KUMPULAN KARYA TULIS SISWA PADA KEGIATAN CHARACTER CAMP

KUMPULAN KARYA TULIS SISWA/I KELAS 10-11 SMA XIN ZHONG PADA KEGIATAN STUDENT CHARACTER BUILDING PROGRAM TAHUN AJARAN 2021 – 2022

Dan The Man Oleh : Sean William Wijaya – 10 A Senin pagi itu merupakan pagi terdingin di bulan Oktober. Awan-awan kelabu bergerak menyerempet satu sama lain, embun air hujan yang terbentuk di kaca jendela perumahan, dan juga hawa dingin yang menyejukkan badan orang yang baru terbangun. Seorang laki-laki terbangun dari tidurnya yang nyenyak. Mimpi indah yang ia alami semalaman masih ia renungkan. Jam dinding menunjukkan pukul 6:15, dan ia pun bergegas menuju kamar mandi untuk mandi air hangat. Saking lama ia terjebak di dalam khayalannya itu, sampai ia sendiri tak sadar sudah menghabiskan 20 menit di dalam kamar mandi. Usai keluar dari kamar mandi, ia mendengar suara perempuan berteriak. “Dan, ayo makan!” “Iya ma!” Dan-lah namanya. Dan, lelaki yang cukup populer di sekolah karena keramahannya. Dan, lelaki yang dihormati teman-temannya, baik seangkatan maupun beda angkatan. Dan, murid SMP yang dikenal suka melamun ketika pelajaran. “Kamu kenapa?” tanya ibunya. Kebiasaan melamunnya sampai-sampai ia bawa kemana-mana. “Oh gapapa, ngantuk sedikit aja,” ucap Dan. “Makanya turuti omongannya mama, tidur itu jangan malam-malam.” Ucap ibunya. Seketika, ia berpikir andai ibunya mengetahui apa yang ia pikirkan dan impikan semalam hingga ia tidur larut malam. Ibunya menyadari bahwa anak laki-laki satunya sedang berbunga- bunga hatinya, tapi ia tidak mengetahui apa yang menyebabkannya. Bisa saja ia mendapatkan nilai 100 di ujian kimia, atau juga ia menerima pengumuman finalis lomba video editing sudah diumumkan. Klakson mobil ayahnya berbunyi dari luar, menandakan bahwa Dan harus bergegas masuk mobil. Tak lupa ia memberikan ciuman di pipi ibunya, sebagai sebuah tanda kasih sayang yang tulus. Sepanjang perjalanan, ayahnya pun juga menyadari raut wajah anaknya terlihat gembira. Meskipun ia tahu apa yang telah membuatnya bahagia, namun lebih baik untuk tidak mengganggu momen kegembiraannya tersebut. Sampailah Dan di depan gerbang pintu sekolah. “Hai Dan!” ucap seorang murid. “Pagi Dan!” ucap murid lainnya. 1

“Cakep Dan, pakai parfum ya…” ucap seorang guru pelajaran fisika. Sambutan-sambutan hangat oleh para guru dan murid datang dari semua arah. Suasana sekolah secara umum sangatlah gembira nan ramai. Lonceng sekolah berbunyi, menandakan bahwa performa menyanyi lagu dari kelas IX A akan segera dimulai. Dan bergegas meletakkan tas ranselnya di atas bangkunya, dan ia mengeluarkan secarik kertas. Ia berlari menuju lapangan besar, dan disitulah ia menemukan band kelasnya yang sedang bersiap-siap memamerkan suara- suara mereka kepada seluruh murid-murid dan guru-guru SMP. “Ini dia main man pertunjukkan kita hari ini!” sapa Gabriel. “Kamu semalam udah latihan kan?” sapa Jesse. Dan hanya mengangguk dan bersenyum menjawab pertanyaan mereka. Gabriel dan Jesse adalah kedua rekan Dan dalam band musiknya. Gabriel merupakan pemain bass, dan Jesse merupakan gitaris. Tentu saja, Dan memiliki peran sebagai vokalis. Tanpa adanya ragu-ragu, ketiga anggota band langsung menaiki panggung di lapangan. Para penonton, baik guru maupun murid, bersorak-sorak melihat giliran band-nya Dan untuk menyanyikan sebuah lagu. “Untuk pertunjukan kali ini, kami akan menyanyikan lagu band NOAH/Peterpan yang berjudul Separuh Aku.” Ucap Dan. “Dan terjadi lagi,” nyanyi Dan. “Kisah lama yang terulang kembali.” Seketika, sorakan dari para penonton bertambah keras seiring suara cakap dari sang vokalis menyambut pagi hari yang dingin nan indah tersebut. Kepuasan perlahan-lahan menghampiri para penonton, namun tak semuanya. Dan melihat seorang murid yang ia kenal tak terlihat puas mengenai performa band musik Dan. “Apaan lagi sih?” Meskipun ia terlihat sebal, namun ia mengetahui bahwa momen itu adalah momen yang sangat spesial baginya. Ia tidak ingin mengecewakan para penonton yang sedang menikmati nyanyiannya. Gerombolan penonton bergegas kembali ke ruang kelas masing-masing usai pertunjukan, kecuali beberapa orang. Dan memutuskan untuk menghadapi murid tersebut, dengan keberanian dan egonya yang rendah tersebut. Sampailah mereka di pojok lorong sekolah. Orang tersebut adalah Frank, anggota band musik dari kelas sebelah. Frank kemudian mencengkeram seragam milik Dan, dan ia melihat tatapan mata Dan yang meminta ampun. Sebaliknya, Dan yang melihat tatapan mata Frank yang mengerikan bagaikan bola api yang takkan pernah padam bertanya mengapa ia memperlakukannya seperti ini. Frank hanya terdiam, dan Dan secara tiba-tiba teringat sesuatu. Dan telah mencuri ide pertunjukan yang telah dipilih Frank minggu lalu. Pada akhirnya, tak ada yang tahu apa yang terjadi diantara kedua murid tersebut. 2

By : Angela Abigail – 10 B Chapter 1: Thoughts of a Butterfly His kind hazel eyes trailed over Dorothy's tear-stained face; his large warm palms rubbed circles on Dorothy’s back. Seeing that she’d fallen asleep, the familiar feeling of tears tickled the edges of his jawline. This feeling of sorrow was so familiar to him, it was the same feeling he felt when he first left the cream, stained walls of the orphanage. After all, the two 17-year-olds had just lost someone dear, someone they deemed a guardian, Mrs. Valen. She was Dorothy’s biological mother and Nott’s guardian angel, a strong and fierce florist who took in the brunette just a decade ago and gifted him a home. As time passes and the day breaks, happiness was something so foreign to the two, happiness — felt so fake, felt so far. They’ve been cooped up in the cottage for weeks now, unwilling to face the outside world, fearing what may happen even if they took one single step outside their little bubble, that little bubble only they would appreciate. A routine eventually formed, a routine of providing each other with the most one could give in a situation like this, hope. Nott would whisper words of comfort, and Dorothy would provide them with the most delicious of foods. It has always been like this, after all, the fateful day the two met, was the day an undeniable bond was formed. It was really a miracle that after months of sorrow and mourning, the two were even able to cope with the disappearance of such an important figure in their lives. The faint smell of spring tinted the air, the two were sprawled upon the beds of luscious and colorful flowers. That day felt like a stream to the two, for once, grief and loneliness were not all they felt. The sweat dripped down their chins, and the butterflies flew over their heads. Sometimes, however, fate lies, reality is cruel. The sky was clear that day, the stars sprinkled across the sky as Nott skipped down the trail that always led him home, to Dorothy. In his hands were a bouquet of fresh hyacinths, a gift he wanted to give to Dorothy, amongst his whistles and humming however, a faint sound of painful moans and grunts were heard, Nott walked faster and faster, and he arrived at one horrendous scene, Dorothy’s lanky body was stiff against the wooden floor, sweat staining her back as she screamed at the agony she felt. Nott carried Dorothy with all his might, rushing her to the nearest hospital, his dearest Dorothy was in pain and so was he. The two stood silent, words couldn’t seem to form, Dorothy had fallen ill with the same illness her mother had. Dorothy felt so weak, so pathetic. She usually is a ball of enthusiasm, the joyful Dorothy to always cheer Nott up. It was comical to Dorothy how reality could shift so quickly, so unexpectedly. Nott, however, blamed himself for everything, he believed this was the misfortune 3

he rained upon everyone, he believed he was poison to his own happiness, he believed that he wasn’t destined for a fruitful life. If the price for his own happiness was Dorothy’s and Mrs. Valen’s pain, he didn’t want it, he wanted it gone. The sky soon went silent and dark, Dorothy laid weakly on the bed frame, her breaths sounded like faint blows of the wind. Being ill had made her a little gloomier, she seemed to know that she wouldn’t last much longer. It was reality, and Dorothy accepted that. In the back of her head, she wanted to stay for Nott, he wanted to thank him for being a brother, a friend, and a gleam of hope for her. She wanted to thank him for always being such a darling. She thought, and thought, and she stopped. Her last breath released like a whisper and her presence faded into the ghostly night. Nott woke up to a pale lanky body, a body that was once full of life, full of joy. The room was now awfully silent with the absence of Dorothy’s giggles and snorts. A tear dropped, along with many more. He had just lost his family, along with a relationship that was so beautifully platonic. Her face that day was so peaceful under the morning sun, perhaps she was just in a long slumber, Nott thought. Chapter 2: Wishes of a Butterfly Nott reminisced the days when he was a young lad, a couple of years after Dorothy slept, he was a town’s mailman, sending letters of those who wanted to express their feelings in words. In Nott’s head, this job was to make up for the sorrow he gave to Dorothy, he was paying her kindness back by helping others instead. The days where the sun was so bright, his bike would heat up, the days where the sky was raining, he would protect these letters with all his might. He missed those days, but a beginning never comes without an ending, does it? He was now sprawled out on the familiar hospital bed, he felt his living soul slowly leave his body slowly, but surely. He was no longer the handsome young boy with brunette locks, he has aged. A normal sane human being would usually fear death if they’re ever in his position, but Nott didn’t feel a tint of sadness that night. Death and loneliness weren’t things he necessarily liked, to him, it was more like an old friend of his — an old friend who’ll greet you after decades of not meeting each other. At some point in his life, he realized death was something he couldn’t avoid, and death isn’t his fault. His slender hands trailed over his handwriting, he remembered, when he first met Dorothy, Dorothy loved his handwriting. It was neat, but it wasn’t anything special to him, but in Dorothy’s eyes, it was priceless, whenever he wrote for her, she would paste it in her journal or use it in a notebook. The thought of that had a giggle escape his dry lips. He sealed the letter and slept, and never awoke. Dearest Dorothy, I wonder if you’ll ever read this, if you do, it’s me, Nott. It’s been a while since you’ve slept and I’ve left you a cup of water every single morning, the flowers on that bed of yours bloomed beautifully, they smell great in spring too. I hope those are to your liking, I’m sorry they weren’t pink instead. When you read this, I will be on a long trip across 4

the Earth, delivering letters of those from the other side. I’ll be back though, so don’t worry, while you’re at it, don’t forget to drink a cup of water. Jokes aside, I know you’ll never awake, it’s painful, but reality will remain a reality, and time won’t wait for me to pass. I hope when you were awake, I was able to provide you with as much happiness as I could, despite being the gloomy child I always have been. It has been 2 decades since we last exchanged thoughts, I’m happy we’ll be able to do that soon though, I’ll be looking forward to the endless topics you would like to talk about. It’s been a long day, and I seem to get more lifeless as each second passes. Was this what you felt? Nott The room once again went silent, this time, the wind didn’t blow, and the moon didn’t show. Nott’s hazel eyes remained open, a smile etched upon his face, and a letter was in his hands. A fitting ending for a lovely mailman. 5

