That night, Lena stared at the list of incoming orders on her laptop. Her mind was still filled with plans to convince her parents to move to the city. At the same time, she didn't want to neglect her studies, which were becoming more demanding.
The next morning, Lena decided to deliver several food orders directly to campus, as usual. After making sure everything was ready, she grabbed her helmet and jacket. The automatic motorbike that had been with her for three years remained her most reliable means of transportation.
"I'm heading out, Mom," she said over the phone before starting the engine.
"Take care, dear. Don't rush on the road," her mother replied gently.
"I will, Mom. Don't worry."
However, the journey that day was different.
At a busy intersection, a speeding car suddenly cut into Lena's lane. She slammed on the brakes, but the tires slipped on the wet road from last night's rain.
Lena lost control and fell hard onto the asphalt.
The loud crash drew the attention of people nearby. Several passersby quickly approached her as she sat on the roadside, clutching her left arm in pain.
"Are you okay?" a woman asked, helping her up.
Lena winced. "I think I sprained my arm… but I'm okay."
Despite feeling dizzy, she tried to stay calm. She refused to be taken to the hospital, not wanting to trouble anyone.
After checking that her motorbike was still rideable despite a few scratches, Lena continued her journey to campus.
At campus, Lina and Ani immediately noticed something was wrong.
"Lena, what happened? Why are you walking like that?" Ani asked in panic.
"It's nothing. I just fell off my bike," Lena replied with a forced smile, her face pale.
"Nothing? Your arm is swollen!" Lina pointed out.
Lena finally explained what had happened but insisted, "I'm really fine. Don't tell anyone—especially my parents. I don't want them to worry."
Lina and Ani exchanged glances, clearly unconvinced.
"If you won't go to the hospital, at least let's go to the campus clinic," Ani said firmly.
After some persuasion, Lena agreed.
At the clinic, the doctor examined her arm and confirmed there were no fractures—just a severe sprain. Her arm was bandaged, and she was advised to rest for a few days.
"You need to reduce your activities. Don't push yourself," the doctor warned.
Despite that, Lena refused to stop managing her food business.
Even with her injured arm, she continued helping from afar. Lina and Ani began taking over most of her tasks on campus, including handling orders and promotions.
However, Lena's condition worsened.
One night, while she was checking orders, Lina—who happened to be staying over—took her phone.
"Lina, don't!" Lena shouted, but it was too late.
Lina had already called Lena's mother.
The next day, Lena's parents suddenly arrived at her boarding house.
Her mother immediately hugged her weak-looking daughter.
"Lena, why didn't you tell me?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"I didn't want you to worry…"
"Do you think we wouldn't find out? We're your family. If you're struggling, don't ever hesitate to tell us," her father added firmly, yet gently.
Lena felt tears welling up in her eyes.
At that moment, she realized she had been carrying everything on her own for too long.
For the next few days, Lena was forced to rest completely.
Her parents stayed in the city to take care of her and even helped manage her business.
Her father, who was usually busy working in the fields, started learning how to manage orders through an app.
Meanwhile, her mother cooked in the small kitchen of Lena's boarding house.
"You're really stubborn," her father joked one afternoon as he brought food to her room.
Lena smiled faintly. "Sorry, Dad. I just didn't want to trouble you."
"Family supports each other. You've done so much for us. Now it's our turn to help you."
After a few weeks, Lena's condition improved.
She asked her parents to stay longer in the city, wanting to make sure they were comfortable before bringing up her plan again.
"Dad, Mom… what if you stayed here longer? I can find a bigger place so we can all live more comfortably," Lena suggested one night.
Her parents exchanged glances.
This time, they didn't immediately refuse.
"If it's for the best, we'll think about it," her father said with a smile.
Lena felt warmth fill her heart.
A few weeks later, Lena had almost fully recovered.
One afternoon, while helping her mother in the kitchen, there was a knock on the door.
"Lena, you have a guest," her father called.
Lena stepped outside and was surprised to see Sebastian standing there, wearing his usual black leather jacket.
"Sebastian? What are you doing here?" she asked, confused but secretly happy.
"I just heard about your accident from Lina. Why didn't you tell me?" he asked seriously.
"I didn't want to worry you… and I'm fine now," Lena replied with a small smile.
"Fine? I heard you had a serious sprain and still kept working. Lena, you don't have to be strong all the time," he said firmly, yet gently.
Lena lowered her gaze. "Sorry… I just didn't want to trouble you. You're busy too, right?"
Sebastian sighed and stepped closer.
"Listen. I'm not just here when things are easy. I'm here when things get hard too. Don't hide things like this from me again."
Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Lena felt her heart soften.
"Okay… I promise," she said softly.
Sebastian smiled in relief. "Good. I brought you something."
He lifted a paper bag. "Your favorite food. I figured you'd be tired of eating the same things."
Lena chuckled. "You're really thoughtful."
"Always for you," he replied playfully, though his eyes showed sincerity.
Sebastian spent the evening with Lena and her family, bringing warmth to the atmosphere.
Even Lena's father, who had been awkward at first, gradually became comfortable after talking with him about business and city life.
When night came, Sebastian prepared to leave. Before going, he looked at Lena deeply.
"Take care of yourself. And remember—I'm always here if you need me."
Lena nodded softly, her heart filled with gratitude.
With Sebastian and her family by her side, she knew she was never truly alone.
To be continued…