The aroma of celebratory tumpeng rice and goat curry spread warmly through the living room of Wira’s modest home. Laughter and lively conversation completed the atmosphere that afternoon, as the entire extended family gathered to celebrate the happy news of Wira’s wife’s first pregnancy.
Ayusari sat at the edge of the sofa, adjusting Mom Tita’s seating position. The seventy-six-year-old looked radiant at the sight of the gathering. Her eyes were unusually clear today, though every so often she had to blink repeatedly to remember the names of the relatives greeting her.
“Ayu, have some more food. Don’t be shy,” Wira called as he set a plate of fresh fruit on the dining table.
“I’m full, Wir. I’m also keeping Mom company while she eats pudding,” Ayusari replied warmly, offering her mother a small bite of soft dragon fruit.
From the kitchen, Rara approached with a tray of teacups. Ayusari’s younger sister was smiling, but fatigue and an emotional burden she could barely hide showed in her eyes.
“Congratulations, Wira... I’m so happy you were finally blessed so quickly,” Rara said sincerely, gently stroking the still-flat stomach of her sister-in-law.
“Thank you, Rara. Please pray that everything goes smoothly all the way through delivery,” Wira’s wife replied gratefully.
But the warmth was abruptly disrupted when an aunt from their late father’s side of the family cut into the conversation. “Yes, Wira is incredibly lucky. So, Rara, when are you going to follow suit? You’ve been married for four years, right? You need to be diligent about seeing doctors, Ra, or you’ll be old before you know it.”
The air in the room froze instantly. Rara’s smile slowly faded, and her grip on the edge of the tray tightened until her knuckles turned white. Before Rara could respond or feel any more cornered, Ayusari cut in with a calm but firm voice.
“Auntie, every child is a blessing whose time is determined by God. Rara and her husband have done everything they can. As a family, our job is to pray for them, not rush them,” Ayusari said firmly, looking at her aunt with a polite but cold smile.
The aunt put her hands on her hips, then turned her gaze toward Ayusari, her tone taking on a pointed edge. “I was only reminding her, Ayu. And you, Ayu... I feel sorry for your children. They’re teenagers now, but you’re still alone after the divorce. Don’t you want to find someone else? Being a single mom is hard, you know, especially when you have to shoulder the cost of caring for your mother by yourself.”
Putri and Yasa, sitting nearby at the fruit-ice table, immediately exchanged glances. Yasa’s face tightened as she prepared to protest, but Putri took her sister’s arm, signaling her to stay calm.
Ayusari drew a long breath and rubbed Mom Tita’s shoulder. “Thank God, I’m capable of handling my life, and I’m happy with it, Auntie. My girls are doing well, and caring for Mom is an honor for me, not a burden. Whether I have a partner or not, what matters is that our home is filled with peace.”
As if sensing the tension around her, Mom Tita suddenly clasped Ayusari’s hand tightly. “Ayu... Ayu’s a good girl. Don’t scold her...” Mom Tita mumbled hoarsely, staring at the aunt protectively.
The innocent touch and defense from their mother, who had dementia, instantly dissolved the tension in the room. The aunt finally fell silent and gave an awkward smile before excusing herself toward the kitchen area.
Rara approached Ayusari and sat beside her, lowering her head. “Thank you, Ayu... You’re always the one who steps in whenever someone starts ganging up on me.”
“You’re welcome, Ra. Don’t let it get to you. Let’s focus on helping Wira and taking care of Mom’s health,” Ayusari whispered gently, rubbing her sister’s back.
The afternoon ended with a warm moment as the entire family gathered for a group photo. Behind their differing circumstances and individual trials—Rara longing for a child, Wira beginning a new chapter as a father, and Ayusari struggling as a single mom while shouldering her mother’s care—they realized that home and family were the strongest refuge to return to. And for Ayusari, the strength she showed today reflected a hope that would never fade for the sake of the people she loved.