THE DeAtH Of A MelODY By : Liv Amelia Fern – 10 B The loud, ear-splintering bangs continued to echo down the silent hallway, mercilessly torturing anything and anyone that stands in its way. Even the poor daffodils couldn’t stand a chance. Mrs Beaufort was sure they were wilting from the horrifying…er- melody since the barest hints of the morning. Alas, her lips twitched at the thought. After all, it wasn’t her who did the gardening around here. It’ll be nice to see her husband cracking his back under the scorching sun fixing his beloved gardens. Oh, how she loves the art of karma at times. Alessia Beaufort winced when a particular sharp tune hit her eardrums. She urgently glanced back at the close nursery, craning her neck to catch a glimpse of a cry. Relief watched over her as the bangs finally stopped, and she brought the mug to her lips. The bitterness of caffeine is something she practically embraces and has been doing so for the past ten years. Well- ever since her husband placed that lovely diamond ring on her finger. She used to find the bold aroma intrusive and a bit too ghastly, but perhaps married life has been taking a toll on her quite too much. She shrugged off the thought as she went back into savouring her peace. Bang! Bang! Baaaaaaaaaaaaang! A screech of delight and laughter followed afterwards. Mrs Beaufort nearly choked and quickly set the steaming cup down, nearly spilling her coffee all over her research papers. She inhaled a deep breath before groaning altogether, covering her face with her palms as another bang vibrated the vase in front of her. She silently cursed when the familiar cry of an infant joined its melody. Good Lord blessed her- really. 6

Quickly tightening the bun in her hair, she drained the rest of her coffee hastily- barely registering the burn in her throat as she stumbled up the stairs. God knows this would be a long day- and there would definitely be some punishment for those two. But for now, Alessia Beaufort is currently occupied with the large stain of vomit down her suit and the ticking of an impatient clock. It was a good start to the morning for one Allegra Beaufort. Firstly, she had woken up during the early hours of dawn. The sky was still a painted mix of a purple and reddish hue, and she could distinctively hear the happy chirps belonging to the family of nightingales outside her bedroom window. She pulled back her comforters and peeked into the silent neighbourhood. The phoenix in her perch gave a croon of delight. Allegra whipped her head to face the majestic bird, before offering it a sleepy smile. It was truly a beautiful little thing. Not only enthralled with its crimson feathers, the slight gleam of each one created an iridescent sheen that sparkled in the morning’s golden glow. At night, as the scarlet feathers glowed faintly in the darkness, it gradually welcomed her into the land of dreams. Sometimes, perhaps- or maybe she was truly exhausted at that point- she would feel the caresses of a humming melody that released the strain in her chest. Nightmares were no fun, any five-year-old can attest to that. The Phoenix swished its golden tail, nearly hitting its owner and burning her finger. “Right, you’re hungry,” yawned Allegra, as the phoenix fixed its glittering back eyes at her. “Well- mom won’t be awake for another two hours, so…leftover chips?” Its golden beak was barely visible under the dim room, but Allegra managed to identify the constant snapping sounds before rolling her eyes. She supposed it means her pet wasn’t so happy with its breakfast choices. And judging by the sudden deathly claws that threatened to grasp her shoulders, Allegra had her theory confirmed. “Looks like you’ll have to wait then,” she said simply, ignoring the phoenix’s caws. “Stop it! You’re going to wake Mabel up,” 7

The lamps were still illuminating the dark streets, the warm glow quite the contrast with the darkness that would have shrouded them in. Besides an elderly couple that had started doing their morning stretches, it was a quiet morning. …which means she had plenty of time before school. And with the thought settled into her mind, Allegra blearily walked past the nursery towards her parents’ room, dragging the dragon plushie behind her. A moment of satisfaction bloomed across her chest when she heard the phoenix’s disappointed cry. The smile was quickly replaced by a frown when she was met with her mom’s heavy breathing, the other side of the bed clearly void of occupation. She could always wake her up and ask, though that would prove a bit difficult. After all, her mother was still cocooned underneath the blankets, the dark bags under her eyes very much pronounced. Perhaps it was fate, however, that only a moment’s later- a delicate tune filled the room. The soft melody twirled and spun gracefully in the air around her, and Allegra grin at the familiarity. The little girl dashed out and down the stairs, before swinging the living room door wide open. It was the music that stopped first before her father offered one of his sheepish grins at her. “Did I wake you?” he asked, scooting and patting the bench for her to sit. “No,” said Allegra, sliding next to him. “You weren’t in your room,” This fact seemed to calm Daniel Beaufort, for the slight tension in his eyes quickly disappeared. He began pressing the keys again, this time under the stare of his daughter’s watchful gaze. Mr Beaufort started a rather slow tempo, registering in her mind as Canon in D, before gradually building up into a higher staccato. She watched with fascination as he interpreted and composed his own pieces by simply replaying the classics, observing how he switched up the tempos into allegro with exuberant skills and grace that only a skilled pianist would understand. He had just finished playing The Blue Danube when she finally interrupted him. “Can I give it a go?” she pleaded, staring up at him. 8

Mr Beaufort’s constant smile seemed to twitch for a moment before he nodded at his daughter. Yet, when Allegra eagerly placed her fingers on the keys, her father suddenly shooed her hands away. She arched an eyebrow at him. “Patience dear,” he said, his eyes flickering back at the morning glow of the sun. “I’ll be playing your favourite first, how does that sound?” Allegra sighed before looking back at the windows, squinting when a ray of bright sunshine directly hit her eyes. Honestly, her mom would be awake anytime soon… Yet, how can she ever deny his hopeful and pleading smile? “Fine,” she sighed, trying not to look that crestfallen. Perhaps she’ll learn something from him again. “Honestly, can’t you be a bit more considerate?” Her heart sank upon hearing those words. Of course- the moment she decided it was time to have a bit of fun, her mother had to barge in. Anyways, Allegra knew that was only the beginning, the chastisement and arguments will obviously follow suit. The pair heard the steady of click-clacking shoes before her mom’s figure came into view, bearing the same exasperated look. Allegra glanced at her dad, who nodded reassuringly at her before patting his daughter on the head. Still, her fingers slipped off from the piano keys instinctively. “…and there’s no harm in it,” “Daniel- she hasn’t even had breakfast,” “That’s why we got up a bit early!” “Her school’s starting in ten!” Allegra looked up at the silence, watching as her mom crossed her arms over her chest, the vomit stain contrasting against her blazer in a stark manner. Though her mom was the only one ready to go- her appearance could be easily out-won by her dad’s shambolic hair. She supposed her mom’s last argument made a compelling stance, considering the living room had become some sort of a funeral. Allegra gazed up to her mom’s frustrated eyes, before looking down to fiddle with a loose string in her midnight pyjamas. 9

“…appreciated that Daniel, I really do,” Alessia sighed, “But the department’s been quite a mess this week, and I should’ve been there twenty minutes ago,” “Then what’s stopping you?” Allegra really did face-palmed herself at the last question. She was a child- that was sure, but she certainly wasn’t an idiot. “Your ridiculous behaviour!” she snapped, watching with cruel satisfaction when a flash of fear briefly flooded his eyes. “Mable’s been screaming her lungs out when you both woke her up I’ve told you to stick teaching her the piano in the evening!” The glance her husband gave to Allegra certainly didn’t miss her. “…don’t bring Allegra into this,” said Alessia, “That child can barely think before jumping into a mess, I know it’s you that purposely made her wait till morning,” “I was-wasn’t-like-” spluttered Daniel. Mrs Beaufort pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation. “Yes- you did, Daniel. You were always like this. J-just…if you can’t help it…teach her the dang thing earlier, would you? Stop with the showoffs, honestly…it gets fairly annoying….” The rain continued to pour down her drenched hair as she ran back into her home. She barely gave a glance as her dad hurriedly parked their car, before pulling off her muddy shoes and wet sweater over her head. Allegra huffed in frustration when the uniform underneath it was equally drenched, before running her fingers through her coarse hair. Honestly, it’ll take hours to detangle the strands now. She eagerly tossed her backpack to the other side, cringing when it nearly knocked over the perch. Startled from its sleep, the phoenix gave a cry of surprise at her. “I know, I know- I’m sorry,” said Allegra hastily, while the phoenix continued to flap its wings and ruffled its feathers everywhere. The peacock-like tail swished forward again, and for a moment- Allegra thought the bloody bird was going to attack her. “Hey! Down, down! No- don’t you dare…” 10

The phoenix gave a high-pitched cry at the new voice, its feathers emitting small sparks of flames as Daniel Beaufort shook the water out of his hair. It flapped its wings at him, sending him stumbling into the unused Christmas tree behind them. One of the old baubles actually fell from the tree, its glass' outering shattering at the impact it made with the floor. “Blasted bird!” he groaned, accepting his daughter’s assistance to help him steady himself. “Try giving him a treat or something, think Alessia forgot to feed him again,” “Mom never forgets anything,” shrugged Allegra, her voice trailing off as she entered the kitchen. She took the raw salmon out of the fridge, before offering it to the bird playfully- who flew about eight inches from its perch to catch its meal. “Then how would you explain this…” he murmured gruffly, before settling down on his usual place at the piano. “Honestly- why do you always blame mom for everything?” she asked, her voice laced with wariness. “It’s not like everything entirely her fault- Phoenix just loved to eat everything that it deems as edible,” Mr Beaufort smiled warily at his daughter’s naiveness but decided not to press on the issue. He just simply commented on a single sentence of “Both your mother and I don’t understand each other,” He immediately regretted that upon seeing the suspicious look in her eyes. “Are you both implying that you’re not happy in this marriage?” she asked, softening her tone as she slid next to him. The phoenix, seemingly noting the change of aura swirling around it, cooed and gave a sad, elegant hum in return. Her dad widened his eyes at her. “Darling of course not- we’re both lucky to have you and Mabel in your lives. You’ll realize this when you’re older of course. But it doesn’t mean we’ll take this heartedly, your mother and I always patched things up in the end,” assured Daniel, before starting to flip on the pages of various sheet music. 11

Allegra pressed a single key as she drank the somewhat fragile hope he offered her, before glancing at her dad once again. He had started biting his lips while hastily flipping the pages, his forehead trickling down with the barest hints of sweats. “So…you and mom would always find a solution out in the end?” she pressed on carefully, watching as her dad looked up once more. His gaze had always been filled with warmth and reassurance that defined the endearing term of what family meant to her, a promise of a home to seek and basked in comfort. He had held those morals so tightly for every second of her childhood, and she expected the same even now. She was still technically a child. Simply with more awareness of what was happening and untying between her parents. Those clear-crystal blue eyes had been the foundation where she gradually build herself up in. It was where she had found passion and love for music, encouragement during the ridiculous tantrums, and the advice when she accidentally broke her late grandmother's urn. Blessed Grandma Bella…she supposed that would be appropriate to say. Her heart nearly shattered when she was met with her father’s now hesitant gaze. The barest hints of doubt had clouded the sky- blue orbs, and it was enough for a child to confirm her worst suspicions. Allegra wasn’t that child, however. She was a child emboldened with such ferocity of hope that she audibly sighed with relief when he swallowed, before nodding and patting the top of her head in such familiarity. “Of course, we will,” he answered hastily, “You and Mabel still had such long lives,” Doubt began to tease her mind once more. “Ah- there it is!” said Daniel all too suddenly, his voice jumping into an enthusiastic ring. She could barely let the first signs of dwell sank in when he placed the sheet of music right in front of her face. “Debussy: Serenade for the Doll, No 3 from Children’s Corner!” “D-dad!” spluttered Allegra, “I’ll keep getting my notes all mixed up on that!” “Precisely,” hummed Mr Beaufort, flashing her a bright smile. “You’ve already learned Tchaikovsky’s piece quite brilliantly, why don’t we try something a bit more advance?” 12

