong."

"Then what?" Corlissa asked, a bit sad now. "Don't we have any breakfast today?" Her smiling faced turned into a sad one. If ever, this will be the first morning that will not eat any breakfast. It's okay for them, though. Corlissa and Lilo grew up very well. They are still kids, but they are oriented on their surroundings. They understand things very well like other adults. Corlissa regained her smile to show her sister that it's just fine. "Maybe we can eat something tomorrow, right?"

"I bet we have something right now." Lilo confidently said. "Knowing our big sister, she won't let us go on the day with an empty stomach."

"Nice guess." Alaura playfully patted Lilo's head and disorganized his hair. "You really know me." Alaura stood up and grabbed the plate full of fruits. "Here you go." She carefully placed it on the table. "We got apples, bananas, and grapes for breakfast." Both cheered out of joy making her smile, again. And only to smile wider when she saw how appetized her siblings are while eating.

Alaura stared at them, clearly enjoying the view. It wasn't extravagant. It wasn't something expensive. She just got those fruit from the trees she passes by, and yet, Corlissa and Lilo enjoyed it very much. At that point, she realized: You really don't need expensive things and materials to be happy. And happiness is an emotion you can control. You don't need a reason to be happy. You can be happy just because you want to be happy. Easy. After staring for a while, she joined them and ate their simple breakfast together.

After eating, her siblings went to the lake nearby to play and take a bath. While Alaura went to the nearest town to search for simple work. She needs to earn, whatever amount it is. She needs to work to provide for their needs even if it's just the simple ones. She wants to provide and give the needs and wants of her siblings as much as possible.

She worked immediately after finding one. It was just simple but hard. Alaura is tasked to carry cartons and containers of products she doesn't know about. Since her only work is to carry them, she didn't heed any attention to what's inside.

Before lunch, at 11 am, she is finished and used the money to buy rice. As she went home, she passed by some edible leaves in the side lanes and picked them up. Alaura immediately cooked what's available in their simple kitchen. They have a small, simple sink. Beside the sink are a dish rack and a rag hanger. On the left part is a stove fueled by wood and fire. Then, a small window on the upper part so light will shine inside.

After she cooked, Alaura fetched her siblings who are happily playing by the lake. "Come on!" She shouted. "We're going to eat lunch! Move fast!" She went back to their house and prepared the table. Alaura then proceeded to their room to get a towel and set of clothes for Colissa and Lilo.

A few minutes later, they were happily eating their lunch. They kept laughing as they share funny stories. They kept it like that. The three don't like remembering the past not because they don't love them anymore, but because the pain that they experience also comes back. It wasn't hard to forget, but the pain they felt is engraved in their hearts, and they feel it if given the chance.

When the night came, they ate the vegetables together, like what they did earlier. They groomed their selves and prepared to sleep. Alaura didn't forget to turn off the solar-powered light the moment her siblings fell asleep.

Alaura tried to sleep, but can't. Something is bothering her mind. She can't think of anything though. There just something that stops her from falling asleep. Her sight went outside – to the moon. It was shining brightly that even in their room – its light is evident. She can't help but stare at its beauty. The moon is really beautiful, but it has many secrets, like many people.

She let out a deep sigh and closed her eyes. She tried to sleep again, and this time, she got lucky. She fell asleep, and by the morning, at 5 am, she abruptly woke up while panting, while her heart is beating really, really fast. She had a nightmare. It was not the same nightmare that she would encounter from the nights of the past. It was a nightmare about something she doesn't want to happen in the present. It was about the virus.

She hurriedly sat up, folded her hands together, and closed her eyes. Alaura started praying. She prayed that whatever happens, as much as possible, she doesn't want them to be involved if ever the rumor is true. She wished that the issue will not come true. She hopes that it will never happen. Because if ever that virus is true, then, they have no choice but to pray and pray every day and night for their safety. They don't have a nice place, and that bothers her.

After praying, she did her normal routine. Crossing the boundary and entering the other country without their consent to search for food. It was her thing so she is confident about what she does. Alaura knows that people she passes by somehow memorized her face or she is familiar to them. It was a good thing to avoid suspicions.

Avalon was not the country with heavy security. Her routine is enough to prove that. While Delphi, the country she lives in, does have stricter rules when it comes to security matters, but those rules don't apply to their place. They're in the boundary, and they are far from the city where laws are heavily implemented. It's not like she wants those regulations to reach their place, it's just that, she thinks it's better that way. They are free to do anything they want. She is free to cross he borders and do what she needs to.

Well… not because I'm breaking some rules and not following the law doesn't mean I'm a bad person.

She continued her search for food until she found berries on her way. The berries are color red and somewhat indigo or violet. She doesn't know. What she knew was those berries are edible. For sure Corlissa and Lilo will be happy. She smiled inwardly while thinking about what might her siblings' reaction be. She continued picking everything she can bring and hurriedly went home. As usual, her siblings are still sleeping, so she just washed the berries and served them on the plate so the two will see it immediately.

