That day, for the first time, Arka stepped into the Alister family mansion.His eyes widened the moment they passed through the gates, staring at the wide yard with neatly arranged trees."Wow, Han… is this a house or a hotel?" he whispered, shifting his backpack.
Yohanes chuckled. "You'll get used to it if you come here often."
"Wait, OFTEN? I'm going to come here often?!" Arka whistled in amazement. "I could live here forever!"
Inside, Una greeted them with a wide smile. "So this is Arka? Yohanes's friend?"
Arka froze for a moment, then quickly nodded. "Yes, Ma'am… uh, I mean… Miss? Or what should I call you?"
Una covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "Just call me Una. Sit down, you both must be thirsty."
At the dining table, the atmosphere quickly warmed up. Jovian, who was usually distant, looked at Arka with curious eyes. "So this is your friend, Han?" he asked, then turned to Arka. "You talk a lot."
Arka grinned. "If I don't, Yohanes would be too stressed. I'm like his ventilation."
Effendi entered the room just in time, raising an eyebrow. "Ventilation, huh? Interesting. Good, Han—you have a friend who makes you laugh."
Everyone laughed, and Arka felt warmly welcomed. For once, the grand mansion didn't feel intimidating, but homely.
At school, Yohanes's life slowly began to change.Not all students came close to him right away, but whispers about "the boy who lives in a mansion" spread around. Yohanes tried not to care, choosing to walk with Arka as usual.
One afternoon, after class ended, Raka approached Yohanes hesitantly. No one had expected it—the quiet boy who always sat in the corner was now standing in front of him.
"I… I want to say something, Han," he said softly. Arka turned his head as well.
Raka lowered his gaze, his voice almost trembling. "I'm sorry. All this time, I stayed quiet when you were bullied. I saw everything, but I didn't dare to move. I feel guilty."
Yohanes looked at him for a long moment. There was something genuine in Raka's face—it wasn't just formality.
"I understand," Yohanes answered gently. "Silence is also a form of fear. But thank you for speaking now."
Raka lifted his head, their eyes meeting, and for the first time, Yohanes felt that Raka wasn't just a shadow in the class. Raka introduced himself with more conviction: "My name is Raka. From now on… if you need something, Han, I'll try to be there."
Meanwhile, Kia also began to open the door she had kept shut for so long.One afternoon, she walked up to Yohanes, who was sitting alone in the school garden. The wind tousled her hair, and her gaze was more serious than usual.
"Han…" Kia took a breath. "I've known about you… for a long time."
Yohanes turned to her, confused. Kia continued, "My parents… they were close friends of your late parents. Since you were little, I often heard your name at home. I wanted to introduce myself, but I was afraid I'd look strange. I… just didn't want you to feel alone."
Her words echoed deeply in Yohanes's heart. For the first time, the unspoken secret between them came out. He didn't know what to say, except to whisper thank you with a shaky voice. Kia gave a faint smile, as if a long-held burden had finally been lifted.
The following days at school felt different.Arka, with his usual jokes, made their small circle more alive. Raka, once quiet, slowly joined the conversations, though still awkward. Kia grew braver in showing her care.
Yohanes realized that, for the first time since all the tragedy, school wasn't just a place of wounds anymore—it was also a place where new friendships grew. He began to believe that maybe, just maybe, he could find a sense of home, even outside the Alister mansion.
The Family I Found
That afternoon, light rain fell over the Alister family mansion. The air was cold, but there was a warmth I couldn't explain. After everything with Davka, it felt like a huge weight had finally been lifted from my shoulders. His shadow no longer pressed on my chest. All that remained was this big house… and the people inside it.
I stepped into the family room. The fireplace was lit, orange light glowing across the marble walls. Jovian jumped up from the sofa and ran straight toward me."Han! You're finally back!" he shouted, grabbing my arm as if I had just returned from a battlefield. "I thought you would… well, you know, be beaten up."
I chuckled softly. "Just a few scratches."
From her seat, Una turned and gave a small smile. "A few? That cut on your cheek doesn't look small, Han."
I scratched the back of my neck, embarrassed. "Just a scrape."
Deon, sitting calmly in his father's chair, closed his tablet and looked straight at me. "What matters isn't the wound, but your courage. You managed to trap him. That's more than most people at school could do."
His words warmed my chest. I could only nod quietly, shy at receiving such praise.
Then Efendi, who had been silent in his rocking chair near the window, folded his newspaper. His voice was raspy but full of authority."When I was your age, Han, I also faced someone who thought the world belonged only to him. You know the difference? I fought alone. And it nearly destroyed me. You… you have a family here."
I froze. That word—family. So simple, yet it had always felt distant from me. I looked at Efendi, and before I knew it, my lips trembled. "Thank you, Grandpa…"
The room went silent for a moment. Jovian covered his mouth with both hands, his eyes wide. "What did you just say? Grandpa?!"
Una smiled, her eyes sparkling. "It seems we just heard something important."