Though her heart fluttered quite a bit at the praise, her enthusiasm clearly didn’t match her father’s. But perhaps, luck was winking back at her today. The phoenix chose at that moment to sizzle a small fire onto her dad’s collar, which brought an instant burst of giggles spilling from her lips as she watched a colourful array of curses sprouted out from his mouth, before running back into the kitchen to splash himself with cold water. She was very sure the phoenix blinked back at her. “Thanks, my friend,” whispered Allegra, before starting to play the familiar tunes leading to the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to her heart’s content. And perhaps, as the melody filled and twirled with grace in the air, she allowed a moment for herself as she basked in the warmth elation as if the piece itself ignited something that for a long time, she surely wouldn’t let go. The melody lulled away her worries, the treacherous anxiety that had been heightening laying- dormant, exchanging it for a keen focus and dedication solely focused on what was in front of her. For tonight, all her doubts have seemed to cease. The crisp cool air of a mid-Autumn’s day was always her favourites. The wind whipped against her cheeks as she desperately tried to pull the strands away from her face, tucking them behind her ear before straightening her coat. Allegra let her eyes wander briefly to the falling leaves, with the shades of warm colours so rich that they nearly engulfed her. She particularly liked the russet leaves, its reddish-brown colour nearly matching her own wind-swept hair. She sighed while soaking the last rays of sunlight the season had generously offered, humming when the crisp dried leaves were crushed under her boot. Allegra liked the foggy mornings- the obscurity and uncertainty it brought perfectly matched her own, and in an odd sense of way- it helped her. She swallowed the guilt in her throat, a part of her screaming and shouting insolent curses at her betrayal of such an act. How can she relish in the uncertainty? Being sedated at the reality and unreality of a world beyond? 13

A soft brush in her numb fingers made her blink and looked up. She was instantly met with the amber eyes of her mother. Mrs Beaufort had never mastered the art of neutrality, for her eyes showed overwhelmingness mirrored by her daughter. Allegra certainly thought she was going to combust. “You’ve been drifting off again,” she stated quietly. Allegra mused over her mother’s tone. At times, the woman could be sharp and unrelenting, or gentle as the autumn breeze. The latter was always reserved for her two daughters. “I’ve just-” sighed Allegra, before inhaling the scent of warm burning wood. The local bakery shop shouldn’t be far from here now. “-been worried, that’s all,” Her mother arched tucked the few strands of her daughter’s hair back, before tightening her own caramel coat around her. Words wouldn’t need to be exchanged for both women to understand what the latter was feeling, for their house had been too suffocating, too thick with tension these days. Even little Mabel- who would run off chasing the falling leaves- stood solemnly by her mom’s side. In fact, it was Allegra who told suggested the walk. Alessia squeezed her daughter’s shoulders. “Your dad and I have been through tough times before Allegra, it was just a silly little fight,” “Silly little fights that had been happening all month, all week, all day?” She hadn’t meant for her voice to come out so…callous, but she didn’t even feel an ounce of pity when guilt clouded her mother’s eyes. She’s fifteen now, she’s not immune to naiveness any longer. “Allegra, I-” “Mommy,” poked Mabel, tugging both women on the sleeves. “I want a bagel,” “Just a few more minutes,” said Alessia, before turning to her eldest daughter. “We survived this far, hadn’t we? Besides, who’s going to look after you an-” “You and dad made it seemed like the whole point of your marriage revolves around me and dad,” she eyed the sudden stiffness of her mother, “Which at this point- I can’t deny it,” 14

Her mother eyed the little flower shop with new interest, grazing her fingertips at the glass windows. Allegra eyed her warily, before cocking her head at her mother’s scarf. Sudden suspicion rose within her. It was a lovely antique-looking piece, its fabric rich- looking and the intricate designs of tiny kittens were almost unnecessary. It suited her mother, too much. “That’s a nice scarf,” she commented. Alessia jumped apart. “Oh-” she cleared her throat, “Thank you, darling. It was certainly a thoughtful gift,” “Certainly, dad wouldn’t buy you Givenchy,” Her mother’s cheeks- tinged red. Actually tinged red. “It was from a friend,” “Mom,” warned Allegra, who was struggling to keep her internal anger at bay. “Don’t tell me it’s from Mr Posh-face,” “Don’t call Leandro that,” said Alessia defensively, though an amused chuckle left her lips. “But I supposed my friend has the tendency to act like an aristocrat,” Anger was starting to claw up her throat before she shot a glare at her still-smiling mother. Allegra immediately swallowed down the burn, though refrained from commenting anything snarky just in case the monster inside of her unleashed. Truly, it wasn’t that her parents’ crumbling marriage was any secret. It was obvious from the polite and wary looks they kept shooting each other. Dad would perform acts of kindness like taking them to school and bringing home treats and snacks, while mom would clean the two-story house after work, before staying up late at night to help with her daughters’ studies. They lived a complete life of neutrality as if they had a silent agreement. Everything they did revolve around Allegra and Mabel, and when both girls weren’t home- the warmth of the home vanished almost instantly. Allegra knew of course, for when she returned from the park, she found her mother sobbing in the bathroom and her dad gone. It became a routine afterwards. They lived a separate life but united in raising their daughters. God, it was rare to see them together besides Christmas these past few years. It started small, with them 15

shooting annoyed looks, before morphing into scowls and snarky comments. Now? They would claw at each other’s throats when given the chance. Her parents lived in a dance with no sync, a song with no rhythm- simply waiting for Allegra to drop the beat. But- she couldn’t. She just couldn’t. A selfish and desperate part of her cried every time, the thought of not living in the same home any longer was too much, too raw for her to ever comprehend. Words failed to describe the resentment she held to her parents. Thank the lord for Mable’s sweet demeanour. At least it gave her parents half the reassurance that they were all right. But it wasn’t. What will she gain in the end anyway? She felt as she were the ones gripping the chains at her parents’ necks, desperate to hurt them to never part. It should have felt wrong. They were unhappy. It was wrong. But can you blame her? She didn’t want to sacrifice that part of her, that warmth that intertwined so tightly with her childhood and her life. She didn’t want to give up piano lessons with dad or reading time with mum. Allegra suddenly laughed hysterically at the thought. Since when did those piano lessons exist? Since when did she cuddle up with mum for good? It hadn’t been that way for two years now. That part of her laid dormant, shattered beyond repair- and it felt…it was vulnerable to be seen again. Her family was merely surviving. Desperately clinging to the waves. It was all because of her, wasn’t it? Like her mum, she wasn’t good at shielding emotions. She knew it was easy to read her, every hurt or annoyance in her posture and eyes were clear as day. God, it sucks being this emotional. Her parents knew she would be hurt if they left. So, they stayed. Yet perhaps, those efforts were in vain soon. She knew both had lost the comfort each provided in the marriage, and so- naturally like every human being, they began searching outside. Allegra shook her head. They never strayed, they were always loyal. But Allegra could see the longingness and pain in both of them, and gods- it hurt. Curse her selfishness. 16

Her parents never understood one another, thus the fragile marriage. But they understood something, and that was the inevitability of their care shifting. Allegra never heard raised voices when each would bring another person home, the worst was just a tight smile. “They’re just guests,” either of her parents would claim. And Allegra believed it first. After all, they did nothing but have tea and hold hands together. Sometimes dad brought home a man one day, then a woman…but mum always bought Mr Posh- face. It was like the universe gave her the most loving and understanding people to suffer the consequences of her iron’s fist. Her parents never tried to engage in the prospects of divorce. Yes, they had different romantic relationships now- but it was as if they were waiting for her blessing. Even these people they brought home, seemed to understand her too eerily. But Allegra couldn’t do it. And gods, she didn’t know how long she could hold on any longer. That would be a betrayal to herself. A delighted cry pierced her ears the moment she opened the doors. “Hey you,” she chuckled, directly coming over to the perch. The phoenix cocked its head to the side, before bending down to peck her coat. “Yes, yes- I’ve got your snack,” Allegra rolled her eyes, before reaching into her paper bag and scooping a handful of apple pie crumbles. The phoenix started to peck into her hand greedily. “Been shrieking all morning waiting for you,” Allegra turned around abruptly, for she was only suddenly aware that there was a company. She supposed it was naïve to think peace was her friend. Her dad offered her a smile that was stiff at the edges. Daniel had slight wrinkles on his forehead and the corner of his eyes, and even his hair had started to turn shades lighter. He was barely 40. Allegra’s eyes drifted off to the freshly painted nails, smooth caramel skin, and shy smile of the woman. “Serena,” she gave her a curt nod, before turning her back again to her 17

phoenix to blink back tears. The phoenix seemed to sense her sadness, for it suddenly stopped munching and nuzzled its soft head against the back of her hand. Serena Shiloh was nice…nicer than the other ones…dad brought home. It’s been months since her first appearance, and gods, the way dad looked at her was enough to make her stomach heave. Wh-what if- Oh god surely- she wasn’t- “Oh, Selena! I didn’t know you were coming!” chimed Alessia suddenly, and Allegra watched from the corner of her eyes as her mom flashed the pair a warm smile. How was she okay with this?! “Daniel called me,” said Serena quietly, glancing back at both the married couple. “You don’t mind do-” “Of course not!” said Alessia reassuringly, before ushering Mabel to take a bath. “The girls and I just went back from the local bakery, here- try this one. The crust is buttery and oh gods- the filling was sweet-” “Women,” muttered Daniel under his breath. But apparently- his wife’s hearing was just as sharp as her intelligence. “What was that?” asked her mother coldly, dropping the genuine smile. “Speak up Daniel- surely you want both of us to” “It’s fine Alessia,” said Serena suddenly, and Allegra watched as the latter woman clasped her father’s hand even tighter. “He’s only tired, you both had a long day,” Daniel shot her a grateful smile. Allegra could see the storm brewing in her mom’s eyes, but her lips remained pursed. The tension lifted a little when Alessia’s shoulders finally slumped before she flashed a tired smile at her husband. “You should come over for thanksgiving,” Alessia said suddenly, shooting a much warmer look at Serena. It was a rather polite invitation in an outsider’s eye, but Allegra could sense the desperation laced underneath her tone and the begging look in her mother’s eyes. Of course, she thought angrily, Serena could be the mediator. 18

“I think that’s a great idea,” said Serena lightly, before her lips quirked up. “Bringing anyone special?” “I’ll make sure to tell Leandro to bring the wine,” replied Alessia, before winking at her and walking towards the kitchen with a lighter step. “Sweet Leandro!” scowled Daniel, “What does she see in him anyway?” Serena slapped his hand before shooting him a look of warning. “Honestly, Leandro Antoine is a good man for her- look at them! I’ve never seen a pair so in love with-” The woman stopped dead, before clapping her hands onto her mouth. “Allegra- I didn’t mean to-” “So, it’s true then?” asked Allegra coldly, glaring daggers at the suddenly pale couple. She knew it was true, but when one desperately clings to the last essence of frail hope- she wouldn’t allow herself to admit that. It was then her dad who finally cleared his throat. “Allegra- play the piano for a bit, yeah? Just try to calm down first and-” The last thread had finally snapped. “Are you honestly out of your bloody mind?!” she screamed, the virtue of her patience finally disintegrating into ashes. “I wanted an explanation and you told me to play the stupid instrument? To calm down?! After everything you put us through- no wonder mum’s crawling into another man,” “Allegra!” gasped Serena, shooting her a pleading look when her father’s face suddenly turned beet red. “Shut up,” scowled Allegra, before turning her furious eyes at her dad. “Trust me, Serena, if my parents’ marriage taught me anything- is that dad can’t keep his mouth to himself and doesn’t think before actually speaking! He can’t even keep his wife or his daughters safe,” The last words barely left her lips when a shrill scream pierced the air. Sharp movements made their way from her line of vision that everything quickly became a blur. She heard the distant voice of swinging porcelain before it made contact with something, smashing 19

