Shattered Vows

Sad News.

June 2, 2014.

Without hesitation, Fathia ran through the school corridor. Drops of sweat had already started forming on her forehead. She didn't care. Her mind was solely focused on the principal's office. They said... someone was sent from her father's office.

Since yesterday, she had been feeling restless. And until she finished breakfast, she hadn't received any news from the people she cared about. Usually, her older brother diligently contacted her whenever he had a chance. Ah, perhaps they were all busy with their own affairs.

That's what Fathia tried to reassure herself with. She tried her best to concentrate on all the exams until... the call for her arrived.

Her heart raced, and her eyes made sure once again that she was heading to the right place. Throughout her time at Bina Nusantara School, she had never set foot in this room. She only visited the teachers' room a few times, and that too with specific purposes. Delivering assignments and other instructions from her homeroom teacher.

It took her a few minutes to calm her racing heart and catch her breath, a consequence of her earlier sprint. Feeling composed enough, she mustered the courage to knock on the perfectly carved wooden door; Head Master, at its center.

"Good afternoon, sir," greeted Fathia when she was finally inside the rather large room. She was only allowed in after being invited. Her eyes wandered slightly, trying to hide her nervousness. Fathia didn't want to move from her position near the doorway just yet. To the right, she was presented with a large glass door cabinet full of numerous trophies and certificates of appreciation. Fathia's school was considered one of the top schools in all of New York City.

She immediately lowered her gaze when Horrison Stone turned to face her.

"Ah, Fathia," Horrison cleared his throat briefly. He glanced at his interlocutor for a moment and then continued speaking. "Please, have a seat, dear."

Fathia complied, and as she settled into her seat, her forehead furrowed in confusion. She knew this man, but what was the matter?

"Fathia," called the man.

"Sebastian." Somehow, the uneasy feeling she had been experiencing intensified in her chest. "What's going on?"

What Fathia received was not an immediate response, but rather an exchange of glances between the principal and the man she knew as her beloved brother's fiancé; Sebastian Sachdev.

"Please... pay close attention to this news and," Sebastian paused for a moment, feeling the pain he had been holding back since earlier. Especially when he pronounced a name that stirred his emotions. "Your parents and... Felice," Sebastian closed his eyes briefly, feeling the ache he had been carrying. Especially when he uttered the name that touched a deep place within him. "Were involved in an accident last night."

Fathia didn't blink. She just stared at Sebastian without a break. Absorbing all the words she had just heard.

"And... they all passed away on the spot."

***

Funeral.

June 3, 2014.

The drizzle didn't bother the girl wearing a black dress. She stood resolute among three neatly covered mounds. Beautiful flowers were scattered over them, each bearing a name that made her part of the family.

The glasses she wore merely served to conceal her swollen eyes from crying. Especially when the funeral car arrived at their grand residence. She wailed, screamed hysterically until she passed out several times. But still, the three people she loved so much would never wake up to greet her again. They lay stiff, facing God with happiness.

Left behind was Fathia, still very young, facing the world alone. The ground she had stood upon felt shattered without any support, especially when Sebastian delivered this sad news. Fathia's collapse worsened when, for the last time, she was allowed to look at her three family members: Papa, Mommy, and her beloved sister, Felice.

"Miss, have some milk first," offered Naomi a moment before they all headed to the funeral. Since yesterday, Fathia hadn't eaten or drunk anything. Everything tasted bland and filled her up at the same time.

"No, Auntie. I don't want to," Fathia refused while wiping her tears. Family members, whether from her father's or mother's side, started arriving. They all hugged Fathia and conveyed their condolences. Fathia still couldn't believe that everything had happened so quickly.

She recalled the night before when Felice had reminded her to be careful during exams. If her grades were good, a reward of a vacation to Bahama awaited her. Fathia pouted because the same reward had been given last year too; a vacation to Bali.

If she remembered correctly, that night her parents had given her many pieces of advice. From taking care of her health, not forgetting to eat regularly, to one thing that disturbed her now.

"Fathia must be a strong woman. Face everything that comes your way. Never think about giving up. The Claire family never surrenders, Fathia. You must remember that," Alvin Mehram Claire said while lovingly patting Fathia's head. His gaze was gentle yet firm.

"Fathia is Papa's daughter. You won't easily give up like Kak Felice, who often wins tenders, right?"

Alvin chuckled, touching Fathia's chin with affection. "You're right. Be like Felice. But remember one thing. Papa prefers you to live life the way you want in your heart."

Fathia furrowed her brow, and it deepened when her father continued.

"Because your heart knows best where to find peace."

"I don't understand, Dad." That was true. Fathia didn't understand this. Her thoughts were only about school, engaging in activities she chose to fill her spare time, and coming back home. Her life was not colorful. It was just normal. Even for a fifteen-year-old teenager, having a close friend of the opposite gender held no interest for her. It was entirely different from her friends.

Their conversations never strayed far from, "Look, he's so handsome, right? Our Student Council President?"

"You don't need to understand. Someday you will. Just remember Papa's words, okay?" Alvin gazed at Fathia intently. Finally, the youngest daughter nodded and smiled slightly, affirming her father's request.

What she never expected was that it would be the last message before they parted ways in different worlds.

Once again, Fathia wiped her tears. The memory weighed heavily on her.

"Let's go home," someone said, making Fathia turn. She had to look up since the man beside her was towering. He had a sturdy build, especially with his black shirt that got a bit dirty at the bottom. During the funeral procession, he didn't hesitate to help with lowering each casket into its final resting place.

"I'll be fine alone, Sebastian," Fathia replied as she tended to her parents' graves, slightly crouching as she wanted to reminisce a little longer.

"I'll accompany you," he replied.

Fathia turned again, and indeed, Sebastian was there too. Standing beside her. "Kak Sebastian, you should go home. I want to be alone."

"I won't let you be alone."