Original subtitles

When I grow up,

I want to be as tall as my dad.

FEBRUARY, 1968

So I can reach high

without a chair.

I love bananas.

Bananas in the morning. Bananas at noon.

At night? Still bananas.

I'm going with Mom to the market today

because there's only one banana left on the table.

There are crackers in the tin.

I do like crackers,

but I like bananas more.

I love my mom's curly hair.

When I'm older, I hope mine looks like hers.

Aunty.

When I grow up, will my hair be like Mom's?

No, it won't.

When you grow up,

you'll look like your dad.

Fair skin, small eyes,

and straight hair.

But I'm Mom's daughter.

I want brown skin and curly hair.

Miss, starting in February,

girls take after their fathers,

and boys take after their mothers.

So if I'm a boy,

I can look like Mom?

Sure.

Then I'll just become a boy.

A girl is a girl.

But I want to be like Mom!

A girl is a girl.

Willa. Hey.

What's the matter?

It's Aunty!

What did you do?

She said she wants to grow up like you, with curly hair,

but it's usually boys who take after their mom.

Willa, that's enough.

Listen to me.

You're mine and Dad's child.

You'll grow tall like him,

and your hair can be like mine.

What if my hair stays like this?

You won't stay like this forever.

Something will change.

And even if your hair stays straight,

you're still our child.

Is that true?

Yes.

Now, repeat what I told you.

I'm yours and Dad's child.

When I'm older, I'll still be your child.

Your name is?

Na Willa.

This is my house.

If you come from the left or right,

you have to pass a lot of houses

because mine is in the middle.

Mom said Dad works on the ocean.

He goes on a big ship that carries big stuff.

When Dad goes to the ocean,

he's gone for a long time.

But he always comes home.

Once, Dad went away to the ocean for a long, long time.

Willa.

When Dad came home...

Uncle, who are you looking for?

...I didn't recognize his face.

After that, he stopped being away for too long.

Every time he comes back, he brings me books.

I keep all the books from him in my room,

as well as the books Mom buys every Sunday at the stall next to the church.

Before I learned how to read, Mom always read them to me.

Melly and Gorilla stay here too.

Melly can't open her mouth,

while Gorilla's mouth is always open.

What are you making, Paul?

How about I make you a swing, Willa?

A swing? Wow! I'd love one!

The rope and planks are from the ship.

It's so she doesn't get bored, Marie.

Reading isn't boring at all, Paul.

Dad's box is full of screwdrivers.

Star-shaped ones for star screws,

and cross-shaped ones for cross screws.

He made a swing for me.

Do you like it?

Yes!

Thank you, Dad.

We also have Erres at my house.

If you twist the right knob,

Erres goes "buzz, buzz."

When there's a song playing,

Mom listens to it or sings along.

Paul.

Just a bit, before I go back to the sea.

Not too long.

I promised I'd read Willa a book before bed.

You're holding on tight.

You know I don't like to dance.

Let me borrow her for a bit.

I'll read you a book after this.

Like always.

You read to her every night?

Yes.

Just send her to kindergarten.

Showing up early just to sing?

She can do that with me at home.

She'll learn to read by herself at school, Marie.

She'll be happy there.

Starting today, we're learning to read.

If you study hard, you can read any book by yourself.

- Do you want that? - Yes.

Repeat after me.

My mom taught me how to read.

Reading is for school.

Here, we play.

Bud, you go.

At Krembangan, I have three friends.

Farida, Dul, and Bud.

I learn to read the Quran at home too, Willa.

Farida's house is across from mine.

She has a lot of older siblings.

Rahman, Ahmadi, Salim, Maryati, Fadli, Suryani...

Mom. I'm going to Willa's house.

Mom!

Mom!

Go ahead.

And my favorite of all is Martini.

Don't wander too far playing!

Farida can play at my house as long as she likes.

Her mom never comes looking for her.

I bet it's really fun to be her.

This is Bud.

He always has a runny nose.

Bud's dad works at sea too, like mine.

But he brings toys when he comes home.

Mom, that's mine.

You should share.

You've got plenty of toys,

like those plastic soldiers.

This one's for your little sister.

Bud has plenty of toys.

Dul is Farida's cousin.

He's already started school.

Dul says school is where smart kids go.

Dul, are you serious?

You can't even write your own name?

You're too slow.

You know slow?

Ready?

Three, two, one, go!

I think Dul is awesome.

He always wins at any game.

- Dul wins! - You lose.

You're slow!

Yay! I won!

You all lost!

It got cut!

Dul said there's one thing he can't do.

I want to chase the train.

I'll race it.

Hey! Don't go there.

We can't go near the train.

I'll find a way.

I want to stay like this forever.

Erres and Mom singing,

Dad leaving but always coming home,

having books around me,

and having Farida, Dul, and Bud in Krembangan.

Hey, Dul!

Dul!

