Fallen Dreams
Serious Talks

During the trip, Natya just stayed in the passenger seat. While Aunt Fitra who is focused on driving her small car is currently still putting on a serious look. His eyes stared straight ahead. Didn't want him to miss the intersection that led to the police station.

Natya looked at the woman for quite a while. Observing every inch of his face. The makeup that he was wearing looked a little messy from crying earlier. But at least the appearance of his face is not too severe. His eyes and lips were not too swollen. Still beautiful and looking young.

Sometimes Natya herself is amazed how people like her can maintain the beauty of her face. Whether he uses special skin care, or it is thanks to special genes that he has. So well maintained, Natya to the point of seeing a glimpse of the figure of Mitha was on him.

"Why are you saying something like that, son?" Ask Aunt Fitra who broke the silence.

Natya who heard the question instantly lowered her head. The atmosphere in the car seemed to strangle him and make him unable to breathe. Natya had to regulate her own breathing because severe anxiety suddenly attacked her.

He was afraid of what Aunt Fitra was thinking. Natya is sure that Aunt Fitra is very disappointed in her. Because in his eyes, Natya is a religious pious figure and never questioned the power of God with inappropriate words like that.

He must have been very unexpected if the sentences could easily come out of Natya's mouth.

"M-sorry Auntie .. a-I feel sick, disappointed, and upset. I always felt like I was living in a cycle. If I get happiness today, there will be things that will ruin it after that. Either tomorrow, or a few days later. And it happens over and over again."

Silent. There was absolutely no answer from the map. While Natya who was sitting next to the woman could only resist the urge to hug herself. Not feeling, her tears came back.

"We must not question what God is doing, Natya." Aunt Fitra finally said.

Natya's heart that is so sensitive lately —entah indeed because of her pregnancy or because of her sadness that is so severe after the death of Mitha—, quickly felt offended. His currently functioning ears caught a glimpse of the ice-cold tone from the woman's mouth. Makes Natya even lower her head in fear.

"You know, God makes us live with people as you say it's not because God wants to make us suffer. But God wants us to be able to think about everything that happens wisely and patiently." Aunt Fitra began to explain slowly.

...huh? T-but ... how can that be? Natya's smart brain, which is usually intelligent and easily understands the words of someone, was not able to receive the information he currently receives. Obviously, because it doesn't make Natya's sense. Isn't that how it works? Doesn't someone hurt someone else because he wants to make others suffer huh?

But because he considers Aunt Fitra like his own mother, Natya did not dare to cut and said that it was impossible. So, the girl continued to listen to all the chatter, at length, from her second mother.

"God wants us to take lessons from all things and become better people. You yourself witnessed how people can be so mean to Mitha or someone you love. And because of that, maybe you will not forgive the perpetrator of the crime. But from that you will definitely try so that you can do good to others?" Ask her.

Natya knitted her eyebrows together a sign of not understanding. What is this aunt talking about, he thought.

"Hhh .. Aunty means, from that you learn that the perpetrator of rape is outrageous. And in the future you intend to prevent others from being treated the same as Mitha. You might not be able to save Mitha from that. But one day, you are the first to become the protector of others if at any time, people will experience similar events. Think of it like saving another 'Mitha. You understand, don't you mean Auntie?"

Finally, when Aunt Fitra stopped talking, Natya voiced her opinion.

"But it doesn't have to be that way either, Auntie. God can do it in other ways. The same way as the rest of humanity, as I said?" Natya Strictly.

"Haha! Oh, my God, Natya. How can you equate God with His creation?" His past laughter shook his head as if the question Natya was asking sounded ridiculous in the woman's ears.

*DEG!*

Oh, let alone compose words. He could not think clearly or calmly when his mother asked him to argue. His mind is always chaotic and empty during debate and makes him unable to deny his mother's argument with a more logical argument.

So that ended with his mother smiling slanted triumphantly. And it really disturbs Natya's comfort because after, inevitably, Natya must give up and agree with her mother's opinion.

"God's way is different, son. More unique. In some cases, it may seem cruel. But God has always wanted to teach the man behind all these events. We just have to think critically about it."

When Aunt Fitra saw Natya just sitting there and listening carefully, he continued his explanation.

"God has indeed set a severe test on His servant because He loves and He wants us to add our worship to Him. The test was not beautiful. But God has promised a reward whose value is much doubled later. Whether it's in the world, or in the afterlife."

"On the wicked, do not worry. God knows what they're doing. He will not hesitate to make them regret someday. Either they get guided until they are burdened with deep guilt and self-change, or they get a punishment that is heavier than what they have done."

"Really?"

"of course. Trust me, Aunt."

Natya could only nod. Not knowing what else he had to do because he was getting bored with the lecture of Aunt Fitra. Mitha could be a child whose religious knowledge is as broad as that. It turned out from the upbringing of his parents.

Natya herself knows nothing about religion. His mother, and father (while living), did not explain anything about their religion. Natya herself did not understand how there could be a wall decoration inscribed with the Lafadz of God in it and the Cross that was made next to her in her house.

For all he knew, his mother was a Muslim. But not a season of Aunt Fitra. While his father was a Catholic. Both of them only teach the basics of their respective religions without giving details. They don't seem to care much about religion. All they care about is their children who must always respect, carry out orders, and make them proud in the way they want to.

"God has already determined when the day of 'regret' will come to befall them. We may not know it, but God has already determined it. Believe this. The important thing is that we only need to focus on our role as Creatures of His creation. That is worship, gain knowledge, achieve success, and all sorts of things. We can't interfere in God's affairs, son. We cannot doubt Him either. We don't know anything here. All that knows is God." It was clear that Aunt Fitra ended this conversation.

Natya who does not know what to react like can only nod back and agree. Doesn't want his business to be longer if he challenges Aunt Fitra.

"...iya Aunt."

"Ah. We've arrived. Comeondown!"

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Seriate...