The Fake Family (END)
Episode 95's

"My father was a good man and loved his family. But one day cheated by his business partner so broke. After that, dad was addicted to alcohol and he beat us up a lot."

Thunder was stunned hearing the story from that latitude. The story is not much different from his own life. When looking back, Thunder realized that in the past he also had good memories with his father. That was long before his father got a PHK. The economic crush became a stressor, making his late father also run away on alcohol. Then he turned very angry.

"Why did he go to jail?" ask Sky.

"Because of fraud. Dad's involved in an MLM scam. He was sentenced to four years in prison. Once he was arrested, my mother and I were able to live in peace. My mother eventually died of illness. The tens of millions of debts that made me meet you, it's probably my father's legacy as well."

"In the company's data base, your mother mentioned that her husband had died" Awan said.

Latitude nodded. "True, we went through a lot of pressure from the neighbors after dad was arrested. Jeers and teasing become everyday food. I also experienced bullying at school. Mom finally decided to move from Malang to Surabaya. Here we start a new life by hiding our past."

Lintang stopped talking while staring at the floor. "I don't think you'll be able to find me until you get here. Turns out I was wrong. Actually I don't know why he's looking for me either."

The sky stroked the top of the Latitude head lovingly. "Today is quite tiring, how about we take an early break?"

Lintang nodded and smiled.

***

Latitude and Thunder had already returned to their rooms. Chan-chan was also laid in her bed. While the elders of the family, Sky, Cloud and Solar were still sitting together in the central space.

"Maybe he needs money? What if we just give him money?" proposed Cloud.

"But he was even willing to hurt Lintang just for his anger's vent, right?" accuse Clouds.

"People who are addicted to alcohol will not be able to think clearly" said Surya. "It could be that he did it unconsciously."

"Then how? Are we just gonna let him take the latitude? You're willing Lintang to be taken care of by a drunk dad who likes to beat up his daughter?" amuk Clouds.

Sky cringing. Imagining him Lintang hurt made her chest instantly congested. Of course he didn't want that kind of thing to happen.

"I hope this problem can be solved with family," said Surya.

Sky nodded. "I'll work on it. Tomorrow I'll see Mr. Darmanto again."

On the second floor, Thunder had apparently listened to the elders talk. Thunder squeezed his hand. If the man had indeed intended to hurt his younger brother Thunder would not have stayed silent. He would not let his family get hurt.

But Thunder fell silent as he remembered the Latitude expression that prevented him many times when Thunder was about to beat his father. Those sincere Latitude Eyes looked scared. Yes, however, that man is his father. Perhaps Lintang still held a sympathetic feeling in the man. Thunder looked at the ceiling. He imagined what would happen if his father were still alive. In the past when he saw the body of his father who died from an overdose of liquor, only one thing he felt, namely relief. If his father was still alive, it was possible, it was Thunder that no longer existed in this world.

Thunder breathed. Parents, why would they give birth to us if it ended up hurting us? To this day Thunder has not been able to forgive his late father.

***