A Few Days Later. After receiving the doctor’s approval and with her condition improving, Rica was finally allowed to go home that afternoon. As usual, her mom was busy taking calls from colleagues, Priska was helping Rica pack her things, and Indra was seated on the sofa, checking something work-related on his tablet.
“Mom and your husband are alike, aren’t they?” Rica remarked, casting an amused look at Priska.
“When it comes to being busy, they’re definitely two peas in a pod.”
The two sisters laughed. Rica couldn’t help but feel disappointed, though—she hadn’t seen Bisma even once, despite him also being admitted to the same hospital. And now, she was about to leave without any closure.
Returning to her usual routine—classes and more classes—suddenly felt hollow. It was like a void had appeared inside her, a sense of loss for something she never even had in the first place. That something—or someone—was Bisma. Rica wondered if she’d ever have the chance to see him again after leaving the hospital.
“What’s wrong, Ca? You don’t look happy about getting discharged,” Priska asked, concerned.
“Sis, can you take me to see Bisma?” Rica’s eyes shimmered with hope, ready to spill over.
“Why does it have to be me? Maybe you two need to talk alone. Besides, my belly’s getting bigger, and I’m not in the mood for long walks. It’s exhausting,” Priska replied.
What an excuse. Rica was certain Priska was just trying to give her space. Their gazes locked for a moment, sharing a knowing smile. Rica rolled her eyes, realizing her sister had trapped her.
Fine. Rica needed to muster the courage to face Bisma before leaving. She was certain Indra wouldn’t be thrilled if Priska went to see her former close friens, a relic of Priska’s youth after graduating college.
“Alright, ladies. Time to go home,” Indra announced as he walked over and picked up the large bag packed with Rica’s belongings.
Most of it contained trivial items—some toys, toiletries, her laptop, college textbooks, and a few comics she’d brought to stave off boredom when left alone at the hospital.
Priska and Indra headed to the car first, waiting for Rica to finish her visit with Bisma. Their paths diverged, leaving Rica to face her rapidly beating heart alone. She took deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves. She had never felt so foolish about meeting a man before.
But Bisma wasn’t just any man. Rica had no idea how to approach someone like him—calm, kind, gentle, yet firm and charismatic in certain moments. She was utterly captivated, and it clouded her judgment.
Peeking through the door, she saw Bisma sitting up in bed, gazing out the window in deep thought. Rica didn’t know much medical jargon, but she could tell Bisma wasn’t in good condition. According to Sigi’s updates during a previous visit, Bisma still needed intensive care. He wasn’t allowed to move too much, and his internal organs were still healing after exposure to harmful substances.
Sigi had also shared some good news: Bisma had been approved for a Master’s program in criminology at his alma mater. His superiors valued him too much to accept his resignation, so they arranged for him to continue working in his field while pursuing his studies. Sigi had beamed with pride as she told Rica this, reassuring her not to feel guilty about the incident.
“Are you going to go in or just stand there?”
Startled, Rica turned to find Bisma’s younger brother, Raka, standing beside her. She quickly composed herself, flashing a polite smile at the 18-year-old. Rica remembered seeing Raka in one of Bisma’s Christmas posts.
Raka opened the door and entered. “The nurse said it’s time for lunch, and My Sis sent me to help you,” he said, looking sullen.
The lanky teenager plopped into a chair and immediately pulled out his phone to play a game. Bisma scolded him for being rude, but Rica decided this was her chance. If this was going to be her last moment with Bisma, she had to make it count—even if her feelings were hopelessly one-sided.
“I got Priska’s message,” Bisma said, smiling stiffly.
“I’m sorry. I never meant to drag you into my mess,” Rica said, her voice tinged with regret. She still couldn’t believe she had called Bisma’s number that night.
“It’s not anyone’s fault. I chose to help,” Bisma replied flatly.
Moments later, a nurse arrived with Bisma’s lunch tray, placing it in front of him and gently reminding him to eat. Once the nurse left, Raka suddenly stood up, approaching Rica.
“Can you take over for me? Please don’t tell My Sis. Just… help him eat. I’m not good at this kind of stuff.”
Without waiting for a reply, Raka bolted out of the room, teasing Bisma by sticking his tongue out.
“Raka!” Bisma called after him, but the teenager was already gone. Now, it was just the two of them.
“I don’t mind, really,” Rica said, pulling a chair closer to Bisma’s bedside.
“You should just go home. I’m not that hungry anyway,” Bisma said, attempting to brush her off.