My cheeks burned. But I repeated it, this time with more certainty."Yes… Grandpa. If I may… I'd like to call you that. Because… that's what I feel now."
Efendi smiled widely, his aged eyes brimming with tears. He stood, walked toward me, and put his arm firmly around my shoulders. "This boy… finally knows where he belongs."
Behind us, Gibson rose to his feet. His voice was deep, firm, yet full of warmth."Then I don't mind if you call me Father too. Because from the first day you walked into this house, I knew you weren't just a guest."
Nadine, who had been sitting quietly on the sofa with her hands folded, added softly, "And me, Han… you may call me Mother. Because no mother would ever let her child fight alone."
I couldn't hold back my tears. Their words pierced my heart, but not with pain—with acceptance. It was like a long-locked door had finally been opened wide.
I bowed my head, fighting sobs. "Father… Mother… thank you. I… I don't know how I can ever repay this."
Deon stood and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Simply by standing with us. That's more than enough."
Una added warmly, "And you may call me Sister. Because I don't mind having a stubborn little brother like you."
I laughed through my tears, then turned to Jovian, who was still pretending to sulk."You too, Jovi. You're my most annoying little brother."
"Hey! I was here first!" Jovian protested, though his cheeks turned red with joy. "But… fine. I'll take it. As long as you don't forget my share if there's extra toast."
Everyone laughed. The room filled with a sound I had never truly felt before. Not just laughter—but the sound of family.
I wiped my still-wet eyes. "I… I don't know what else to say. But I know one thing. I'm not alone anymore."
Efendi patted my shoulder once more. "That's right, Han. From this day on, you're not just Yohanes. You're Yohanes Alister."
And at that moment, I believed it. I had truly come home.
The First Feast as a Family
That night, the Alister family dining room felt different from usual. The crystal chandelier above reflected warm light over the long table draped with a white cloth. The aroma of cream soup, toasted bread, and roasted chicken filled the air, comforting after days full of tension.
I sat in the chair that was usually empty, right between Jovian and Una. It felt strange—like this seat had always been meant for me.
At the head of the table, Efendi straightened his back and opened dinner with his distinct voice."Tonight we celebrate something. Not just a small victory over a reckless boy named Davka… but Yohanes's victory over his loneliness."
Everyone turned toward me. I immediately lowered my head, my cheeks burning."Grandpa… I didn't do it alone."
"True," Deon interrupted, his face serious. "But you were still the one who stood in the storm. That takes courage."
Nadine smiled warmly, ladling soup into my bowl. "Then let this dinner mark the moment. From today on, this table isn't complete because the seats are filled… but because the hearts are full."
I was almost speechless. "Thank you, Ma'am… I mean, Mother." The word felt awkward on my tongue, but it made everyone smile.
Jovian immediately nudged my arm. "Well then, Han, you have to accept the consequences of being part of this family."
I glared at him. "What consequences?"
"If there's Math homework, it's your job! I'll tell the teacher, 'My brother Han is smart!'" Jovian laughed so hard his soup almost spilled.
Una shook her head with a long sigh. "Jovi… you really know how to take advantage of the moment."
I laughed too, though I grumbled. "I didn't sign any contract, Jovi!"
Their laughter was contagious.
Gibson, who had been sitting quietly with a faint smile, finally spoke. "You know, Han… this is the first time I've seen everyone at this table laughing so freely in a long time. Even Una and Deon, usually too busy with their own serious matters."
He looked at me with meaning. "That's because you brought something into this house. Not problems, but life."
I swallowed hard. His words felt heavy, but also sweet. "I… I just want to be with you all. Nothing more."
Efendi tapped his spoon gently on his glass. "And that's already more than enough, son."
Dinner went on warmly. Jovian kept bragging about how amazing I was against Davka, Una corrected his exaggerations like a sister who knew all my flaws, while Deon occasionally nodded with short comments like "exactly" or "next time, be more tactical."
Nadine didn't stop making sure my plate was full, even when I protested."Mother, I'm full…""Your 'full' can't be trusted," she replied, still adding chicken to my plate.I gave up. "Alright, but this is the last one.""Yes, the last… for now," she teased with a playful smile.
And Jovian chimed in, "See? Welcome to food heaven—or maybe food hell—Brother Han!"
Everyone laughed again.
Amid the noise, I looked around. Candle flames flickered, shadows danced on the walls. But at this table, I didn't feel any shadows threatening me. For the first time in so long, I felt… home.
I straightened my back and looked at each of them one by one."Thank you. For accepting me. For letting me call you Father, Mother, Grandpa, Sister, and… Brother. I will never forget this night."
The room fell silent for a moment. Then slowly, Efendi raised his glass."To Yohanes. Not a guest, not an outsider. But family."
Everyone raised their glasses, even Jovian with his orange juice. "To my brother Yohanes!"
We drank together, and I knew—in that moment, a new chapter of my life had truly begun.
