
The night sky was pitch-black, with stars flashing as if celebrating the feast of Ima. Softly lit garden lights give a magical aura to the party, beautifying the atmosphere with its dim light. Laughter and the sound of carefree children filled the air, but something seemed different as the gate opened slowly.
All eyes were on a young man standing with a firm posture in the doorway. His casual attire, jeans and checkered shirt, reflected simple elegance. However, what was most striking was his deep eyes, seemingly looking for someone among the crowd.
Ana, who was talking to some guests, suddenly fell silent. His eyes widened, and his breathing seemed to sting. As if subconsciously, he walked up to the young man.
"Arman?" whispered Ana, almost in disbelief.
The young man, Arman, showed a gentle smile. "Hello, Ana," he said in a hoarse voice, "It's been a long time."
For a moment, the two stood looking at each other, immersed in past memories. The party atmosphere seemed to disappear, replaced with an aura of nostalgia and deep emotion.
Ima, who saw the interaction, approached with curiosity. "Mom, who is he?" tanyanya slow.
Ana took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. "This is Arman, my friend from the past."
Arman extended his hand to Ima. "Happy birthday, Ima. I've heard a lot about you from Ana." He said with a warm smile.
Ima received Arman's hand, "Thank you. But, I've never heard of you before."
Arman smiled slightly, then turned to Ana, "Actually, there are many things about your mother's past that you might not know."
Ana hesitated for a moment, then said, "Arman and I used to be very close. We support each other in the face of difficult times in our lives."
Ima, with a sharp look, asked, "Why did I just hear about him now?"
Before Ana replied, Arman spoke, "Because there are some parts of the past that are too painful to remember. However, I came tonight not to open the old wound, but rather to thank you."
Ana looked down, holding back tears. "Thank you for what, Arman?"
Arman approached Ana and held her shoulder gently. "Thank you for being there for me when I feel alone and lost. You're an amazing friend, and I owe you a lot."
Ana's eyes glazed over. "I owe you a lot too, Arman. You are part of my memory, part of the path I take."
In the middle of the atmosphere of haru, the night wind blows gently, vibrating the leaves and adding a dramatic feel to the moment. The illuminated garden lights further accentuate the silhouette of Ana and Arman, two companions separated by time but reunited by fate.
Ima, although initially confused, now feels warm to see her mother share the moment with her old friend. She hugged Ana and said, "Thank you for introducing me, Mom."
Arman smiled, "Thank you for accepting me, Ima. I wish we could get to know each other better."
That night, Ima's birthday party is not only a celebration of growing older, but also a celebration of lasting friendship, memories, and love.
Under the shade of a large, lush tree, in a corner somewhat separated from the party crowd, two bamboo chairs were arranged face to face. There, Ana and Arman sit side by side, immersed in a wave of past memories. From a distance, the sounds of laughter and party music become a faint backdrop, while the rustling of leaves and the murmur of the night breeze adds to the peace of the atmosphere.
Arman sipped his drink slowly, "You know, Ana, when I saw you again after all this time, it felt like time never went."
Ana smiled, remembering their good times. "I feel so too, Arman. A lot of things have changed, but there's a part of us that always stays the same."
They both stared at the sky illuminated by the stars. Arman took a deep breath, "You remember when we used to sit by the river, talking about our dreams?"
Ana nodded, "Of course. We often aspire to a better life, a future in which we can be free and accepted."
Arman turned his head, his eyes shining, "And you know? Dreams are not just dreams. After we split up, I met a friend who changed my life."
Ana looked at Arman attentively, her long black hair draped, in the moonlight, "Who is she, Arman?"
Ana looked moved, "That's amazing, Arman. I'm glad to hear it."
Arman sipped his drink again, "Farid always said, with the right support, anyone can rise up and change his destiny. And that's what I do."
Ana looked at Arman with teary eyes, "I'm proud of you. You've always had the power to change, and I'm glad you found someone to support you."
Arman looked at Ana, "And what about you? How did you get here, with those two amazing kids?"
Ana smiled, "After we split up, I decided to reorganize my life. I got a decent job and decided to adopt two orphans. They are everything to me."
Both of them were silent for a moment, drowning in memories. The cool night breeze caressed their faces, reminding them of their sweet bitter past.
Arman sighed, "Sometimes, when I look up at the sky, I feel lucky. Although many things have happened, I am grateful to still be able to sit here, with you, reminiscing about the past."
Ana holds Arman's hand gently, "Me too, Arman. Thank you for coming back to my life, even if only for a moment."
Arman smiled, "There's always a reason to come back, Ana. And this time, that reason is you and our wonderful memories together."
That night, under the starry sky, two old friends sit side by side, reminiscing about the past, and celebrating the life they live now. A reminder that, with the right support, everyone can change their destiny.
The garden lights began to dim, signalling that the night was approaching its end. The stars in the sky seemed increasingly bright, as if they were silent witnesses to a meaningful feast. The sound of music and laughter began to die down, but the warmth was still felt in the air.
In the middle of the courtyard, Ima sat on a bench, staring at the sky with sparkling eyes. Ana approached him, patting his daughter's shoulder gently. "How's it feel, honey?" ask Ana.
Ima looked at her mother, "I feel very lucky, Mom. Tonight is really special."
Ana smiled, "Because you are special, Ima."
From a distance, Joseph seemed hesitant to approach them. In his hand, it looked a light blue knit that seemed to have just been completed. "Father," called Joseph in a slightly nervous voice.
I looked up, "What's up, sister?"
Joseph bit his lips, then stretched out the knit. "This is for you. Sorry if the results are not perfect. I'm trying my best."
Ima received the knit with sparkling eyes. "It's so beautiful, brother. Thank you." Thank you."
Joseph looked relieved, "I'm glad you like."
Arman, who was talking to several guests, approached the family. "Before I leave, I want to thank you, Ana. Tonight means a lot to me."
Ana hugs Arman warmly, "Thank you for coming, Arman. Your arrival gives me a chance to close the old chapter of my life."
Arman smiled, "There's always a reason to go back, right? I hope we can meet again someday."
As guests began to move home, the atmosphere became more peaceful. The night wind blew, shaking the leaves of the trees and playing a soothing natural melody. The flickering garden lights created a shadow that danced on the ground, as if giving a farewell greeting to every guest who left.
One by one, guests leave the party with cheerful faces and warm hearts. They carry messages about the importance of accepting the past and moving forward with compassion. Every hug and goodbye is a testament to how precious the moment they shared together was.
When all the guests were gone, Ana, Ima, and Joseph sat together under a shady tree. They hugged each other, feeling an unspeakable warmth. That night, Ima's birthday party is not only a celebration of growing older, but also a celebration of life, affection, and friendship.
Amidst the darkness, the stars in the sky kept flashing, as if giving the message that after dark, there must be light. And in life, after sadness, there must be happiness waiting.