it while letting out a thousand shrieking cries before followed by another loud crash, and another, and another. Allegra distinctively heard jumbled off-key rhythms from a specific instrument before something sharp grazed her cheek. Allegra staggered back immediately and felt her head collide with a wall- loud. Something hot was trickling down her chin, and she coughed. The air was somehow thick in rust as she felt the pounding in her head drowning out her consciousness. “Daniel- please calm down!” “-dare you, we did everything for you-” “…something you will regret!” “…point of this useless marriage-” “PLEASE!” “…sacrificed my entire life to care for a sick child of a-” She was underwater- she couldn’t- the woman’s sobs- pleas- what was- A sharp cry ring out in the vast void she found herself trapped in. The angry caws penetrated the air and cut through her mind as a golden flaming tail slashed in the air. The sting was instant, throbbing- ripping- it coursed through her blood and the most torturous form of pain entered her body. A pained cry escaped her lips as she felt herself crumbling. She had to stay afloat. The wild thought was that she imagined the tides crashing down upon her as she fought to chase that last ounce of consciousness, the numbness had seeped into her senses and her throat felt horribly dry. Just as the blur of colours began to sharpen- she gasped in pain. Her body- gods she couldn’t- her fingers- trembling- stop herself- jerking movements- help- oh my god. “What’s going-” “Mommy who’s show-” “Allegra, don’t do-” “…sick, pathetic excuse-” “Enough!” The thunderous shout echoed through the walls, piercing Allegra’s fading consciousness for the briefest of moments before she managed a choked sob. Then her lungs abruptly squeezed her throat, and she knew nothing more. Music was something she held so incredibly dear to her. It was much more than a meek little hobby many parents enforced in their children, much more than an obligation. Her 20

dad was a pianist- that much she knew- had been one of the actual few gifted children enrolled in a music academy and succeeded. Several certificates and gleaming trophies were pridefully on display in the glass cabinets, and many guests stopped to admire them over tea. Daniel Beaufort had made a name for himself in the classics, mastering advanced classes and even composing his very own with a twist of modernization and trickiness only a few had managed to triumph. It was only fair that many of his peers expected the same for his daughter. Truthfully, Allegra had shown some talents of her own- and her parents made it quite clear that they were eager. Well- mostly her dad of course. But when the music academy itself reached out to her, Allegra shocked them both by declining the prestigious offer. It bore the first cracks in her relationship with her father, yet her mother remained to understand. For Allegra knew music was also a curse. It was something that unintentionally brought her parents together, and not for the right reasons. Turning back to look at it now, it was funny how many didn’t notice in the beginning. Mum had confessed that it was her who started what now could be called a broken mess and did little to hide her regrets. Music had been a source of comfort for her, the loss of both parents and an estranged sister had brought her to stumble right into Daniel’s arms. He was well-known in his profession by then, but lonely. Daniel had soothed Alessia’s pains by blessing her with the gift of music, and she provided him with the warmth and company he had longed for. They both were broken, and they both had found temporary solace instead of love. Both had stubbornly thought the feeling would soon grow, but as their old wounds healed and their journeys branched off, it was clear they had little to no interest as lovers. But the realization had come too late. For Allegra was in her mother’s womb. 21

Her parents hadn’t specifically told her this of course, but bits and pieces through tides of emotional years had brought the conclusion. Allegra was fairly good at solving puzzles, and it was obvious what her parents had wanted. A family. A home where loneliness was merely a laughable imagination. They both had desired to gift their daughters their dream, while it slowly crushed theirs. For now, the loneliness and estrangement had returned, and the pair could not help the other. Alessia let herself grieved over that once more. The notes were fading, but clear as a midnight sky in her head. Moonlight filtered through her translucent curtains as it cast soft shades of white light over her blanket, giving it an iridescent glimmer. Truthfully, it was a fitting scene. Fading notes of the Moonlight Sonata 3rd movement gracefully leapt and twirled in her mind, the vibrant rhythm and staccato lulling her internal battles which weighed heavily in her mind since the rise of dawn. There was something about the structurally and stylistically piece that made it more defined, more exceptional than the other movements Beethoven had composed. Her dad had told her the stories of the three movements as a bedtime story. The first movement was smooth and lulling, resembling the soft moonlight on a quiet and clear midnight sky. The second movement had been more vivid and energetic, with the warning coos of gentles breezes and clouds that had seemed insignificant at first. The third movement had been her favourite, in contrast with its sisters- the last movement was violent, dominating, and compelling. She could practically imagine the thunders of a dark and stormy night. The story sounded intriguing in theory, but not so much in practice. Still, it remained her favourite, for it was the last piece of music she ever wielded, the last glimpse she let the world watch her precarious vulnerability. When the fallboard finally collapsed on top of the keys, it remained that way. Collecting dust and debris as the silk covering remained untouched for years. 22

Allegra had preferred things to be that way. At least the silk hid the part of her soul that had cried out for pain and longed to be free. If not for that git of a posh-face, her wounds wouldn’t reopen and bleed on everyone. Her mom had been insistent for him to show his skills, and modest as he appeared to be the slightest twitch in his lips signalled his amusement when Alessia uncovered the grand piano. She had told him to play it. The perfectly-timed speed and dexterity to play Presto Agitato was enough for Allegra to dash up the stairs and retched her heavy breakfast down the drain. She contracted a fever only a few hours later and refused her mum’s company for the next three days. Allegra turned to her side as she let the memory flickered out. A heavy squawk made her lift her eyes out and stretch out her arm to stroke the creature. The phoenix’s eyes flinched for a moment, before nuzzling its head to her cold hand for comfort. A few more feathers fell out from its tail. She stopped her ministration to peer at her friend for a closer look. The glimmer in its eyes had certainly been missing, or perhaps it was merely her delusion and drowsiness. No- it was a bit dull. Allegra was sure. “What’s wrong with you?” she whispered, and the phoenix gave a raspy coo. Allegra let her feet touch the marble floors as she padded her way to a nearby cupboard, taking out an old baby blanket before gently draping it on her phoenix’s shivering swan- like figure. She filled the bowl with water and watched as it took hearty sips. Only when did her eyes start to droop did Allegra permit herself to sink down to her mattress, drowning her phoenix’s croaks with her own sleepiness as well. “It’s a bit ill-looking, isn’t it?” Allegra barely gave her mum a glance as she spooned the broth, wincing when the hot liquid touched her lips. “Suppose so,” she shrugged. The phoenix chose at that moment to let out a gaging noise before even more of its beautiful crimson feathers fell. Her mum tutted before coming over to the perch and offering it a bowl of mixed berries. “Perhaps it's just his season now,” 23

“His-what?” Alessia arched her eye-brow in disbelief, a gesture which she had adapted quite more often. “Don’t tell me they didn’t teach you mythology in that school of yours, your monthly fees could get us a plane ticket to Antarctica and back,” “It never even burst into flames before!” argued Allegra, narrowing her eyes at her sickly friend. If her mum was oblivious to her palpable concern, then perhaps Allegra had indeed- became quite the actress. A gracious effect of her parents’ bleeding relationship. After all, one must mask themselves when encountering such drastic events in their lives. “There are many versions on what the phoenix’s fate might be,” mused Alessia, expression cool as a cucumber. “Usually in folklore, it builds itself a nest of incense and scared materials before igniting. Obviously, it’s consumed-” “-by the fire of its nest, blah...blah...blah…yes I get it,” snapped Allegra, “But phoenix never exploded into flames for yearssss… mum,” Her mum’s frown deepened. “Phoenixes will renew every five hundred years darling- or perhaps even a bit more than that,” Allegra scoffed at the absurdness of the situation. “You can’t possibly know how old Phoenix is, why don’t you ask Dad? He’s the one who brought the thing home,” “No need to get so agitated,” tsked her mother, before crouching to the phoenix’s eye level, “Besides, the phoenix was the one who followed your father home, not the other way around,” Allegra blinked back at her mum’s words. “F-followed dad?” “Nearly singed his eyebrows and poked his eyes when Daniel tried to shoo it off,” chuckled Alessia, her lips quirking in fondness. “You were barely five, the phoenix stood on your nightstand while you were taking a nap. Trust me, I was absolutely horrified it was going to claw you,” “What made you and dad change your minds?” asked Allegra curiously. 24

Her mum shot her a look of amusement and warmth, before sitting down and brushing out her daughter’s coarse hair. “Phoenixes are loyal creatures, and we both came to that conclusion when it always tried to burn our skins whenever we tried to pick you up. I think for a while- Daniel thought the phoenix would be a perfect bodyguard if you ever started fancying boys,” “Mummm…” groaned Allegra, and her mum chuckled at her. “Although, I argued that the phoenix was trying to protect you or some sort. But your dad was dismissive of that rather quickly,” Allegra felt a few more twists and soft brushes before her mum finally stood up, satisfied. “There, all ready to go,” A heavy stone plummeted to her stomach as she swallowed, and Allegra quickly sat on her hands to stop the tremors from getting worse. It was easy to her fears lay dormant while being bed-ridden for the past week or so, while only allowing the doctor and her mum to tend to her. But perhaps the world was never made to suit her, fate never aligned itself to her favour, and peace would only come for the dead. Going out would mean going beyond the realms of her control, to let the wind caress her cheeks again, to greet the smiles and flickered looks of sympathy from pitying guests, to drown out the hushes and whispers while hanging herself back from racking sobs when laughter echoed from the walls. She had promised her mum to come, it would have meant so much to her- but the thought of clinking glasses and a suffocating room was t- too- “I don’t want to go,” she choked out, feeling the floodgates rushing open. Allegra barely managed to hold on to pieces of her fractured soul in the confinements of her own room, was there even a possibility for her to act stoic in front of a dozen people? She felt her mum’s warm fingers interlaced themselves with hers, gently prying her daughter’s curled form open before taking what was left of Allegra’s strength into her arms. Alessia let her daughter sob and shook against her, watching as the early- morning golden light thickened in time. It was probably past afternoon when she finally stopped whimpering. “You don’t have to go if you want,” offered Alessia, gazing into her daughter’s exhausted eyes. “It’ll just be a few-” “I have to go,” snapped Allegra, “I-if I don’t-” 25

-it’ll haunt me forever. I’ll never make peace with it. You’ll never be happy. She swallowed her words before looking back at Alessia’s worried eyes. Her mum had carried herself with a sort of lightness and self-reassurance whenever she had come back home, whenever tea-time was finished with her guest. It was like she had aged years younger and glowed, even the morning light often complimented her skin. She smiled more, teased more, and was bleeding with compassion. But there was something in her eyes that stopped her from chasing that euphoria to its fullest potential, a chain that she had bounded herself to. Responsibility had clung to her, and the guilt Allegra had unconsciously carried had been thrust into her mum. She had to break that chain once and for all. She had to let it go. Alessia must have choked and sung Hallelujah when she watched her own daughter thank Mr Posh-face for his radiant influence. In the aftermath of the horrible tantrum and lack of self-control displayed by both father and daughter, her parents had decided for the best if Daniel took Mabel to visit gwanma’s house for the week. Therefore, preparation for Thanksgiving dinner would be a lonely occasion this year. Between stress-planning, grocery shopping, nursing her daughter, and reducing the stifling atmosphere their home was practically reeking in for years- Allegra was surprised her mum had not yet shed a single tear as the pressure mounted its peak. Except when her mum donned an autumn shade, pleated Emilia Wickstead dress that the conclusion finally dawned on her. Of course- she was not alone, Lord Leandro Antoine just had to be free for an entire week after attending several events in France to help out with the chores. Coincidentally, he had just bought a new flat- if you can even call a penthouse that- a few streets from their home, and joyfully tended to her mum when she admitted she had been on the verge of tears. The two women giggled when Alessia recounted the day where he scrubbed the bathroom floor clean while wearing an a- buttoned-up shirt and tailored trousers. Well, perhaps if he really did opt to ditch the upper-class customs for his mother- Allegra should have at least expressed her gratitude, won’t she? 26

“Her dress really is lovely,” whispered Allegra, not quite meeting his eyes. If she had to be nice, then baby steps would do. “I insisted on the shade feuille morte,” he replied, “It suits her complexion,” Cut and simple, two words to describe her mum’s interest. Somewhere over the room, she could hear her mum’s light laugh and bubbly chatters, and promptly resisted the urge to look up. She would find him staring at Alessia again, no doubt- the emerald eyes piercing with such ferocious intensity and yet care that made her vomit. Sir Leandro was a funny man, she mused. He was conceived of a noble family, raised with such expected rigidity and elegance which he successfully carried into adulthood. He was a divorcee. His previous marriage was only done out of obligation and not devotion that his austere mother initiated the separation at last when it became clear the couple would not reside in the same chambers. He had travelled the world, met Alessia at a charity gala, as all story foretold- the rest was history. “Insisted?” repeated Allegra, watching as her mum gushed at something. “Don’t tell me you actually got her a custom piece,” A twitch of the lips was all he gave. A small muffled coughed resonated beside her, and she lift the light cloth from the hand- woven basket gently. Allegra smiled sadly at the now slightly wrinkled and shrivelled bird; its sides covered in fallen feathers. “It’ll burn soon,” “Thanks,” Whether he did not recognize the sarcastic tone in her voice, or whether he chose to ignore it- she would never know. “It’ll emerge with a youthful freshness soon, and folklore foretold new beginnings embedded in the new flames,” “It speaks of a new beginning,” “Perhaps so,” She looked up to see a wry smile plastered across his lips, his eyes revealing nothing, and yet everything. As if these words were enough to manoeuvre the clogs in her mind. She sat on her hands to stop them from shaking. 27

