"Waaah..."
The room in front of me was simple—but clean and tidy. The floor was covered in light brown ceramic tiles, and the ivory-white walls gave off a calming vibe. A small two-seater sofa sat against one wall, facing a tiny wooden coffee table. A small kitchen occupied the left corner, consisting of a single-burner stove and a hanging wooden shelf. On the right side, a door led to the bedroom and bathroom.
No luxury items.
No expensive paintings.
No sparkling chandeliers.
But this was my place.
"Dad actually prepared everything..." I murmured softly as I stepped inside.
The unit was already set up. Maybe Dad had someone decorate it beforehand. Even though it was modest, the place felt warm. Thin cream curtains swayed gently from the breeze coming through the slightly open window. A subtle scent of wood soap lingered from the floor.
Honestly, I had hoped to set it all up myself—deciding where the shelves would go, picking the bed sheets, hanging up the coat rack... But it's okay. I know Dad just wanted me to feel comfortable. And for that, I'm grateful.
---
After a while, we started unpacking the suitcases and arranging things. Auntie Lily and I entered the bedroom—a simple space with a single bed, a two-door wardrobe, and a small study desk by the window.
"Look at the view from here, Auntie. There's a mango tree behind the neighbor's house!"
"Wow, you're right. Maybe you'll even spot some birds later. It's such a peaceful place."
"And it's not too far from school. It's perfect."
We laughed together as we folded clothes into the closet. I even rolled my socks and sorted them by color—such a simple thing, yet it felt special because it was all mine.
---
Night came.
Auntie Lily stepped into the kitchen and started opening the cabinets one by one, checking the cooking utensils.
"Looks like we've got enough to work with. We can make something light for dinner."
"I'll help, Auntie. I can peel the carrots!"
We laughed. I wore the apron I brought from home—a birthday gift from Mom. It was soft yellow with a pattern of tiny flowers. I helped Auntie cook a simple vegetable soup and an omelet. It may not have been restaurant-worthy, but it already smelled delicious.
While chopping potatoes, I suddenly paused.
"I used to help Mom cook. She liked to make stir-fried green beans or steamed rice cakes with me."
Auntie turned to me with a warm smile. "Your mom would be happy to know you remember all that. And look at you now—already helping in the kitchen. Just a little more and you'll be an expert."
I nodded slowly. The feeling of missing her crept in quietly, but tonight felt too warm to cry.
We sat down at the small dining table by the window. The night breeze brought the sound of crickets from afar.
"Mmhh... this is so good, Auntie."
"This is our cooking—seasoned with love and the spirit of a new beginning."
I chuckled. "I like it here, Auntie. It feels light… warm… and I can breathe freely."
"I'm glad. Starting tomorrow, I'll help you get used to living in this apartment. Until you're truly ready to be on your own."
I set my spoon down and bowed my head slightly while still seated.
"Thank you, Auntie… I'll be counting on you, Teacher."
Auntie Lily laughed warmly and patted my head.
"With pleasure, my little student."
We continued dinner with laughter, stories, and a warmth I never thought I'd find in a new place.
Turns out, the feeling of "home"… can exist anywhere.
As long as there's someone who loves you.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
Morning sunlight slipped through the gaps in the curtain, gently greeting my sleeping face. I stirred a little, then opened my eyes. The white ceiling above still felt unfamiliar… but now, it was beginning to feel like mine.
I got out of bed, brushed off the blanket, and stepped out of the room. The delicious aroma from the kitchen welcomed me instantly.
"Auntie… you're already up?" I asked while rubbing my eyes.
Auntie Lily was standing at the stove, stirring something in a pan. She turned to me with a warm smile.
"Morning, Raeya. Yes, I'm making breakfast. Want to help?"
"Of course! I want to learn how to cook too!"
I grabbed the apron from the hook and tied it around my waist. My face was still crumpled from sleep, but my spirit was bright.
Today—and from now on—are my days to learn... to learn how to live on my own, with Auntie Lily always by my side—patient, kind, and full of love.
---
A few days passed.
Every morning, Auntie and I cooked together. Sometimes it was an omelet, sometimes vegetable soup, sometimes just simple toast. But it all tasted delicious, because we made it while laughing and sharing stories.
We also gradually tidied up the apartment—sweeping, mopping, organizing books, washing dishes, scrubbing the bathroom, sorting things. I did it all with my own two hands.
And today… we finally finished everything.
I dropped myself onto the small sofa in the living room. "Phew… finally done…"
Auntie Lily appeared from the kitchen with a tray holding two cups of warm tea and a small plate of cookies.
"So, Raeya? Was it fun?" she asked as she sat beside me.
I took my cup and breathed in the soothing aroma.
"I'm so tired… cleaning up every day is hard. But still… it was fun. It feels like… I really live here now."
"I'm glad to hear that. That's how it is when you live on your own—you have to take care of everything. But you've come so far. I'm proud of you. You're going to be an amazing independent girl."
I turned to her and gave a small smile. "Thank you, Auntie…"
"Oh, and today we're baking again—to share with the neighbors. We have to be friendly and build good relationships. When we're kind, others will help us when we need it."
I nodded enthusiastically. "Alright! Hmm… what should we make today?"
"Chocolate cake, of course. The one you said was super yummy the other day."
"Waaah! I can't wait!"
We chatted while sipping tea and munching on the cookies. Our laughter floated through the air, blending with the sunlight that warmed the room.
---
By noon, we started preparing the batter.
I weighed the flour, and Auntie melted the chocolate. Once the mixture was ready, we poured it into a pan and baked it together. The smell of cake filled the entire apartment.
When it was done, we cut the cake into small pieces, then arranged them neatly in little boxes with ribbons on top.
We went door to door, visiting a few neighbors—knocking gently and greeting them with a smile.
Now, we stood in front of door number 202.
Knock, knock.
A moment later, the door opened. A kind-looking woman greeted us with a warm smile.
"Oh! Auntie Lily! Raeya! Come in, thank you for the cake!"
"You're welcome. We made it together. Hope you enjoy it."
We stepped inside. The living room was simple but cozy. In the corner, there was a baby playpen, where a little boy played with stuffed animals.
I sat on the sofa, watching the child with sparkling eyes.
"Waaah, he's so adorable… How old is he, ma'am?"
"Just over a year old. His name's Yuda. He loves having guests."
Yuda looked at me with wide eyes, then giggled. I couldn't help but smile. My heart felt warm.
It wasn't the first time we'd visited. We'd made an effort to connect with our neighbors—and they were all kind and welcoming.
I joined in the conversation, laughed, and smiled. I was starting to feel more comfortable talking to people. Auntie always said, "Opening your heart to your surroundings is part of growing up."
And now…
I was beginning to understand what she meant.