The Traces of Destiny
Help For Raka

"At least I see you taking this seriously" Saras said. "I can't tell you how many times I've had this kind of conversation with parents who didn't want to believe it or even want to blame me."

"Did that happen often?"

"More than you can imagine. Before I send that letter to your house, I have to talk to Nursy about the best way to tell you."

"What did he say?"

"He told me not to worry, Nursy also assured me that you would not overreact, you will worry about Raka and you will be very open to what I will tell you about your son. Then he also told me that I didn't have to worry or be distracted in the slightest, if it turns out that you came in your formal uniform as the official of this town."

Garin looked nervous. "He didn't really say it, did he?."

"Indeed, but you should have been there when he said everything about you."

"I have to talk to him."

"No, don't—it's obvious she likes you. He told me so too."

"Nursy likes everyone."

Just then, Garin hears Raka yelling for Aira to chase after him. Despite the hot weather, the two boys ran through the playground, circling a few poles before turning the other way.

"I can't believe seeing how much energy they have," Saras was astonished. "They did the same thing at lunch today."

"Trust me, I know. Though I can't remember the last time I felt that way."

"Oh, come on, you're not that old. How old are you forty-five, fifty?"

Garin looked grimaced in horror, and Saras winked. "Just kidding," he added.

Garin wiped his brows in a feigned relief, surprised to find himself enjoying the conversation. For some reason, it seemed like she was flirting, and she liked it, more than she thought she should.

"Thank you— I just guessed carelessly."

"No problem" he replied, trying and failing to hide a grin on his face.

"So where we were?"

"You're telling me that I haven't aged very well."

"Before that... Oh yeah, we talked about your schedule and you told me how impossible it is to run a routine."

"I didn't say it was impossible. It's just it's not gonna be easy."

"When did you get home earlier than you did at the office?"

"Normally on Wednesday and Friday."

As Garin tries to solve it, Saras seems to make up his mind.

"Well, I don't usually do this, but I'll make a deal with you" he said slowly. " But if you don't mind and can agree to the idea I'm going to convey, of course."

"I'll work to help Raka after school the other three days of the week if you promise to do the same on the two days you had earlier."

He could not hide the shock in his expression. "You're gonna do it?"

"Not for every student, no. But as I said, Raka is sweet, and she's had a tough time the last few years. I'd be happy to help."

"It really?"

"Don't be surprised. Most teachers are very dedicated to their work. After all, I'm usually here until three, so it won't be troublesome at all."

When Garin did not answer, Saras fell silent.

"I'll only offer this once, so take it or leave it," he finally said.

Garin looked almost embarrassed. "Thank you" he said seriously. "I can't even tell you how much I appreciate this."

"By pleasure. There's one thing I'm gonna need, so I can do my job right. Think of it as my reward."

"What's that?"

"A fan - and pick a good one." He lifted his chin towards the school. "It feels like an oven in there."

"You made a deal for yourself."

Twenty minutes later, after they say goodbye to each other, Saras returns to class.

While collecting his belongings, Saras kept thinking about Raka and the best way to help the boy. It was good that he made the offer to Garin, he thought to himself.

That will make him more accustomed and able to monitor directly the development of Raka's abilities in the future, and he will be able to guide Garin better when the man has to deal with his son.

True, it was a little extra work, but that was the best for Raka, even if she didn't plan it. And he didn't— not to say those words.

He's still trying to figure out why he did that.

Apart from himself, he also thought about Garin. Garin wasn't what he expected, that's for sure.

When Nursy told him that he was a camat, he immediately imagined caricatures of government officials: overweight, pants hanging too low, small mirror glasses, mouthfuls of chewing tobacco. He imagined him walking haughtily into his class, keeping his hands in his pants pocket with a cynical look, and said, "Now, what do you want to talk to me, commoners?" But Garin is far from the picture.

He's also interesting. Unlike the once-dark and glamorous Ardi, things are always perfect in their place. Garin is attractive in a natural and rougher way. His facial skin was slightly more brown, as if he had spent hours in the sun as a boy.

But contrary to what Saras said in a joke, Garin did not look at all forty-five or more than that, and it surprised him.

It shouldn't be that old. After all, Raka was only seven years old, and she knew Maudy died at a young age.

He suspected his misunderstanding might have something to do with the fact that the man's wife had passed away. He couldn't imagine it happening to someone his age. It was absurd, seemingly not in line with the natural order of the world. Young widower mapan.

As Saras was still pondering about it, he looked around the room one last time, making sure he had everything he needed to carry. He took the bag out of the drawer under his desk, stalled the rope and tucked it into his shoulder, put everything under his other arm, and then turned off the lights before exiting.