“Your mother says the final movement of the sonata was the last song you ever played,” he said calmly, shifting the subject delicately. He fixed the sleeves of his olive-green sweater while watching her nod slowly. “It’s the most unbridled in its representation of emotion, and many adults even struggled with its ferocity,” Allegra snapped her head back at him, watching. “How do you know?” “My mother,” he said wistfully, before spinning around the piano bench to touch the keys. She mimicked his movements and stared back at the instrument fondly. She ignored how her heart clenched painfully for the briefest of moments, and steeled herself. Gone were the pearly-white keys she recalled in her early days and replaced in its place of soft chiffon. The once rich mahogany of the piano had been seeping away as well, even the metal-coated pedals showed the barest hints of rust in them. “May I?” She blinked back to see him staring directly at her, his hands poised to play. Allegra caught Mabel’s cheeky smile and nodded, her bangs jumping as she ran off. She felt confirmation steadily written across her features before the barest hints of melody penetrated the air. Its effect was instantaneous. The once chattering little crowd found themselves slowly inching closer and closer towards the fast arpeggios, cheering for the fast alberti bass sequences that Leandro executed so skillfully. She watched as his hands sped from both rights and left, falling into the demands of the great stamina to wove the pieces together. The preciseness of his fingers was astounding, the supposedly heavy piece complimenting the air of gracefulness he so delightfully displayed. Even she felt a pang of disappointment when the final ending came nearer, the anticipated build-up of rhythms thrumming wildly in her veins as everything rushed into her ears, her body seizing up until the echoes of the final notes disappeared. A time span of five seconds was all that the world allowed before the small crowd erupted into cheers. She breathed a sigh as if she had run a marathon on her own. The lightness and euphoria were finally catching up to her, and she quickly turned to her side, her lips ready to congratulate him when her lips let out a gasp. His eyes were closed. As if sensing her, Leandro’s emerald eyes suddenly cut through hers, 28

smiling. “Yo-you..” “When you simply let the tides take over, you’ll trust the sea to navigate you into the right direction,” he replied simply, yet his eyes weren’t on her. Allegra’s chest thudded loudly when she looked up to her mum staring at the man with pure adoration, the blinding longing of it all enough to pierce a knife of realization into her chest. Allegra gazed around the room and met Daniel’s knowing smile. The sensation of being trapped underwater for so long had rendered Allegra helpless for many years. It had not only clouded her judgement on others but herself. She had known vaguely others treaded around her like eggshells and soothing whispers whenever she so much gave a frown, but her mind had been too fussy to ever come upon a reason. Her mum’s radiance and warmth featured in her eyes for the man she truly loved had felt as if Allegra’s head was yanked out from underwater, her vision blinded with the sun before her senses slapped themselves into her once again. It was a strange feeling- she had been a walking shell for so long that having her very soul sucked back in was overwhelming. It was actually. Allegra had grasped the woven basket containing her ill phoenix and practically ran to her dad, holding back tears before the door finally closed behind them. The moment father and daughter sat down on the old sofa in his dusty office, did Allegra cradle her cooing phoenix and burst into hysteric sobs. She cried- she didn’t know why- but she wept for everything. Her shoulders shook as she struggled to breathe even in her dad’s warm embrace, and promptly buried her head onto her poor phoenix’s body. The creature gave a choking gasp but said nothing more as its owner continued to use its body as a pillow. “I’m sorry- I’m sorry,” mumbled Allegra, cradling the phoenix tighter in her arms, the remaining feathers wet against her cheeks. “I’ve been so stupid,” The phoenix rolled its eyes at her, before releasing the last drops of energy it had to burn its tail, releasing a yelp from Allegra. It gave a cawing sound before climbing on her shoulders, taking refuge there instead. It nipped on Allegra’s curls affectionately, and she responded by leaning her head gently. 29

She felt the soothing circles on her back come to a stop but still remain there. A warm cup of tea was suddenly trusted into her now-empty hands, and Allegra glanced back up while her father took his own sip. The potent smell of spices caught her off guard. “Serena’s own mix of chai masala,” said Daniel, answering her unspoken question, “It may be a bit spicy, but comforting for a while,” Allegra pressed her lips onto the cup before taking a hesitant sip, her eyes widening as the smooth liquid glided to the back of her throat and calmed her churning stomach. She took another eager sip, ignoring the burn on her tongue for the warmth it sends through her nerves. “Good, eh?” She nodded back in response. Allegra relished in the silence that followed, the only sounds penetrating the air being hearty sips and the phoenix’s soft coughs. She would have loved for it to reign a bit longer, but when her dad shot her a look, she knew her wish wouldn’t be in command. Daniel silently stood up, and Allegra placed her now snoring phoenix down in the basket before following him to the farthest corner of the room. He nudged his head to a large, thin sheet of cotton fabric, the layer coated in fine dust. Allegra’s curiosity shot up when she realized it was covering a frame, a portrait. With trembling fingers, she peeled the wrinkled fabric off, her gasp in sync as it pathetically dropped to the ground. Allegra took a step back and met her dad’s weary smile. “Your wedding portrait,” she said simply, and he nodded in response. She watched as her dad’s eyes roamed the portrait as if he was drinking the scene all over again. Allegra let her fingers trace the wedding dress before her eyes lifted up to see Alessia’ form. Her mum was simply stunning. Dressed in ivory satin with embroidery designs of jasmine, smilax, lilac, and white rose blossoms fanned around her figure, it was no wonder the guests were still gazing up at her in awe- even captured in a scene. The heart-shaped neckline and long fitting sleeves end at the wrist with a tight cuff even created a flowy whimsical effect. Alessia had donned a small diamond clip in her hair, barely visible yet 30

enough for everyone to understand her simple taste. Daniel had dressed in the traditional wedding attire, his tuxedo fitted perfectly for the occasion as he grinned up at the camera. They had looked, normal- happy even. Allegra wondered what had changed. Daniel pressed a reassuring kiss on top of her daughter’s head. “Look closer,” And Allegra stumbled back immediately. Her mum was stunning yes, but it lacked the eternal glow she was used to seeing. Her lips were drawn into a polite smile, her hands clasped tightly with her new husband. But even dad’s smile was a bit forced, stiff in posture. The bishop sleeves on her mum suddenly looked suffocating- patchy, unnatural like. As if it was never meant to be hers. The adoration in both of their eyes was missing, and though genuine was present- the sole purpose of marriage was absent. They had loved one another, and yet- not. They were two pieces of a jagged puzzle forced to cooperate and fit into one. “Both of us never wanted to be alone,” said Daniel, briefly pausing his sentence when they heard another hacking cough from the phoenix. “We both rushed things, thought the wounds would be gone by then,” “But it didn’t,” replied Allegra, her voice wavering. “In fact, the scars are bleeding now,” “I’m sorry for that, your mum and I- for our parts,” Allegra’s eyebrows shot up in surprise before she looked back up. His eyes were as sincere as she remembered, reflecting off the vulnerability that she knew he had held for so long. Allegra quickly look away, the lump in her throat getting heavier as the second ticked away. Pride was a funny thing, either it would be boasted in silver platters or served raw when shattered. One of them was on a platter served raw, the question was merely whom. “You both tried your best,” she croaked at last, as the silence became suffocating. He gave her a tired smile, leaning into a tattered shelf. “We failed though, didn’t we?” Allegra had no answer to that, for she knew the truth of it all. Her eyes focused on the shrivelling form of her phoenix, which had lost all its magnificent feathers. She eyed the bald, wrinkled bird, before turning back to her dad. “You did,” she replied truthfully, 31

“You showed me my passion for a mere instrument, only to strip what I had loved overnight,” Beethoven’s heavy use of sforzando notes graced her mind once more, and she pushed the memory down the back of her mind. “But perhaps its also my fault,” she said softly, “I was blind, I was selfish, I can admit that,” “You weren’t-” She lifted a hand to silence her own father. “I was,” she said firmly, “I was so possessive for retaining those little moments you and mum gave me that I didn’t realize there were only memories now. I tried to strangle the thought of you both divorcing, thinking that was the worst it could get. How can anyone choose to separate themselves from a family they’ve known for so long?” Allegra paused, before moving over to pick up the coughing creature tenderly in her arms, soothing it when a series of hacking coughs followed. She met the teary sapphires of her dad’s orbs. “I was wrong. The worst thing to happen to someone is for them to be trapped in a life that was never meant to be theirs, in failing to remember what freedom truly is,” Allegra stood up, before standing inches away from the man that had caused so much pain and yet so much love for her. “But the worst feeling for me? That was guilt. You can deny it if you want, but I was the sole reason keeping you both trapped,” Daniel blinked back his tears, before looking back at the wedding portrait. A clear glaze of longing was in his eyes, but Allegra knew it wasn’t for her mum. “Ar-are you saying, you’ll be fine? If we-” “I think that decision is best for everyone,” Allegra said firmly, meeting his eyes. “You and mum deserved it. Mabel and I deserved it. We would be fine, in fact-” she gave a laugh, a choking laugh at the realization of it all. They were all finally going to be free- this was it. No more turning back. Her lungs were suddenly filled with air, the sizzling warmth in her body spreading into her numb fingertips that she itched to move them again. Gods, she hadn’t felt this way for years. And it felt good. 32

“-I think Serena deserves an engagement ring by now,” she winked, “And Leandro’s spoiling mum so much that he at least deserves a kiss from her,” “He does play the piano well,” Daniel murmured, “Even mastered the strategic fortissimo passages,” Allegra rolled her eyes at him, before taking his hand in hers. “You’ll still be the expert, and I’ll still be expecting classes from you,” “Once upon a time I would have ripped his throat,” shrugged Daniel, though his shoulders slumped with relief on her daughter’s words. He tightened his grip on her, before shaking his head. “But perhaps both our eyes have open now. There’s no other man I’ll trust to take care of my daughter than him while I’m gone,” Allegra could feel the crack in her bones when she snapped her head at him. “Serena’s a journalist Allegra,” reminded Daniel, and she thanked the gods that it was dark. Her cheeks were tinged in pink at the motion of previously uncaring these little facts. “She’ll need to be in Southeast Asia next month as part of her job,” “You really are going to go to the ends of the earth for her,” observed Allegra, though her voice was light, teasing. Her phoenix gave a cry of pain in her hands, and Allegra fondly brushed its body, unsurprised when parts of it starts to disintegrate. “You could say the same about your mother and Leandro,” he replied back, and Allegra couldn’t help but thrust herself into his embrace, an unspoken peace residing between both. Allegra knew backlash was to be expected from conventional minds, as well as the constant tugging thought of what now? once everything had been finalized. And yet- It was done, finished. There was nothing left to say. They would figure it out in the end, they always do. And this time- it would be better. Her stomach fluttered at the thought, knowing it wasn’t an instinct; it was a truth. Her parents had healed their past wounds, found solace in their respective partners. Mabel was quite happy at Mr. posh face’s gifts and Serena’s storytelling of exotic trips. And her? Well…any sort of illustration would fail on her tongue. But she knew. She just knew that it was a gift. 33