She went to their room and picked up the stack of dirty clothes on the small corner. After that, she fetched a small tub and walked to the river. She'll be doing laundry. Thankfully, their clothes come out not smelly. She doesn't use any soap, but since the lake's water is clean, it makes up for the lacking of soap.It took her almost an hour cleaning their clothes before going back to their house to hang the clothes in the clothesline outside their house. She did that for almost 20 minutes and then came inside. The two are already eating when she got inside.

"Are the fruits delicious?" Alaura still asked even though she can see the visible happiness in Corlissa and Lilo's face. "The berries are sweet, am I right?" She asked while sitting, then picked up a berry and tasted it for herself. "Hmmm… yeah, it's sweet."

"Where did you got them?" Asked Lilo. "This is the first time you prepared berries as breakfast."

"Yeah." Corlissa agreed, then gave Alaura a cute-looking puppy face. "Can we have them again tomorrow? Or maybe soon?" Her eyes almost glimmer just to convince Alaura on getting them berries for breakfast again.

Alaura laughed, clearly attracted to Corlissa's cuteness. "I'll think about it." Then, he looked at the plate which still has lots of berries. "Eat more. Empty the plate for me." She smiled at the two and helped them eat by picking up berries and put them into their mouths.

"You enjoyed eating berries, huh." She said, teasing. "I wonder if you'll eat other fruits after this morning."

"Of course, we will," Lilo replied. "Anything you bring home will be consumed by us."

"Yeah," Corlissa said. "We'll appreciate everything you bring, even if it's just a simple, edible grass."

"Or left-over food."

"Or maybe half-rotten fruits."

"Ewww," Lilo said in disgust. "I don't like to eat fruits that have worms inside. It's disgusting."

"Yeah, yeah. And you said you'll appreciate everything that sister brings home."

"Ahhh… as if I have a choice, right?"

As the afternoon came, Alaura just picked leaves from a moringa tree and cooked them in a soup. They are contented with that. A minimum and simple life. They are happy, she can say. Alaura and her siblings found happiness in simplicity. They can't call their selves poor because they aren't. Wealth doesn't come from any money or things. Wealth comes from the people around you, how you treasure and value them. True wealth is found in the family.

At 3 pm, Alaura decided to fetch the clothes hanged outside since the sky is slowly covered with a dark blanket of clouds. She is busy picking the clothes one by one when two people running caught her attention. They are panicking… or maybe that's what she thought because the two looks like in a hurry. She didn't heed them any attention and continued what she is doing.

After almost a week, she heard from the news while she was in town that the virus is said to infect people in their country, Delphi. How come? She wasn't expecting that someone in their country would catch the virus. But she isn't expecting the rumor about the virus to be true. And now, she was just purely shocked. Her fear came true, and she doesn't know what to do. She is currently working when she heard the news, and she can't just leave her work hanging since she needed money especially now that a virus might be spreading throughout their country.

Alaura was panicking. She hurriedly finished her work, received the payment, and got back home after buying food. She thought it wouldn't happen because the virus is from another country. And added the fact that their country has tight security, and she thinks that Delphi's security even tightened when their leader heard of the news. But still, she has no time thinking how the hell did that virus reached its place. What matters is that she needs to be home as fast as she could and leave their current house.

Alaura thought that leaving their house would just burden them considering that they don't have any house to relocate with. But that's her safest choice. She can't risk it, especially they are living within the border of Delphi and Avalon, the origin of the virus. Her safest option now is to leave their place and find an isolated place. A place that is not known to the eyes of the public. A place where they can hide, but can still collect food like they normally do.

As Alaura reached their house, she immediately packed their clothes in the two bags in their cabinet, including their hygiene things. After packing, she searched for her siblings who are playing on the lakeside.

"Corlissa! Lilo! Come here, quick!" She shouted. The two quickly ran as they heard panic and urgency in Alaura's voice. "Did you interact with someone? Or have you seen someone wander around here? Tell me!"

"What's happening?" Corlissa innocently asked, clearly confused at how Alaura act. "Is there something wrong?"

"Just answer me!"

"I think someone passed by when we are playing." Alaura's attention shifted to Lilo. "It's a guy. A handsome guy, I think." Lilo pointed to a tree, meters away from where they stand. "He is standing there. He's watching us play."

Alaura blew a deep breath. She's relieved but nervous at the same time. If that man is just standing over that tree, maybe he just intends to watch. Or maybe, he is infected and is finding a chance to infect someone so he'll not be the only one to contain it. She might be paranoid about overthinking, but she can't help it. That is a freaking virus! And that can be spread by a person to many. She still doesn't know how a person can acquire it, but then, what's to think is that people can still acquire. She doesn't care how. She just doesn't like to be infected.

"Did that man come near you?" Alaura now calmly asked. "Did you find him suspicious? Did he do something weird?"

"Maybe?" Corlissa replied, but still asking.

"What did he do?"

"He smiles at us every time our eyes meet," Lilo replied, shrugging his shoulders.

"That's it? Nothing more?"

"Hmmm… I think that's it." Corlissa answered. "Anyway, why are you panicking? Did something bad happen?"

