SUMBU - Something Cracked, But Not Broken

Some meetings came without anybody knows.

Not to cure. But to remind, that the wound does not always have to be closed tightly. Sometimes, he just wants to be accompanied.

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That night, Jogja was too quiet.

And on the park bench, Aksa met a woman who didn't know her name yet.

He sat two benches from Sekar. Close enough to know each other, far enough to stay comfortable.

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"The cigarette is not on the other?" Aksa asked softly, trying to open the conversation.

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The woman glanced at her head. "Lazy to burn anything again."

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Aksa nodded. Not chasing.

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His name is Sekar.

Cold. Quiet. His gaze was not sharp, but slowly piercing.

Like someone who is tired of explaining his life to anyone.

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They were silent for a long time.

Until finally Sekar asked without turning his head.

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"Do you often come here?"

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Aksa replied, "If you want to feel it yourself, yes."

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"Want to be alone again?"

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Aksa shrugged. "I want to feel like I'm together, but I don't have to say too much."

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Sekar didn't answer. But didn't also leave.

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And that night, two people who didn't know each other's names—accompanied each other without having to explain why they were there.

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A few days later...

Aksa went back to the park. Sekar is there.

Without many words, Aksa sat down. Sekar moved his seat a little.

They are silent. But their silence started to feel like a chat.

Sometimes, Sekar reads a book. Sometimes, Aksa tunes soft music through his phone.

One time, the song "Ada yang Hilang" from Ipang was played.

Sekar smiled softly. And for the first time, Aksa knew—she could smile too.

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"What is your name?" Aksa asked on the third night they sat together.

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"Sekar. You?"

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"Aksa."

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"Hm."

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Shut up again.

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"Your name is beautiful," said Aksa.

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"But my life is not."

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Aksa felt something when he first met Sekar, a familiar feeling, which was very strong—but, fragile.

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"There is a crack in him. But it hasn't broken yet.

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Just like me."

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In Angkringan:

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"Woy, Sa! Why have you been disappearing lately?" Arul asked while sipping ginger milk.

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"Just a lot of thoughts," Aksa answered briefly.

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"Meet a girl huh?" Tease Rere.

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Aksa didn't deny it. But it also doesn't justify.

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Because he himself doesn't know... what is growing between him and Sekar.

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The next night in the park...

Sekar told a little story.

About his work that is considered bad by people.

About a life that is judged too much.

About a distant family but always demanding close.

About days that feel empty.

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"I'm tired, Aksa. But I can't stop walking."

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And Aksa only answered one sentence.

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"Not everyone who walks that road knows the purpose. Sometimes we just want to be far from yesterday."

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Sekar stared at him this time. Longer.

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And that was the first time... he looked like a human who was learning to believe.

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That night, before Sekar said goodbye first, she said softly...

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"I didn't come here because this place is comfortable. But because you're silent it's good."

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And Aksa knew, something started to change.

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Inside him.

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And maybe... in Sekar too.

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Something Cracked, But Not Broken

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