I want things to stay like this tomorrow, the next day, and every day after.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Morning, Surabaya! Here's today's paper!

Since Mom taught me to read,

I can read the store names

I pass on my way to the market.

"Sinar Abadi Supplies Store."

Nothing's changed.

"Hong Fan Medicine Store."

"Lamp Store."

"Djaja's Tailor Shop..."

What happened?

I don't know, Willa.

So you really can read.

After the stores

and before Cik Mien's kiosk...

Baby chicks!

...there's a man selling chicks.

They're so small.

Can I have a chick, Mom?

Mom's answer is always the same.

Maybe next time.

Oh, man. When is next time?

We've arrived at Cik Mien's.

Cik Mien!

Willa!

- I wait here while my mom shops. - Willa, sweetie!

Hi, Marie.

Watch over her for me.

I know.

I'm going shopping. Behave, okay?

I'll be back.

- See you. - Yeah.

Come on.

After Mom leaves,

Cik Mien gives me a cold drink.

It's called

Orange Cruz.

Thank you.

When you drink it...

it fizzes!

Mom sometimes asks,

"Did you ask Cik Mien for a drink?"

How did you know?

But Cik always answers,

"She didn't ask."

"I gave it to her. She looked thirsty."

Excuse me.

Mrs. Chang.

It's been a while.

Are you staying in Krembangan now?

Yeah, for a short time. There's a wedding.

I see.

Would you like to buy something?

Yes.

Palm sugar and mung beans. Half a kilo, please.

That's too little.

It's just for my husband at home.

I was planning to have my kebaya made at Djaja's Tailor Shop across the street.

Why is it closed?

Djaja didn't renew the lease.

Someone else will move in.

From what I heard,

it's going to be a bookstore.

I see.

Surabaya is changing fast nowadays.

- Yes. - Here.

Please wait a moment.

Please wait a moment.

Mrs. Chang.

Marie!

Hi. My goodness.

What brings you here?

I'm here for a wedding.

Mrs. Asma's child's wedding?

Exactly.

Yeah, I'll be there too.

Her youngest child often plays with my child.

They live right in front of us.

Oh, right. Willa!

She's Na Willa. My daughter.

Willa, this is Mrs. Chang.

My name is Na Willa.

Hello, Na Willa.

It's very nice to meet you.

Mrs. Chang is a long-time friend of Dad.

Your change, Mrs. Chang.

Right.

Thank you, Cik.

You're welcome.

It's nice to see you again, Marie.

Likewise, Mrs. Chang.

Did you ask Cik for a drink?

She didn't ask.

I gave it to her.

She looked thirsty.

Aunty.

Yes, ma'am?

Here's milkfish for Willa's dinner.

- Okay. - Fry it the usual way.

Sure.

By the way,

the mailman dropped off some letters.

I put them on the table.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

Willa.

Dad sent you new books.

Hurray! New books from Dad!

But where is he?

Would you like to read?

"Dear Marie,

I'm at the Jakarta port."

"Unfortunately, a small engine problem

is holding up the shipment,

so I can't go straight back to Surabaya."

"As soon as this is taken care of,

I'll deliver the cargo to the other port

so their schedule won't be delayed further."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm sending new books for Willa too."

"How is she?"

"Please hug her for me."

"I promise to bring more books when I get back."

"My next port is Lampung."

"You can send your reply there."

"Missing you and Willa, Paul."

Is this the new book?

Let's read it tonight.

Willa!

Willa!

Let's play, Willa!

Dul is back!

Let's play with Falida.

Farida can't say the letter R.

She'd rather be called Ida.

That's how I call her.

Here's your order, sir.

Here's your order, Gorilla.

Your room is like my school classroom.

Why not just go to school?

I don't need to go to school.

I learned reading and writing here with my mom.

I can do it.

Read this.

Pancasila.

Do you know it?

That's why you need to go to school.

There you are, Melly.

Willa, let's play house. I've got Nining.

Hello. My name is Melly.

Hello.

Why is her name Melly?

Why not? It's a nice name.

Change her name to...

Atik.

Okay. Atik's nice.

Let's make red and white porridge and pecel

to celebrate Melly's name change.

Everyone, come here!

Look!

I've never seen anything like this before.

Touching it will make you itchy.

Will it fall?

Yeah. If it falls, the ants will eat it.

And then?

It will die.

Go up! Or the ants will get you!

Go up! Come on!

Don't fall, or the ants will get you!

Go up! Come on!

It's the train!

Come here! I'll tell you something.

On the way back from school,

I found a secret path.

It goes straight to the railroad tracks. Quick and easy!

Can we even go there?

I don't care! I'm going there tomorrow.

We can get close to the train.

Who's coming with me?

Willa, do you want to?

Join me.

We'll go together.

My mom said not to play near the railroad tracks.

Fine. I'll go there by myself.

What is this?

My soldier.

You broke Bud's toy!

Say sorry!

