Chapter 10: Unexpected Support
That morning, the sky was bright, as if offering encouragement to Saraswati as she walked toward the school, her heart still filled with a mix of emotions. After the argument with her mother-in-law a few days ago, she felt stronger in fighting for herself and Amara's future. However, fear still lurked—what if everyone judged her? What if she was truly alone in this battle?
As she arrived at the school gate, several parents had already gathered. Usually, they would only exchange greetings or engage in light conversations. But this time, something was different. They looked at her with full attention. Saraswati could sense the hushed whispers they tried to conceal, but there were also warm gazes that reassured her that not everyone here viewed her with prejudice.
One of the mothers, Mrs. Lestari, a middle-aged woman known for her firm yet kind nature, stepped toward Saraswati.
"Mrs. Saraswati, may I speak with you for a moment?" she asked with a warm smile.
Saraswati nodded, slightly wary. She had heard enough gossip behind her back, and this time she was prepared to face the same thing again.
However, what happened was quite the opposite.
"We, some of the parents, truly appreciate your hard work," Mrs. Lestari continued. "We know how tough it is to be a single mother. But we also know that you are a great teacher, who always educates our children with love and dedication. We don't want people's words to make you feel pressured."
Saraswati was taken aback. Her eyes welled up with tears upon hearing those words. "Thank you, Ma'am. I never expected anyone to understand…"
"Of course, we understand," interrupted Mr. Hadi, one of the fathers. "We've seen how hard you work for our children. If anyone speaks ill of you, it's only because they don't understand the real struggle."
"I've personally seen how patiently you teach. My child always comes home talking about how you inspire them. If people judge you just because of your status now, that is simply unfair," added Mrs. Mira, another parent.
Saraswati nodded, trying to hold back her tears. She never thought she would have such support when she felt the most alone.
From a distance, unnoticed by Saraswati, Boase observed the conversation with a faint smile. He stood at the corner of the school garden, leaning against a pillar while watching Saraswati receive the support she had long deserved. He felt a sense of pride seeing her grow stronger. Yet, he also knew how hard Saraswati had to fight to survive in a world full of prejudice.
But the surprises of the day were not over yet.
When Saraswati entered the teachers' lounge, Mrs. Rina, the principal, was waiting for her with a kind smile. "Mrs. Saraswati, may I have a word with you in my office?"
Saraswati nodded and followed the principal into her office. After they sat down, Mrs. Rina looked at her with deep understanding.
"I've been hearing some things about you lately," she said in a gentle yet firm voice. "I want you to know that I am on your side."
Saraswati stared at Mrs. Rina with wide eyes. "What do you mean, Ma'am?"
"I know how people like to judge without knowing the full story. I also know that you have done nothing wrong. You are just a mother trying to survive, raising her child the best way she can," Mrs. Rina continued. "So, don't let their words break your spirit."
Saraswati bit her lip, trying to hold back the tears that now truly wanted to fall. "Thank you, Ma'am. I honestly don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything," replied Mrs. Rina with a warm smile. "Just keep doing your best. I believe in you, and now, many others do too."
As they were still talking, the door suddenly opened, and Mrs. Ratna, a fellow teacher who was also close to Saraswati, walked in hesitantly.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop..." she said softly. "But I want you to know that I support you too, Saraswati. I know what it feels like to be judged by people who know nothing about our lives. Don't let them bring you down."
Saraswati looked at Mrs. Ratna with teary eyes. She reached out her hand, and Mrs. Ratna held it tightly. "Thank you, Ma'am… I truly never expected to receive this much support."
"You are not alone, Saraswati," Mrs. Rina added. "And you don't have to prove anything to people who only judge without understanding."
Saraswati left the room with a much lighter heart. She now realized that she was not alone. There were people who supported her, who saw her hard work, who understood her struggles.
As she walked through the school garden, her gaze unintentionally met Boase's, who was still standing in the same place. There was something in his eyes that was difficult to interpret—admiration, respect, or perhaps something deeper than that. Saraswati looked at him for a moment, then gave a faint smile before continuing her steps.
Boase remained silent as he watched her. He knew that Saraswati was still battling the wounds in her heart. But today, he saw a glimmer of a greater strength within her. Saraswati was not just surviving—she was beginning to rise.
For now, Saraswati just wanted to enjoy this rare moment—a moment where she felt supported, appreciated, and most importantly, no longer alone.