Instead of answering, Alaura just grabbed Corlissa and Lilo's hand and guided them towards the house. When they reached the house, the two children are confused why there are bags outside. Some utensils and house materials are also there, all inside a sack. Corlissa, the older among Alaura's siblings looked at her suspiciously.

"What's happening, really."

Alaura looked down at her sister, not even showing any sign of nervousness despite her sister's interrogating voice. "There's something dangerous that we need to avoid that's why we are leaving this house." Alaura picked up the bags and hang them on her shoulders. She got a hold of the sack and faced her siblings. "Come on, we can't waste time."

They walked and walked despite not wanting to leave that house. They walk past all their feet could touch – from farmlands, fields, muddy terrains, until they reach a place somewhere away from every single people existing.

They blew out a loud, deep breath after they finally stopped walking. They reached a place near a mountain. More like a small cave that only extends not nearly ten meters away from where they stand. So basically, they saw a small cave and that's where they plan to live – or maybe that's where Alaura plans to live. It's not like they want to be some sort of cavemen. They just don't have any choice since the sun is almost hiding and the darkness is swallowing every single light in the sky.

Alaura pulled out the blankets she packed in her bags and slowly unrolled them in the ground. Alaura didn't mind if it's clean or dirty in there, they don't use soap to clean it anyway. Alaura sighed after she finishes fixing their sleeping place tonight. They are bound to sleep despite the darkness that just took over the sky a while ago. That's what they need to do to forget the hunger they are feeling. She didn't have time to gather food while they are finding shelter. What matters to her is their safety, and ended up in a not-sure-if-safe cave with no food at all.

"Come on, sleep here." She patted the laid sheets on the ground. "We don't have any food tonight. But I promise I'll provide a good breakfast tomorrow, okay?" She smiled at her siblings to ensure that everything is fine. Yeah, everything will be fine. "Sleep now. I promise, in time… everything will be fine." The two obeyed and silently laid on the sheets provided.

They immediately closed their eyes to sleep. To be honest, the two want to complain that they are hungry. They know that their big sister is experiencing some big problems, and they didn't want to add up to the burden their sister is carrying. Corlissa and Lilo perfectly knew that Alaura has been a very good big sister to them. Though they don't know what it feels like to be a parent at the age of 16, they still admired their sister for staying beside them when she has the choice to leave them alone. Both Corlissa and Lilo are thankful to have Alaura as their sister. Though they can't say it out loud, they knew that Alaura somehow felt how thankful they are.

After noticing that Corlissa and Lilo's breathing is stable and have fallen asleep, she stood up and climbed up the nearest tree. She rested her back against the body of the tree and stared at the sky. The moon is shining brightly, giving light to everything it can reach. Ever since she was little, she admired the beauty of the moon so much. It even happened that she looked up at the moon all night long. She felt like the moon loves attention. Unlike the sun, the moon never dazzles her eyes when she looks up to stare at it.

But those were the times when they are a complete family. The times that her parents are healthy. Those were the times where they are really, really happy. But her parents died due to an unknown disease. They never knew the cause of their parent's death because it will only cost them an amount, and won't even change the fact that their parents are dead. Instead, they just gave them a simple, but proper burial somewhere where she thinks her parents can sleep peacefully. She doesn't remember where, but she knew it was a beautiful place.

Tears started to form in the corner of her eyes just by remembering the old times. Her parents, their happiness, their contentment, everything flashed back. It was like watching a film, but she already knew the ending. And the ending was something she doesn't want to watch again. Despite that, Alaura knew better. She knew that her parents are around, watching over them. She knew she wanted to forget her parents' death before, but that doesn't include forgetting them completely. Her parents are alive in her head. They are there, giving her hope and strength to go on in life with her siblings.

"I wish you two were here." She mumbled, clearly missing her parents as she stared at the magnificent night sky. The moon… For the first time in her life, she envied the moon. The moon who she thought was lonely, has stars around to keep accompany while in the loneliness and darkness of the night. While they have no one around them at their darkest. Alaura thought that people will only join you when you are at your brightest time, but will leave you at your darkest. But that's only my thought. She was wrong. Even when you are at your brightest times, if no one cares or no one knows of your existence, no one will still stay by your side.

Tears started to fall from her eyes as she continues to stare at the moon. Her tears glimmer at the reflection of light as they slowly cascade down Alaura's cheeks. She decided to sleep after a few minutes of quietly crying alone. Alaura thought that she would have a lighter feeling after she cried all her thoughts away, but she thought otherwise. Her feeling became heavier. More memories came back, and she can't bear those memories longer in her mind. She would cry all night, and that can't happen. She promised her siblings to have a good breakfast, and she can't give the breakfast they deserve if she won't sleep.

Still lacking sleep, Alaura woke up just like her usual routine. She looked at her siblings who are still sleeping beside her. She can't but smile while seeing the two huggings each other. Corlissa and Lilo are too sweet for being siblings, and that's what Alaura liked the most about them. She liked it more when her siblings are like this, than be the siblings that are totally a mess. She stood up after fixing the blanket of the two. She stretched her arms and legs as she yawns. It still cold since it's still midnight, but who cares? Definitely not Alaura since she has no choice but to endure the coldness she's feeling.

