The night air around the Alister mansion was damp and cool. Leaves still wet from the evening dew reflected the dim glow of the garden lamps. Yohanes walked slowly along the white stone path that cut through the back garden. A soft breeze stirred the flowers Nadine had carefully planted, while the distant sound of crickets blended with the quiet.
He kept his head down, hands in his pockets, while one sentence replayed in his mind since that afternoon: "My parents used to be close friends of your parents."
Every time he remembered Kia's face when she said it, his heart beat strangely—shocked, suspicious, and curious all at once. How could Kia know something that even the Alister family had never told him? Was she holding a piece of the truth about the past he thought was lost?
His steps stopped near the small pond, its surface reflecting the lamplight like shimmering glass. He stared into the water as if searching for answers in the faint ripples.
"If I ask her directly, will Kia answer honestly? Or will she hide it? But if I don't ask… I'll never know."
He started walking again, this time circling the old trees planted in the far corner of the garden. His thoughts swirled: should he share this restlessness with the Alisters? They had been so kind to him, yet he worried that involving them might drag them into something uncertain.
The image of Una flashed in his mind—her eyes always full of concern. Then Jovian, who pretended to be annoying but cared in his own way. Even Deon, with his cold demeanor, had looked suspicious of his silence earlier that evening. And of course, Gibson and Nadine, who treated him like their own son.
"If I tell them about Kia… maybe they could help me. But… what if it only adds to their burden? What if this secret is bigger than I ever imagined?"
His steps halted again. He lifted his eyes to the night sky—dark, with barely any stars. It felt like looking at something vast and full of mysteries, yet offering no answers.
Unbeknownst to him, someone was watching from the second floor of the mansion. Gibson stood behind the curtains of the reading room window, a cup of tea steaming gently in his hand.
He observed Yohanes pacing back and forth in the garden—sometimes stopping, sometimes bowing his head, sometimes staring blankly at the sky. There was something odd in the way the boy moved, like someone wrestling with a burden too heavy to share.
Gibson frowned slightly, murmuring under his breath,"What is he thinking about at this hour…?"
His quiet words dissolved into the silence of the room, but his eyes remained fixed on Yohanes, as if trying to read the secret hidden in his restless movements.
Meanwhile, Yohanes had no idea he was being watched. He kept circling the garden as if those small loops might somehow give him an answer. In his heart, he weighed the same question: tomorrow, should he find the courage to ask Kia? Or should he wait again, holding off until there was a clearer sign?
Every step on the stone path felt heavy, as if he were walking across the weight of a past he had never fully seen. At last, he stopped again near the glass door that connected the garden to the family room. His breath came long, his chest still trembling.
He whispered softly to himself, barely audible:"I can't stay silent forever."
But as his hand touched the door handle, hesitation returned and held him back. That night ended without an answer, leaving only a faint decision in his heart: sooner or later, he had to search for the truth—even if he didn't yet know with whom he would share it.
An Unusual Silence
The night was late. The ticking of the wall clock in the master bedroom filled the quiet with a steady rhythm. Nadine sat at her vanity, removing her last earring with a long sigh, while Gibson had just come in after making sure all the garden lights were turned off.
But Gibson's expression was not as calm as usual. A faint line of worry showed on his face. He placed an empty teacup on the small table, then stood near the window, pulling the curtain aside to look out into the now-empty garden.
Noticing the change in her husband's demeanor, Nadine asked softly,"What's wrong? You've been so quiet… your face looks full of thoughts."
Gibson closed the curtain slowly, then walked over to the bed. He sat on the edge, his hands clasped tightly together, as if searching for the right words."I saw Yohanes earlier," he finally said quietly.
Nadine frowned. "Saw him? What do you mean?"
"In the garden. He was pacing back and forth alone for almost half an hour. His face… it wasn't the face of a boy just enjoying the night air. He looked… restless. Like he was carrying something."
Nadine fell silent for a moment, then moved closer and sat beside him. She reached for his hand, her touch warm."You think… he's hiding something?"
Gibson lowered his head briefly, then exhaled deeply."I don't want to accuse him too quickly. But the way he walked, that empty look in his eyes… that's not just a teenager daydreaming. That's the look of someone holding onto a burden. And I know it's not a light one."
Nadine let out a soft sigh. Her face looked sad, but full of compassion."Yohanes has been through a lot, Gib. We both know that. Maybe he's still learning how to fully trust us. Don't forget, he lost his parents when he was so young. There are things that might still be too hard for him to share."
Gibson nodded, his gaze fixed on the floor."Yes. But that's exactly why I worry. If he keeps holding it in, if he keeps carrying it all alone… I'm afraid he'll go back to feeling like he has no one. When the truth is, we're here. We're here for him."
