Kenan entered his yard and saw his mother sitting in front of his house. Upon seeing Kenan, his mother rose from her seat and stood. Not forgetting her smile, she greeted Kenan's arrival.

They both smiled, a gentle breeze blowing across their faces.

"Did you shave your head?"

"I... Yes, Mom. Mom... Have you eaten?"

Ghina stroked Kenan's hair, tears threatening to fall. But Ghina held them back.

"I haven't eaten yet, I'm waiting for you."

Kenan knew that since Kenan left to fight monsters and demons in the world of Aeera, his mother must have remained seated in front of the house, waiting for Kenan.

"Let's eat together, Mom."

Ghina nodded; they hadn't felt like this for years. Ghina was able to contain her happiness well; she didn't want Kenan to miss out on the moments when he faced his helplessness. She allowed Kenan to stand up on his own two feet. ***

"Kenan, here's a letter from your friend. I just handed it to you now."

"Who's the letter from, Mom?" Kenan was still sitting in the living room, holding his phone. He had just read the viral news that had been going on for the past few days. Kenan wanted to get back to normal and find a job or help his mother.

[Massive Fire Burns Down Giant Market in Jakarta]

[Serial Killer Finally Caught]

[Mass Layoffs Happen Again, PT Srimon Goes Bankrupt]

[PPPK Goes on Strike Because Civil Servant Status Has Not Been Approved]

[Mega Multi-Boss Appears in Public After Disappearing]

[Ghost Goes Viral in Saimena's Dead Shophouse]

Strange news, Kenan turned on his phone. He looked at the envelopes, saw the faces, but there was no name.

"I don't know, she just said she used to be your friend in high school. She was a beautiful and kind woman."

His mother sat next to Kenan, and she explained slowly. Ever since, Kenan had been experiencing fear and refused to leave his room. The woman often came once a week and simply asked about Kenan's condition. Ghina said the woman seemed quite busy, so she ended up coming every six months and continuing to ask about Kenan's condition. She handed him several letters upon arrival and prayed for his recovery.

Kenan looked at the letters and read them one by one. His mother let him read them and then let him go to the kitchen.

The woman...

***

One month later...

"Are you ready, Mom?" Kenan asked, adjusting his shirt. He saw his mother was wearing a long dress.

"Yes, I'm ready."

They received an invitation a week ago. It was an invitation to Kenan's school reunion, mailed to their home. Ghina had asked if Kenan would attend, saying that if he wasn't ready, he couldn't attend.

However, Kenan explained that if he wanted to let go of the shadows of his past, he had to have the courage to face all his friends from his past. Only then would Kenan be able to live a normal life.

The invitation also stated that each alumnus could bring his parents. All expenses were covered by one of the school's alumni. "Let's go, Mom."

The two of them set off on their automatic scooter, Kenan riding pillion with his mother, enjoying the ride and realizing that his mother needed him. He couldn't be weak in the slightest.

The school where Kenan had once attended was now in front of him, and he parked his motorcycle. It was quite crowded. Kenan saw some of his old schoolmates, and he tried to be strong. Some whispered about Kenan, but they didn't dare greet him. Ghina knew this, but she slapped Kenan's shoulder and encouraged him to be strong.

Kenan understood and nodded. They walked toward the hall and entered the school gates. Kenan recalled a few years ago, remembering everything and the bullying he experienced. Now, he was a different person. Kenan had to be strong to protect his mother.

Several conversations were heard around Kenan and his mother.

They heard that the event was being held by a successful alumnus who had graduated from the school more than a decade ago. He was financing everything and inviting all alumni from all classes. It was free for all alumni. Furthermore, it was said that the alumnus was a successful businessman and even the richest man in the country.

This news caused quite a stir in some of the discussions. Other conversations focused on the alumni: some had become judges, others ministers. The alumni also focused on a bright girl named Luna, who was now achieving top grades and making her university proud. She was Kenan's friend.

Luna arrived from a distance, escorted by her father. They got out of the car and headed toward the hall, where several people complimented her beauty and intelligence. She was a top student at her university, majoring in social studies. Luna was highly accomplished, having represented this country in the Social Change Crisis event and won the best speaker in the world student category. She was very elegant in her bright hijab.

It was very crowded, and Luna entered the hall and passed Kenan without seeing him. He was with her father.

"That woman who gave me the letter and keeps asking about you."

"I know, Mom."

A few moments later, all the guests who had attended gathered in the hall. The ceremonial event was held, though not overly formal. And, during the welcoming speech, the principal took his turn to speak. He thanked the event organizers for holding the event and hoped for the success of the alumni association.

The second speech came from the alumni who funded the entire event. He wore a suit, and a man always accompanied him. They took the podium. As usual, the welcoming ceremony continued until...

"This event is one I've been preparing for the past three weeks. There's an alumnus who caught my attention among the young people. I want to recruit him into my business; he will officially represent the company in the CSR activities of all my companies and subsidiaries."

Everyone was quite shocked, wondering who the lucky winner would be. Could it be Luna, the social scientist who hasn't even graduated from college? There was also Rafi, the brilliant son of an official who had already won numerous awards in politics. Tari, the most talented young doctor, was also in the spotlight. There were many candidates, and everyone was waiting, curious.

"I'll call him..." said the richest man in the country, and everyone listened.

"Kenan Kalandra, class of XXXX. He's still very young, but he's the perfect person to represent all CSR across my company."

Kenan and his mother were shocked, looking at each other. What was happening?

Everyone was confused, even his classmates, and those who had bullied Kenan were shocked. Luna couldn't shake her shock and looked around for Kenan. "So, is he here?" Luna thought.

"Please come up to the stage, Kenan Kalandra. I want to announce this to everyone present."

The richest man in the country was Sadewa, the CEO of Mega Multi.

Kenan looked at his mother, who smiled and gave him the freedom to choose what to do.

"Do I have to accompany you up there?"

Kenan smiled, "No need, Mom, I'll go up myself."

Kenan strode with confidence, calming himself as he walked toward the front of the stage. All eyes were on Kenan, and he tried to stay strong.

Kenan imagined his struggles, the humiliation and humiliation. Fighting to enter Aeera's world and save her and her world. Kenan continued walking, the melody of the song accompanying his every step. Kenan grew more determined and approached the man named Sadewa.

The two stared at each other, and Sadewa's secretary noticed Kenan's curiosity. She wondered why her boss had chosen this young man to handle such a large sum of CSR funds.

"Thank you, Mr. Kenan Kalandra. Your words have healed me. If a mother smiles, the world is fine. And you're right, Kenan!"

Kenan's eyes widened in disbelief, as he stared at the wealthy man before him.

"Sir... Mr. Sword...!"

Both were shocked and smiled, their encounter a strange experience. They were connected in a strange world.