Present
The flight boarded at the Malaysian airport. Aylin’s mind drifted to Ariam and Ayla; it’s been 15 days, she knew he handled everything, but she still didn’t know who he really was. After what happened in the forest, she understood that he had returned to her sister because she saw so much love in his eyes. She knew he loved her.
She slipped past immigration, clutching her Aria Solis passport with the Malaysian flag stamped across her na. With her cap and mask still on, and her glasses perched on her nose, she quickly tucked the passport into her pocket. As she made her way to the baggage carousel, she kept an eye out for her bag. When it finally rolled around, she grabbed it and headed out of the airport.
She knew where she had to go because Reyes had arranged everything for her. Just as she was about to call a cab, one pulled up in front of her. The driver stepped out and held a sign that read, "Aria Solis." She nodded at the driver and took the mobile he offered her.
Holding it to her ear, she heard Reyes’s voice. "Hey, did you reach safely?"
"Yeah," she replied.
"Good. Trust this guy and get in the car. We’ll talk once you’re inside," Reyes instructed.
She nodded at the driver, who opened the door for her. After she got in, he placed her bag in the backseat before sitting in the driver’s seat and starting the car.
While the car was moving, she told Reyes, "I’m inside the car."
"Good. From now on, you’re Aria Solis. I have a friend whose sister will help you. Her na is Nora, and she works at a small café. She has already talked to the manager, and you will start working there tomorrow. Today is your rest day, but rember not to co back until it’s safe here. If you see any danger, call imdiately. If you want to talk to , let Nora know, and she will relay the ssage. Understood?"
"Yeah," she replied.
After the call ended, she handed the mobile back to the driver.
After thirty minutes of driving, the car suddenly stopped in front of a building. It wasn’t too old or new. She stepped out, and a girl was waiting for her at the entrance, smiling.
Aylin thought to herself, "Why is she smiling? Do I look like a clown?"
But nevertheless, she smiled back. "Aria, right?" the girl asked.
"Yes, and you must be Nora?" Aylin replied.
"Yessss!" Nora said, grinning widely, which made Aylin wonder, "Is there sothing wrong with her? Why is she smiling like that?"
anwhile, the driver placed her bag at her side before driving off. Aylin reached for her bag, but Nora grabbed it first, saying, "It’s your first day; let do that for you!" She was still grinning, and Aylin thought that perhaps it was just her habit to smile like this.
Aylin nodded and smiled in return so as not to seem rude.
They walked into the building, and Nora pressed the elevator button. The doors swung open as if they were waiting for them. Aylin entered first, followed by Nora. After five minutes, they arrived on the third floor. The building wasn’t large; it had only two apartnts on each floor. Nora walked toward the right apartnt, set down Aylin’s bag, and took out her keys, opening the door for them both to enter.
As Aylin stepped inside, she was hit by the sll of a place that hadn’t been cleaned in several days. Clothes were strewn about, a bra was hanging on the sofa, and, most surprisingly, there were boys’ clothes too, not just clothing, but a pair of boxers and a used condom placed right on the sofa. She made a disgusted face, as if she was about to vomit.
Nora watched her reaction and said, "Uh, I’m sorry. It’s uhh... my boyfriend, uhh, he ca last night, he was uhhh, He, umm, no, I an we did, and he was in such a hurry, he had an urgent eting, so he left early today. Then my brother called to say you were coming, so I didn’t have ti to tidy up. I’m really sorry. I’ll clean the ss, don’t worry." She paused in each sentence, as if her mother were standing in front of her instead of Aylin.
After a long pause, she added, "Um, that will be your room," pointing toward the room next to the kitchen. Aylin nodded, took her bag from Nora, and went to her room.
Entering, she breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank God," she whispered. This room was clean.
Exhausted, she placed her bag to the side and threw herself onto the bed.
*****
Two years later
The café was filled with the sll of roasted coffee and wet pavent.
The espresso machine was hissing away as cups slid across the counter in a smooth routine. Outside, Kuala Lumpur was buzzing with life: cars honked, scooters zipped through traffic, and voices blended into a constant background noise. Inside, it was a bit of organized chaos.
Aylin moved around like she fit right in.
With her apron tied tight around her waist, hair pulled back neatly, and sleeves rolled up just right to keep them dry, she worked quickly, grinding, pouring, wiping down surfaces, and smiling, never staying in one spot for too long.
"Order up!"
She pushed a caral latte forward and effortlessly grabbed the next cup without missing a beat.
"Aria." She turned right away. She recognized this na well after two years there.
Madam Suri was at the register, a tablet tucked under her arm, her eyes sharp but calm.
"Yes, ma’am?" Aylin said.
"After your shift, help Raya with the supply count."
"Yes, ma’am."
There were no questions or doubts. Madam Suri nodded briefly and walked off.
Raya leaned in and lowered her voice. "You’re seriously the most disciplined person I know."
Aylin smiled a little. "It’s just a habit."
She didn’t go into detail. So habits stick with you.
As the rush died down and the afternoon dragged on, tourists left, and students ca in, taking over the corner tables with their laptops and headphones. The rain started again, tapping on the glass like impatient fingers.
Aylin wiped the counter, her eyes drifting to her reflection in the window without even thinking.
Still there. Still safe.
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