That evening, after a long day, Maxime and his father sat in their small living room. A warm and loving atmosphere filled the room. Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door. Maxime got up, feeling a little uneasy. As he opened the door, he was surprised to see Rafael standing in the doorway."Rafael?" asked Maxime in a hesitant voice. "What are you doing here?"Rafael stepped in uninvited, his eyes sweeping the room quickly before finally looking at Maxime and their father. "I heard that Dad can talk again," he said in a flat tone. "I wanted to see for myself."Maxime felt the tension rising. "Yes, Dad is recovering," he replied carefully. "But why did you come all of a sudden?"Rafael looked at their father who looked awkward in his bed. "I just wanted to make sure that all this was right. And also, I wanted to know what your next plan was."Maxime let out a long breath. "Rafael, we're just trying our best for Dad. I'm working hard to make sure he gets the care he deserves."Rafa
In the chaos, her father managed to remove the cloth gagging her mouth and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Help!!!" His desperate voice echoed, breaking the silence of the night and waking up the previously sleeping citizens.Maxime, who was lying on the floor with bruises on his face, heard his father's cry. His spirits rose instantly, replacing the pain in his body. With what was left of his strength, he got up slowly, trying to resist the dizziness that blurred his vision. He knew that he had to act quickly.Outside, the cries had aroused the residents' concern. One by one, the house lights began to come on, and within minutes, a crowd of people flocked to Maxime's house. They carried torches, sticks, and anything else they could use to protect themselves. The villagers knew very well that tonight they had to unite against the incoming threat.Rafael's men, who initially felt superior and untouchable, now began to panic at the wave of people approaching with determination. They r
Maxime stood transfixed, his feelings mixed. How could Rafael be his biological brother? This thought made him angry and disappointed with his father, Neo, whom he had considered a role model.With heavy steps, Maxime headed home. Arriving home, he immediately looked for Neo who was sitting in the living room reading the newspaper."Neo," Maxime called out firmly, without the usual "Dad" greeting. Neo lowered his newspaper and looked at Maxime with a furrowed brow."What's wrong, Max?" he asked."Is it true that Rafael is your biological son?" Maxime asked directly, without preamble. His voice shook between anger and sadness.Neo was silent for a moment. "Who told you?" he asked slowly."Just answer, is it true?" Maxime insisted.Neo took a deep breath. "Yes, it's true. But it happened before your mom died. I didn't know how to tell you..."Maxime felt like the world was crumbling. Without another word, he turned around and ran out of the house. He sped up his bike, heading for the pl
Maxime returned to Neo's rented house to avenge his mother's pain on Neo. With his heart still filled with anger and resentment, he walked with firm steps towards the door. However, when he opened the door, Maxime was shocked and disgusted. Neo's body lay limply on the floor, covered in maggots and a pungent stench.Maxime's tears broke out seeing his father's terrible condition. All resentment and hatred instantly vanished, replaced by regret and deep sadness. "Dad..." he whispered bitterly. Carefully, he approached Neo and embraced his frail body."Tjoe used to come here to bring food and bathe Dad, but he hasn't come for a week now," Neo said in a weak and pained voice.Maxime's tears continued to flow as he carried his father's body to the bathroom. Lovingly, he cleaned Neo's body of disgusting dirt and maggots. Every time his hands touched his father's skin, Maxime felt a deep sense of guilt. "I'm sorry, Dad," he said repeatedly between sobs.After cleaning Neo's body, Maxime lai
Maxime and Tjoe rode their bikes so casually, neither of them realized that danger was lurking around them."Apparently Rafael is that weak!" Tjoe muttered dismissively."Physically he's a bit weak, but when it comes to instigating, don't ask. Even people who just know him will believe what he says," Maxime said."Including me, who believed Rafael too much and ruined our friendship," Tjoe muttered.Suddenly Maxime's motorcycle was hit by a car from behind and they both fell down."Damn, do they have no eyes to hit us on the side of the road?" grumbled Tjoe."Patience Tjoe, we mustn't be provoked by emotions, the brakes might fail," said Maxime.Maxime and Tjoe got up and brought their bikes to the side, but Rafael's men got out of their car and beat Maxime up. Tjoe tried to help Maxime, but the enemy's numbers and strength were greater. Within minutes Maxime and Tjoe were lying on the ground, in pain and helpless."We'll take them now!" said one of the men. The semi-conscious Maxime a
“How could Rafael do this to me?” Maxime asked himself, looking for answers in the crowd of his raging thoughts. Behind his eyes fixed on the sky was an invisible internal battle. Doubts were rampant and his confidence in himself began to fade.“Is there perhaps a seed of truth in these accusations?” he hissed again, facing unexpected confusion.In the midst of disappointment and inflamed inner conflict, Maxime tries to embrace uncertainty. In the silence that surrounded him he knitted a plan to prove the truth. Dusk is a silent witness to Maxime's inner struggle and the increasingly dark sky seems to reflect increasingly difficult challenges. However, within him the light of determination and desire to restore his honor shines, creating hope that survives amidst the storm of slander that never subsides. Maxime walked to the kitchen to get a drink because his throat was starting to feel dry. When Maxime passed the brightly lit living room.Rafael quipped sarcastically. "Who would have
Chapter 2While Maximes steps are increasingly uncomfortable in a dark night, the shadow of the conflict inside his house is still reflected in his eyes. The night breeze seemed to whisper to him a big challenge he had to face. The sun sank leaving the twilight sky which reflects the doubt in Maxime's heart. He pondered looking for answers in every trace of his steps that took him out of the house that was once filled with affection."Goodbye my palace, a palace full of beautiful memories. Forgive Maxime unable to guard this house as the mother's message before leaving first." Without a clear direction, Maxime entered a crowded city with a busy night. The tall buildings of the tower and city lights provide a shadow that contrasts with the inner chaos he feels. Maxime spoke to himself with eyes full of uncertainty.In a state of confusion, Maxime stepped into the bustling city with its busy night. The tall buildings and city lights cast contrasting shadows against the turmoil he felt
Again Maxime had to swallow the bitter pill and hold hunger. With a body full of Maxime wounds sleeping curled up in front of a shop. Cold air makes Maxime's body shiver. He took his shirt to cover his feet and face."Wow, wake up! This is not a place for lodging!" cried the shop owner by kicking Maxime's body."Yes sir, I'll go soon." With a tired body and wounds, Maxime was forced to pack his clothes and leave the place without a clear purpose."Where else should I go? Why does no one want to help me at all! I was like the garbage that was thrown away and then ignored it! " His steps took him to a stall that was still open where he hoped to get a little food to overcome the torturous hunger."Excuse me Madam, may I ask for a little rice?" he said, holding his stomach."No way! I sold from earlier and now you come just to ask? Basically lazy! Big body, body muscular but be a beggar, "he cried, staring at Maxime sarcastically. Staggered and lost in the hallway of the city, Maxime saw