Citra and the Painting

In a small apartment on the outskirts of town, Citra sat in front of a blank canvas. The room was filled with the aroma of oil paint and the sound of brushes as she began to create a new world on the canvas. That day, Citra felt calmer than before. The money her father had given her had somewhat changed her life, although it came with a heavy emotional burden.

A few weeks earlier, when her father came with a tense face and threatening voice, Citra felt her heart break. "Don't come looking for me again, Citra. Your stepmother doesn’t want you in our lives. This is for you," he said while handing her an envelope containing 50 million.

Citra could only freeze, torn between anger and sadness. She knew that although the money could help her, their broken relationship could never be mended. With that money, Citra decided to start a painting business. She rented this small apartment, a place where she could create freely without interruption.

Every day, Citra painted—expressing her feelings through colors and shapes. She opened a social media account to sell her paintings. Although her followers were few, Citra felt optimistic. One day, while posting her latest painting, a girl named Rose contacted her.

"Your painting is beautiful! I want to order one," Rose wrote. Citra was surprised and delighted. This was the opportunity she had hoped for. Rose came to Citra's apartment to see the painting process. They quickly became close.

Rose, with her wide smile and contagious enthusiasm, often brought food and drinks to accompany Citra while she painted. "I want to be your model! Please paint me!" Rose said during their conversation.

Citra agreed and began to paint Rose's portrait. As the brush touched the canvas, Citra felt peace. Every stroke was about a newfound friendship. Rose, with her shining blonde hair and bright blue eyes, became a new source of inspiration. Citra discovered that painting was not just about colors, but also about relationships and the stories behind each face.

They often spent time together, joking and sharing stories. Citra shared about her father and the sadness that haunted her. Rose listened attentively, providing support without judgment. "You have an incredible talent, Citra. Don’t let your past hold you back," Rose encouraged her new friend.

As time passed, Citra's paintings began to attract more attention. Some of her works sold, and she grew more confident. One night, after finishing her first painting of Rose, she invited Rose to see the result. When Rose saw the painting, her eyes sparkled. "This is amazing, Citra! You truly captured me," she exclaimed excitedly.

One painting turned into two, then three. Citra felt her life changing. She was not only painting to make a living but also rediscovering her identity. Rose became an important part of her life, and they supported each other in pursuing their dreams.

However, beneath the happiness, Citra still felt the shadows of her past. She often thought of her father and how their relationship had ended. In a moment of silence, Citra expressed her longing to Rose. "I wish I could see my dad again, even though I know it’s impossible," she said, gazing at an unfinished painting.

Rose gently replied, "Sometimes, we have to let go of what we can't control. Focus on what’s in front of you. You have so much potential, Citra."

Rose's words touched Citra's heart. She began to realize that even though her father was not in her life, she could still find happiness and purpose. Citra decided to write a letter to her father, even though she knew it would never be sent. In the letter, she expressed her pain, longing, and hopes for a better future.

Days went by, and Citra became more recognized in the artist community. One day, she received an invitation to participate in an art exhibition at a famous gallery. Happiness overflowed. She immediately invited Rose to celebrate this achievement. "I wouldn't be here without your support," Citra said sincerely.

When the exhibition night arrived, Citra felt a mix of nerves and excitement. Rose stood by her side, offering encouragement. "Remember, this is your moment. Enjoy every second!" Rose said before they entered the gallery filled with visitors.

Citra's paintings captivated many. They admired the beauty and depth of emotions presented. Citra felt proud, not just for the recognition, but for transforming her pain into something beautiful.

After the exhibition, Citra and Rose sat in a café, celebrating this achievement over a cup of coffee.

"I can't believe all of this happened," Citra said. "Thank you for everything, Rose. You're not just a friend, but also my inspiration."

"You have the power to change your life. This is just the beginning, Citra." Rose shrugged, then casually took a puff of her cigarette.

Citra smiled, feeling renewed hope within herself. She knew that although the past was painful, the future was full of possibilities. With Rose by her side, she was ready to chase her dreams and paint her new life story, one canvas at a time.

"Oh, by the way, Rose. I noticed you're always alone. Where's your family?" Citra asked one day while they were casually smoking at a café.

Rose laughed, "We're the same. Victims of broken homes!"

"Oh," Citra smiled sadly. "What about a boyfriend? Don’t tell me you’re single!"

Rose shook her head, "I don’t have a boyfriend. I prefer to live freely."

"Why?"

Rose leaned back on the sofa, blowing smoke from her thick red-lipped mouth, seeming to need time to unveil her past.

"I've tried to love. Even sincerely, Citra. But I’ve also been disappointed. The last person I loved was a girl who loved another girl for years. But ironically, she married a man."

"Huh?!"

"Yeah, she was a girl who acted like a guy. Pretending to be interested in girls, but her preference was still men!"

"Oh!"

"I don’t need love right now."

"Yeah, right."

"How about you?"

"Ah, the last time I was involved was with a married man."

"Wow! That’s scary." Rose shuddered, "Is that love?"

"False love."

"True love is indeed fleeting, right?"

Citra shrugged, "More like painful."

Rose laughed again, "That’s why it’s better to be single!"

Citra nodded in agreement, and they decided to enjoy a lot of fun without thinking about love affairs.

Citra and Rose became two close friends trying to spend their youth joyfully. Every day, they explored the corners of the city, experiencing freedom without the burdens of romantic thoughts. Amidst the hustle of life, they found happiness in each other’s company.

One afternoon, as the sun set in the western horizon, they sat by the lake, enjoying the gentle breeze. "You know, Rose, we can do anything without having to think about partners," Citra said with a smile.

Rose nodded, "Yeah, we can focus on our dreams and aspirations."

Days passed, and they engaged in various activities—from art to sports. Citra aspired to become an artist, while Rose wanted to be a writer. Unbeknownst to them, they inspired and supported each other.

However, one night, Rose came home drunk and asked to be painted while stripping off her clothes. Though confused, Citra did it half-heartedly. She felt strange and uncomfortable, yet Rose fell asleep in her apartment.

Strangely, the next morning, Rose felt happy about Citra’s painting. She even paid her with a stack of cash, instructing her to send the painting to a specific address. When Rose left, Citra's hands trembled.

The address...was the old address of her home. Damar House!