Alzena was happily writing on her tablet. Having finished, she excitedly sent it to Nina to print; it was a new textbook.
 
Alzena had published several new books recently and was thrilled with her achievements. She invited Andi, Nina, and Syila out to celebrate.
 
"Are you sure about this place?" Nina asked, looking around.
 
"Yes, just sit down," Alzena said.
 
A waiter approached. "What would you like to order?" he asked politely.
 
Alzena took a menu, looked at the main dishes, and said, "I'll have this and this," pointing to her choices.
 
"Okay, please wait a moment," the waiter said, leaving them.
 
He returned with a tray, then came back with the rest of their order.
 
"Here you go," he said.
 
Alzena invited them to enjoy their meal.
 
"Al, this food must be expensive; I don't have any money to pay," Syila complained.
 
"You're always broke," Nina said, annoyed.
 
"Just eat. I'll pay; it's a celebration of my success," Alzena said.
 
They ate heartily.
 
Afterward, they waited for Alzena to pay.
 
"Let's go home."
 
Back at the bookstore, Safia scolded them for being late. However, after hearing Alzena's explanation, Safia understood and instructed Alzena to diligently write and read, emphasizing their interconnectedness.
 
"Yes, Ma'am."
 
Alzena returned to her room, wrote a schedule for writing and reading, and placed it on her desk.
 
A few hours later, it was Alzena's reading time. She chose a comic book titled "Sun and Night," drawing inspiration from it for her novel.
 
Surrounded by books, Alzena realized she had read many and decided to take a short break.
 
"Al, watch the shop for a bit; I'm going to the store across the street," Nina asked.
 
"Why are you going there? Whose birthday is it?" Alzena asked.
 
"My younger sister's. Gotta go," Nina said, leaving to buy gifts for her sister.
 
"Where's Nina, Al?" Syila asked, sitting beside Alzena.
 
"She went to the store across the street," Alzena replied.
 
"Is she going to get us cake, Al?"
 
"No, she's surprising her younger sister," Alzena answered.
 
"Oh, I see."
 
After a day of watching the shop, they were allowed to go home.
 
A delicious aroma wafted from the house; special gado-gado (vegetable salad) was on the dining table.
 
"Mmm, this is delicious, Mom," Alzena said, inhaling the aroma deeply.
 
"Mom, teach me how to make gado-gado," Alzena asked.
 
"Later. Let's eat first," Ida said.
 
Alzena and Ida enjoyed the gado-gado; she kept taking more until Ida said, "Stop. I want some too."
 
Alzena stopped and continued enjoying her delicious dinner.
 
Afterward, she went to her room and resumed writing her new story; she had a schedule to keep.
 
Ida put the leftovers in the refrigerator and washed the dishes.
 
After prayer, Alzena sat alone in her room. Ida approached her. "Honey, you look very busy," Ida said.
 
"Yes, Mom. I have to write a new story," Alzena replied, her gaze fixed on her tablet.
 
"I'm going out. You'll be alone; is that okay?"
 
"Yes, Mom, it's fine."
 
Ida didn't want to go out that night, but feeling lonely, she went to Dewi's house.
 
"You're here," Dewi said.
 
"Yes, I was bored at home," Ida replied.
 
Dewi invited Ida in, and they continued their conversation from earlier that evening.
 
At 9:10 PM, Alzena sharpened her hearing.
 
Silent, except for the chirping crickets.
 
Alzena got up and decided to visit her neighbor.
 
She went around the complex and finally found Ida. "It's late, Mom. Let's go home," Alzena said.
 
"Bye, Wi. I'm being picked up by my daughter," Ida said, getting on Alzena's motorbike.
 
At home, Alzena and Ida rested.
 
The next morning, Alzena was playing on her tablet while Ida prepared breakfast.
 
"Alzena, let's eat breakfast," Ida shouted while chopping onions and chilies.
 
"Okay, Mom. Just a minute; I'll get ready first," she replied.
 
Alzena took her small bag, sat on the rug, and checked if she had everything.
 
Ida served breakfast; it was simple but delicious.
 
Ida sighed; despite the food being in front of her, she didn't eat.
 
"Alzena, eat. You'll be late if you keep playing on your tablet," Ida said softly.
 
"Okay, Mom. Just a minute."
 
A few minutes later, Alzena's eyes widened; the clock showed 7:35 AM. "Oh my God!" Alzena hurried out, not even greeting Ida goodbye.
 
At the shop, her senior scolded her. "I'm sorry." That's all Alzena could say; she hung her head.
 
"What did I do wrong to be this unlucky?" Alzena asked herself, trying to recall her recent actions. She realized she had often ignored her mother's words lately.
 
"I'm sorry," Alzena mumbled, wiping her eyes.
 
She knew she wouldn't repeat her mistakes. Alzena planned to buy snacks for Ida on her way home.
 
"Two putu bambu, please," Alzena asked a vendor.
 
Alzena walked down the street, looking for snacks; she bought bakso, putu bambu, and other snacks.
 
Honk honk
 
Ida, watching TV, rushed to open the gate.
 
"Are you finished with work?"
 
"Yes, Mom," Alzena replied.
 
Alzena parked her motorbike and carried her purchases; Ida looked curious.
 
"What's that?" she asked.
 
"Oh, snacks. Let's eat together," Alzena said, taking a spoon and bowl.
 
They enjoyed the snacks. Afterward, Alzena asked Ida to sit while she cleaned up.
 
The next morning, Alzena cooked fried rice and side dishes. Ida looked curious; what had changed Alzena's attitude?
 
Alzena served the fried rice, asking Ida to eat first.
 
After breakfast, Alzena said goodbye to Ida; she would be home late, so she asked Ida not to wait.
 
"I'm leaving, Mom," Alzena said.
 
Ida watched Alzena from afar; she felt Alzena was finally realizing her mistakes. Ida was happy to see Alzena improving; no matter how bad Alzena was, she was still Ida's child, and Ida loved her very much.
 
 
 
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