The Traces of Destiny
Gajakarta Cafe

"Am I wearing the right dress?" Saras asked.

"Yes, that's the perfect dress." Answer Garin.

"Well, just a second..." Saras goes to the closet, remembering her mother's words in the message, hoping she doesn't listen to him. Saras hated the cold, and he was one of those people who caught a cold. But instead of choosing the "big, long, black" that would keep her warm, she chose a thin jacket that matched her dress, something that would make her mother nod with appreciation. Classy.

When he wore it, Garin looked at him as if he wanted to say something but didn't know how.

"Is something wrong?" Saras asked while wearing his jacket.

"Well.on the outside is a bit cold and windy. You sure you don't want anything warmer?"

"You don't mind?"

"Why do I mind?"

Saras then happily changes his jacket (the large, long black one his mother says is Batman's robe), and Garin helps him wear it.

A moment later, after locking the front door, they walked down the stairs. As soon as Saras stepped out, the air temperature felt piercing down his cheek and he instinctively buried his hand into his pocket.

"Look, it's very windy here for your other jacket."

"Yes, you're right" he said with a grateful smile. “But this doesn't match what I'm wearing.”

"I'd rather you feel comfortable. Anyway, this one suits you."

Arghh... You heard it was mom!? She liked.

They began to walk towards the parking lot, a few steps later something shocking to himself and Garin, Saras took out his left hand from the jacket pocket and wrapped it around Garin's arm. Making the man turn his head for a moment, and Saras tried not to return his gaze.

Garin opened the car door for Saras and allowed him to come in and sit down, then circled the car towards the steering wheel.

"It will take about twenty minutes to get there" Garin explained.

"So" said Saras, "let me tell you about my mother."

A few minutes later, Garin could not help but laugh. "He sounds great."

"Easy for you to say. She's not your mother."

"It's just a way of showing you that he loves you."

"I knew. But it would be easier if he wasn't always too worried. Sometimes I think he did it on purpose just to piss me off."

Although seen telling a story with an irritated impression, Saras seemed to be very shining in the light of street lights that had just started to light up and pass through, Garin noticed.

Exactly twenty minutes later, the car has been parked in the parking area of Cafe Gajakarta.

Cafe Gajakarta is one of the best places in the city. The cafe, which has been operating since 1993 in the colonial building style and serves very authentic dishes.

Formerly, the building Cafe Gajakarta used for lodging, over time the building was purchased by a French descendant who lived in the district of Gajakarta where the function of the building was changed to a restaurant until now.

Cafe Gajakarta maintains the atmosphere inside the restaurant remains as the beginning of the restaurant operates, the colonial vibe is still felt, plus five-star service and also delicious dishes. One of the favorite foods there is Rujak Crab, which is blue-shelled crab meat served with slices of mangoes and delicious rujak sauce.

Saras and Garin were sitting in a corner by the window. There were several other tables, and although almost all of them were filled up, people spoke in slow voices.

"You chose a good place" praised Saras.

"Yes, this is one of the best that Gajakarta has, I think every one should come here, at least once in a lifetime. You might be able to bring your family here."

"I think you're right" Saras said.

Garin smiles. "Well, at least your family is with you. Like I said when we first met, I rarely even talked to my father again."

"Where is he now?" Ask Saras.

"I don't know for sure. I got a phone call a few months ago from Sarawak, Malaysia, but I don't know if he's still there. He usually doesn't stay in one place for too long, he rarely calls, and very rarely makes it back to this city. He hasn't seen me or Raka in years."

"He really is. Often, I get the impression he doesn't like us here."

"We?"

"My mom and I."

"Didn't she love your mother?"

"I don't have an answer for that."

"Oh come on...."

"i'm serious. From the story I heard they got married at a fairly young age, and I honestly can't say that they were destined for each other. They became very hot and cold - one day they fell in love with each other, and the next day she was throwing my mother's clothes into the front yard and telling her never to come back. And when the woman died, she immediately took action and left as fast as she could. Quit his job, sell the house, buy a new vehicle, and tell me that he'll see the world."

Saras frowned. “It's a bit less ordinary.”

"Yes, he's kind of amazing. I know you're surprised by this story, but you have to meet her to find out what I'm talking about." Garin shook his head slightly.

“How did your mother die?” Saras asked gently.

A strange and covered expression flashed across his face, and Saras immediately regretted bringing it up. He leaned forward. "Sorry, that's not polite. I shouldn't have asked."

"Neverything" said Garin slowly. "I don't mind. It happened a long time ago, so it's not hard to talk about it. It's just that I haven't talked about it in years. I don't remember the last time anyone asked about my mom."

Garin tapped his finger at the table subconsciously before sitting a little straighter. He spoke without further ado, as if he were talking about someone he did not know. Sarah recognized her tone: That's how she talks about Aldi now.

"My mother started to feel pain in her stomach. Sometimes, he can't even sleep at night. Deep down, I think he knew how serious the disease was, and by the time he finally went to the doctor, the cancer was in its late stages." it had spread to his pancreas and liver. There's nothing anyone can do. He died less than three weeks later."

"I'm sorry" said Saras, not knowing what else to say.

"Me too" he said. "I thought you'd like it if you could meet."

"I'm sure of it." Tymphal Saras.

They were interrupted by the waiter as he approached the table and received their drink order. As if beckoned, Saras and Garin grabbed the menu and read it quickly.

"So, what's good?" Saras asked.

"Everything, really."

“Ngga no special recommendation?”

"I'll probably order soto."

"Why doesn't that surprise me?"

Garin. "Don't you like soupy food?"

"That's not what I meant at all. You just don't think of me as someone with authentic taste." Saras closed the menu.

"So, what did you get?"

She smiles. " Soto Betawi with rice."

"Lumpia and Bitter Ballen as appetizers!" Added Garin.

"Es cendol," Saras chimed in.

"And Gayo coffee."

" Bring also Poffertjes for dessert" Saras pinta.

Garin closed the menu and pushed it to the side of the table.

Saras arranged the menu above Garin's menu book.