Stale Air Behind the Curtain

It's been 40 months since Indra was elected without any movements detected by those developers. Maybe the radar is broken? Maybe the surveillance team slacks off too much? Or is there really nothing at all? There is nothing to be found. The trio's investigation results are a benchmark for the conspiracy community: solid proof, good writing, and, in a sense, understandable.

Bayu has finished making two thousand doormats from recycled garments, long-term work, and long-term pay.

"Good morning, ma'am. I sent the last batch of production today through drone delivery: a box filled with 50 doormats. Thank you for your trust. I hope that our partnership will continue and grow. Please send that message to her. I'm counting on you, drone!"

"Understood!"

For the past three years, Agatha has been a private investigator with the help of a humanoid droid called Yeni. Somehow, they're able to befriend each other. She's pretty serious about her work; unlike her previous investigation, she actually uses her skills to the max.

"Tha, what're you doing?"

"Recreating a picture from 3 days ago. I saw it on the news, but I never thought that the picture held important evidence…. And… Done!"

"Oh yeah, it makes sense now. With your ability, if all evidences happen to be gone or destroyed, you can draw them-"

"NO! Please no! It's annoying to draw them!"

Iwan? He's still at his home, healing 10 patients a day. Lately, there are more psychotherapy patients than expected. His ears have adapted to stories of his patients having traumatic experiences, betrayal, stress, and addiction to social media. Today, one of his clients is sharing her story; Iwan can only hear it, consult if necessary, and have internal monologues."

"Good morning, mas iwan; how are you?"

"I'm good, how about you?"

"I'm a bit stressed out with my relationship. My stress has decreased significantly thanks to your healing, so I'm ready to tell you the whole story."

"That's great. Make sure to stay calm. Let out your emotion but control it so it won't overwhelm you."

"Yes, so I have a boyfriend named Basuki. That a-… uhm, *cough*. I'm sorry… We've been together for a year. I'm also close with his family. We first met at a coffee shop; he helped me study math. My math exam results are good, thanks to him. Slowly, we got closer, chatted, helped with assignments, and taught each other new stuff! He taught me about constellations, how to find the north star, use a telescope, and see planets and stars together. We often stargaze in the park, and if we want to see more stars, we go to either Pakem or Rongkop. I also got to know his family; he lives at Pakuncen Merapi View apartment. Her mom told me to please take good care of my son; he's a good and kindhearted kid. I always pray that your relationship goes well. I answered her yes, I promise to take good care of him, I love him, ma'am."

“(You shouldn’t have promised her. Except if you marry him.)”

"I regret that answer until today… As our relationship gets closer, there's another girl. With my status as Basuki's childhood friend, I was sure that he wouldn't cheat. Yet he cheated. He only knew that girl for a week and still chose her! What's wrong with him?! Her face is even worse than mine! Her character, her attitude, her behaviour, her manners! All are lacking. The first time he cheated, I let it slide, believing that he wouldn't fall for her. Then the second time. I asked him whether he wanted to continue our relationship, and he said yes. He said that I'm his world, his only lover, and she will not let me go from his arms. Then comes the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh!"

“(What a gracious girl… Basuki got issues for sure.)”

"It's absurd! Unthinkable! Why would he fall for that s-… Uhm, my apologies. What makes this even worse is that despite having cheated me seven times already, he can't let me go! He! Can't! let! Me! go! Why won't he let me go already and have fun with his new girlfriend?! That promise is burdening me. I want to let him go, but he refuses!"

"Have you told this to his parents?"

"No… I don't want to break their heart."

"Which one is more important to you? Your heart or his? If you want to move on, let him go, tell his parents, and done! Don't worry about breaking his parents' hearts; it's their son; they will handle their son just fine."

"But It's painful to let him go! Do you even know how that feels?"

"As a man with no romantic experiences, zero girlfriend, and a waifu. I know nothing. But that's how a romantic relationship is; it's pleasing and suffering between a girlfriend and a boyfriend. Not wife and husband, as that would be really hard to solve… What does a romantic relationship mean to you?"

"You date with someone, experience warmth and love."

"I see; for me, it's a way of learning how to love and be loved. To give and receive love, learn how to compromise, and learn how to be loyal. This way, you will know different types of people who will be suitable for your husband. While unmarried, enjoy the privilege of breaking up and letting go. That privilege is no longer when you're married to someone; it's doable but with serious consequences."

"I see; thank you for your time. I feel relieved now."

"That's good!"

"What are you going to do after this?"

"Exploring the map. It kills my boredom instantly."

"Hehe, alright then, bye!"

"Bye!"

"Time to put the last pin on Mapped. I'm genuinely surprised that Agatha has become a serious detective. When money is on the line, change is inevitable. I hope this three-year-old map from that meeting still stands. There are 90 spots now, and even numbers… A bad omen, at least that's what my parents told me. It's time to chat, Agatha."

Iwan: I've put the last dot; thank you for updating the map.

Agatha: No problem! It's disturbing to see that the 3-year-old map started with 12 dots and now has 90.

Agatha: I hope nothing terrible will happen.

Iwan: Relax, nothing terrible has happened for 3 years and 4 months—just more dot.

Agatha: I guess you're right. Indra said on TV this morning that he had found dangerous land developers. I guess those land developers will be apprehended.

Iwan: It can also mean that he'll do nothing to them, and fake developers are in jail. But the real ones are behind the curtain. I must say, the curtain has been quiet for a long time. Worst-case scenario, it's just a matter of time until those pins have a real name.

Agatha: I just checked the news. Indra has passed a new commandment

Agatha: Land Utilization Commandment (Final) (ePub)

Note:

Waifu is a Japanese term for a fictional character (usually from an anime) whom a person regards as a romantic partner.