Beautiful Monster
Dear Brother

Ignacia looked around at the inn she was going to occupy with the family. The place is three-story, it seems there are many who settle because many cars are parked in the front. Will this place be crowded? Ignacia needs a little quiet.

"Ignacia, this." Ignacia's father passed her backpack to carry with her other luggage. Luckily Ignacia had read the message to bring clothes because she would be invited to stay overnight before leaving the dormitory. Otherwise, Ignacia would have to return to her room.

One room only holds about three people. I had to book two rooms for the whole family. His father will sleep with his two sons while the mother will be with their brothers. Arvin did not whine when he heard his mother would not sleep with him. Ignacia had no idea that her sister had grown up over the past few months after she had wandered off.

"How's Rajendra doing? Your date's fun?"

Ignacia turned to the door if it was not closed. Who would not panic when his mother mentioned the name of Ignacia's loved ones in a normal tone of speech that would probably be heard coming out the door due to the quiet atmosphere of the inn.

"She's nice, our date's the same as always. It's just that now we can't go out as often as we used to" replied Ignacia.

"You guys are dating recently?! Rajendra's brother came to see brother?" Athira who did not know about her brother's activities before meeting today was quite surprised. She grew even more incredulous when she saw her brother nod. "You guys finally met after a few months apart. How's it feel?"

"Fun," honestly her brother.

Finished by keeping the items in place and cleaning up, Ignacia decided to go out of the inn for a while. Inhaling fresh air that is not enough to get through the window. It was late in the afternoon and not too late to just walk around.

Next to the inn is an alley covered with many wild plants. It seems not the usual path. The passageway that was getting further and further darkened it looked terrifying. Ignacia better stay here and avoid distress.

Ignacia's whim looked up, intending to see the sky that was beginning to be stained with orange color. Because near the beach, the air here always feels warm. Unlike the dormitory that is always cold even without refrigeration. Then in the midst of silence, something shook from within the pocket of Ignacia's trousers. Got his pocket, saw who called.

"Hi, how was your visit to sister's place?" Ignacia looked around, looking for a suitable place to receive a phone call from her friend. "It must be nice to be able to travel by train alone. What the hell are you guys doing? Go play all day?"

"We made some mini vlogs and did a culinary tour. Mumpung is in the city of people, so I eat a lot. There are a lot of good snacks here." Nesya sounded excited. It must be nice to meet her older brother after a long time of not seeing him.

"Oh yes, sorry it's too late to respond to your message. I enjoy my own time too much. How's it feel? What's delicious?"

"Of course it's good. Because someone gave it to me, hehe. I want to know why you're making cookies, Nesya. What's to impress your sister?"

"Yes that's it. As a good sister, I'll make my brother something to make him feel good."

Nesya chatted with Ignacia for about an hour. Now the sky has turned dark. Ignacia walked back to her room still with a call connected to her old friend. Coming up with a laugh due to Nesya's funny story, Mama and Athira thought Ignacia was chatting with Rajendra.

Mama and her second child whispered and showed a strange look to tease the one who was calling. Ignacia didn't notice it even until the call ended. Only then did he find his mother and sister staring curiously with a deathly smile.

"What?" confused Ignacia, "I called Nesya."

"Oh yeah?" ask her mother not to believe.

"Why am I lying?" Ignacia was confused to respond how else if stared creepy like this. Mama and Athira give up, choosing to trust Ignacia.

...*****...

"Let's have a good place." Ignacia saw a glass-dominated restaurant building around its entrance. The typical hanging lights that are usually in cafes make the atmosphere warmer. Very visible if this place is suitable to visit with family. Ignacia had never seen a restaurant near the sea before.

Arvin runs towards the door, followed by Rafka who wants to keep his sister from falling. Merska arrived at the door and waited for her brother and parents to approach. They also look happy to come to this place. Excited to go in and order dinner.

Ignacia smiled happily as she looked at the interior of the restaurant which was not so crowded despite the bustling number of visitors. There is also an outdoor section on the back. Nanun because it was already night, only a small part of the sea was visible. Even so, there was still the sound of the waves calming inward.

"Mama, dad, here" call Arvin. His loud voice almost made some of the visitors around the empty table that the boy wanted to turn his head. Ignacia had to rush to the table before people noticed.

"It feels shameful" muttered Ignacia softly.

A restaurant waiter came, carrying a menu as well as food recommendations that are most often ordered and liked by visitors. Seeing the young lady at the end of the table wearing the apron made Ignacia think of Rajendra. Did Rajendra also do what this woman did while working? Ignacia was eager to see it.

Because of her daydreams, Ignacia got a reprimand from Athira who was waiting for her brother's order. All eyes were on Ignacia who was silently smiling for no reason. "Son why dream? What do you want to eat?" repeat his sister again. He wasn't upset, just feeling weird.

"Just like you," Ignacia broke up quickly without knowing what Athira was ordering.

As soon as the waiter left with the menu and the order of the family, Ignacia still got a probing look from Athira sitting before her. His eyes looked as if he was saying, 'Aren't you thinking about something? Is something wrong?'. Ignacia did not respond, she preferred to take her eyes off.

The dinner was a success, as everyone including Ignacia expected. After enjoying the main meal, the father suddenly said, "what if we buy the dessert as well? Ice cream or gelato."

The four children of this family were directly staring at the father who spoke as if it was no big deal. Even his father was checking his phone at the time. Yes how not? Events like this are rare. Usually after a meal, there will be no additional snacks.

"Dad is in a good mood. You just go and order some ice cream or gelato," her mom chimed in.

