That morning, the air in Brebes felt warmer than usual. The sun appeared shyly behind thin clouds, shining on the yard of Ceria Elementary School which was starting to get crowded with students in red and white uniforms. The sound of small footsteps and cheerful laughter filled the air, like a rhythm welcoming the beginning of a new story.
In the midst of the crowd, Bima stood alone, hugging a shabby bag to his chest. His shirt was clean even though it was faded, and his shoes—the result of repeated patching by Uncle Bando—were still firmly on the ground, as if reluctant to give up on time.
The first day in grade 4. New books. The name of a new teacher. But Bima's hopes remained the old legacy: hopefully today... he wouldn't have to learn to survive.
Unfortunately, as usual, Nina was the first to ruin the morning.
> "Hey, you little girl! Don't sit near the window. That's my place!"
Her tone was sharp, like a small dagger sharpened with intent. Some students chuckled, others pretended to be busy arranging books. In front of the class, Mrs. Siska—their new homeroom teacher—only glanced briefly, without saying anything.
Bima lowered his head. He got up, then moved to the back seat. Without a word.
Silence was his shield. Silence was also his weapon.
*****
The first lesson that day was Natural Sciences—Bima's favorite subject. Not only because he quickly understood the formula, but because in it, the world felt explainable. A world that didn't hit, didn't mock—only demanded logic.
But that morning, something violated logic.
The pen in Bima's hand floated. No more than a breath. But enough to make the air in the classroom freeze for a moment.
Then it fell back down with a soft sound: tok.
His deskmate turned his head with wide eyes.
> "Eh… was that you?"
Bima quickly shook his head. "The wind… maybe the wind."
But the gazes of the other students began to change. They no longer saw Bima as just a quiet kid. But… a strange kid.
****
During recess, Bima went behind the school—a quiet place under the old mango tree that always protected him. The leaves swayed softly, as if they were keeping a secret.
He opened his notebook. But before he could draw his favorite symbol, a harsh voice hit the air.
> "Huh, an outcast kid contemplating?"
Jaguar—a senior from grade 6—appeared with two of his friends. His nickname was no joke. Not because of his strength, but because of the terror he never tired of spreading.
> "This school is not for weird kids like you."
Bima remained silent. But his body began to prepare to stand up. Too late.
One of them pushed him to the ground. His bag was thrown. His small notebook opened—a page full of mysterious symbols was clearly displayed.
Jaguar reached for it.
> "What is this? A spell? A shaman? Wow, really the devil's child!"
Bima tried to grab his book, but a hard slap landed on his cheek.
From behind the bushes, a teacher watched. Mrs. Rani—another class teacher who was known to be gentle and observant.
She immediately stepped forward.
> "Jaguar! What are you doing?!"
> "Just kidding, Mom. He likes weird things. We just want to see."
Mrs. Rani's gaze was sharp, piercing.
> "Go back to class. Right now."
They left with a dull laugh, but Jaguar's eyes glanced at Bima once more—as if still harboring curiosity… or fear.
Mrs. Rani helped Bima stand up. She didn't speak right away. She just stared at Bima's reddened cheeks, and the notebook that was still shaking in his small hands.
> "You keep too much for a kid your age…"
Bima lowered his head. Silent. But his eyes were almost wet.
> "If you need a place that doesn't judge… the teacher's room door is always open. And it will never be locked."
Then she left, leaving behind a warmth that was quieter than the sun.
****
That night, at home, Uncle Bando noticed Bima's swollen cheeks.
> "Did you fall?" he asked.
> "Stumbled… at school," Bima answered quickly.
Uncle Bando only nodded. But that night, when the house was quiet and the wind sighed between the roof tiles, he went down to the old warehouse. Opened the metal box inherited from the past—which locked foreign symbols, and the blue crystal necklace that slowly glowed.
> "Too fast… but the world forced it to rise," he muttered.
*****
In his room, Bima reopened his notebook. He redrawn the symbol that Jaguar had seen. But this time, his hand was steadier. More precise. As if… someone was guiding him.
The wind blew through the closed window. The candle in the corner of the table lit itself. And the symbol on the paper… shone. For a moment, then went out.
> "Who am I, if even the mirror doesn't recognize me?"
The question hung. There was no answer. Only the silent night sky outside the window, and the small heartbeat that the universe could no longer deny.
****
End of chapter quote:
> "Wounds don't always bleed. Some become stone in the chest, and become an indelible carving of fate."