The boarding room light flickered weakly, while the old ceiling fan spun with a tired creak. Alana sat on her narrow bed, a textbook open on her lap. Her eyes didn’t read the words; they only blurred into the weight of her thoughts.On the small desk, envelopes of unpaid bills lay scattered, some already gathering dust. The numbers inside haunted her like shadows. Her fingers clutched the edge of her blanket, fighting back the sting in her eyes.“Back then. I never imagined things would turn out like this,” she whispered.Her mind drifted to her childhood. A tenth birthday party—white silk dress, orchestra music, a five-tiered cake, and her mother’s graceful smile. Guests came one by one, shaking hands, speaking the Adinegara family name with respect.Now, the only company she had was a neighbor blasting dangdut music through thin walls.Alana exhaled a long, heavy sigh. “I used to have everything now I have nothing.”Knock! Knock! Knock!“Lan! Open up! I’ve got great news!”The f
Last Updated : 2025-09-05 Read more