May

Friday is my special day with my little cousin, Vigo. We always make instant noodles and eat together on that day. I don't know how it started, maybe just out of boredom, but over time it became an unforgettable tradition.

"It's unusual for you to be late picking me up today, huh?" Vigo teased while eating his instant noodles.

"Yeah, sorry. I had to drop someone off, and it was kind of last minute."

For some reason, Vigo smiled after I said that. But his smile was a bit unsettling.

"Someone? Who? Your girlfriend?"

Vigo asked curiously.

I laughed and shook my head.

"A friend."

"Really? Is she pretty? What's her name? You've never mentioned her before."

"Her name's Luna."

"Huh? Did you two meet somewhere and start dating?" Vigo asked.

"No! Not at all!" I shouted, laughing uncontrollably.

I couldn't believe Vigo was seriously thinking something so ridiculous.

"She's just a kid. There's no way we'd be dating," I assured him with a big smile.

He smirked and finished chewing what was in his mouth.

"How was school today?" I asked him.

"It was okay."

"Okay?"

"Yeah, I mean, I'm glad I passed my math quiz. It was pretty tough."

"But I knew you could do it. You've been taking math tutoring every day, after all."

We continued eating quietly while watching TV in the living room together.

While staying at Aunt Julia's house, I always watched TV and played video games like PlayStation 2 with Vigo, while his older siblings were busy with their own lives—college, dating, going out with their partners, even attending concerts of their favorite bands.

Vigo and I never went anywhere except staying at home. That's why I felt closer to him than to his older siblings.

"Vigo, I want to ask you something," I said in the middle of our PlayStation session.

"What?" Vigo replied, still focused on the game.

"What do kids like you usually enjoy?"

"For me personally, I like chocolate—chocolate bread, chocolate cookies, anything chocolate," Vigo answered.

"Besides chocolate, what else?" I asked again.

"Burgers, pizza, fried noodles—"

"—Besides food, I mean. No wonder you're so chubby. Your mind is always on food."

Vigo burst out laughing at my remark.

"Hmm… what else? Oh, action figures? Toys?"

"Alright, that sounds like a good idea. Toys, or maybe dolls would work too."

I nodded, agreeing with Vigo's suggestion. After we finished playing, Vigo turned to me, "Want to play one more round?"

"No, thanks. I think I should get going."

"Now?"

"Yeah, now. I promise I won't be long."

"Alright then. Don't keep my mom waiting."

"Okay!"

***

Then I headed to the gift shop to buy something for Luna. It was still early evening, around 6 PM. Honestly, I still didn't know what she liked since I had just met her.

I'm not sure where this sudden good intention came from. Was it because I felt sorry for her? Not really, but I saw a bit of myself in Luna—someone who lacked affection and attention, and came from a troubled family.

As I got off my motorcycle carrying a cute lion plushie in blue and pink, sized just right for a child, a woman called my name in a soft voice that was all too familiar. She seemed to be right behind me.

"Andra, come on. I just want to talk for a moment."

I let out a rough sigh, then replied firmly.

"Go home, May. There's nothing left for us to talk about."

"Just listen to me for a second!" she shouted in a serious tone.

I kept walking, but suddenly she pulled me toward her and hugged me tightly.

"May, please, stop!" I pleaded, trying to break free from her embrace. Then I pushed her hard, causing her to fall.

"I'm sorry, Andra," May said in a low voice, tears streaming down her face as she looked at me.

"Why are you crying? Shouldn't you be happy today with Joseph, you damn cheater!" I yelled at her.

"Andra! Stop!" I heard a familiar little girl's voice shouting. It was Luna.

"Please don't hurt her."

I quickly turned around and saw Luna walking toward us. Tears were running down her cheeks. She looked terrified.

"Luna, this isn't what it looks like. I can explain," I replied, ignoring the fact that May had already stood up.

"Then what is it, Andra? Tell me! Just explain everything."

I hesitated. I didn't know how to explain the situation without making Luna cry.

"Listen, Luna. Please forgive me. I did it because she cheated."

"Please, don't do this," Luna whispered, her hands trembling as if she was scared.

"Let me explain to you. I really want to tell you. You're my friend, and she's a bad person, so don't worry, okay?" I said to her in a calming voice, even though I felt frustrated inside.

"It's not your decision to take revenge on anyone who's been bad to you," Luna said to me with teary eyes.

Then I fell silent and felt ashamed. I lowered my head for a moment and said, "Come on, Luna, I'll take you home."

"And you, May, please don't ever see me again, anywhere. We're done."

Then I took Luna's small hand and started walking away with her.

I felt sorry for Luna. I had scared her. I promised her that I wouldn't act violently toward anyone again.

On the way home, we didn't talk much. Even though I was still worried and angry at May, I also felt sorry for Luna.

When we got to Luna's house, I gave her the cute lion plushie I had been carrying.

"This is for you. Sorry for giving it to you at such a bad time. I should have just ignored May and given it to you."

"Don't worry, I love it. Thank you." Luna smiled brightly and hugged me tightly.

"I'm sorry, Luna," I hugged her back.

"I believe in you, Andra. You're not a bad person."

Before leaving, I told her again that I would visit her tomorrow, and she said goodbye to me. I watched her enter her front door while hugging the lion plushie I gave her. As soon as she closed the door, I took a deep breath and left. I couldn't believe how much she had calmed my emotions.

I knew I shouldn't have acted so harshly in front of a child. I shouldn't have acted like that toward anyone. But for some reason, I couldn't hold back my anger anymore, and strangely, I felt a sense of satisfaction when I pushed May down.

When I got back to my own house, I found my mom waiting for me outside. I greeted her warmly and kindly, as usual.

"What happened, Andra? May told me everything about your relationship."

Mom asked, puzzled. She knew about my relationship with May because she was the one who introduced us in the first place.

"Yeah, we had a fight," I explained.

"I know what happened, Son, but you shouldn't have been so harsh with her. You hurt my feelings too, because she's also a woman."

"Yes, Mom, I'm sorry. I need to get back to Aunt Julia's house. I don't want her waiting for me anymore."

"If you want, you can stay here for the night. Calm yourself down for a bit," Mom said, rubbing my shoulders.

"I'm fine, Mom."

"Alright then. Be careful on the road, okay? When you get to Aunt Julia's, call me, alright?"

"Okay, Mom."

Then I hurried back to Aunt Julia's house on my motorcycle. Honestly, I wanted to stay there for the night so I could see Luna the next morning. I was really worried about her tonight.