She started walking without any particular direction. Her objective for the morning is to find breakfast for her siblings, and she will definitely do that. As she walks away from the cave they are currently staying in, the dried leaves on the ground create sounds as she steps on it. The surroundings are still dark, but enough to see thanks to the light of the moon. Alaura can see fireflies around, lingering like small stars that decided to stay on the ground. She tried reaching for one, but she failed. She continued walking, trying to find food until she came across an apple tree. She smiled. Jackpot… Without any second thought, she climbed the tree and started picking apples she thinks are deserving to be eaten.

Alaura got 10 red, sweet-looking apples. She immediately went down. It's still dark, but the moon is starting to hide and rest. Soon enough, the sun will shine and give light to everything. Alaura decided to come back, only to struggle because she didn't remember where her way should be. She felt nervous but chose to stay calm as possible. Nervousness won't do her any good, she knows that. So, she calmly walked to her chosen path. It wasn't actually her who chose that path, it's her inner instinct shouting to walk that way, and she did. Alaura just hoped that the way she's walking on is the way to the cave because if not, her effort on trailing a long way would be wasted.

She sighed and handheld the apples tightly. She looked up to the sky as she walks her way to the path she chose. The sun is peaking and is starting to rise. In a few minutes, the sun rays will reach the lands and she should be home by that time. She wasn't sure if her siblings' waking time would be the same after they relocated, but she is hoping that they are still hoping by the time.

As the sun's light touched the land, Alaura started running to pick her pace up. She should hurry. She knew that the place they are staying is away from the town, but she isn't really sure if no one ever reaches that place. I mean… maybe some people sometimes come this way, but… I'm hoping no one goes this way while we are staying. Alaura knew that what she's thinking is impossible – there will be people who will go the way the cave is located – but, she is praying that just this time, maybe, no one would think of going that way.

Thankfully, after running for minutes, the surroundings started to get familiar to her eyes. She smiled. She chose the right path, thanks to her instincts. Alaura slowed down, slowly regaining her lost stamina as she gasped for air. From her place, she can see the entrance of the cave. Her brows furrowed as she focused on the noise she is currently hearing. She halted on her current position as her siblings' loud laugh slowly fills her ears. She stilled, then started moving faster when she regained composure. She didn't know, but a strange feeling came inside her. It was like a warning telling her to move and go to Corlissa and Lilo as fast as she can.

She stilled for the second time when she reached the cave. Her siblings are happily laughing with an unknown man, who is comfortably sitting at the sheets on the ground. She stared at the guy. The man is undeniably handsome with his well-combed hair which is gathered on one side. He has long eyelashes and thick, but beautiful eyebrows that emphasized the guys' attractive brown eyes. Luna's eyes dropped down on the man's lips. His lips as pinkish, thin, and tempting. Alaura gulped at the man she is seeing. It's her first time to see such a beautiful man.

But her thoughts are cut off when her eyes stared at the man's clothes. From the fabric down to the design, she knew that those clothes cost a fortune. She shook her head. He's rich – A reason to push him away. She doesn't know, but ever since she started to have awareness of her surroundings, she strangely has a bad thought about rich people. By what her parents told her, rich people can't be trusted. Rich people can't be as honest as others. She can't explain it, but Alaura has a positive feeling for the man in front of her siblings. She can feel that this man is different from what her parents told her about their kind.

Alaura growled, making a loud sound she did on purpose, making the man's attention diverted to her. She slowly walked towards the man and her siblings who stood up and quickly asked Alaura for the apples in her hand. Alaura stared at the man straight to the eyes, as the man's brown eyes stared at her. She can't deny that the man in front of her is somehow intimidating. But she knew to herself that she can do anything to make herself and her siblings safe, even if that includes fighting the man in front of her.

"May I ask who are you? And what are you doing here?" Alaura asked, quickly surveying the man's whole-body profile as it stood up from being seated. She stepped back a little bit after seeing that she and the man's height doesn't seem to be real. The man in front of her is tall – really tall. In comparison, Alaura just stood up to the man's neck. She can't even see the man's pretty face if she won't lookup. Alaura shook her head. Everything about this man is intimidating – enough reason not to be intimidated.

"Why?"

"What 'why'?" Alaura asked, her brows furrowed as she stared at the man like he asked something stupid.

"Why?" The man shrugged. "Am I not allowed to go here? This is not even your property."

"Who cares if this is not my property?" Alaura fired back, scanning the surroundings. "I mean, no one owns this land, so I think it's just fine to stay here." She looked at the man again who now has a strange smirk on his lips.

"Who told you that no one owns this land?" The man asked with a smirk on his face, leaning down to come face-to-face with Alaura. She took a step back as the man's face slowly nears hers. She can smell the man's minty breath, and she can't deny that she felt something strange inside her. The man continued nearing her, while Alaura continued walking backward until her back hit the walls of the cave. She gulped. She's not cornered, but she can say that any wrong move can lead to them kissing each other. Their face is so near, it's making her face heat up. "Do you know who am I?"

