"I'm really sorry, Ta," Levi says, not sure how many times he's repeated the same thing. His face also looks guilty. Yet Tata doesn't make a big deal out of what happened.
It's normal for children with Asperger's syndrome to act spontaneously, including biting their hands. He's quite surprised, but he realizes that the girl who bit him might be defending herself.
Tata, a sudden stranger nearby. Maybe the girl feels threatened. Tata is half scared and shocked by the unexpected response of the child. Her wound is just a scratch. Echa immediately lets go once her father hugs her tightly. Whispering softly to calm her daughter down, that's what Levi does.
"I'm okay, Sir," Tata maintains her smile. "You've apologized many times already. I'm sure Echa didn't mean it that way. Her name is Echa, right?"
"Her name is Aleisya Kirei."
"Wow, such a beautiful name, Sir," Tata compliments.
"Do you think so?" Levi asks. They're on their way back to his off
"Dang, it's been so long since I've seen you, Ta." A woman dressed in pretty trendy fashion immediately approaches Tata. She hugs her tightly."You're exaggerating," Tata grumbles. "It's only been a month.""A month is long, Bebs. Plus, you canceled last weekend, remember?" Jenni says with a laugh on her face. "How's life treating you?" She takes a seat in front of her friend."So far, so good," Tata replies while stirring her smoothie slowly."Thank goodness nothing magical has happened in your life again."Jenni's words aren't without reason. Knowing her for almost fifteen years, her friend has coined many terms for her, especially for Ottis's 'peculiar' family. Nilam the Rat Chewer, her mother-in-law the Fake Witch, and Ottis the Man with the Rein.At first, Tata didn't like these nicknames. After all, they're all part of her life. But Jenni had one sentence that couldn't be denied. "You consider them family, but they see you as a money p
One name still sticks in Tata's memory: Anisya Ratih Dwihara. It's funny how she even remembers the woman's full name. The only woman who ever appeared in Ottis's life. Tata knows she was the replacement back then. An orphan girl who readily accepted the offer of false love, leading to a marriage supposedly based on love that could exist because of familiarity. The kind of love Ottis had for her. She forgets... memories of past love can erase everything.Tata never imagined, for the second time, she would catch her husband with the same woman. Eventually, she also learns what kind of person Anisya Ratih Dwihara is."I already suspected that your wife must be very beautiful, Ottis," she says softly. Her smile curves perfectly. Her gaze also looks friendly. But Tata can't help but feel a question lingering in her heart.Why is that hand clinging to her husband?"I didn't expect us to meet here," the conversation partner adds."Yeah," she replies. "I
Tata leans on the edge of the bed. Her room just got hit by a tornado. The vanity table, once neat, is now in disarray. Her makeup collection and perfume bottles litter the floor. The bedsheet is all messed up. Pillows and bolsters are strewn everywhere. Even her wardrobe, almost all of its contents are scattered on the floor. She herself doesn't know what items broke there."I'll make sure you regret doing this, Ta."That statement slightly disturbs Tata. Even after the man still labeled as her husband leaves her with two big suitcases, she remains stoic. She won't degrade herself or apologize for kicking Ottis out. It's enough for her to stand her ground.But, not long after, she crumbles.Crying her heart out. Screaming like a mad person. Ranting and venting all the anger she's been holding since they were seated—ah, it didn't start just a few hours ago. Perhaps her anger has been festering in her heart for a long time. This is the first time she
Jenni got to the hospital as fast as she could. Actually, since yesterday her heart had been in turmoil. Tata's eyes couldn't deceive her; her friend was deeply disappointed. Damn it, that guy! Ottis is really annoying. Why does a guy like Ottis get to have a long life in this world?Useless."Are you... Ms. Jenni?" Levi asks cautiously as he sees a woman hurrying towards Tata's room. He can't just leave his assistant manager like that. He's a bit confused because Tata's phone is locked and the emergency contact number he got from HRD isn't responding at all. Yet that number belongs to her husband.During the trip to the hospital, Jenni's name appeared on Tata's phone screen. Levi explained what happened and now they're here."That's right," Jenni smiles faintly, "You must be Mr. Levi?"Levi just nods briefly and accepts Jenni's handshake. After a brief introduction, he updates Jenni on Tata's current condition. The doctor said Tata was experiencin
It's been three days since Tata took sick leave. Levi didn't have time to visit his deputy because of his overwhelming workload. But, at least, through messages, he knew her condition. The marketing division is known to be extremely busy, not unusual because it's a main source of profit for shareholders."Hey, Ta?" Levi is quite surprised to find the woman who is now sitting calmly at her desk. "Are you really feeling better?"Tata smiles as she stands up to greet her boss."Yeah, I am, sir. Being at home for too long to rest isn't nice."Levi shakes his head while sighing. "You should've taken the time to rest until you're completely fit.""Nah, sir, it's enough. Besides, I can't just sit around while everyone else is busy."No, Tata never intended to touch on work issues. She loves her routine for the past few years. She feels uncomfortable if she stays at home for too long. Like she just said."Alright then. But, most importantly,
Tata thought, her disturbance was just about the phone. Which actually made her heart more shattered every time she remembered her life journey. She's aware of who she really is. But that doesn't mean she's constantly underestimated and looked down upon, right? Everything she has now is also the result of her hard work. Not just relying on Ottis alone. It's not like that.Was it because she looked pathetic when she first met Ottis? Even though she was just an ordinary staff, struggling to support herself, Tata isn't someone who enjoys asking her husband for things. She chose to try to meet her needs, including earning her bachelor's degree.But why is she always considered a burden to Ottis?Luckily, her meeting with Acame lasted quite a while. It made her slightly distracted from things that shouldn't be gnawing at her mind. She doesn't want to reconsider her decision at all.During her sick leave, also to heal the pain that hit her heart, Tata did a lot
"I ain't never scared of divorcing you, Ta," Ottis says as he approaches the figure of the woman who is still his wife. "But I ask you to get married in front of my mom. At least, if we split up like you want," Ottis grins as if he can steer Tata again with his words. "She needs to know."Hearing Ottis' words makes Tata stare even more closely at her husband's eyes. Unconsciously, she bites her lip slightly."Come on... let's settle this in front of your mom, Ottis."Tata knows Ottis' reason for coming isn't just to hear his rant. But, the main trial besides the one in front of the religious court later.Since she came to the house, no one greeted her with a smile. Both Nilam and Rieka looked at her with very cynical glares. As if she had committed a huge sin. Ah... when was she welcomed with kindness? They only exchange greetings when her hands bring something. Not this time.Tata has no intention at all to just stop by to buy Rieka's favorite sna
Tata:Hey Jen, while I've been crashing at your place, yeah. I'm moving to a room near the office on Monday.Jenni:What's up with that? Where are you? Don't make me worry, Ta.Tata:I'll let you know later.Jenni:Just keep in touch, Ta. My place is always open for you.After reading Jenni's last message, she slips her phone back into her pocket. The car she's been driving has come to a stop right in front of her house gate. She swings open the tall black gate. She intentionally doesn't put her car in the garage. To her, everything in this house has already ended hours ago.In her mind, sweet memories linger. Along with the pain and disappointment of her treatment by the head of the household. Though life should be balanced, should sweet memories also be balanced with bad ones?She stares at every corner of the house she's lived in for almost nine years. From just a basic sofa with a makeshift table, to finally d