Beautiful Landlady

A loud noise came from a stilt house next to the Hartono family's home. It was the sound of two lovers spending time together, just like they always did. Yes, it was Roni and Ayu, savoring their final moments together in their hometown. Whenever they missed each other, Roni's late parents' house became their special place to share their time together.

"Darling, are you really going to leave me tomorrow?" Ayu asked, wanting to make sure Roni was truly leaving for the city to continue his studies.

"Yes, my love, I have to go. It was my late father's wish," Roni replied firmly. "Don't worry, once I achieve everything I set out to do, I'll come back and marry you. In the city, I can gain knowledge and opportunities for work. That will help me become a better man, someone your family will accept."

Ayu let out a soft sigh. "Alright, if that's your decision. I'll always wait for you. Please don't forget your promise. Tonight, I want to stay at your house. Let this be our temporary farewell," she said, her eyes brimming with tears. She couldn't hold back her sadness over Roni's impending departure to chase his dreams in the big city.

"I'm doing this for us too, Ayu," Roni said gently, holding her hand.

That night, they stayed together, lying on the bed that had witnessed many of their cherished memories. Ayu didn't care if her parents were waiting for her at home. All that mattered to her was being with Roni-the man she loved deeply, who would soon leave her behind.

The next morning, Roni, who had prepared everything, bid farewell to Ayu. In this village, he had no one left but her. His parents had passed away a few months ago, and now he was completely alone. Going to the city was a new chapter in his life, and he promised to return once he found success.

"My love, be careful, okay? Don't forget to write to me. Take care of your health there-because there won't be an Ayu to take care of you," Ayu said, tears slowly falling from her eyes. The passionate night they shared wasn't enough to erase the pain of their parting.

"I'll always remember your words. You take care of yourself too. I promise I'll come back. Wait for me," Roni said with determination before getting into the rickshaw that would take him to the train station.

As the rickshaw moved, Roni gazed at the vast rice fields of his village. He couldn't believe that this would be his last day in a place so full of memories. But he knew, as someone who was now alone, he didn't have many options. With no inheritance left behind by his parents, he had to go to the city to continue his studies and seek a better future.

After a long train ride, Roni finally arrived in the big city. Stepping off at the train station, he pulled out a piece of paper containing the address of the university where he planned to register.

"Turns out it's pretty far from here. I thought it was closer," he muttered to himself. With no other choice, he began searching for a taxi.

A taxi driver approached him. "Where are you heading, sir?" the driver asked politely.

Roni handed him the piece of paper. "I want to go to this address, sir. I don't really know the city. I'm from a village."

The driver read the address and smiled. "Oh, you're enrolling at this university? My son studies there too. But, do you have a place to stay yet? Any family here?"

"Unfortunately, no, sir. I came alone, and I plan to find a boarding house near the campus," Roni replied.

"I see. But the boarding houses around here are quite expensive, son," the driver warned him.

"I'll look for something cheaper, sir. I don't mind staying a bit far from the campus," Roni said confidently.

They chatted casually during the ride. Roni introduced himself, and the driver shared tips on staying safe in the big city. After a while, they arrived in front of the grand university building.

"Sir, I only have this much money. If it's not enough, I'll pay you later," Roni said as he handed over the money.

"This is enough, son. Take good care of yourself. The city is different from the village. Be careful," the driver advised before driving away.

Roni looked at the large campus in awe but decided to find a boarding house before registering. He spent hours searching, but every place he found had rent far beyond his budget.

"Geez, it's so expensive. If I stay here, I won't be able to afford food," he muttered in disappointment. He kept walking, hoping to find something more affordable.

In a narrow alley, he unexpectedly came across a group of street youths. As he turned to avoid them, they had already seen him.

"Hey, where are you going? Come hang out with us," one of them called out.

"I'm just passing through, sorry. I took the wrong turn," Roni replied politely, trying to walk away.

But they blocked his path. "Hold on. You're from the village, huh? There's a city entrance fee. Hand over some cash, and we'll let you go," one of them demanded.

"I'm sorry, I don't have much money. This is just enough for my rent and food," Roni tried to explain.

"Stop making excuses. Hand it over now," they insisted.

With no other option, Roni decided to run. "Stop him! Catch that guy!" one of them shouted.

Roni ran through narrow alleys, his breath growing heavier. Unfamiliar with the area, he ended up lost. He spotted a house and rushed in to hide.

"Damn, this city is scarier than I thought," he muttered, catching his breath.

Suddenly, a woman's voice startled him. "Hey! What are you doing here? Are you trying to steal something?"

Roni quickly explained. "No, miss. I was just trying to get away from some thugs chasing me. If you don't believe me, I'll leave right now."

The woman studied his frightened face and asked, "You're not from around here, are you? From a village, right?"

"Yes, I am. How did you know?" Roni asked.

"Just a guess," she said with a faint smile.

Roni introduced himself. "My name is Roni, miss. I'm looking for a boarding house, but I haven't found one yet. Everything is so expensive, and I don't have much money."

The woman listened carefully. "Oh, you're looking for a place to stay? Well, this is a boarding house, but it's currently full. There might be a vacancy next week."

"Oh, then I'll have to find another place. It's getting late," Roni said as he turned to leave.

"Wait," the woman said, stopping him. "If you'd like, you can stay in my house for now. There's a spare room you can use temporarily. This city isn't safe, especially for someone new like you."

"Really, miss? Are you sure it's okay?" Roni asked, uncertain.

"It's fine. Come with me," she offered.

Roni followed her inside. The woman introduced herself. "This is my private home. The boarding house is at the back. You can stay here for now. Just call me Mbak Maya."

"Thank you so much, Mbak Maya. But... won't your husband mind me staying here?" Roni asked.

Maya gave a faint smile. "I've been a widow for a long time, Roni. Don't worry-I live alone."

Roni nodded gratefully. "Alright, Mbak Maya. Thank you again."