"Why are you still here? Order ice cream or gelato with Arvin and Rafka. Athira, watch over your sisters now" said the father. Cell phone's been put. His father placed his hands on the armrest while staring at his two oldest children.

Athira slowly got up without waiting for her brother. If he stays, his two younger siblings can misorder and create trouble. If her parents gave her permission, why would she refuse? This rare event is entitled to heed.

"Ignacia," his father scolded, "why not come? You can order something else if you don't want ice cream or gelato. On the menu I saw some other snacks."

The one he spoke to shook his head, refusing politely. He did not want to make his parents spend more money just for dinner. Ignacia does not have its own income, so it feels awkward if you want to ask her parents.

"Why not? Don't worry about anything and join your sisters. We don't meet every day now, remember?" The mother patted her first child on the shoulder, "just consider this a reward for your hard work during this one semester on campus."

No, Ignacia remained on her feet. He no longer wanted to trouble. If only her mother had allowed Ignacia to work part-time, it might have been Ignacia who would have paid her bills. But even Ignacia can't always use her parents' money every month if it's not an emergency.

"Es cream makes me miss Rajendra," inner Ignacia.

Ignacia's father and mother looked at each other. It is best to let their first child slowly become an adult and refuse trivial gifts. Though the purpose of both of them let the four brothers buy dessert so that Ignacia again excited.

The sound of small footsteps rang out, finally Arvin with his two brothers returned with ice cream. Athira says the gel is running out and there is only ice cream with various flavors. Ignacia has no regrets. He can still eat ice cream in addition to this place.

"Sister, would you like to try?" Arvin thrusts his chocolate ice cream cone, letting Ignacia try willingly. But again, her brother refused. Saying that eating ice cream at night can make you dizzy. Lying, of course.

"Aren't you on a diet?" Athira interjected, "sister's body looks thinner. Big brother's weight is reduced?"

Ignacia looked down, looking at her own body. Does eating a Fitbar long enough make its weight decrease? He did not check his weight for long enough, so did not know if he had become lighter or not. "No, I'm not on a diet. I just don't want ice cream" replied her brother.

Amidst the silence of eating ice cream, Ignacia's mama suddenly got up, "let's sit at the table by the sea." Her mother only invited Ignacia, wanting to speak together.

The distinctive aroma of the sea and the calm waves immediately greeted those who had just arrived. Ignacia could see the white ripples around the shoreline unpretentious to each other. No end of going and coming back. The night the sea will become calmer. But it's not too late to see the sea again.

Silence, no one started the conversation between this mother and child. Ignacia stared at the sea while her mother looked at Ignacia with a different gaze. There is something you want to know, ask, but are afraid of hurting your feelings.

"I plan to go home by myself after the holidays are over," Ignacia said, "I'll book a ticket so you won't have to drive me back to the dorm. Now I'm good at public transportation."

The woman before him nodded, asserting her daughter's request without protest. "But promise to contact your mom after arriving at the station and dormitory. You rarely call us now, Ignacia. You're making the house people worry."

"I was too busy with my exam preparation and studying. I'll learn to call you next time. I'm sorry for making you worry."

"Then on that busy day... You eat well? Mama already noticed your body that looked a little thin. You didn't miss a meal? Don't try to lose weight by not eating." Her mother looked worried. There is some emphasis in the sentence that is delivered.

Ignacia does not go on any diet. Just the habit of eating Fitbar made him eat less rice at night. If Ignacia mentioned it, her mother probably wouldn't like it. Ignacia must have been asked to call while eating to make sure she no longer uses Fitbar as a substitute for carbohydrates.

"Ignacia, I prepared many things for you today. You must have realized it. Holidays at the beach, lunch, lodging, and restaurants tonight dad prepared it. We talked about this plan for a few days to make sure everything went smoothly."

Ignacia listen. Sesekai looked down at his hands on his lap. She felt touched because her parents made a nice vacation for her. His mother also added that Ignacia's father wanted his first child to still feel the figure of the father after a long time no longer one home.

"The baby is calmer," the mother switched the conversation. Ignacia's attention was also drawn to the scene that the woman before her was talking about.

For a moment Ignacia felt something on her shoulders. It was like someone was patting him to call. And when the long-haired girl turned her head, she saw Athira sitting beside her. His sister pointed at something on the table with her chin without speaking. Ignacia turned to something her sister pointed at. His eyes were almost perfectly rounded, barely even believing his vision.

On the table was a bouquet of flowers. But not flowers are assembled, but some novel books and also Fitbar. Two things that her sister liked. Two things Athira knows best about her sister.

"Happy birthday" said Athira.

Her mother smiled at the sweet moment of this sister's sister. They are still compact and loving each other to make the heart of the mother touched. Especially when Ignacia seemed to be hugging her sister so happy but immediately fended off Athira with all her might.

Both girls look shy.

"Thank you very much. How do you know which book I want? And from my favorite author." Ignacia's hands shook with excitement. Closing his mouth still with disbelief. "I like it so much!"

Is this what Athira is planning for the holidays? Not go somewhere she likes, but give her a gift she knows will please her brother.

"How could I not know? I see the same author's name in almost all of my sister's books. And it just so happens that a new book is released," honestly Athira. An awkward smile after almost being hugged by Ignacia now turned proud.

"Well, you're the best. I got a present even though your birthday is already gone. I really like it. Twrima's still on top of her surprise, Athira." Ignacia did not mind showing her extremely happy feelings. After all, the place that the three sat in was now far from the crowd.

"I didn't plan it myself. Father, mother, even Arvin and Rafka also help."