1. A Sister’s Journey
Bandung
Hello, my name is Ida. I live in Bandung with my younger sister, Ria.
Last week, our parents went to Kuala Lumpur. Ria and I wanted to go too. But Mom said, “You will stay with Uncle and Aunt in Garut.”
I felt sad. Ria was angry.
Ria: “Why can’t we go to Kuala Lumpur?”
Me: “I don’t know. Maybe next time.”
Missing the Shuttle
On Monday morning, Mom and Dad took us to the shuttle station.
Dad: “Be good. Don’t be late.”
Mom: “Call us when you arrive in Garut.”
We said goodbye.
Then, Ria said, “I’m hungry.”
We went to the mini-market and bought snacks. We took too long. When we returned, the shuttle had left.
Me: “Oh no! We missed it!”
Ria: “This is your fault!”
Me: “No, you wanted snacks!”
We argued.
The staff said, “The next shuttle is full.”
Ria: “What do we do now?”
Me: “Let’s take the train.”
The Crowded Train Station
We took a blue angkot (public minibus) to the train station. It was hot and full of people.
At the station, it was even busier. People rushed everywhere—carrying bags, buying tickets, waiting in long lines. The air smelled like fried food and train smoke.
We bought economy train tickets. The train was old and slow, with hard seats.
Ria: “This train is too slow!”
Me: “At least we’re going.”
Losing the Lunch Bag
We sat in the waiting area and ate snacks. Then, we boarded the train.
After 10 minutes, Ria said, “Where’s our lunch bag?”
Me: “I don’t have it.”
Ria: “Did we leave it?”
Me: “Maybe in the waiting area.”
We also left our money.
Ria: “No food. No money.”
Me: “I’m sorry.”
We were sad.
Kind Strangers on the Train
A family sat near us—a mother, father, and a girl our age. The mother smiled and held out food.
Mother: “Would you like some lepet and gorengan?”
Me (whispering to Ria): “Should we take food from strangers?”
Ria: “I’m hungry… but what if it’s bad?”
The mother laughed. “Don’t worry! Look—my daughter and I are eating it too. It’s safe.”
She took a bite of the lepet. “See? No poison!”
We laughed.
Me: “Okay, thank you!”
We ate the food. It was delicious!
Ria: “This lepet is tasty!”
Me: “Yes, thank you!”
Making a New Friend
The girl, Sari, asked, “Do you want to play a game?”
We played and laughed. The long train ride became fun! After two hours, the family got off.
Mother: “We are visiting our grandparents.”
Me: “Goodbye! Thank you!”
Ria: “Bye! Nice to meet you!”
A Surprise in Garut
Finally, we arrived. Uncle and Aunt waited for us.
Uncle: “Welcome!”
Aunt: “How was your trip?”
Me: “It was a big adventure!”
The next day, we walked around the neighborhood. A girl came out of a house.
Ria: “That’s Sari!”
Me: “From the train!”
Uncle smiled. “They are our neighbours.”
Me: “Wow! What a small world!”
Fun at the Hot Spring
On our last day, Uncle said, “Let’s visit Nagara Hot Spring!”
The warm water relaxed us. We played with Sari and laughed.
Garut was nice. At first, I wanted to go to Kuala Lumpur. But now, I think Garut was better!
I’m happy we came.
