Five years ago, on November 11, my father passed away. The next day, Father's Day. While people celebrated Father's Day, I marked the first day without my father.

Even though he is no longer here, it turns out he continues to teach me, even from his grave.

He taught me how to be a father figure to my mother.

He taught me how to be a father figure to my younger sibling.

He taught me how to be a father figure to my beloved.

When he was gone, he taught me the most valuable lesson of all - to learn to be strong like him. To face life's bitterness alone. To never retreat. To be strong in facing all obstacles.

There’s a moment when every boy realizes no one is coming to save him. And that’s when he becomes a man. And some boys never get there and stay children forever.

Written on the bed, in Pelaihari, November 12, 2023, at 11:18 PM.

While people celebrated Father's Day, I marked the first day without my father.