And as Allegra watched her phoenix give a shrill scream before dissolving into a ball of brightly lit flames, she let it be. The burn-in her hands was merely looked upon as shredded remains of an old life- nothing but a reminder. The ashes gave strangely gave her comfort, and she envisioned the quill finally stopping for the briefest of moments, before turning to settle on a crisp, fresh page. Allegra smiled at the soft-pink bird peeking from the ashes in her hands, and the pair laughed as it let out its first healthy caws. She knew a new beginning was due. “Sweater?” “Check,” “Scarf?” “Check, mum I-” “What about extra blankets? The temperature’s always cold in the Pennines, not to mention the strong winds there. Daniel rang us that it’ll snow soon, so perhaps we’ll pack you an extra-” “Mum!” groaned Allegra, pressing her fingertips to the bridge of her nose. She knew a headache was coming. “We’ve been over this, anything we forgot could just be packaged right?” She watched as her mum bit her lip, still unconvinced. “But you would be hiking and taking shots of scenery while it snows-” “Annddd…dad said there are shops selling winter coats and supplies!” An amused chuckle rang out the vast living room, and with an excited ‘oh’, her mum immediately left the argument to embrace her new husband instead. Allegra gave another audible groan. “You’re home early,” Alessia greeted him, before kissing his cheek. He reciprocated the gesture on top of his wife’s forehead, before releasing her together. “The legislation won’t be released until Monday, so there was nothing to fuss over at the moment,” Leandro shrugged, before his eyes finally landed on hers. “Your mum fussing over you again?” 34

“Tell me about it,” sighed Allegra, ignoring the glare Alessia sent her. “Mum wasn’t this stubborn when she was pregnant with Mabel,” “Watch your mouth young lady,” said her mum in a warning tone, “You had no idea how rigorous it is to carry a six-month-old baby at this age,” “I’m sure that wasn’t what Allegra meant darling,” mused Leandro, before placing a hand around his wife’s back. “There’s a treat in the kitchen for you,” “You bought it?” she asked with a child-like gasp, and Allegra continued packing in efforts to dampen the sickening sweet exchange. “…one with the apple pieces, yes.” “The one with the cinnamon?” “Yes yes…come on, I’ll heat it up for you…” Allegra only allowed herself to glance up when the sound of Leandro’s polished shoes against the marble floor started to fade. She released a soft laugh before shaking her head at the pure madness of it all. It was barely three years ago that the divorce was stamped, finalized, and put to rest. Allegra could only give a breath of release in front of the judges before everything started to unfold. The moment it was finished, her mum had thrown herself into Leandro’s embrace to share their first kiss. Daniel had taken a much more subtle approach and left with Serena rather quickly, and Allegra does not wish to relive the moments where she accidentally stumbled upon them in one of the bathroom stalls. They decided to sell the house. And the money was given to dad as he started to do much more expeditions with his new girlfriend. Not that mum needed it anyway, her new husband’s net-worth was a fortune of gold and blinding jewels. It was decided that the children would stay with their mother, for Allegra doubted she can board a plane without retching three minutes after takeoff. It was…a rather staggering process in such a short period of time. Leandro had wed Alessia on a late spring morning, in the gardens of his family’s ancestral home. It was a rather lovely affair, though it was all elegant and lavish, Leandro had respected his bride’s wishes on a simple affair. Allegra joked that he appeared to be a man lovestruck, compelling to her mum’s every demand. She wasn’t wrong. 35

And yet, Leandro’s mother was the sole reason why the wedding would still be considered lavish. Though a handful of people attended, they were fed an eight-course meal and went home with a diamond-encrusted goblet. Each bush and flowers were neatly trimmed, yet still showcased their naturalness perfectly, various Greek sculptures had made their appearances, and even the trees seemed to sway in harmony, crisped branches and lush leaves on full view. Allegra had never met someone so haughty and entitled before Leandro’s mother, and had grown to loathe the woman at first glances. She had opposed the match greatly at first, though immediately soften greatly when Leandro and Alessia announced an expecting baby will be on the way. The woman had made appearances in their new home uninvited countless times by now. While her days were spent adjusting to her new life in comforting her mum for her impending motherhood and getting lost in the hallways of their vast country homes, nights were saved for calls with her dad before dad. Like Alessia, Daniel Beaufort seemed happier, freer, and even wilder. He had grown fascinated at showing various photographs to the screen while explaining them in full detail. Pictures of various locals, wildlife, food…they all looked simply delightful that Allegra had exclaimed her jealousy more times than necessary. The souvenir he brought back to England was simply to die for. Batik textiles of folklore prints from Indonesia…authentic herbs and spices from India…aesthetics Hanji originating from Korea…Japanese pottery that her mum adored so much… Well, you get the point. She can simply conclude that perhaps this path was the best one to go down. Allegra had anticipated tantrums and tears of frustration, or even psychological depression that came with the divorce from everyone- and yet, none came. Smooth sailing was never meant to last, she learned that the hard way. It wasn’t that she wished for it to happen, but years of cowering under the bed or escaping her old home whenever danger signs started to flash red, had left her prepared. Months had gone by without a single shed of tear, without a single ounce of hesitation. Everywhere Allegra looked, people were celebrating- finally free from the depths that threatened to pull them in-it was too much. 36

The suspense had morphed into fear, before roaring into guilt that strike her during nights. Though happy and healthy they were- the feeling of comfort and safety wasn’t there. She couldn’t feel it. Even her new four-poster bed felt like a trap, the curtains locking her in. It had admittedly- clawed her insides. And yet, she had swallowed the guilt and the fear to the back of her throat. She wouldn’t lash out. She wouldn’t ruin these moments for anyone. And yet- she had hidden under the thick blankets during the engagement party and burst into tears. The fear of trying to ensure her family’s safety had turned into an obsession, a blade directed to her own chest. Even Alessia had flashed her a frustrated look when Allegra stuttered to explain why she was feeling that way. In fact, she was ready for her demons to swallow her whole when Leandro had found her. They had talked. She had cried, he listened. She had screamed, he had stayed silent. It wasn’t until her shaking finally subsided that he started to talk. And he had understood her. He assured her it was perfectly fine, expected even- to feel those emotions. Allegra had used those tactics as a defensive mechanism for much of her youth, and it was simply the shock of it all that left her vulnerable. He said she needed time. Time to cope and to accept, and it could even take years before she would be ready. Fear was natural. She must simply accept and embrace it, to channel it all before the heavy pang in her chest would be temporarily subsided. And as for her paranoia? Only time would tell. Turbulences would occur- for that was what we called life. It was the matter of simply facing those trials that determined the outcome. They could lose or win, the traumas would be still there to linger- but one’s thing for sure- life had given them a chance, and the outcome, as similar as they could be- would be different. One look at Leandro had confirmed that it would be different. Allegra had accepted that. They had started her piano lessons that very night, Leandro introducing her to the ridiculously acrobatic Chopin- Etude Op. 10 No. 4. She had mastered its demands of presto con fuoco, and kept constant fluidity in both her hands. Allegra even played the piece at the wedding reception itself, which sent her mothers in rivers of tears before hugging her eldest daughter to death. 37

An insisted cawing sound disrupted her from her reverie, and she jumped. “Hungry?” she asked warily, and the phoenix made an eager noise. Allegra snatched the bag of pretzels before filling its silver- rimmed bowl. “You really do eat everything,” The phoenix let out a little flame from its tail, before bending down to munch its treats. Allegra absentmindedly stroked its glimmering crimson feathers with amusement. “Be a good one, yeah? I’ll be back in two weeks,” The phoenix chose to ignore her. She tsked before zipping her leather luggage, propping the backpack over it, and swinging the handbag over her shoulders. Allegra cast her phoenix a wary look before scanning the room once more, ultimately landing on the large portrait under the crystal chandelier. A small smile crept its way to her lips. Her mother did look breathtaking on her wedding day. She had glowed, bathing in absolute radiance. No polite smiles, no stiffness detected by Allegra’s keen eyes. She couldn’t help but laugh while reminiscing it all. The ivory silk bodice was padded slightly at the hips and narrowed at the waist- no doubt inspired by the Victorian tradition of corsetry. Lace floral motifs had embellished the entirety of the gown, which had hugged her mother perfectly. It was a rich dress but had suited her mother. She had abandoned a veil and opted to let her curls bounce down, embellished with a flower crown at her head. She supposed Leandro did match her mum in all aspects. Their radiance had complimented the other, and till this day- she hadn’t heard a single shatter of porcelain. That was a nice exchange for once. Her parents had found their paths, after all, forged and strengthen from years of difficulties that eventually led them to peace. Perhaps not together, but each had played a vital role. They had healed the other, survived and came out whole. Yet, the journey of living and thriving would be achieved in different pathways, with different people. “It should have hurt when I separated from your dad,” Alessia’s voice rang in her mind, “I expected my soul to feel as if it’s been ripped apart. But it didn’t. I suppose we were never intertwined in the first place after all…But would I do this all over again? Without a 38

doubt, I will. It led me to you both and eventually Leandro and the baby…you could say I’m at peace. Well, not in the literal form!” Glancing back at her Bluthner piano and all the messy sheets surrounding it, Allegra could safely say she found peace as well. “Ready to go?” She glanced up to meet Leandro’s grin and Mabel’s bouncing figure. “Come on! I want to see golden plover there!” chimed Mabel, before taking her sister’s heavy luggage and dragging them down the stairs without so much of a thought. “You sure you won’t take the phoenix with you?” asked Leandro, before he walked across the room to pick up the scattered piano sheets. “Nope,” said Allegra confidently, “It’s in good hands,” Leandro’s smile- if possible- got even lighter. He cleared his throat before flipping the sheets idly. “You sure you won’t forget the Stravinsky- Trois mouvements de Petrouchka? I still expect you to still play the glissandi and tremolos with perfect synchrony when you get back,” Allegra bit the insides of her cheeks to hide her smile. “Of course not,” He shot her a half-hearted stern look before walking out of the room, no doubt searching his wife for one last kiss. For once, she didn’t run to the nearest bathroom at the thought. Brushing the non-existent dust from her shoulders, Allegra turned to glance back at her phoenix one last time. It was still busily munching its treats, ignorant to its owner’s sentimental eyes. “Thanks, my friend,” whispered Allegra, before she disappeared into the vast hallways. Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls your life....... - Akshay Dubey- 39

15 Things I Know About You By : Gretchen Isviandhy – 10 C Vina knew this: She currently had four available pens, two empty papers, exactly one friend, and approximately sixty minutes until her plane would take off and be on its way to Beijing. Vina also knew her best and only friend was notorious for being the least punctual person on earth, and Vina herself was notorious for being the biggest worrier to ever live. Their friendship was an odd one to say at least, full of contradictions and opposing dynamics, but they made it work. It had stood strong for more than five years now, lasting all the way through high school. Despite all that, though, Vina couldn’t help but worry something would change after this very day – The day Vina moved abroad for her university and Ali stayed for hers. She’d heard all about the horrors of long-distance relationships; How friends stray away and eventually lose touch. She couldn’t imagine that happening to her and Ali. She didn’t know what she’d do without her best friend in her life. But she knew this: She would send Ali a minimum of three texts a day, call her every week, and return Ali’s countless emojis with the same amount and enthusiasm. “Vinnie! Hey—Vina! Vina!” She also knew she could always count on Ali to be there for her no matter what, no matter how late she arrives. “Vina.” Ali wheezed as she finally reached Vina, head bowed with hands on her bent knees, heaving with heavy pants. “I can—I can explain.” Looking down at her, Vina pursed her lips to hide her smile. “Because sending me hundreds of apologies in emoji form isn’t enough?” “Definitely—” Pant. “—not.” “Let’s hear it then.” Ali straightened up, taking one final gulp of air before blurting everything in one breath, “I swear I set, like, four alarms for 6 AM and I double checked everything last night but they didn’t freaking work but I predicted something like this would happen so I told my mom to wake me up before she went for work but she forgot and I only woke up because the neighbor’s dog tried to ram down our fence again and I rushed through everything and spilled my tea and there was also traffic—” Vina scoffed. “All I’m hearing are excuses and not one apology.” 40

