Chapter 3: The Unkind City
The morning sky over Jakarta was just like any other—hot, crowded, and full of noise. Rey stood at the side of the road, staring up at the towering buildings, feeling small and out of place. His backpack still hung from his shoulders. His stomach was empty, but his spirit hadn't dimmed.
He had come to the big city, leaving behind his village, leaving behind Aurel—all for one dream: to become successful and return to marry the girl he loved.
But reality wasn't as easy as his dreams.
"Sorry, we need someone with experience," said a factory supervisor.
"We're closing the job opening after this, kid," muttered a worker at a hardware store.
Rey walked on foot all day, going from place to place. His legs ached, his clothes drenched in sweat, but his heart refused to give up. He remembered the promise he made under that mango tree. He couldn't fail.
That night, he slept on the front steps of a closed shop. His mattress was a flattened cardboard box, his pillow was his bag. In his hand, he still held the red bracelet Aurel had given him. He looked at it and whispered softly,
"Wait for me, Aurel... even if it takes a thousand nights... I'll come back."
Day by day passed.
Eventually, Rey got a job as a porter at the main market. The pay was low, the work was exhausting, but he never complained. He worked from dawn until night, just to save little by little.
Each night, while everyone else slept, Rey would sit alone.
Writing letters he never sent.
"Aurel, I miss you. But I still have nothing. Please wait a little longer..."
But back in the village, Aurel was starting to feel alone.
No news. No messages. No letters.
Only silence. Only emptiness.
And slowly, quietly, doubt began to creep into her heart...
Would Rey really come back?