"No, why? Is it my obligation to know a stranger's name?" She answered, tilting her face somewhere so she won't meet the man's beautifully intimidating eyes. Alaura looked at their distance from each other. Shit! This man…! She doesn't know what to do as their bodies are near to sticking with each other. But, aside from the heat from her face, she doesn't feel anything strange. I'm just intimidated, and bothered, I guess. She agreed to her thoughts as she admitted that she is intimidated. "Go away." She pushed the man, but to no avail. The man stood her ground. "My siblings might find this weird. Please." She said, half-pleading while glaring at the man.

"Why would I?" The man smirk at her. "Are you uncomfortable?"

"Who wouldn't? You are too close. We don't even know each other." The man let out a small laugh, putting a safe distance between them.

"My name's Edric. You are?" Edric offered his hand making Alaura raise a brow.

"Why would I tell?"

"So, we can say that we know each other."

Alaura tsked while shaking her head. She left Edric's hand hanging and went to attend to her siblings who started eating earlier. She smiled at her siblings who are obviously enjoying the apples she got from that tree somewhere. She sat down, picked an apple, at ate it, completely ignoring Edric's presence.

"Is it sweet?" Asked Alaura to her siblings. "You like it, right?"

"Hmmm!" The two energetically nodded before eating another piece.

"Should I get another for tomorrow?"

"Well…" Corlissa acted thinking making Alaura chuckle. "This is fine… but if there's another you can offer, we might consider eating it."

"Right." Lilo agreed to Corlissa.

They silently ate there, enjoying the sweetness of the fruit Alaura luckily got. Edric heaved a very deep sigh after realizing that the people in front of her don't know him. He knew everyone should know him, given that he is a son of a famous politician. But he didn't expect that the three people in front of him didn't even have the slightest clue of his social status. He didn't intend to boast though. It's just that, he is used to gaining attention from the people around him, and what he experienced right now seemed new to him. I'm famous, you know.

Edric sighed for the second time and decided to leave that place. He can't explain it, but in that place, he felt unwanted. It's not that strange though. Of course, they don't know me. He just thought of reasons to hide his embarrassment. Everyone seemed scared every time he talks, but that girl… is bold, and brave, and… different. He's good-looking, he knew that. It's his first time that a girl didn't heed him any romantic attention, which he usually got from women around him. He smiled. I'm going back. He doesn't even know why, but he is sure that he needs to go back to that place. No valid reason, just his interest.

Edric returned the next day. And like the scenario yesterday, she got there while the two kids are sleeping, and Alaura is nowhere to be found. He sighed and sat down beside the two who are quietly sleeping. He wandered his eyes around. The surroundings aren't as nice as their home, and that made him sad. He wasn't boastful at their house, and he wasn't proud of their wealth because Edric knew where their money came from. Their source of income isn't what you can't call good, or decent. But he does his best to help the people around him with the money they deserve in the first place. Edric knew that his father isn't nice, but he can't do anything since he is relying upon his father. And he always thought that his father is a good man, and he still thinks that at the present.

After 30 minutes or so, Alaura arrived bringing apples with her, again. Edric immediately stood up and walked towards Alaura who is now glaring at her. Edric just smiled. He can't understand why Alaura is looking at him like he did something wrong, when in fact, he came back because he has something to offer – both for Alaura's and the country's benefit.

"Ahm… hi." Edric didn't know why he hesitated for a bit. She was literally sending daggers through her eyes! He didn't know he can feel uncomfortable because of someone looking at him. "Please, don't look at me like I did something inappropriate."

"Yes, you did."

"What did I do? I just got here."

"I don't know anything about the law, but I know you are literally invading our privacy."

"I don't."

"You thought."

"Yeah, I thought," Edric smirked, then got one of the apples placed on a plate. Before Alaura can even protest, Edric already got a bite. He even shamelessly licked the apple. Leaving Alaura no choice but to give that one, who is supposed to be for her. Alaura stood up and sighed. Edric is really getting on her nerves. She won't be mad for no reason. Alaura knew that Edric was from the town, or probably from the city, which is probably the area where the virus spread is dense. She has no problem having him here. It's fine since her siblings might be happy interacting with someone new after some time. But she worries that Edric could a carrier of the virus, or have something in him that may infect them. And the last thing Alaura wants is to be infected. They moved to that place to be isolated and be away from any possible host, but here is this one in front of them.

"Can you just leave us alone?" Alaura asked, brows furrowed, clearly annoyed and bothered. "I don't want someone we don't know lingering around us."

"Why? Do I bother your privacy?"

"It's not that, actually." Alaura looked at Edric in the eyes. "I-I'm just anxious about the fact that you might be a carrier of the virus." After Alaura said that, her siblings woke up and went straight to Alaura to eat breakfast. Edric can't help but stare. He wanted to have siblings like those of Alaura, but he can't. Her parents are at the age where they can't bear a child anymore. They are five in their family. He has two brothers, but sadly, he is the youngest. Edric always wanted to have someone to spoil, but it didn't turn that way. He is the one being spoiled when he was young, maybe still a little now. He always hated the fact that he is the youngest, but now, he still hated it. It lessened because he helped kids on the streets. Maybe those kids are meant for him to spoil.