Nadine rested her head on Gibson's shoulder, her voice almost a whisper."Do you remember when Deon first started college? He often stayed quiet too, hiding his problems because he didn't want to trouble us. But eventually, he spoke up. Children just need time, Gib. Yohanes will too. We just have to wait patiently, while always showing him that this house is the safest place for him."
Gibson stayed quiet for a moment, then managed a faint smile, though worry lingered in his eyes."You always know how to calm me, Nadine."
Nadine smiled warmly in return. "That's a mother's duty, isn't it? And you, as a father, your duty is to make sure the children always feel safe. Yohanes included."
Gibson nodded firmly, squeezing her hand more tightly."Alright. I won't push him. But I'll keep a closer eye on him. If he ever needs someone, I want to be the first person he knows he can rely on."
Nadine looked into her husband's eyes and nodded."And I'll keep reminding him in gentle ways, as always. With love, not with demands."
They fell silent for a while, letting the quiet settle, now feeling more peaceful. Nadine closed her eyes, as if offering a silent prayer that Yohanes would truly feel the love they were giving him. Gibson, though still carrying a trace of curiosity about the secret troubling the boy, decided to trust time.
Before going to sleep, he glanced once more at the window. In his heart, he whispered:"Whatever you're hiding, Son… I hope one day you'll trust us enough to share it."
With that, the bedroom light was turned off. Silence enveloped the mansion, holding one small mystery still unsolved—but now guarded by two loving hearts, determined to protect it with patience and care.
Yohanes's Steadfast Heart
That morning, Yohanes's room was filled with soft sunlight slipping through the curtains. He sat at the edge of his bed, already dressed neatly in his school uniform, but his face wasn't fully ready. There was something in his eyes—a heavy decision, but one he had firmly made.
"Today… I have to ask Kia," he whispered, his hands clenched tightly on his lap. The memory of Kia's vague words—that her parents might have known his—still echoed in his head. The question was like a small thorn that never went away, poking him whenever he tried to feel at ease.
He took a deep breath, stood up, and faced his reflection in the mirror."Whatever the answer is… I have to be ready. No more running."
With that resolve, he left his room and headed to the dining hall, trying to hide the faster rhythm of his heartbeat.
At the dining table, everything was neatly arranged. The smell of toast, warm soup, and fresh coffee filled the air. Nadine was busy pouring orange juice into glasses, while Gibson unfolded the newspaper, though his eyes occasionally flicked toward the door.
"Good morning," Una greeted first with a bright smile, already seated and spinning a spoon in her plate."Morning," Deon replied shortly, adjusting the small tablet he had brought. Jovian, with his hair still messy, was half yawning, making everyone chuckle.
When Yohanes walked in, all eyes naturally turned. He greeted them as usual, though his voice carried a slight hesitation."Good morning, everyone…"
Nadine noticed it right away. Her smile remained warm, but in her heart she marked the subtle change. She slid a plate toward him."Good morning, dear. Sit down. I made some warm soup, it'll calm your stomach before school."
Yohanes sat down, nodding. "Thank you, Aunt—uh…" He paused, then gave a shy smile. "I mean… Mom."
That word made Nadine's smile even softer. Gibson lowered his newspaper, looking at Yohanes with meaningful eyes. He didn't say anything, but his gaze clearly spoke: We heard that, and we value it.
The conversation at the table flowed as usual. Jovian joked about his overly serious math teacher, Una laughed, and Deon gave logical comments about his growing pile of assignments. Everything seemed normal, but in between the chatter, both Gibson and Nadine kept their eyes on Yohanes.
He smiled along, even responding to some of Jovian's jokes. But there was something different. His hand gripped his spoon a bit too tightly, and his eyes sometimes drifted into emptiness before focusing back.
Gibson sipped his coffee, then glanced at his wife. Nadine caught the signal instantly—a silent communication between partners who had lived together for years: He's hiding something.
Instead of confronting, Gibson asked casually, his voice calm."So, Yohanes, any special plans at school today?"
Yohanes stiffened, almost choking on his soup, but quickly forced a smile. "Hmm… not really, Dad. Just… the usual studying."
Gibson nodded, pretending not to notice the tiny pause in his answer."Alright then. I hope your day goes smoothly."
Nadine added a gentle reminder, her voice soft and full of care."If something happens at school, don't hesitate to tell us, okay? You know this house is always ready to listen."
Yohanes lowered his head briefly, hiding his nervous expression. "Yes, Mom…" he answered quietly.
Breakfast ended with laughter as Jovian complained that the bread was "too healthy" because it was full of grains. Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere turned warm again. But behind all of it, Yohanes carried a plan no one else at the table knew: the question he would ask Kia today.
As the children prepared to leave, Gibson and Nadine exchanged a glance. There was a hint of worry in both of them, but also a shared decision not to pressure him. They could only hope that one day, Yohanes would feel safe enough to share.