A Conversation Between Two Generations
Dinner was over. Empty glasses and clean plates had already been cleared away by the staff. The house grew quiet, only the sound of the clock and the night breeze coming through the large dining room window could be heard.
I was about to head to my room when Efendi stopped me."Han," his voice was soft yet firm, "come keep Grandpa company on the porch for a while."
I nodded. We walked slowly outside to the wooden porch facing the back garden. The full moon hung high in the sky, its light falling on the trees, making the night look like a painting.
Efendi sat in his old rocking chair, while I took the seat beside him. For a moment, we sat in silence, listening to the sound of crickets and leaves brushing against each other.
"You know, Han," Efendi said, breaking the silence, "that dinner table tonight reminded me of the past."
I turned to him, waiting for him to continue.
"Your father once sat in that same chair. Just as awkward, just as unsure of how to place himself in this big family."
My chest tightened instantly. "My father… sat there?"
Efendi smiled faintly. "Yes. He also needed time to truly feel accepted. But in the end, he found his place. Just like you did tonight."
I clasped my hands together, holding back tears. "Grandpa… I often feel like a stranger. At school, at my old house, even among my friends. But here… I'm afraid this is only temporary. That one day I'll lose it all again."
Efendi turned to me, his eyes sharp yet full of kindness. He gently patted my shoulder."Listen carefully, Han. Loss is part of life. But a true home isn't walls or a dining table. A true home is the people who decide not to leave, no matter what happens."
I looked down, my voice hoarse. "So… my home is here?"
Efendi nodded firmly. "Yes. You're part of this family, not out of pity, but by choice. We chose you, Han. And more importantly… you chose us."
Tears rolled down my face. "I… I'm afraid of disappointing you."
Efendi chuckled softly, his old voice trembling. "Then welcome to the club. Because all of us, every single day, are afraid of disappointing the people we love. That's not weakness, Han. That's proof you care."
I looked at him for a long time. There was a steadiness in his wrinkled face—a man who had been through many storms yet remained standing.
"Grandpa…" my voice was small, "if my father were still alive, do you think… he'd be proud of me?"
Silence hung for a moment. The wind blew, rustling the leaves. Then Efendi looked straight into my eyes, his voice deep."Han, if your father could see you standing here today—facing your fears, protecting your friends, and choosing to stay true to yourself—he wouldn't just be proud. He'd stand beside you, pat your shoulder, and say: 'That's my son.'"
I covered my face with my hands, unable to hold back my tears. Efendi said nothing more. He simply reached for my hand, holding it tightly, as if to say without words: You're not alone.
That night, under the moonlight and the gentle creak of the rocking chair, I truly believed for the first time—I had a home.
In an Embrace That Returned
That night, after my long talk with Efendi, I finally fell asleep with my heart still trembling. His words kept echoing in my head: "A true home is the people who decide not to leave."
I didn't know what time it was when I found myself in a strange place—a wide green field under a soft, golden-orange evening sky. A gentle breeze blew, carrying the familiar scent of damp earth.
In the middle of that field, two figures stood with their backs to me. My heart pounded wildly. I knew those silhouettes—the strong shoulders of a man I only ever described from photographs, and the long hair of a woman whose shadow I'd searched for in my dreams.
"...Father? Mother?" My voice cracked, barely daring to come out.
They turned around. The same smiles from my memories—or perhaps even warmer than I had ever imagined. My father wore a simple white shirt; my mother wore a light blue dress that swayed gently in the wind.
My legs trembled. I ran, and they opened their arms wide. My body fell into their embrace, and suddenly I was a child again. I could feel my father's warm chest, my mother's soft scent—not just shadows, but real.
"Han…" my mother's voice quivered, soft like a lullaby. "We're proud of you."
Tears burst from my eyes. "I missed you… I was scared… I've been alone for so long…"
My father patted my shoulder calmly. "You're not alone. You stood up. You chose. That means you've already continued what we began."
I held their hands tightly, as if afraid they would vanish. "I… I have a home again now. They accepted me. The Alister family…"
My mother smiled, her eyes wet. "That's no coincidence, Han. God placed you there so you would know—love doesn't only come from blood. A home can grow from the heart."
I cried in their arms, feeling the peace that had been gone for so long. For the first time since they left, I didn't feel empty.
But slowly, the light around us began to fade. Their faces blurred, their embrace began to slip away.
"Don't go… please…" I reached for them.
My father looked at me one last time, firm yet full of love. "You're strong enough now, Han. Don't look back. Your path is ahead."
My mother kissed my forehead softly, her voice almost a whisper. "We're always with you, in every step."
And suddenly, they were gone.
I woke up with tears soaking my pillow, my breath uneven, but my chest warm—as if their embrace was still there.
I sat at the edge of my bed, looking at the window glowing with the first light of dawn. For the first time in a long time, I wasn't crying from loss. I was crying because I finally believed: they had never truly left.