Page 119 - B. Ing_Antologi Cerpen Xl-6

Days passed, and their bond grew stronger. The

old tree witnessed their conversations, laughter, and even
the quiet feelings that slowly grew in their hearts.

Until one afternoon, Arman gathered his courage.

“Siti, if my great-great-grandfather once fought for

independence, now I want to fight for something else.
For you. May I stand by your side, be your life partner?”

Siti fell silent, her cheeks blushing. But she

smiled. “You don’t have to fight alone, Man. I want to be
by your side too, supporting each other, like this old tree

that always stands firm.”

And from that moment on, beneath the old tree

steeped in history, their love began to grow simple, yet
strong. Like the roots of the rain tree spreading deep into

the ground, connecting the past with the future.

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