13. The Prince and Princess
The students all lowered their heads, writing diligently. Their teacher, Ms. Tati, continued to walk up and down the aisles. Going from desk to desk, she could see that the students’ writing papers were filling up.
A student wrote diligently: “…Everyone seems to really love me. I also have many friends, we’re happy every day. Happy at school, happy at home, I am really thankful to God…”
Another student wrote diligently: “…Every Sunday, our family always goes out of town. We go by car and stay everywhere. Puncak, Bandung, Tanjung Lesung…”
The other students were also writing diligently: “...It's so nice…”, “…always getting a gift…”, “…There is older brother, there is sister, there is grandmother…”, “…our family is all together…”
Sandra placed her head on the table, covering her blank sheet of paper. Her eyes were open, as if she was looking at something, but inside her mind.
***
Sandra was in bed, Marti was reading her a story.
So, in the end, the Prince and Princess entered the palace and were greeted by the King and Queen, along with the entire court. They were ushered to the balcony where the people greeted them with loud cheers. The Prince kissed the Princess on the cheek. Now they were husband and wife, and would live happily ever after.
"Will the Prince and Princess ever have children, Mama?"
"Well, the story ends here, Sandra. I don't know if they will have children or not."
Also read:
> Marti & Sandra (10)
> Marti & Sandra (9)
"Sandra wants to hear a story about their children."
"Ah, Prince and Princess have parents, too. They are the children of the King and Queen.”
“Do the children of the King and Queen always live happily ever after?”
"That's how it is in fairy tales, Sandra."
"Do the Prince and Princess really exist?"
Marti kissed Sandra's forehead.
"You're my Princess, Sandra."
”Mama, the Queen?”
”Yes, Mama the Queen.”
”Where’s the King?”
Marti swallowed, then stroked Sandra's head.
“Sandra, life is not always like a fairy tale. We can live without a King in our palace.”
***
Sandra woke up. There was only light from the gap in the door. She got off the bed. She heard a soft cry.
Sandra opened the door. The light in the previously darkened living room grew brighter.
Marti sank into a chair. It was Marti who was crying in the chair. She covered her face with both hands.
Mama, why are you crying, Mama?
Sandra looked at her mother.
"Mama, why are you crying, Mama?"
Marti lifted her face, realizing that Sandra was standing in front of her. Her cheeks were wet. She hugged Sandra and continued to cry, which sounded painful like a groan, like a long wound. Sandra stroked her mother's hair.
"Mama, don't cry Mama..."
This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo.
