Cantro Twenty-Four: Lust and Irani:

My son and daughter with Bayu were close. Maybe too close. I didn’t see it at the time. If I had, then maybe… Just maybe…

Let me explain.

Irani came to live with Bayu and me in my kingdom. At first, he was alone. He wouldn’t leave his mother’s side. I didn’t blame him in a way. He was just a kid. Irani had only known Heaven for most of his little life. To be pushed into a new place would scare any shy child. I did my best to make it like home.

Over time, he got used to his new home. Irani soon warmed up to me. But he didn’t have many friends to play with. Of course, Bayu worried about that. At the time, I didn’t think to make him any friends. I decided that she and I would all he needed. That was fine for a while.

Then Bayu got pregnant.

Irani didn’t mind it too much. At least he’d have someone to play with. I helped the kids to be close. There were no problems there that I could see. Irani was Lust’s protector. I found it cute. Bayu was okay with this too. But of course, she had her own worries.

“I don’t want him to be a lonely boy,” she said.

“He has his sister,” I pointed out.

“But I don’t think that’s really good for him,” she said.

“What do you want me to do?” I asked. Bayu didn’t have an answer. Clearly, she wanted me to do something about it. I did the best that I could.

Sure, I got friends for both of my children. But or some reason, they would always come back together. I didn’t mind it at first. I probably should’ve. Maybe I wouldn’t stop it before it became unraveled.

The first cracks came when Lust was thirteen. Or maybe she was twelve. I don’t remember. This where young girls fall in love. At first, Lust didn’t show any interest in anywhere. Bayu was worried like usual but I didn’t pay it any mind. Still, I humor the wife.

“I’ll go talk to her,” I told her. By now, Bayu didn’t look to convinced. I would just have to show her.

I found Lust wandering around in the garden. She was alone for a change. I wondered where Kakeru was for only a second. I pushed from my mind and walk up to my daughter. She looked up at me from the stone bench.

“Hey Daddy,” she said. I gave her a little wave.

“Hi, dear,” I said. I walked over to her and sat down.

“Did you want to see me?” Lust asked.

“Uh… yeah,” I said. “Do have anyone that you are interested in?”

“What do you mean?” she asked. I put my arm around her shoulders.

“You know,” he said. “Anyone you are attracted to? Like in a romantic sense.” Lust took a moment to think. A little smile came onto her face.

“Oh?” I asked. “You do?” My daughter slowly nodded.

“May I ask who?” I asked. Lust gave me a little smile and shook her head. I frowned.

“You’re not going to tell me?” I asked. She shook her head again.

“But why not?” I asked. Lust gave me a goofy little smile.

“Secret,” she said. I pouted as she broke into laughter. I should’ve taken that as a sign. The next time we would talk, she would be much older. And Irani would be with her too. If I had only seen it sooner, I would’ve saved my family. We would’ve still been together.

Then again, I am not too sure about that.