"I came back to offer you something," Edric announced making Alaura's attention bore to him. "Do you want it?"

"How can I know if I want it if you won't say it first?"

"I'll go straight to the point." Edric sighed. "The town is needing workers now. The situation has gotten worse, and some of the workers got infected. They are in need now – if you want, I can help you."

"You don't understand, don't you?" Alaura stood up and walked towards him, the face shows signs of being annoyed. "I don't want someone lurking around who is a possible host of the virus because it's a risk for our safety, then you want me to apply to some sort of work you offer?" She can't help but raise her voice, eyes wide open as she stares at Edric who is somewhat surprised. "That's nice." She sarcastically said.

-

"How do I do this?" Alaura asked, clearly confused about what the paper in front of her supposed to be. "What is this, anyway?"

"That's a resume." Honey, a friend of Edric, pointed at the paper on Alaura's right hand. "And that one is an application letter." She pointed to the paper on Alaura's left hand. Honey pulled out a pen from her pocket and carefully handed it to Alaura. "Use this to fill those papers up. I'll guide you."

Alaura carefully grabbed the pen and started filling up the papers with his personal information. She found it suspicious at first, but since she didn't know, she asked Honey what are the purpose of those papers.

"Fill everything you can," Honey advised after seeing that Alaura's paper has spaces left. "As much as possible, provide the information asked."

Alaura just nodded. She really doesn't want to do it, but Edric said some words that made her change her mind. Alaura told herself that she just accepted this offer because of her siblings, not for anyone, or herself. She loves Corlissa and Lilo very much, and if her, accepting this offer will give assurance to the future her siblings deserve, then she will do it.

After a short while, Alaura handed her resume and application letter to Honey who is patiently waiting for her. Alaura was somehow happy thinking that Honey is also applying to the frontlines. At least, if she was accepted, she has someone she knew there. Alaura nervously stared at her papers in Honey's hands. She doesn't know if she made the right decision, but after knowing that Honey has a family too, well, that didn't change a thing.

"I'm going to pass yours with mine, is that alright?" Honey asked, smiling. Alaura nodded as a response. "Okay. Wish us luck. This might be a bit dangerous, but we are both doing this for our family, so there's nothing to be afraid of. After all, everyone wants to give their loved ones the best they can give. And here we are, willing to take the risk, to give them the everything they deserve."

Alaura just smiled. She understood what Honey is trying to point out. Love isn't always between two people giving romantic affection towards each other. Maybe, most people think of love like that, but not them. Alaura made peace with the fact that she doesn't need a man to love in her life. Being with Corlissa and Lilo is enough for her, more than enough either. With Lilo and Corlissa by her side, Alaura knew she can face everything with ease and bravery. If for her siblings, she is willing to risk herself. Alaura can do everything to give her siblings the life they never get to experience. If, and only if possible, Alaura was willing to fetch her parents from the afterlife just so they could be complete again. But it doesn't work that way.

Honey left their place with a smile. Behind Honey was Edric who have a smile plastered on his face. Alaura just shook her head. Edric got her. She thought that Edric can't convince her of whatever that man is trying to say. But after Edric said that Alaura can get a daily supply of food and clothes, plus an average amount of money, she agreed without hesitation.

After nearly a week, Edric came back to their place wearing a face mask. Edric brought food and some clothes as he noticed that the clothes of Alaura, Lilo, and Corlissa are already worn out. He cleared that his offering isn't part of the real deal, and offered food and clothes as a voluntary act. Of course, Alaura was happy, but she didn't make it as obvious as her siblings were. The next day, Edric fetched her to start for the work she applied for. Alaura woke Corlissa and Lilo first to give some reminders and the food for the whole day before they left.

Alaura found herself laughing silently after she realized that the place they are staying is not as far as she thought it was. It was maybe a kilometer walk from the town. It was just the same distance as their house if you walked from the town. After almost an hour or so of walking, they reached the entrance of the town. Alaura immediately wore the face mask Edric provided for him and proceeded inside.

She didn't know how to react. What she is seeing looks normal, but not. She can't explain why this could happen in their place. People around are all wearing their masks. It seems like a simple thing, but not quite because Alaura knew that people wear those masks not because they don't want to smell smoke from vehicles, but because they don't want to be infected by the virus. It was sad, really. What they can't really do anything because they can't really see their enemy. It was like fighting in a battle, but you can't see any enemy.

"Are you ready?" Edric asked her.

"I don't know…" Alaura shrugged. "I don't think I can proceed. But every time Corlissa and Lilo cross my mind, I'm suddenly having the courage. I can't explain it. But I'm doing this for them, that's for sure."

"That's nice." Edric complimented. "The town is really in need of help right now. Delphi is big, and that virus might be traveling somewhere by now. The best thing that we can do is get rid of the virus in our town, and keep the town closed for people from other places."