“No, no—Okay, I deserve that, but I swear I—\" Ali abruptly stopped. She narrowed her eyes, and Vina fought hard to maintain her impassive face. “. . . You’re messing with me.” “I wouldn’t dare,” Vina deadpanned. “Ugh, you—!” Ali shoved at Vina, who dropped her act and burst into loud laughter. “Seriously, Vina?” Ali whined. Vina grinned, still giggling. “Seriously.” Ali sighed. “Whatever. I deserve that, I guess.” Seeing Vina grin made her crack a smile herself, and they both settled on the uncomfortable seats in the airport’s waiting area. That was when the cold realization sank in, and the atmosphere turned solemn. Ali sighed again, a genuine sound of sadness this time. “I can’t believe you’re really going. Beijing’s so far away . . .” Vina hummed in agreement. “Yeah, I can’t believe it either. Still processing.” Ali clicked her tongue, a smirk playing at her lips. “Wait until you at least land there before calling me crying that you change your mind, okay?” “No promises.” There was silence again, the kind of silence Vina and Ali were used to. They both were always content with not having conversations at all. Merely being in each other’s company brought them both comfort, even when they both had nothing to say. That mutual understanding was what made them close friends, after all. Vina lightly bumped her shoulder against Ali’s. “Hey.” Ali bumped back. “What?” “How are we best friends?” Ali snorted. “Honestly? I don’t know either. We’re both disasters.” “No, I mean . . . What makes us best friends?” Ali turned to stare at Vina, incredulous. “Are you five?” “When I met you, yeah,” Vina answered casually. Ali sighed for the third time since she’d arrived, this one a recurring theme of exasperation and fondness that Vina was often subjected to. “What’s this about, Vinnie?” “I just think . . .” Vina grabbed the two blank sheets of paper from her bag and handed one to Ali. “Since we’re going to be apart for a long time . . . We can—I don’t know—exchange what we thought of each other when we first met and what changed, now that we know better.” 41

Ali immediately folded her paper into half, then half again. “You really are a sap, huh?” She wore a teasing smirk, but no mocking escaped her lips. “So, what, you want me to write about my first impression of you compared to what I think of you now?” Vina shrugged, picking a blue pen and offering the other three black ones to Ali. “I guess. I’m making a list, though.” “A list?” Ali raised an eyebrow. “There are not enough interesting things about me for you to make a list.” “Challenge accepted.” Ali rolled her eyes. “You’re just doing this so I’d make you a list, you narcissist. You know I hate lists.” “Do I know that you hate lists?” Vina asked more to herself in a murmur. “I didn’t know that before when I didn’t know you.” “And whose fault is that? I kept trying to say ‘hi’ and you kept brushing me off—” Vina groaned. “I told you, I thought you were talking to the other Vina in class!” “Ew, why would I? That Vina was a jerk.” “Well, I thought you were a jerk before we got to know each other.” Ali gasped. “How could you say that? I had the most angelic face in middle school!” “Sure, but you seem pretentious at times. People said you were a teacher’s pet—\" “Because I always raise my hand up to answer the teacher? I only did that because—\" Vina laughed. “Calm down, drama queen. I know now. Obviously I didn’t before.” Ali pouted. “Was your first impression of me really that bad?” “Guess you’ll just have to wait and see,” Vina added another bullet in her list, paper angled away from Ali’s line of sight. Ali huffed in mock annoyance, the amused gleam in her eyes giving her away. “And here I was going to write you poems and proses about your exquisite pigtails.” “The pigtails you like to pull?” “Oh, come on! They were all thick and curly. How could I not?” Vina felt her lips curl into the beginnings of a smirk. “So if my hair was thick and curly and exquisite, then yours must be—” “NO!” Ali slapped a palm over Vina’s mouth. “No, no, no, no, no.” She pointed a warning finger at Vina’s face, glowering. “We do not talk about my middle school hair. Ever.” 42

Vina arched a brow with her lower face still covered. Her next words came out muffled but intelligible. “I’m not above pulling a middle school trick and licking your hand if you don’t let go—” Ali already had her hand yanked away like she burned herself. Vina grinned in triumph. Ali sighed for the fourth time that morning, sounding much too amused to be irritated. “You are literally going to university yet you still act like a five-year-old.” “Five-year-old me would beat current you.” “True,” Ali said unhesitatingly. “But to be fair, five-year-old you could beat any grown up. Truly a menace to society.” “A shame I grew up, huh?” Ali paused, looking down at her paper and jotting something down. “Nah,” she said with a smile. “Not really.” Their own special kind of silence set in again, and they settled that way. Some people would consider them not making the most out of the time they had left together, but they weren’t some people now, were they? Some time later, a sharp sound indicated an announcement, an intercom declared Vina’s plane ready for passengers, and two girls finished their lists. Vina stood, slinging a bag over her shoulder and grabbing the handle of her suitcase. Ali fixed her jacket then tugged her into a warm embrace. They savored it for as long as they could before parting, and after exchanging watery smiles, they exchanged their lists. “I—” Ali stopped short. Her lips moved in silence, no words escaping them. Looking at Vina at that moment, with her luggage ready and face set in determination, made Ali want to sob like a baby. She couldn’t find the right words to tell her best friend how proud she was of her. But of course, their friendship was built from silent understanding, and Vina heard everything Ali couldn’t manage to say. “I know,” she said with a smile, and Ali nodded. And then Vina was walking away, and Ali watched her figure retreating farther and farther until it was swallowed by the crowd. Feeling like her heart was in her throat, she waited a beat longer, then looked down to read Vina’s list. A tear trailed down her cheek and dropped on the edge of the slightly wrinkled paper. 5 Things I Knew Before + 5 Things I Learned After What I Knew About You: 43

1. You like answering the teacher even when they didn’t call on you, especially when they didn’t call on you. 2. You’re funny. Only sometimes. Other times, your sense of humor is just plain odd. 3. Your hair gets frizzy easily and you always make a big fuss over it when it does. 4. You speak Chinese fluently, with barely any accent at all. 5. Everyone knows about your hatred for frog dissections. What I Learned About You: 1. You actually don’t like having the entire class’s attention on you when you answer the teacher. You just need those extra points badly because you don’t do well with the pressure of doing quizzes. (Remember to take a deep breath and calm down, Ali. You can do it.) 2. You try hard to be funny, and even though you actually are, you don’t truly believe it yourself. You overcompensate sometimes so you won’t seem awkward. PS: It’s fine. It’s endearing. Also, your puns aren’t as funny as you think they are. 3. You take your time to care for your hair, and you hate when it gets frizzy because you think you look bad. PS: You don’t. 4. You spent every day practicing your Chinese with your mom, because you wanted to go live in China one day. (Ironic, isn’t it?) 5. You are so against dissecting frogs because you find the experiments pointless as it has been done millions of times before with the same known result and data, and it isn’t necessary to do it again when the teacher already knows the outcome. (Yeah, I listened to your rants, gross as they are. For the record, I agree.) 6. You like origami, or just folding papers in general because you prefer neat folds over paper wrinkles. 7. You don’t like making lists for some inexplicable reason. Weirdo. 8. You need reassurances sometimes, and that’s okay, I get it. You know why I started this idea in the first place? I promised you I will text you at least three times a day, call you once a week, and at least try to participate in your emoji parties. But I can’t promise you that I will always be there for you when you need me. So right now, I’m making this list, I’m making this promise, and I’m promising I won’t break it unless you rip this paper into fifteen different pieces. 9. You’re a slow reader because you savor and cherish every word. That’s probably why you haven’t noticed that we’re currently at number 8 and this list is getting longer than it should. 10. You are the least punctual person to ever live, and I’m the biggest worrier to ever exist. And yet we both know that nothing will ever keep you from getting to me if I need you, and when you do I will always feel better because you somehow know how to comfort me better than I know myself. I’m probably already boarding my plane at this point, sitting on the cramped airplane chair and opening your paper and most likely crying, but I know I’ll stop after I finish reading your list. And you, you’re probably bawling like a baby right now at the end of all this. Careful with the tears. You can’t break the paper, remember? Just like I can’t break my promise. 44

A Short Journey to Tyranny By : Amanda May Susiandi – 10 C “Asta, Wake up!” A dark shadow cowering over him, opening his eyes, he saw his friend on top of him. The bright sun shining through makes him close his eyes again but his friend keeps on pestering him to wake up. Asta, a young boy in a small village that lived his entire life cowering in fear, no one knows why he’s like that. Only few people are trusted by Asta and one of them is his friend, Yuno. Yuno is an orphanage, but he was more stern and brave to do something that he wanted. Nobody thought that they would end up being friends in the first place, but guessed they relate to each other a lot, which made them like brothers. For 10 long years, both of them depended on each other to support. Yuno’s job is to find food, while Asta protects their home. They were considered as outcasts by the other villagers, so Yuno would stealthily try to steal food without anyone noticing, but every time he got caught, they would beat him up till he can’t be healed. Asta always see Yuno get home with deep wounds, fractured bones and all, it was almost impossible to patch him back up. Asta become so desperate in saving his one and only friend, but no one dared to help him, Asta end up going to the forest to look for an ancient relic and artifacts to heal his friends’ wound. The forest is deep, as deep as the ocean, for those people who dared to come in, they never came back alive. Asta’s spirit did not let him give up on saving his friend, so he gathered every single drop of his courage and set his foot into the forest. They were never to be seen again. Villagers starts to become more and more restless, they couldn’t find the boys anywhere, except the forest. “Since they are gone, are we going to be free from the curse?” A curse? What kind of curse? What are they talking about? A noise keeps on destroying Asta’s mind. It couldn’t be that he is the curse? Who are his parents? Lots of questions were left unanswered for a long time, but why now? Why now he started to wonder about the answers? “Till the end of the world, everything shall perish before me,” that voice, it’s the voice he has been hearing since he is a kid. “No, no. I won’t submit myself to you.” Asta is there, just a little bit behind a huge boulder near the forest. He herd everything from the villagers, a child that was cursed by the gods, his family was killed due t him being a cursed child. Asta run with all his might, he never once looked behind him. “My child, you are born to destroy the world. You can’t run from your destiny.” The voice keeps on pestering Asta as he ran deeper into the woods. ‘ I will never surrender, for the sake of Yuno,’ he thought to himself as he is nearing where Yuno is laying down on the 45

cold dirt. “Yuno, are you alright?” Rather than Yuno’s voice, he found Yuno’s blood tracing deeper into the woods. It could be anything, from beasts to apex predators, but not what he thought. Humans, humans brought Yuno to an altar and burned him alive as he begged for his life. He was tied to a pole and fire started to spread around his body as he screamed at the top of his lungs. “See, in the end, because of you, your one and only partner died in their hands, but f you work with me, I’ll make sure you get to make them kneel and beg for their lives. Everyone will start to adore you and you get to rule over the world without worry.” Asta promised himself that no matter what he would never give up on people’s kindness, but seeing his partner getting tortured and burned as a sacrifice, he knows he have to submit himself to the darkness. Some people may say you should not surrender to the darkness but he has every right to do so if that person never helped him. Asta began to learn over things he shouldn’t have and slowly he became a tyrant. A kind boy lived in fear, never experience love and peacefulness, turned to a demon just by events that wasn’t explained and continue his tyranny over decades. 46