Meanwhile, Yohanes got into the car that would take him to school. His heart was pounding faster, and inside he whispered to himself:"Kia… I have to know. Today, I'll ask you everything."
The car pulled away, leaving the mansion behind. Through the window, Yohanes's face showed determination, though his heart was still wrapped in the shadow of unanswered mysteries.
The Question Left Unasked
That day, Yohanes walked down the school corridor with steps that felt heavier than usual. He carried a resolve he had made that morning: he had to ask Kia, even though his chest pounded as if rejecting the idea. Kia's words still echoed in his head—that her parents had known his. A simple sentence, yet it had grown into a shadow clinging to his mind, disturbing him every time he tried to stay calm.
The first chance came during lunch break. Kia was sitting alone in the small school garden, her head bent as she wrote in her notebook. The sunlight fell on her calm face, and Yohanes nearly stepped forward. But before he could, Arka suddenly appeared with two sandwiches, plopping down beside Kia with a wide grin."Kiaaa, want a sandwich? I bought too many."Kia chuckled, and Yohanes ended up joining them without saying anything. The moment slipped away, swallowed by lighthearted chatter that meant nothing.
Time passed. Classes changed, the room buzzed with noise, but Yohanes's mind stayed fixed on that one thought. Each time his eyes drifted to Kia—taking notes diligently or staring out the window—his unease grew heavier. Until finally, when the bell rang between classes and students poured out, he forced himself to act. He called softly, "Kia…"
Kia turned. There was a brief silence between them before Yohanes swallowed hard."Can I talk to you for a moment? Alone… if you don't mind."
Kia nodded slightly. They walked to the back of the school building, where it was quiet, far from the chaos of the classrooms. The afternoon breeze carried the scent of fallen leaves. Yohanes stood stiffly, trying to gather his words.
"I still remember… when you said your parents knew mine," he finally spoke. His voice was hoarse, almost fading.
Kia paused, then nodded. "Yes. I did say that."
"How close were they?" Yohanes tried to meet her eyes, though his gaze trembled. "Do you know… anything more than that? About them… about what they might have hidden?"
Something shifted in Kia's face—hesitation, even a trace of burden. She lowered her head for a moment before answering."I don't know much, Han. What I do know is that my parents often spoke of yours with respect. They said… you're a strong kid. That they believed in you."
"So… that's all?" Yohanes felt an emptiness spread in his chest. "Nothing else? No secret they left behind?"
Kia bit her lip, then looked at him with eyes full of thought. "There are things I can't tell you now. Not because I don't want to… but because I don't have the full answer myself. My parents… they always spoke in half-phrases. As if there was something they were protecting from you."
Her words hit Yohanes like a cold wind. Not an answer, just another fragment of a puzzle. But then Kia added softly, "One thing I am certain of, Han. Your parents loved you more than anything. That… I could feel from the way my parents spoke about them. So never doubt that."
There was warmth in her words, but also a shadow of a deeper mystery. Yohanes lowered his head, fighting the storm in his chest. He wanted to press her further, but Kia stepped closer and gently patted his shoulder.
"Don't be too hard on yourself," she whispered. "Some answers take time to arrive."
The bell rang in the distance. They walked back to class as if the conversation had never happened. But inside Yohanes, something continued to churn. Kia's words weren't an answer—they were a door, opening onto an even greater mystery.
And as he stepped back into the classroom, one thought repeated endlessly in his mind:Pointless… my parents… and now Kia. They must all be connected.
Shadows in the Middle of Class
That afternoon, the classroom should have felt the same as always. The teacher stood at the front, explaining the lesson with a steady voice, chalk squeaking as numbers and symbols filled the green board. But for Yohanes, all of it was nothing more than distant echoes that couldn't break through his mind. He sat at his desk, eyes open and fixed on his notebook, yet his thoughts drifted somewhere far away.
Kia's words from a few hours ago kept replaying: "There are things I can't tell you now… as if there's something they were protecting from you." The sentence circled endlessly, pressing on his chest. How could his parents—whom he had longed for so deeply—have hidden something from him? And why did Kia know, even if only a small piece? The more he tried to answer on his own, the more new questions appeared.
His hand held a pen, but the scribbles in his notebook were nothing more than messy lines. Several times he bent his head, pretending to take notes, but all he drew were faint outlines of Kia's face lowered in secrecy. He didn't even notice when the teacher called his name once to make sure he was listening. Fortunately, the teacher didn't press the matter.
Arka, sitting beside him, had been watching all along. At first he thought Yohanes was just tired, but day by day the daydreaming grew worse. Now Yohanes's face looked truly empty, his eyes clouded as if he were somewhere else entirely. Arka leaned slightly closer, whispering, "Hey, Han… you okay? You haven't written a single thing."