"That's why I'm doing this." Alaura reasoned out. "Aside from the things you offered, I also considered helping to sort things out. It's not like I'm selfish, but I'm doing this to at least help provide a safer and better place for everyone, especially my siblings. Call me obsessed and all, but they really are my reason."

"I can see where you are coming from." Edric sighed. "If not for my dad, I also want to help in solving this matter. But he won't permit me to do so. He said that we are living a better life than anyone, and we don't have to worry about the virus because we have a very safe house, we have stored food and clothes, and we are rich enough to formulate our own cure. I don't understand him. He was a politician that was supposed to help everyone, but all he thinks of was himself and us who are willing to help."

Alaura smiled, clearly getting Edric's father's point. "I actually get his point." Alaura got Edric's attention.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"If we are rich like you, I wouldn't have to do this. If we have a big house, food, clothes, and money like yours, I wouldn't let my siblings volunteer even if they plead." Alaura looked at Edric in the eyes. "You see, I'm not your father… but I know how a parent feels because I am being one of my siblings. It's not as easy as any kids would think. We think of many things. What to eat, when to sleep, if the food is clothes, wash your clothes, clean the house, think of what to do the next day, and of course your safety. Especially in my case, I am just 16, and I'm already a parent of two. I can say that nothing is easy, that's why understand your father."

Edric went silent and at that moment, he realized what Alaura meant. He knew that he was lucky, but he really realized that he was lucky when he heard Alaura's explanations. It wasn't deep, it's just simple, but the way Alaura spoke made Edric feel that he is the luckiest man ever when the truth is he is not. He knew that he is more privileged than others, he knew he has a better life, but only at that moment did really felt that he has everything in the world – money, food, house, clothes, and of course, a complete family.

For the next days and months, Alaura worked non-stop for the betterment of their town, and the sake of her siblings. At that point, she didn't even think of the biggest danger she is facing. She already knew that she is working for the two, but, at least every time, she reminds herself that if she didn't work really hard, the world she wants for her siblings will go into ashes. And every night, before going to the place where they stay, she always makes sure that she doesn't carry that virus. Alaura was really scared of going home; afraid that she might bring the disease to Corlissa and Lilo.

There were moments that Alaura thought of not going home because she felt ill, she felt sick. She stays at their quarter every time she felt something not good inside her. She always made sure that she is always protected, but sometimes, her worries turn into anxiety. She's anxious about everything, from the food she eats, clothes she wears, and even the people she sees every day. She knew she wasn't crazy. It's natural for her since almost every person there has hidden worries that only they knew. She wasn't ready to give up until their town is virus-free.

It was going well; the curing of other patients is smoothly going. Until one day, more cases are reported. Alaura didn't know what to do. Almost all the workers there had violent reactions, and many are crying, pleading that this pandemic will be over sooner. They can't do anything but go on with their work. They served the patients with the attention they need. They served everyone even when their families needed them the most. They took care of everyone even when their bodies need the utmost care. They endured hunger, sickness, lack of sleep, and even time for themself. They sacrificed themself, their everything. Everyone didn't know if, at the end of the day, their sacrifices will be valid, will be recognized, or be thrown to waste.

Months turned into more months. Alaura asked Edric to take care of Corlissa and Lilo since she knew that she might not be able to come home as she was over-exposed with the disease. She knew that the moment she went to her siblings, everything might be over. She can't fight the odds and destiny. She knows she needed to do what she thinks will be best for the three of them. Honey, the woman she befriended, is one of her colleagues. Honey was with her every time, serving and caring for everyone until they recover. It was an easy and a hard job for them. They only need to take care and attend to the needs of their patients, that's easy. What makes it hard for them is that they are serving someone they don't even know, or knew about their existence. They are serving everyone, who has no guarantee of recognizing their hard work.

Alaura and everyone wanted to protest. They are all there, catching the burden, but the officials from the higher-ups aren't even doing anything the lighten the situation. It was like, everyone on top is watching the people from below suffer and solve the problem everyone should be facing. Alaura knew that their government can do something, that the government might have a solution to the problem. But their government has a better life than anyone and doesn't want to barge in the situation they are not involved in. Their politicians knew that they are no risk of acquiring the virus, that's why they are giving all the work to people who have something to do with it.

"Do you think we can go on?" Alaura asked Honey one day while they have a short time to rest. "Do you think the situation is getting better?"

"I don't know." Honey answered, getting teary-eyed due to her tiredness and lack of sleep. They have huge dark bags under their eyes, even their lips are dry. Their hair has an inexplainable appearance, as well as their clothes. They are sweaty, and their bodies grew thin. "I don't know what to do anymore. I can't see improvements. We are working hard, but people are more hard-headed." Honey sobbed, tears falling her eyes which Alaura experienced for the next passing second. "I can't say if we really work hard because I can't see any changes. I don't know." Honey shook her head. "Something is wrong. Nothing will happen if only we are willing to make the situation better. "

"People think that only us are affected. They thought that they are safe." Alaura asked, tears also flowing from her eyes. "You know, we always do our best to save everyone… I don't see us lacking in some ways. We always do everything we can to lighten our situation, but everything seems worthless to the eyes of everyone." Alaura shook her head out of sudden disappointment. "Because they knew we will save them, they don't think of saving themself anymore." Both stood up and went back to work.

