Chapter 6. Hatred of Being Insulted

"What about them?"

Finally, Sissi continued her sentence, "It is rumored that Marissa and Keenan are in a relationship."

My heart raced, feelings of jealousy and sadness engulfed me. My heart was in turmoil, how could I forget Keenan? I felt unwilling to lose the only person I ever loved.

However, I tried hard to control my emotions. Marissa and Keenan have the right to search for and find their happiness, even if that happiness is not with me.

"Sissi, thank you for letting me know." I tried to smile. "I hope they can be happy."

While gathering my courage, I tried to speak with a more cheerful and enthusiastic tone of voice.

Slowly, I realized that losing Keenan was not the end of everything. I learned to appreciate myself more. I love what I have and live the life I choose. Someday, I will find the right person to complete my life. And at that moment, I will feel that all the struggles and sacrifices I have made were not in vain.

I directed my gaze at Sissi, who was just silent, looking at me with a blank stare. It seems that she could feel what I was feeling, because honestly, she was my friend who always listened to my heart's outpourings.

I smiled, trying to change the subject. "Oh, please prepare a dress for me tomorrow. I don't want any mistakes."

She looked at me intensely, as if trying to fathom what was happening in my mind. "Okay, don't worry. I will make sure everything is perfect for you."

***

My body felt weak as I woke up from my sleep. I was startled by the alarm that kept ringing loudly. Slowly, I reached for the alarm clock that was on the table, right next to my bed. I saw the short hand of the clock pointing to four. I slowly uncovered the blanket that warmed my body and gradually stepped down from the bed that had provided me with comfort.

Among the reluctant footsteps that still released fatigue, I struggled with enthusiasm to start this day. I headed to the bathroom inside my room, preparing for the morning routine that I had to fulfill. Brushing my teeth, washing my face, and then taking wudu water devotedly as a sign of respect and gratitude to God.

I immediately performed the morning prayer, recalling how important this time was in my life. I want to feel cool and peaceful before continuing my usual daily routines, which can be quite exhausting. In my morning prayer, I whispered my prayers in my heart, asking for God's help and support to live this challenging life.

After finishing, I walked to the kitchen and was surprised to hear the sound of a pan and spatula clashing against each other. I saw Mom was busy cooking. Mom has never changed; she always wakes up early and cooks for us. Actually, I have forbidden her to cook because of her old age, but she was still insisting.

"Mom, let me cook. You rest, okay?" I asked while trying to take over the cooking duties from my mother.

"No need. Let me handle it. It's almost done. Can you wake up Kenzie?" Mom rejected me while continuing to cook in the kitchen.

That's the reality of it, Mom always refuses when I offer to help. Maybe it's her worry or desire to ease her child's burden, but Mom never gives me a chance to help in the kitchen.

I took a long sigh and reluctantly walked over to Kenzie's room. As I stood in front of the door, I slowly grabbed the doorknob. I managed to open the door without making any noticeable noise. My eyes were now fixated on Kenzie who was busy with her tablet, sitting right beside the bed.

"Ken, have you woken up?" I asked, smiling at his busyness, and I decided to approach him.

What I did to get Kenzie's attention worked. His eyes stopped for a moment from the tablet screen, and he lifted his face to look at me, then answered, "Yes, Mom."

Grasping the edge of the pillow, I decided to sit next to him so I could follow his activity. With agility, I took a position on the same side of the bed. "What are you doing, Ken?" I asked.

"Ken is watching Cocomelon, Mom," he replied with a sweet smile, looking at the screen with enthusiasm.

I remembered his duty and changed the topic of conversation. "Have you prayed yet?"

His eyes welled up with tears for a moment before nodding. "Yes, Mom."

I smiled proudly at my son. Even though he was only five years old, he could already perform his prayers diligently. A feeling of emotion and gratitude mixed in my chest. I was amazed by his rapid progress and his passion for learning worship.

I patted Ken on the shoulder, giving him support. "Very good, Ken. Mommy is proud of you," I said while kissing his forehead.

"Oh by the way, Ken, tomorrow Mommy will look for the best school for you," I said with high hopes.

But Ken's face instantly frowned. "Come on, Mom, Ken doesn't want to go to school," he murmured.

"Hey… why do you feel that way?" I asked worriedly.

But Ken sulked. "I don't want to go to school, Mom. I hate being insulted by other kids because I don't have a father. I don't want to go through all that again.”

Ken hugged his chest and turned his face away from me. He never liked school, especially since he always got teased by his friends for not having a father. My heart broke when he expressed his sadness about being ridiculed by his friends.

Realizing Ken's suffering, I gently stroked his hair. "It's okay, Ken, Mommy will protect you. We'll find a school that's full of love and understanding," I said, trying to encourage him.

However, Ken remained stubborn. "No matter which school I go to, they'll still tease me," he mumbled softly, his lips trembling at the end of his words.

Hearing this, I took a deep breath and gave Ken a tight hug. "It's okay, sweetheart. You know, Mommy has also been through the same kind of humiliation that you've faced. But, we still have to be brave and face it," I said.

Tears started to fall from Ken's eyes. "But Mom, Ken is scared," he whispered in an almost inaudible voice.

"Ken, trust me, not everyone is mean like that. We'll find a good school, and you'll find friends who won't hurt you," I said, trying to comfort him while wiping away his tears.

In the end, Ken nodded and smiled. "Okay, Mom. Ken will also be strong, just like Mommy."

As a mother, hearing those words from my child made my heart melt. Oh God, I feel so lucky to have a child like Kenzie. My child is always cheerful, full of spirit, and optimistic in the face of every obstacle. I know that life is not always easy, but with Kenzie's attitude and determination, I am sure that he will become a strong person.

"Mom!" Ken called out enthusiastically.

"Yes, Ken? What's the matter?" I asked, curious.

"Yesterday, at the airport, I met someone who looks like me, Mom. It feels like I met my own twin!" Ken exclaimed, looking surprised.

I laughed at Ken's words and asked, "Twin? How is it possible, Ken?"

Kenzie nodded confidently. "Yes, Mom. He looks so much like me, but unfortunately, his attitude is not as good as mine. He's really mean and unfriendly."

I became curious hearing my child's story. "Then, what's the problem with that person, Ken?"

Ken looked angry when he told me about the unpleasant incident. "He bumped into me, Mom, until the ice cream I was holding spilled onto his pants and shoes. However, instead of apologizing, he blamed me and asked me to apologize to him. It's so strange!"

I sighed hearing Ken's story and thought. Could the person that Ken is referring to be Keenan?