Will Be Strong

From then on, Arjuna and Agnimaya's relationship became close. They often spend time together when the work at the orphanage is finished.

Agnimaya often scolds boys who try to annoy Arjuna. Sometimes Arjuna is embarrassed because he is always being defended by Agnimaya. Even though Agnimaya is five years older than him, he is still a man, he should be the defender, not the side being defended.

This year will be Agnimaya's last year at the orphanage. The young girl now often advised her brother to become stronger. No need to cry or be afraid. Arjuna was silent when he heard an impromptu lecture from his sister. Yes, he has since made a vow in his heart, that Agnimaya is his older sister.

"Where will you go after from here?" Arjuna asked weakly. His face is pitiful like a kitten who is not willing to be separated from its mother.

In the afternoon, on the second floor, the place to dry clothes is their background. After performing the Asr worship, they went there. Just to pass the time before the afternoon shower.

"You are formal, hahaha...." Instead of answering, Agnimaya made fun of her brother's speech.

"I am coming along. Can I?"

Agnimaya hardened her laughter. Arjuna is really spoiled, she thought. It's not wrong, because Agnimaya is like a mother to him. If only Agnimaya had not always supported and defended him in these two years, he would have been worse off.

"You are only twelve, and I am seventeen. Think carefully, Roticane—"

"Ronivanendra!"

"Yeah, whatever. Come to think of it, what can we do? You wait another five years. I promise to take you with me when you get out of here, Little Brother."

"Don't call me that!"

"Is that so?"

"Little Brother. Don't be like that. Just call my name, Sis."

"You call me 'Sister', yes I call 'Little Brother', right? That's it."

"Tsk! Whatever."

"Hooo ... Arjuna really likes to sulk, just like a goat."

"That sulk!" Arjuna corrected with a sulky face typical of children.

"Oh, so admit it, if you really like sulking?"

"Yeah, it's not like that!"

Agnimaya laughed again. It was really fun teasing her little brother.

Moments later, Agnimaya's face changed. Her gaze was straight ahead, her lips did not have the slightest smile, even looked gloomy. Arjuna realized that, but was reluctant to ask. The teenager, who was in the early stages of junior high school, was afraid that his question would disturb the female student at the end of high school.

"I was called to work after graduating from school." Agnimaya started the topic. Arjuna knew that this was important, even though there was nothing wrong with Agnimaya's words just now.

"The trial period is three years,"

"What does it mean?" Arjuna couldn't help but ask questions.

Agnimaya sighed before answering. She bends both legs, parallel to her chest. Her arms wrapped around the legs, like a hug.

"Initial contract. So, for three years it was a contract, to become a permanent employee."

"Oh."

"Understand?"

"No no!"

Agnimaya no longer laughed out loud as usual. This time hee smile was softer and more subdued. She stroked Arjuna's hair, saying, "When you grow up, you will understand."

Arjuna nodded. He was waiting for another story, a story that made his brother nervous.

"Yesterday, I met my mother."

Arjuna is shocked! How could it be? All this time he thought both Agnimaya's parents had died, so he was here.

"Just like her husband. At the Crescent Moon supermarket. Still shopping for monthly necessities I guess."

Arjuna was still silent, listening.

"They have children. Two. Pair. Girl and boy. The boy may be ten years old, the girl seven. They are happy. I wonder if ever, even once, did you remember me. Have you ever, I miss you or .…" Agnimaya couldn't continue. She was already upset with her face down on both knees resting.

From there, Arjuna concluded, that his sister was really strong. Agnimaya's cry in front of him is not a sign that the young girl is weak, but a sign that her heart is not dead.

"My father is still alive too." Arjuna said lazy.

Agnimaya already knows that. How come? The boy kept saying he wanted to kill his father one day. Avenge the vile man who caused the suffering of his mother and himself. Agnimaya often sneered. If he faced the people in this orphanage alone, he still could not, let alone repay his father. The joke was very funny to Agnimaya.

***

For the first time, Arjuna shed tears for a woman other than his mother. The woman who can be called a second mother to Arjuna. Now, he is free to see the outside world. Leave the orphanage and start a new life outside the orphanage.

"Take care of yourself, Arjuna. Brother will visit often when the situation is stable."

Agnimaya hugged Arjuna who started sobbing. "Brother loves you"

"I also." Arjuna returned the hug, even tighter. As if he didn't want to let go.

They cry. It's sad to have to part. However, this separation is not an eternal farewell. There was a time when they would meet again.

"Only five years. Wait five more years, be patient. Yes?"

They let go of the hug. Arjuna nodded as a sign of understanding what Agnimaya meant. A lot of people there were buzzing about them. There are those who doubt their relationship is only limited to brother and sister. There are even those who claim that it is strange that this is a 'setting' to make it go viral, and so on. Life in the world is strange. We are the ones who live life, but it is the people who judge. Just like a test, we do the questions, other people judge.

Then Agnimaya said goodbye to all his friends there. To the head of the orphanage again, because before, of course she first discussed this with the head of the orphanage and the staff.

Arjuna stiffened himself for the sake of authority. He was also worried that, if he looked weak and whiny, Agnimaya might not want to think of himself again in the future, and that was not what he wanted.

Arjuna repeatedly inhaled and exhaled roughly. He wanted to look normal and ordinary. However, no matter how strong a human being, if his heart is disturbed, then he will not be helpless.

"When you get out of here, I'll give you a surprise. I promise." Agnimaya said to Arjuna with a serious expression before he actually left the orphanage.

Arjuna smiled. Although very annoying, chatty and hard to put into words, Agnimaya is his sister. The sister who is very instrumental in his life, after his mother.

In his heart, he also promised to do the best for his brother, he will also be strong to protect the people he loves. He would show the world, especially his older sister, that Arjuna could be proud of. Besides, in order to take revenge on Yosi——his father——he had to become strong and invincible.