CHECKMATE

The Reason You Smile

"Bas, as long as I'm gone, are you okay?" amanda asked to leave a silence between them

"You mean?" bastian was confused

"Eeem, nothing happened during my stay? You see, when we had a fight back then, you were sick, Bas. Though I only went for a day," said Amanda hesitated

"Are you worried about me? I'm glad to hear it, Manda," Bastian said, laughing happily

"That's not what it means, I just feel bad about you. I'm sorry, Bas, we were both emotional. I'm afraid that if we're still in the same room, it makes things worse,"

"It's okay Manda. I was also at that time, going to Dad's house to calm down,"

"You came alone?" asked Amanda while changing her posture, looking at her husband

"Yes, I came alone. They were shocked when I came without their son-in-law" Bastian replied with a laugh, imagining his mother welcoming him with questions.

Hearing that Amanda looked sad, she felt guilty towards her Father and Mother-in-law.

"That's it, it's all over, isn't it? Let's teach you what happened. I was hoping we could fix everything, Manda,"

Amanda fell silent again, she did not know how she had to react to Bastian's remarks. Without him realizing their car had arrived at the basemant of their apartment. They get out of the car, then head to the elevator that will take them to the floor of the apartment

***

The two couples are now at the dinner table. Amanda is arranging the food that Bastian messages through an online application. The day has begun at night, and Amanda, who may also be tired, makes Bastian take the initiative to buy out dinner alone today. Although in fact, if he can be honest, some days do not meet, make him really miss his wife's cooking.

"Thank you Amanda" he said with a smile

For the umpteenth time, silence again enveloped the place. No one wants to start talking. They were busy enjoying their own food. A little while later, Bastian started talking

"Manda, do you love Billy?" bastian asked suddenly in between their dinners

Amanda quit her eating activities for a moment. Staring straight into Bastian's eyeball, who was also looking at him.

"You mean?" ask Amanda then

"I'm sorry if my question made you uncomfortable, Manda, but I'm really curious about it. Since when do you know him?"

"Do I have to answer Bas?"

"Well, if you don't want to answer, it doesn't matter to Manda. Let's just forget it, let's just say I never questioned it,"

"I'm not a person who easily falls for the charm of someone Bas. For me to love and be loved is not a fun thing," said Amanda sad. Remembering his past, as he falls for the charms of a man.

"Well I'm sorry Manda, I didn't mean to make you sad. But can I know why you're saying that? Isn't loving and being loved is everyone's dream?"

"Maybe, but so far it means nothing to me. Everyone has their own reasons for Bas, enough they know, no one else does,"

Bastiam did not want to ask further. He understood what the woman who had become his wife was feeling. Although he was very curious about his wife's past, but he had to be patient. There must be a time, when the woman is ready to make it a backrest when she is fragile. Whatever Amanda's reason for grieving, Bastian wishes she was the reason for Amanda to smile later on