3. Coming Home with Empty Hand

After his simple meal, Mario booked another ride-hailing motorcycle using the app on his phone. He had no vehicle of his own now, and there was only one place that would welcome him at this point; his parents’ home.

A few minutes later, the driver arrived, and Mario climbed onto the bike. He remained silent for the entire trip to his parents’ house, his mind too exhausted to think anymore.

After navigating narrow, winding alleyways, they finally reached the front of the house.

It was a sturdy, medium-sized older home with clay tile roofing, built back during the New Order government era. The front was enclosed by a sliding iron gate, its faded yellow paint peeling and spots of rust visible across the metal.

Mario slid the gate open and walked toward the porch, then knocked several times on the solid teak wood door.

"Coming … just a moment," a voice called from inside.

The door swung open, and his mother looked at him in surprise. "Mario …? What a surprise ... you didn’t call ahead? Come in … come in."

Without hesitation, Mario wrapped his arms around his aging, wrinkled mother and wept openly, unable to speak a single word. He felt ashamed to have failed at everything, returning to his parents’ home with his pride shattered, his future uncertain, and now homeless as of that very day.

Mario was the second of three children born to Indah Nurhayati and Burhan Raharjo. His older brother Rudi Prasetyo, 32, was married and lived in Balikpapan, while his younger sister Maharani Meirasty, 18, would graduate from high school this year.

Seemingly understanding her son’s pain, Mrs. Indah said, "It’s okay to cry, Son. Let it all out." She led Mario to a bamboo chair near the porch door and gently stroked his head as he rested it on her shoulder. She could tell he was carrying an enormous burden.

Once he’d calmed a little, Mario began telling his mother what had happened. "Mom, I have nothing left now. Everything I worked so hard for is gone. Rosita put up all my valuables as collateral with a predatory lender … everything was seized this morning!"

Mrs. Indah’s heart ached as she listened. She knew how hard Mario had worked since he was young, sending part of his earnings home to them every month. He’d never been lazy or irresponsible.

"Be patient, Son. Don’t lose hope. You’re still young, and you have your whole life ahead of you. This home will always be open for you to come back to. Wealth can be rebuilt, but I want to tell you one thing … if you marry again someday, find someone whose heart truly accepts you for who you are," Mrs. Indah advised, gently patting his back.

"Yes, Mom. I never imagined Rosita only wanted a life of luxury. I thought she was someone who’d stand by me through good times and bad," Mario said, staring down at the floor.

Mrs. Indah just smiled in response. She’d known about her former daughter-in-law’s unpleasant nature for a long time. Rosita had always been rude and arrogant whenever they’d met, likely because Mario’s family came from humble means and was used to living simply.

"I’ll pray you find the right person for you, Mario. A woman who can stand by you through life’s hardships," Mrs. Indah said softly.

Mario looked at his mother’s calm face and found peace there. "Amen. Thank you, Mom. But I need time to heal first, what Rosita did has left me so disappointed in women," he said, his eyes glassy with tears.

Mrs. Indah patted his back again. "Not all women are like Rosita, Dear. Before you decide to marry again, make sure you get to know your partner well first. Don’t end up failing a second time because you weren’t compatible."

"Yes, Mom. I’ll remember your advice," Mario replied, smiling at her.

Suddenly, his phone rang inside his bag. He answered the call from an unknown number.

"Hello," Mario said.

"Hello, Mr. Mario Chandra. This is Aliya from BNI Credit Card Services. Your bill for this month is 3 million rupiah and remains unpaid, Sir," the voice on the other end said.

"I’m sorry, Ma’am. I’ve never made any purchases with a BNI credit card. How could there be a bill like that?" Mario asked, confused and his heart beginning to race—he only had about 5 million rupiah left in his personal account.

"The transactions are listed on your monthly statement, Sir. Our records show payments to Kanaya Boutique and Rotteli Shoe Outlet," Ms. Aliya explained.

Mario sighed heavily and rubbed his temples, feeling dizzy. It seemed Rosita had been using a credit card in his name to shop. He’d been too careless to entrust all financial matters to her, and he likely signed loan documents without reading them carefully.

"Ma’am, can the card be closed?" Mario asked, not wanting to be dragged into more debt caused by his ex-wife.

"Yes, Sir. But all outstanding balances must be paid first. For your information, the 3 million rupiah is just this month’s bill, your total unpaid balance is over 30 million rupiah, Sir," Ms. Aliya added.

Oh my god! Mario had no idea where he’d get 30 million rupiah. He felt completely overwhelmed, and finally ended the call with BNI’s credit card department.

"What is it, Son? You look so shocked," Mrs. Indah asked, confused by his reaction.

Mario closed his eyes, feeling like life’s path had never been harder. "Rosita was shopping with a credit card in my name, Mom. The total bill is around 30 million rupiah. I only have 5 million left in savings now. To close the card, I have to pay all 30 million first."

"Oh my goodness, Son. Just stay strong," Mrs. Indah said, covering her mouth in sympathy.

"Come on ... you should take a bath and rest now," she added, taking his arm and leading him inside the house.

"Thank you, Mom. I’m truly exhausted, both in body and spirit. I hope I can find a way out of all this," Mario said, walking side by side with his mother.