-13-

"I'd better go, madam. This is your personal business," said Manis as she stood up. Then she stroked my hair briefly, then put her hands on her waist. "I'll wait for you in the garden, I don't care what your reasons are. You have to come to the garden today. Period!"

She immediately left, leaving me and mom in another awkward atmosphere.

"So explain what Manis said to mom."

"Before I tell you, you have to believe me if I don't mean anything other than pitying her," I said heartily. careful. Mother seemed to nod. "Arni is Muri's wife, son of Mislan's grandfather, one of the most respected people in this village. However, her life is far from well-known here, mother."

"Why is it like that?" asked the mother who seemed to be getting curious.

"They live in an old hut at the end of the road, close to the bamboo forest, ma'am. And Muri, too, is not a good husband for Arni and her children. So far, Arni is not supported by her husband, so she has to work to earn money. And what's worse, she's always being abused by her husband, mother," I explained. I hope you understand this. "That's why when I saw her son going to school wearing shabby clothes, I couldn't bear it, and gave him money." I said. nodded.

"You said you couldn't bear the child, but told me about his mother. Why did mom even catch you if you have sympathy for her mother, Juna?"

I immediately fell silent hearing mom's words. Am I really like that? I really don't know. When I gave Arni the money, I still saw her as shabby and disgusting.

"You know how Father Nathan used to treat mother before we got married? Ah, even after we got married he still did that."

"What, Mom?" I asked curiously.

"Your father, he always looked at your mother as a lowly woman. A disgusting mistress who might not even deserve to live. In fact, he didn't even touch it, feeling disgusted. You know why your father did that, Juna?" I shook my head, then my mother smiled. I'm sure right now she is reminiscing about sweet things with dad. "Because, without his knowing it. The hatred he felt for his mother, the harsh words he said to his mother, was none other than because he loved her so very much. Because his feelings can't be expressed, that's why he does the opposite."

"To express his love?" I guessed.

"That's right, Juna. So I think if it's true what you feel for Arni is the same as what dad did to mom. It's better to avoid that woman, son."

I didn't answer Mom's words. Because I didn't even know what was going on in my mind, let alone my heart.

"What is love like, mom?" I finally asked. She patted my shoulder.

"There is no definite definition of love. Because what feels the heart, not reason whatsoever. Think carefully, think about things for a moment about what your heart wants, son. If what I said is true, staying away is a better thing than looking for a disease."