Cerita Pendek (Tanpa Judul) Oleh : Taka Kakarinane Elketra – 10 C Angin sepoi-sepoi masuk dari jendela kereta. Mela menyelimuti dirinya dengan selimut merah bermotif beruang merah jambu dan bordiran E+H berwarna emas peninggalan bu Yuna, ibu Mela. Sampai detik ini, Mela tidak tahu apa arti dari bordiran tersebut. Kini Mela tengah duduk di kursi kereta Mutiara Selatan yang masih melaju cepat. Pemandangan sawah dan padang ilalang turut berganti. Jam pada kereta menunjukkan waktu 5 pagi. “Masih lama”, gumam mela. Ia membuka tas ranselnya dan memakan roti pisang coklat yang ia bawa lalu memakannya. Mela adalah seorang gadis berumur 14 tahun yang baru ditinggal oleh ibunya pulang ke rumah Tuhan. Ia memutuskan untuk pergi ke kota lain untuk memulai hidup baru. Mela belum tahu apa yang akan ia lakukan atau darimana ia akan mendapatkan penghasilan. Ia terlalu terpuruk untuk memikirkan semua itu. Perjalanan dari desa Pelangi ke kota Bandung memakan waktu 24 jam membuat Mela memikirkan ibunya. Tak terasa air mata jatuh dari mata Mela. “Jadi orang harus kuat, harus tegar. Ibu sayang kamu” adalah kata-kata yang sering bu Yuna katakana kepada Mela. “Tuhan, terimalah ibu di sisimu.” Bu Yuna adalah seorang guru matematika yang mengajar di sekolah SD Negri Cemara di desa Pelangi. Bu Yuna hidup sebatang kara, suaminya meninggal karena penyakit beberapa hari sebelum hari kelahiran buah hati mereka. Bu Yuna menjadi stress dan bayinya pun gugur. Sudah 4 tahuan sejak kejadian itu terjadi. Beliau sudah ikhlas menerima takdirnya, ia hanya bisa menerimanya takdirnya dan meneruskan hidupnya. Suatu hari, bu Yuna ingin mencuci baju di sungai. Pelangi sudah mulai terlihat. Ia melihat keranjang yang tertutup selimut merah bermotif beruang merah jambu. “Wah keranjangnya siapa yang ketinggalan?” Di ujung kanan bawah dimana kain menjuntai ada bordiran berwarna emas yang tertangkapr mata bu Yuna. “E+H apaan?” Beliau mengambil kain tersebut dan betapa terkejutnya bu Yuna melihat bayi perempuan. Bu Yuna pun berlari menuju rumahnya sambil membawa bayi tersebut dan keranjang baju yang tidak jadi dicuci itu. Rumah bu Yuna sangatlah sederhana. Terbuat dari bambu, beratap daun kering, dan berlantai tanah. Bu Yuna membersihkan bayi itu menggunakan kain bersih yang kemudian dibasahi air lalu membedongnya. “Kasihan bayi ini, orang tuanya tidak mau bertanggung jawab” ucap bu Yuna. “Haruskah ku titipkan dia di panti asuhan? Atau ku tanyakan pada warga sekitar? Tidak, ku rawat saja bayi ini. Toh aku juga kesepian disini.” Sambil menimang bayi itu, bu Yuna tiba-tiba teringat suaminya dan anak yang dikandungnya. “Jadi orang harus kuat, harus tegar. Dimas sayang kamu” dari situlah bu Yuna mendapatkan kata-kata penyemangat itu. Tak terasa, bulir-bulir air mata berjatuhan dari mata bu Yuna. Beliau segera menyekanya menggunakan kerah bajunya. “Oh Dimas, seandainya kau masih disini...” ucap bu Yuna lirih. Itulah bagian dari masa kecilnya yang Ia tidak ketahui. Ia hanya tahu bahwa ia tinggal di desa yang terpencil dan tidak semuanya memakai listrik. Mendengarkan Sandiwara Radio adalah hiburan semua orang. Saur Sepuh dan Babad Tanah Leluhur adalah sandiwara favorit bu Yuna. 47

Hanya ada 1 televisi di desa Pelangi, itupun milik pak Agung, si pak RT. Televisi itu hanya dipakai untuk menonton pertandingan sepak bola. Setiap hari minggu, rumah pak Agung pasti sangat ramai. Bahkan mereka sampai bergiliran untuk menyalakan televisi karena itu bisa jadi hanyalah kesempatan pertama dan terakhir kalinya dalam hidup mereka untuk menyalakan televisi. Orang- orang duduk di serambi rumah pak Agung sambil meminum kopi atau mengipasi dirinya menggunakan buku. Hari ini adalah pertama kalinya Mela akan menonton bola di rumah pak Agung. Mela memang gadis yang feminine tetapi dia dipaksa oleh BIlqis. Mela berjalan dengan bu Yuna menuju rumah pak Agus yang bisa ditempuh dengan berjalan kaki selama 10 menit. Mela berjalan sambil berlompat karena ia sangat bersemangat. “Mela” panggil bu Yuna. “Iya bu?” Mela menghentikan langkahnya. “Selasa besok, Ibu harus pergi ke Bandung untuk melakukan pelatihan guru sampai hari Kamis. Ibu akan sampai rumah mungkin Kamis malam. Kau tidur di rumah Bilqis tidak apa-apa kan?” “Waah rumah Bilqis? Gapapa buuuu” Mela tambah bersemangat. Bilqis adalah teman Mela dan juga anak pak Agung. Pak Agung memang telah memberi tahu seluruh warga desa Pelangi jika mereka ingin pergi jauh, mereka bisa menitipkan anaknya di rumah pak Agung agar anak mereka aman. “Baiklah. Nanti siapkan bajumu, besok Ibu antar ke rumah Bilqis sehabis pulang sekolah.” “Baik bu.” Sesampainya di rumah pak Agung, bu Yuna segera menemui bu Lia, istri pak Agung mengenai Mela, sedangkan Mela tengah duduk bersama Bilqis. “Maaf bu bila merepotkan.” Ucap bu Yuna. “Oh tentu saja tidak. Santai saja, percayakan Mela kepada kami. Mela pasti senang menginap disini.” “Baik bu terima kasih.” “Sama-sama…” Pertandingan pun dimulai. 15 menit berjalan, Mela dan Bilqis sudah berada di alam mimpi. Saat pertandingan selesai, Mela dan Bilqis dibangunkan oleh bu Yuna. Mela yang masih mengantuk pun di gendong pulang ke rumah. Hari Senin tiba. Bu Yuna tidak sempat untuk mengantar Mela ke rumah pak Agung, jadi Mela berjalan menuju rumah pak Agung dengan Bilqis. Mereka berjalan sambil memakan cireng yang mereka beli di dekat sekolah, sedangkan bu Yuna berjalan sendiri dibawah terik matahari selama 2 jam menuju stasiun kereta api. Mela disambut hangat oleh keluarga Bilqis. “Jangan sungkan ya Mela, anggap saja rumah sendiri.” Ucap bu Lia sambil memberikan es teh kepada Mela dan Bilqis. “Iya bu, terima kasih.” Mela menerima teh buatan bu Lia. “Tehku sudah habis. Setelah ini main yuk, Mel!” “Ayo!” “Eits tidak boleh! Kalian harus tidur siang dulu, setelah itu baru boleh bermain.” Kata bu Lia yang ternyata sedari tadi menguping pembicaraan mereka. “Yaah… baiklah…” Mela dan Bilqis langsung lesu. Mela tidur di kamar Bilqis. Jam 2 siang, Mela dan Bilqis segera keluar dan bermain gobak sodor bersama anak-anak yang lain. “Teot… Teot…” suara sepeda penjual gulali datang. Anak-anak yang tengah bermain segera berlari sambil membawa botol bekas ke arah penjual gulali tersebut. Ya, anak-anak desa biasanya membeli makanan ringan atau mainan menggunakan botol plastik bekas. Botol tersebut lalu akan dijual oleh penjual permen kapas tersebut untuk mendapatkan uang. “Saya dulu pak!” “Tidak! Saya dulu!” “Gulalinya dua ya pak!” seru anak-anak. “Ayo antri dulu, gulalinya masih banyak, cukup untuk kalian semua.” Setelah mendapatkan gulalinya, penjual gulali tersebut pergi dan anak-anak sibuk memakan gulali mereka. 48

Hari Kamis pun tiba. Bu Yuna sudah tidak sabar untuk bertemu dengan Mela. Ia segera menaiki keretanya. Ditengah-tengah perjalanan, bu Mela memiliki perasaan yang tidak enak. Ia menghiraukan perasaan tersebut dan memutuskan untuk membaca buku. Bu Yuna duduk di gerbong pertama, dekat ruangan masinis. Beberapa menit berlalu, masinis kereta itu terlihat heboh dan panik. Bu Yuna berusaha untuk tetap tenang. Tiba-tiba ada suara bel kereta dan lampu yang terang. “Apakah ada kereta di sebelah? Tapi mengapa masinisnya panik?” ucap bu Yuna dalam hati. Bu Yuna baru tersadar bahwa ada kereta yang melaju cepat kea rah kereta bu Yuna. “Ada Kereta didepan!” teriak bu Yuna spontan. Penumpang lain langsung histeris dan mencoba untuk memecahkan jendela kereta. Namun sudah terlambat, suara benturan keras membuat telinga para penumpang kereta kelas ekonomi itu berdengung. Para penumpang terpental dan menatap bagian belakang kereta. Kobaran api terbentuk di ruangan masinis. Tangan masinis yang tertempel pada kaca lama-lama menghilang. “kepalaku.. dingin” ucap bu Yuna dalam hati. Ia memegang kepalanya yang ternyata berdarah itu. “Oh.. apakah sudah habis waktuku?” Baru saja berpikir itu, 3 gerbong kereta kelas ekonomi itu meledak bersama kereta di depannya. “Baik-baik ya Mela, Ibu menyayangimu.” Adalah hal terakhir yang diucapkan dalam hati bu Yuna. Sekarang Mela sudah sampai di kota Bandung, kota dimana bu Yuna mengikuti latihan selama 2 hari. Mela menginjakkan kakinya keluar dari kereta itu. Udara pagi bisa dibilang dingin, tapi tak sedingin desa Pelangi. Mela memegang erat selimut kecilnya. Hangat. Tapi tak se hangat pelukan bu Yuna. Mela duduk di bangku dekat sebuah restoran di stasiun itu. Perutnya bergemuruh seperti petir. Seorang pasangan yang kebetulan lewat di depan Mela menghampirinya. “Nak? Lapar ya?” Tanya wanita itu. “Oh tidak apa-apa bu, sa-” ucapan Mela terputus. “Sudah, ikut kita saja, kita belikan makanan di situ.” Tunjuk pria itu. Mela awalnya agak ragu karena bisa jadi mereka penculik, tetapi karena Mela sudah kelaparan, ia tak oenghiraukan pikiran negatifnya itu. “Terima kasih, pak, bu…” Mereka duduk di meja tengah dibawah lampu gantung. Setelah memesan makanan, wanita itu membuka percakapan. “Jadi, apa yang membawamu kesini? Oh iya, saya Hana, ini suami saya, Eren.” Lelaki itu tersenyum. “Ah itu, saya…” Mela menjelaskan semuanya kepada Eren dan Hana. Saat Mela sedang bercerita, Mela merasa jika Eren dan Hana memperhatikan selimut yang Ia kalungkan di kursi. “Apakah… kalian tertarik dengan selimut ini?” Tanya Mela. “Oh… tidak tidak, apakah kau sudah memiliki tempat tinggal, nak?” Tanya Eren mengalihkan pembicaraan. “Haha… belum, pak. Saya juga ingin mencari pekerjaan.” “Bagaimana jika kau tinggal bersama kami? Kamu bisa bersekolah dan tidak usah bersusah-susah mencari pekerjaan.” Mela agak ragu. Mela takut jika mereka adalah orang jahat. “Tidak usah khawatir nak Mela, kami orang baik.” Ucap Hana tulus. Mela pun setuju dan ikut Eren dan Hana pulang. “Apakah kalian akan berjalan kaki?” “Tentu saja tidak. Ini mobilnya di depanmu.” Jawab Hana. Mata Mela terbelak. Baru kali ini Mela melihat mobil asli. Mela hanya memiliki beberapa mainan mobil- mobilan yang dibelikan oleh bu Yuna di pasar setiap akhir bulan. Bahkan Bilqis tidak memiliki mobil. Mela dipersilahkan masuk oleh seorang lelaki yang turun dari mobil itu. Mobil berhenti di depan sebuah gerbang besar. Ukiran-ukiran yang elok dan pohon yang berbentuk seperti gulali bisa Mela lihat. “Apakah ini istana di negri dongeng?” Gerbang itu terbuka dengan sendirinya. Mobil pun masuk dan berjalan sekitar satu menit sebelum Mela bisa melihat pintu besar. “Woah…” gumam Mela dalam hati. “Kita sudah sampai.” Ucap Eren. “Tunggu, ini rumah kalian?” “Betul!” “Ini seperti kerajaan di negri dongeng!” “Hahaha… ada-ada 49