The cool night breeze brushed against my skin, the noise around me began to fade, the train sped along, and rain started falling, drenching the streets. I waited for the train on the platform, but there was hardly anyone else waiting. Deep in my heart, the memory of a man who had once been close to me six months ago was still vividly etched there. I still missed him, but the wall between us was incredibly high. We had different beliefs, and it seemed he didn't truly want me either.
The night sky faintly revealed his face. Heartbreak over love wasn't new to me—it had happened many times before. And I asked the universe whether fate would lead me to a soulmate who would stay by my side. Deep down, I wanted a life partner. But I asked fate again: did my destiny include a partner, or...
"Nay..." A man's voice broke through my reverie.
"Brother Raffi, what are you doing here?" Raffi was my biological brother, the third of five siblings.
"Well, what are you doing here? It's already nine p.m."
"I'm waiting for the train. Earlier, I had an appointment with the home-based worker who sews sequins onto my clothes. What are you doing here, brother? Hmm, where are you going?"
"I just finished handing out flyers for the housing development in front of this station. I was just about to head home."
"Oh, okay. Then let's go together, brother. At least I'll have some company, hehe."
"I've actually been watching you for a while, but you were so lost in thought that you didn't notice. What's wrong, kiddo?"
"Hehe, nothing's wrong, brother. I'm just tired from waiting for the train. The one earlier came by, but it was already packed, so I had to wait again. And then the rain started falling."
"Of course, kiddo. It's rainy season. Just stay over at my place tonight, okay? You don't have to go home. Tomorrow, I'll drop you off at the boutique, and you can head to the office from there."
"Okay, brother. I haven't seen Praditian and Sis Bella in a long time, either."
"Praditian can't sit still anymore, kiddo. He's incredibly active now."
"Now I miss him even more. Brother, the train's here. Come on."
We boarded the train together, and I spent the night at Brother Raffi's house.
The morning sun shone brightly. Sis Bella was busy making breakfast in the kitchen, while I was having fun teasing my nephew Prada awake. His chubby cheeks were always my favorite place to pinch.
"Kiddo, come on, hurry up and get ready. Your brother's already running late," Brother Raffi called from inside the car parked on the front porch.
"Okay, brother," I replied as I said goodbye to Sis Bella.
The car sped along. Brother Raffi was in a hurry because he was already late. The emptiness in my heart still felt overwhelming. Every day was the same, and nothing seemed to matter.
"Kiddo... Hey," Brother Raffi called.
"Hmm? Yeah, brother? What's up?"
"You've been spacing out since last night. What's really going on, kiddo? What are you thinking about? Can't you tell your own brother? Is it money? Do you need more capital or something?"
"I'm fine, brother. I'm just thinking about why the world is filled with so many different kinds of people."
"Are you hung up on Keenan? Still miss him?"
"How did you make that connection, brother?"
"Kiddo, I'm your biological brother. You can hide it as much as you want, but I'm the person who knows you best."
"Yeah, brother, I do still miss him. But what if we get back together someday?" I didn't deny Brother Raffi's accusation at all.
"See? I was right. Come on, kiddo. There are plenty of other men better than him, men who share our faith. You'll meet someone eventually. Just wait for the right time."
"Hehe, yeah, brother."
"Stop spacing out so much. Eat plenty so you won't get any thinner, and be happy with everything you've accomplished so far."
"Of course, brother. I'm very happy with everything I've accomplished so far."
Not long afterward, my destination came into view. The boutique I'd wanted for so long was finally mine, and everything inside it was my own creation.
After saying goodbye to Brother Raffi, I looked up at the sky again. The weather was clear, and my future had to be bright too. No more suffering over love or the pain of carrying a broken heart. Hopefully...