Chapter 9: A New Beginning in Pain

After returning from Pagar Village, Ben spent his days staying silent at home. Every afternoon, he sat with his mother in their small living room, talking about the regrets that still haunted him. They reminisced about the sweet and bitter moments he had experienced in Pagar Village—times when hope began to grow, as well as the mistakes that had shattered his life.

"Mom, I still remember that little library," Ben said while gazing at an old bookshelf. "Back then, I often thought about my time with Akhir and Saddam. I once had big dreams, but they all vanished in an instant."

His mother gently stroked the back of his hand. "Son, that's all in the past now. You need to learn from it so you can move forward with confidence."

At home, Ben started rediscovering small objects from his childhood—his Mini 4WD Tamiya toys, computer books, and cheat code notes that his mother had carefully kept. Seeing those things, Ben couldn't hold back his tears. He cried, feeling foolish for having let himself fall into darkness. Yet, behind those tears, a determination slowly emerged—a resolve to atone for his mistakes and prove that he could still change.

As time passed, a month went by, and a surprise arrived from outside.

Ben's older brother, Panji, who now worked as an interprovincial bus driver, returned home with a cheerful face. That evening, after having dinner together, Panji gathered the family in the living room. With a serious tone, he began to speak:

"Ben, I know you've been through a lot. But I have good news. Before you came back, I arranged a job for you. I know someone who owns a car workshop in Bondar—one of my regular stops. You were once known for how quickly you understood car engines. I believe that with your experience, you can rebuild your reputation."

Their parents listened anxiously as Panji continued enthusiastically,

"I don't want you to stay trapped in this dark life. I hope you can start working at the workshop and leave behind the past that haunts you. There, you'll have the chance to learn again—and maybe, to start a new life."

Panji looked at Ben with eyes full of hope. "What do you say, little brother? I know this might be hard, but this is your chance to rise."

Ben was silent for a moment, reflecting on everything that had happened. After taking a deep breath, he finally spoke in a hoarse voice,

"I... I want to, brother. I want to change."

Panji smiled and continued,

"Alright. Tomorrow morning, don't go to the ticket booth. I've arranged for you to ride the bus for free. We'll head straight to Bondar. Remember, you must leave behind all the bad memories and start fresh. I know you can do this."

The next morning, with his parents' reluctant blessings, Ben departed for Bondar. As the bus sped along the road, Ben couldn't stop thinking about his past. Every bitter memory from high school, his time working at a garage, even the dark days in internet cafés, played vividly in his mind. In the silence of the bus, he made a decision: from today onwards, he would change his name. He would no longer be known as Ben. From this day, he would be called Lukas. He hoped that with a new name, he could start a new chapter, free from the shadows of his past.

After a long 12-hour journey, the bus finally arrived in Bondar, a village near the provincial border. There, Panji introduced Lukas to his friend, Armen, a well-known car workshop owner in the area.

Armen, only five years older than Lukas, was a self-made man who had once lived in poverty and built his business from scratch. With a firm yet friendly voice, Panji said,

"Lukas, meet Armen. He owns this workshop and needs someone with your skills. I'm sure you still remember how quickly you used to grasp car engines."

Armen studied Lukas with curiosity before smiling.

"Nice to meet you, Lukas. I've heard you have an exceptional talent with engines. I hope you'll prove your skills here. But remember, we work hard here. Don't let yourself fall into trouble again."

Panji added enthusiastically,

"Don't worry, Armen. Lukas has shown that he has potential. I believe he will succeed here."

Armen patted Lukas on the shoulder. "Get some rest first. Tomorrow, we'll start work. For now, get familiar with your surroundings. This is your fresh start."

The first few days in Bondar felt strange to Lukas. He felt awkward and a bit scared, especially since this place was so different from anything he had known. Before leaving, Panji gave him a final reminder,

"Don't fall into the same pit, Lukas. Life is tough here, but I know you can rise. Just five hours from here is the city center, where even bigger opportunities await."

As Panji left, Armen began introducing Lukas to the workshop and its daily routines. The atmosphere became more relaxed when Armen suddenly asked,

"What's your real name?"

Feeling a bit nervous, Lukas answered,

"My name… is Lukas, brother."

Armen chuckled and said,

"Alright, Lukas. For now, get some rest. Tomorrow, we start work. This is your room, so get ready."

The next day, Lukas began his first day at the workshop. Quickly, he showed his remarkable skills. In no time, his speed and agility in understanding car engines became evident, and his coworkers started acknowledging his talent. Within a week, Armen and the other workers took notice and appreciated Lukas's dedication. However, as time passed, Armen realized that Lukas's abilities were exceptional—so exceptional that his current salary no longer did justice to his potential.

One morning, Armen called Lukas into his office. With a serious expression, he said,

"Lukas, I have to apologize. The salary I've been paying you is too low. I can't continue paying you this amount because your skills far exceed it. But don't get me wrong—I'm not firing you. I have a different plan for you."

Lukas, looking worried, asked,

"What do you mean, brother? Am I getting fired?"

Armen gently patted Lukas on the shoulder,

"No, Lukas. I'm transferring you to a much bigger workshop. There, you'll earn a salary that matches your skills. I've already made all the arrangements."

The next day, Armen took Lukas to a new area. This time, the journey only took 30 minutes from their workshop. When they arrived, Lukas saw a massive, well-equipped garage filled with luxury cars and numerous employees. The workshop was owned by a man named Alfin. Armen immediately introduced Lukas to him,

"Mr. Alfin, this is Lukas, a talented young man who has been working at my garage. He has an exceptional ability to understand car engines."

Alfin nodded and firmly said,

"We need someone like him. Starting today, Lukas, you are officially part of my team."

Without hesitation, Alfin integrated Lukas into his workforce and assigned him tasks that very day.

Days quickly passed in Alfin's workshop. Lukas, under his new identity, demonstrated his intelligence under the guidance of a senior mechanic named Viktor. Viktor, an expert in engine structures and electrical systems, patiently mentored Lukas. One day, during a conversation in the workshop, Viktor asked,

"Lukas, do you remember how you used to diagnose engine problems just by listening?"

Lukas calmly replied,

"Of course, Mr. Viktor. Every engine problem has a solution, as long as we're willing to find it."

Viktor smiled and said,

"That's what makes you different. Never forget that, Lukas. Your skill is rare, so don't waste it."

Their conversation further ignited Lukas's passion. Before long, his dedication and intelligence earned him the position of head mechanic. And with this success, Lukas decided to take another step forward—toward the big city, where even greater challenges awaited.

With unwavering determination, Lukas left Bondar, carrying the scars and sacrifices that had shaped him. In his heart, he vowed that his dark past would not define his future. With newfound strength, he embraced the challenges of the city, hoping to discover the true meaning of redemption and success.