Day by day, more and more patients are admitted. More and more people are infected. It was like an apocalypse. It was like a massacre with many victims. Diseased patients are all over, they have no available beds for others. They can't think straight anymore since everyone wants to be cured and saved. Most of the workers are crying – they cry for every death, every new case, they cry for their selves for being in that situation. It was like an endless prison, inescapable hell. Alaura doesn't even know how Corlissa and Lilo were doing. She just hoped that Edric did what she asked and her siblings were being treated well.

Every healed patient is new hope for them. Every time someone is healed was like a dream. It somehow gave them relief. But their bodies can't fight anymore. After almost over a year of fighting the virus, Alaura and Honey were infected leading them to death after a few days. They should be alive by now if they are treated well. But even then, rich people started acquiring the virus, and are insisting to prioritize their families. Alaura and Honey should've lived if their co-workers had the chance to cure them.

As for the two's death, they shared their last message to their co-workers who is eager to continue the battle. "Always remember, with you we serve, with you we fall." Those were their last words before they closed their eyes and bid goodbye.

"With you, we serve, with you we fall."

Those lines are carved on everyone's mind and soul. The dedication they are given, the courage and bravery they've shown, they knew it will be worth someday.

After 5 years…

Corlissa and Lilo are walking down a grassy path they are very familiar with. The hymn of the birds and insects is resonating in their ears. It was a normal, calm sunny day. Corlissa, who is now 17 years old, leads the way to their destination, while Lilo, now 13 years old, is behind her. They are pretty big now, and more mature than ever.

They lived a happy life, thanks to their sister, who played the parent role for them. They knew her sister made the right decision; they just can't comprehend what happened until now. It was five years ago, but the news is still fresh in their minds. Corlissa and Lilo knew they are too young to understand what happened to their sister in the past, but they cried. They cried not just because their sister died. They cried because, for the second time, they lost a parent, a loved one. They are too young, but at that point in their life, they thought they've no more reason to live. They have no more reason to go on with life. Corlissa knew she is too young and naïve to play parent for Lilo. She isn't ready to take Alaura's place. So, they relied upon Edric who gave them the support he promised to Alaura.

Alaura's siblings knew that she didn't have the best or worst death, but they knew and understand that until Alaura's last breath, she dedicated her heart and life to everyone. They can't help but smile every time they think that their sister is a hero. A hero is one of the many who saved their town and Delphi from a destructive virus. Their sister is the hero everyone didn't deserve. Corlissa and Lilo knew that after some time, unlike the other heroes from the written history, Alaura and the others who sacrificed themself will be forgotten by time. They knew that the memories of the fallen virus fighters will be washed away together with the waves of time. But they promised to the moon and stars that they won't forget what their sister did.

After some time of walking, Corlissa and Lilo reached the field Edric told them. It was beautiful. It was full of yellow flowers. They knew that place well. It was in front of their old house, near the boundary, where they used to live. Edric told them that he planted those as an acknowledgment of the sacrifices and efforts of the fallen heroes. They are happy for that though, that at least, the death servers of the nation have something to be remembered. Those flowers are the same number as the front liners that served and offered their lives to make this country a better place. That was what Edric told them when they got there the first time.

"Here are fruits for you, our beloved sister," Lilo said, a bit teary-eyed. "This is for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We picked them ourselves, so I hope you love them."

They looked behind them, and there stood their old house. Edric renovated it for them. It was now beautiful, and built strong; strong enough to stand any virus. The house also served as an offering to their sister. They walked their way there and got themselves a chair before sitting in front of their house while looking at the moon at the sky slowly rising despite the presence of the setting sun. the moon is a view to look at, no wonder their sister loved the moon. And now, their sister is one of the stars that stays beside the moon, giving light to everyone.

"I can't believe we are here, sitting at our old house, remembering the old times," Corlissa spoke. "I didn't expect things to go that way. I thought everything will be fine." Corlissa tried to smile, but her tears betrayed her. "I always thought that after everything our sister did, we will have the chance to live happily again. But I was wrong."

"Me too." Lilo agreed, being teary-eyed with her sister. "I thought that we will still have the chance to sleep together, laugh together, eat together. I thought we will still have the chance to be complete."

"But fate didn't give us another chance," Corlissa replied, a little bit resentful as she stares at the moon in the sky. "But hey…" Corlissa pointed at the scenery in front of them. "Our sister gave this to us. A beautiful scenery, a wonderful and peaceful life. We can't wish for anything more because our sister gave us her everything so we can live a happy life."

At that moment they understand what the true meaning of love is for their sister. For Alaura, love is being willing to sacrifice everything for the good of everyone, whether you know them or not. True love is giving yourself before everyone. Love is thinking others' comfort and safety before yours. And that's the kind of love they felt from Alaura.

"True love is the willingness of creating a better world for someone, even if it means your own will fall."