That morning, Galaxy and Raya caught up with Dad in the rice fields. They crossed the river where Galaxy had been found. Before they reached the fields, Raya pointed out a large rock where Galaxy had been lying.
“This is the river, Galaxy. Dad and I found you lying on that big rock,” Raya said, pointing to a large rock in the river.
Galaxy touched the rock and tried to remember what had happened to him.
“Argh…” Galaxy felt a sharp pain in his head from trying to recall the incident.
“Galaxy, what’s wrong? Does your head hurt?” Raya asked anxiously.
“I remember. My car crashed into a tree, then I fell into the river and was swept away.”
“Oh God. Do you remember your name or where you live?” Raya asked, staring at Galaxy.
“No, Ray. I only remember the accident. I still don’t remember my name or where I live,” Galaxy explained.
“It’s okay, Galaxy. Be patient. I’m sure that someday you’ll remember everything,” Raya said with a smile at Galaxy.
“Amen. Thanks, Ray. You always make me feel calmer,” Galaxy replied, returning her smile.
“You’re welcome, Galaxy. Come on, let’s keep going. Dad must be waiting for us,” Raya urged.
“Yeah, Ray. Let’s go.”
They continued toward the rice fields. When they arrived, Raya saw her father resting in a field hut.
“Peace be upon you, Dad,” Raya said as she immediately greeted her father, with Galaxy doing the same.
“And peace be upon you too. Where have you two been? I’ve been waiting for you for a while,” Dad replied.
“Sorry, Dad. Galaxy and I went to the river first because I thought he might remember something if he went to the place where he was found,” Raya explained.
“So? Did Mirza remember anything?” Dad asked.
“Not yet, Dad. I only remember that I was in an accident, but I still don’t remember who I am or where I live,” Galaxy explained.
“Oh, Mirza… How long are you planning to keep living with me?” Dad complained.
“Hey, Dad, don’t say that. Galaxy is sick and can’t remember anything right now,” Raya replied.
“That’s not what I meant, sweetheart. We’re poor people. We have to work hard just to put food on the table, let alone support another person,” Dad explained.
“Dad, I’m sorry if I’m causing trouble for you and Raya, but you don’t need to worry. I’ll find a job or help you in the fields,” Galaxy said.
“Really? You want to help me in the fields?” Dad asked.
“Yes, Dad. I’m serious. But you’ll have to teach me first. I don’t know how to do it yet,” Galaxy answered.
“Of course. Don’t worry about that. I’ll teach you. The important thing is that you’re willing to help me,” Dad said, smiling happily.
“See, Dad? Galaxy wants to help you. So don’t say things like that,” Raya said.
“All right, sweetheart. I’m sorry. That wasn’t what I meant.”
“Dad Fathir!” someone shouted, calling for him.
“Oh, Village Chief. What brings you here?” Dad Fathir asked when Village Chief Bashir arrived with his son, Jordan, who had been in love with Raya for a long time.
“I came to ask about my son Jordan’s marriage proposal. So? Is Raya willing to accept it?” Village Chief Bashir asked.
“I’m very sorry, but I can’t answer that. I’ll leave it entirely up to Raya.”
“What do you say, sweetheart? Go ahead and answer him,” Dad said.
“Um… First, I’m very sorry, but I can’t accept Jordan’s proposal,” Raya answered, making Galaxy smile.
“But why, Ray? Why are you rejecting my proposal?” Jordan asked.
“I’m sorry again, but I’m not ready to get married. More importantly, I can’t accept a proposal from a man I don’t love,” Raya answered, instantly sending Jordan into a rage.
To be continued.