After a day at the beach, they returned to their respective homes and reunited at Hia's house.

"When's the bus arriving?"

"Soon, they said."

"Alzena, let's get ready."

After a few minutes of waiting, the bus arrived. They hurried onto the bus, carrying their luggage.

Only Salmi knew the location, so she told the driver where they were going.

"Let's go," the driver said.

They enjoyed the breeze through the windows.

After several hours, they arrived at their destination.

"We're here," Salmi said, getting off.

"Here, Grandma?" Dila asked, worried about getting lost.

"Yes, let's hurry before it gets dark," Salmi said, and they walked through the forest.

Alzena, having been to this forest before, was unfazed. Hia and Dila, however, looked around cautiously, searching for safe paths.

Suddenly, they heard rustling in the bushes. Hia and Dila instinctively hugged each other, looking around. It was just the wind.

They breathed a sigh of relief. A few minutes later, they reached their destination: an old grave marked 'Aji Hasan'. They approached the grave.

They sat around the grave, first cleaning it before offering prayers.

Salmi took a bottle of water and gently watered the grave.

They set up a tent nearby. "I'll sleep with you, Al," Dila said.

"Alzena's sleeping with me; find another tent," Hia said.

"What?! I'm first!" Dila said; they argued; Alzena tried to calm them down.

"Stop fighting. If you don't have a tent, sleep in mine," Alzena said; they both looked at her.

"Can we?" Dila asked.

"Yes."

"Dil, what's wrong with you? She owns the tent," Hia said, nudging Dila.

"So?"

"The tent owner shouldn't sleep outside," Hia said.

That night, they slept in Alzena's tent. Alzena moved to the side; they slept soundly despite the cramped space.

That night was very hot. Alzena decided to go outside; she sat near the campfire, feeling the cool breeze on her face.

"Where's Alzena?" Hia asked, noticing Alzena's absence; she looked out; the girl was sitting near the campfire.

"Not sleeping, Al?"

"No, it's too hot inside," Alzena replied.

"Oh."

"Let's have a fun night," Hia said suddenly.

"Fun night?"

"Yeah, I have this." Hia went into the tent and took something from her bag.

They launched a lantern; Alzena was amazed; the night felt beautiful; smiles adorned their faces.

"It's so beautiful," Alzena said, her eyes shining; the lantern soared high into the sky.

Dila heard voices outside the tent and peeked out.

"You guys aren't asleep yet?" Dila asked.

"Hey, Dila, come here," Hia said; Dila joined them.

"Wow, you launched a lantern? Why didn't you invite me?" Dila said, pouting.

"Well, you were sleeping soundly," Hia said.

Dila hung her head; Alzena patted Dila's shoulder. "Okay, let's launch another lantern," Alzena said; Dila's smile returned; she nodded.

They launched another lantern; its light added to the night's beauty.

No one was pouting; everyone was happy, even though what they did was simple. Happiness can be found in many ways, as long as the person feels happy doing it, they have found true happiness.

The next morning, soft snores filled Alzena's tent; they slept haphazardly. Dila turned and accidentally hit Hia; Hia, startled awake, touched her aching cheek.

"What's wrong with Dila's sleep? Did she practice martial arts?" Hia muttered.

She looked at Alzena; the girl was still asleep; she woke Alzena to get ready.

Alzena rubbed her eyes; her head ached. "Now?" Alzena asked.

"Yes."

With a weak body, Alzena got up; she looked up as Ida brought some bags and placed them beside her.

Ida spread out mats on the grass; she laid out several mats, and sliced bread was already on them.

"Let's all have breakfast," Ida said; they sat cross-legged on the mats, enjoying the bread with jam.

Dila, just waking up, ate the bread with relish.

Everyone looked at her, shaking their heads.

"Hungry, huh?" Hia asked.

Dila looked away; she didn't answer; she pouted slightly.

They laughed at Dila's expression; Dila chose to be alone.

After breakfast, they walked to the path; Nasir called the bus driver.

"Let's go," the driver said.

They went through several turns; the driver almost got lost but, remembering, chose the left path.

"See you again," the three said, waving.

As usual, despite her tiredness, Alzena did her chores. The house was a mess.

After cleaning the house, Alzena showered.

Ida and Salmi were cooking in the kitchen; a bowl of soup was ready.

"Mom, I'll eat now; I won't eat later," Alzena said.

"Okay, but remember others," Ida said.

"Yes, Mom," Alzena said, taking her food.

The next morning, Alzena brought some pastries she had bought the day before.

"What's that?" Nina asked.

"Pastries. Do you want some?" Alzena asked.

"Yes, please," she said, accepting a bag.

Nina opened the bag; it contained some banana snacks.

"Why only Nina got some?" Syila said.

"You want some too?" Alzena said, offering the bag to Syila.

"Mmm, delicious," she said.

"Yeah, you're a fan of freebies," Nina said; Syila glared at Nina; Nina burst into laughter.

Syila suppressed her anger; she walked towards Nina and…

Slap

Thump

A blow landed on Nina. "Ouch, mercy!" Nina said, still laughing.

"Don't laugh again; I'll make you a blender rujak (fruit salad)," Syila threatened.

"Is there a blender rujak?" Alzena asked.

"Just imagine," Syila said curtly, leaving them.

They both laughed; Syila turned, glaring at them.

A chase ensued; they were still laughing, angering Syila.

She chased Nina; seeing Syila approaching, Nina ran faster.

She bumped her head and fell, clutching her aching head.

Syila laughed. "Serves you right," she said.

Alzena shook her head; this was her daily life at the bookstore, with her childish friends.

After several years of working, Alzena successfully built several bookstores and received awards, surprising many who thought she was too young.

Ida and Badrun were very happy; their child had grown up and made them proud.

 

The End