The second day in the afternoon began with the same hot weather as yesterday. In fact, it was as if the sun was deliberately shining more fiercely, shedding its light mercilessly onto the earth's surface. The air felt dry, stinging the skin, and the sky looked almost cloudless. The sun was already high when Viona finally stepped out of the house, wearing a uniform that felt heavier than usual because of the humid and stuffy weather. The clock in the living room showed 11.15. Even though her body was used to waking up early, this new rhythm still felt foreign and unfriendly. 
With steady steps but a calm face, Viona boarded the public bus that was starting to fill up with other passengers who were also struggling with the new schedule. In her head, she replayed today's agenda, trying to make sure all plans were on track. This morning, before leaving, she had time to talk to her mother in the kitchen while tidying up her school bag which now also contained a small fan and an extra water bottle. 
"I've informed Kak Devi from the studio, Ma. I asked for the practice schedule to be shifted to the evening, at seven," she said while making sure the contents of her bag were complete. 
Her mother, who was sitting at the dining table sipping warm tea, looked at Viona gently. “So how are your keyboard lessons?” she asked, her voice calm but full of concern.
“I’ll arrange it with Brother Bayu at his studio. At most, take a Saturday or Sunday schedule. If it’s a weekday, it’s too close, I’m afraid I’ll be left behind,” Viona answered firmly.
Her mother just nodded, not commenting much. She knew that her daughter was trying hard to adjust, and as a mother, she chose to give her space to learn to be responsible. Viona's attitude made her believe that her daughter was mature enough to manage her own life. 
When she arrived at school, the atmosphere felt a little more orderly than the day before. The classroom hallways that had been chaotic and full of complaints yesterday were now starting to get used to the new conditions. Some students even started bringing small battery-powered fans—a creative effort to combat the torturous heat. Some also tied plastic bags filled with ice cubes around their necks, trying to create artificial coolness. The reflection of sunlight from the glass windows made the hallways look dazzling, almost painful to the eyes, but slowly the atmosphere began to form—although far from ideal. 
In classroom 3.B, which was now used by class 2.C, the tables and chairs had been arranged more neatly. Some students seemed more prepared, bringing large drinking bottles, cloth seat mats, and small towels to wipe away sweat. 
“I’ve given up. But seriously, this heat is like a life test,” Vani complained while sticking out her tongue, sitting in the chair closest to the window which ironically didn’t bring a single breeze.
“I brought this mini fan. Here, the power comes from a power bank,” Reni said while showing off the small pink fan that kept spinning slowly.
“Just continue selling, Ren. You could be the savior of the afternoon class,” Lina joked with a small laugh.
Light laughter was heard, seeping through the almost unfriendly hot air. Although the weather was still a major challenge, jokes and small talk like this made the day feel a little lighter.
Viona sat on her chair, opening her textbook while monitoring her cellphone screen. On the screen, she reconfirmed the schedule that she had carefully arranged:
School: 12.00–17.00
Dance Studio: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday – 19.00–21.00
Music Studio (Keyboard): Sunday morning – 09.00–11.00
She knew that arranging this schedule would mean her break time would be drastically reduced. However, for Viona, leaving the two things she loved—dance and music—was not an option. She preferred to adapt, find a way, and keep going.
When break time arrived, Viona sat under a large tree in the school backyard with Lina and Reni. The three of them brought cold supplies from home so they didn't have to go to the stuffy and hot canteen.
“Hey Vi, why don’t you complain like us?” Reni asked while cutting an apple from her lunch box.
Viona just smiled. “At first I was really annoyed, but… what can I do? It’s better to think about how to rearrange the schedule, rather than being annoyed all the time.”
“Wow… that’s a very mature answer,” Lina said, nodding slowly. “Even though you’re the busiest one outside of school.”
“That’s precisely why, Lin. If I keep sulking, I won’t find a solution.”
The three of them were silent for a moment then smiled together, as if finding comfort in a simple understanding: everything was in the process, adapting to something new.
A gentle breeze finally came, even if only for a moment. The leaves of the large tree where they were sheltering rustled softly, enough to make the sweat on their foreheads feel a little less disturbing. Break time was slow, but warm—not because of the weather, but because of the conversation that made their hearts feel lighter.
The second day of afternoon classes wasn’t perfect yet. But for Viona, today was good enough. He didn't expect everything to be easy, just hoped to have enough determination to keep going. And so far, he has proven that.
The bell rang loudly, breaking the warmth of the conversation under the tree. Viona, Lina, and Reni went back to class, carrying the remnants of the cool wind on their faces. This afternoon's lesson felt heavier than usual. Concentration was easily broken by the hot air and drowsiness that began to attack. However, Viona tried to stay focused, taking notes on important points explained by the teacher. She knew that even the slightest delay would make it even more difficult for her to manage her time outside of school. 
After the last lesson, Viona rushed to the bus stop. This afternoon, she did not go home straight away. She had an appointment with Kak Bayu at the music studio to discuss the keyboard lesson schedule. The bus she was on this time was not too full, giving her a little room to breathe. Along the way, Viona took out her notebook, looking back at the schedule she had made. She realized that her days ahead would be very busy. In addition to school, dance studio three times a week, and keyboard lessons on the weekends, she also had to keep doing her schoolwork and maybe occasionally help her mother at home. 
Arriving at the music studio located in a simple but comfortable shophouse, Viona was greeted by Kak Bayu with a friendly smile. The soundproof studio room felt cooler and quieter than the hustle and bustle outside. The aroma of musical instruments and coffee immediately greeted her.
“Hi, Viona! Glad you could come,” said Kak Bayu while inviting her to sit on the worn sofa in the corner of the room.
“Hi, Bro. Sorry I can only arrange the schedule now,” replied Viona, feeling a little guilty.
“Take it easy. I also understand why the change in school schedule must be troublesome. How about it, do you have a preference for a particular day or time for lessons?” asked Bayu while sipping his coffee.
Viona explained the situation, about her dance studio schedule which was definitely in the evening. After a short discussion, they agreed to take the keyboard lesson schedule every Sunday morning at 09.00. That time felt most appropriate because it did not clash with Viona’s other activities.
“Okay, then we’ll start next week. I’ll prepare new material for you,” said Bayu with a smile.
“Ready, Sis! Thank you very much for understanding,” said Viona in relief. One burden on her mind about the keyboard lesson schedule had been resolved.
After leaving the music studio, Viona went straight to the bus stop to go home. The sky had started to turn orange, indicating that evening had arrived. The heat slowly began to subside, replaced by a friendlier breeze. Inside the bus, Viona leaned her head against the window, feeling a little tired but satisfied. Today, she managed to get through the hot challenges at school and also rearrange her schedule of activities outside of school.
When she arrived home, Viona was greeted by her mother who was preparing dinner in the kitchen. The delicious aroma of the food immediately made her feel fresher.
"How was it at school, dear?" her mother asked without looking back.
“Not bad, Mom. The heat is still the same, but my friends have started to find ways to not be too hot. I also met Brother Bayu earlier, the keyboard lesson is on Sunday morning,” said Viona while helping to arrange the plates on the dining table.
“Wow, it’s great that we’ve found a suitable schedule. You’re really good at managing your time,” praised her mother with a proud smile.
Viona only smiled faintly. She knew that managing time was not easy, especially with the changing school schedule. But she was determined to keep trying. She didn’t want the heat of the day or the tight schedule to prevent her from continuing to study and develop herself in the field she loved. For her, every challenge was an opportunity to become stronger and more independent. And today, she felt that she had made a step forward.