Yohanes flinched, turning briefly before quickly looking down. "I—I… yeah, I'm listening," he stammered, clearly lying.
Arka frowned. He knew his friend too well—this wasn't the Yohanes he knew. Normally, Yohanes was the quickest to take notes, the most focused on the lesson, often the one explaining things back to him when he fell behind. But these past few days, it was as if something kept dragging Yohanes's mind far away, something he couldn't share.
"Seriously, Han. Lately you're like… not here," Arka whispered again, more seriously this time. He studied Yohanes's face, searching for clues. "If something's wrong, just tell me. Don't keep it all to yourself."
Yohanes tightened his grip on the pen. His heart churned. Part of him wanted to be honest, to tell Arka about Kia's words, about the growing weight of his curiosity. But another part refused—he hadn't even dared to tell the Alisters, how could he start with his school friend?
He forced a small smile, one that didn't reach his eyes. "I'm just tired, Ka. Don't worry."
Arka sighed, clearly unconvinced. He patted Yohanes's shoulder once before turning back to the board. Still, deep down, he promised himself he would keep an eye on his friend. Something was happening to Yohanes—something big—and Arka could feel it even if he didn't know what it was.
Meanwhile, Yohanes lowered his gaze back to his empty notebook. The black ink scratches formed shapeless marks across the page, as unclear as his thoughts. He wanted to focus, he really did. But what kept appearing in his mind was Kia's face, her cryptic words about his parents' secret, and a quiet fear that continued to grow:
Am I truly ready to know the truth?
Returning to the Mansion
Dusk had begun to settle when the Alister family's black car entered the wide courtyard of the mansion. The orange sky cast long shadows of the trees, while the garden lights slowly flickered on one by one. Yohanes sat in the back seat, staring out the window, his eyes empty as if tracing the horizon. He had barely spoken the whole ride— even when Una and Jovian bickered over who got to sit by the window, he only gave a faint smile without saying a word.
When the car stopped, everyone got out in their usual lively way. Nadine reminded Una about her homework, Jovian mumbled about the comic he wanted to read, and Deon was already absorbed in his tablet, switching it on as he walked. Yohanes followed along, his movements automatic, but his thoughts were still back at school—stuck on Kia's face, on those cryptic words that seemed to dig into his family's past.
As soon as they entered the main hall of the mansion, the warmth of home greeted them. The smell of fresh tea drifted from the kitchen, the soft glow of the chandelier lit the room, and the sound of Effendi's footsteps echoed as he returned from work. Everything felt as usual—except for Yohanes. He tried to adjust, forcing a faint smile when Nadine asked, "How was school today, Han?"
"Fine, Mom. Just like usual," he answered shortly, before quickly sitting down on the sofa, pretending to tidy up his books.
Nadine watched him for a moment, her eyes full of both warmth and quiet doubt. But she didn't press. She only brushed his shoulder gently before heading into the kitchen.
From the armchair near the fireplace, Gibson had been quietly observing. He wasn't the type to talk much, but his sharp eyes missed nothing. He noticed the little signs: the way Yohanes gripped his bag strap too tightly, the way he sighed more often than usual, the way he looked down every time someone tried to meet his eyes.
"Yohanes," Gibson called softly. His voice was calm and deep, but enough to make Yohanes jolt a little.
"Yes, Dad?" Yohanes turned quickly, smiling as if nothing was wrong.
"You look… very tired." Gibson closed the book in his hand and set it on the small table beside his chair. "Is something troubling you?"
Yohanes shook his head too quickly. "No, really. I just… have a lot of homework." It was a cliché answer—fast, unconvincing.
Gibson didn't argue, nor did he press further. He only studied Yohanes a little longer before nodding slowly. "If that's the case, don't carry it all alone. You already know… you're not on your own here."
The words were simple, but they cut deep. Yohanes lowered his head, his heart pounding. He wanted to speak, to let out everything—about Kia, about her vague words, about Pointless haunting his thoughts. But his tongue felt heavy, as if a wall stood between him and the truth he wasn't ready to break down.
"Thank you, Dad," he whispered, the forced smile still on his face.
Gibson studied him once more, then stood up. "Alright. I'll trust you. But don't forget—I'll know if you're hiding something." His last words were said lightly, almost like a joke, but the serious note in his voice made Yohanes freeze.
That night, when the whole family gathered in the dining room, Yohanes sat with them, laughing when Jovian tried to imitate their strict math teacher, responding to Una's stories about her school activities. On the surface, everything seemed normal. Yet behind his smile and laughter, his thoughts were still tangled in confusion.
And Gibson—watching from the far end of the table—kept glancing at him now and then, confirming what he already suspected: Yohanes was hiding something far heavier than simply "school fatigue."