It's his fault

for putting the toys there.

Say sorry, Aunty!

What's wrong?

It's the toys.

Bud, it's okay.

Look.

It's not broken, just a bit changed.

You can still play with it.

This one's broken.

Leave the broken one here.

You have other toys to play with at home, right?

Murni took all of them.

Allow me.

My mom will do it.

Bud never comes into my home if my mom's around.

He's scared Mom will wipe his nose.

I like fried milkfish.

When it goes into the pan,

the smell makes me hungry.

When it's paired with hot rice,

I can eat so much of it.

Mom said Aunty can't read,

but her food is always tasty.

She eats what Mom and I eat,

always serving it on her own plate.

When eating milkfish,

I save the eyes for last.

They're so, so, so delicious.

If only they had more eyes.

Mom, you should buy a milkfish with many eyes.

There's no such thing, Willa.

Like you and me,

a fish only has two eyes.

If it had more, it would just get confused.

It wouldn't know which way to look anymore.

Willa.

Yes, Mom?

Those cold drinks at Cik Mien's,

you really didn't ask for them?

Yes, Mom. She gave it to me.

Remember,

we must never lie to anyone.

What's a lie?

A lie is telling something that isn't true.

We should always tell the truth.

That's called being honest.

For example, if I ask your dad,

"Did you take a shower?"

And if he answers yes,

even though he hasn't,

I know he's not telling the truth.

Because I can smell the stink all the way here.

Lying is like

having pebbles in your shoes.

It feels uncomfortable to walk.

The more you lie,

the more pebbles get in,

until your feet hurt and you can't walk anymore.

But when you're honest,

all the pebbles come out.

Your steps feel light,

and you can even dance.

What about jumping?

That too.

I'm being honest, Mom.

Cik Mien gave me the Orange Cruz.

Mom, I saw this in your plants earlier.

Really?

That's a caterpillar.

A caterpillar?

It was climbing up.

It has so many legs, right?

Yeah.

Dul said it makes your skin itchy if you touch it.

What is this?

That is a cocoon.

When the time comes...

Look.

It will turn into this one.

A butterfly.

Oh. A butterfly.

Can it become a caterpillar again?

It can't.

One day, it will no longer be a caterpillar.

It can't stay a caterpillar forever.

The train is coming.

It is Sunday.

I can smell fried rice.

Mom made it.

With an omelet and with red tomato.

On Sundays, Mom beats the bed.

When the sun shines,

after beating it,

little stars seem to fly out of the bed.

They fly so high, and there are a lot of them.

But Mom says they're not stars.

They're called "dust."

Willa!

Willa!

Willa, come on!

I found the secret path.

It leads to the railroad tracks!

You should just play here, Dul.

Come on, Willa! If you come along,

you can help me read the signs.

Hurry, Willa!

We'll miss the train.

Dul?

She will stay at home today.

Her dad's coming home.

You can play by yourself.

Get inside.

Why can't I go?

You see trains every day.

Books and newspapers also have drawings of trains.

It's the same thing.

You told Dul that Dad was coming home,

but his letter said he's not coming home yet!

That was so Dul would leave.

I want to see the train up close!

No. It's dangerous.

I want to see it with Dul!

Willa.

Don't make me angry.

One. Willa. Two.

I want to see the train!

Willa! Three! Enough!

You lied to Dul!

Your shoes have pebbles in them.

Fadli! What's going on?

Someone got hit by the train!

It's a kid! It's a kid!

Hurry!

Help! My son! Call an ambulance!

Dad! My leg!

Help! My son!

Dad! Help me!

Dad! Help!

Dad! My leg!

Dad! Help!

Dad! My leg!

Dul.

Dul.

Willa.

What is this smell?

Your hand.

My hand.

That's right. I'm right here.

What did you dream of?

Dul was screaming for his leg,

but it ran away.

Ida and I tried to catch it,

but it wouldn't stop.

Dul asked me to come yesterday.

He said I could help him read the signs.

It's not your fault he got hurt.

Stop crying.

Dul's legs won't grow back,

no matter how much you cry every night.

But... we can pray for him.

Let's pray.

I hope Dul's leg can be reattached.

I'm saying,

let's hope the leg he still has stays healthy.

What about his leg that got hit?

It's gone, Willa.

Dul might need a prosthetic leg.

What does that look like?

It could be made of wood,

steel, or plastic.

I'm not sure.

But lots of doctors know more about fake legs.

They'll help Dul.

I don't want Farida and Bud to get hurt like Dul.

They won't.

Make sure to look after Farida and Bud, okay?

I'm sorry

for lying to Dul.

Your feet will hurt if there are pebbles.

Dul's feet are in pain, but yours shouldn't be.

That night, Mom slept with me.

Her skin is so smooth.

I had another dream,

but it wasn't about Dul.

I've forgotten what it was about.

Mom.

Mom!

Mom?

Mom?

Mom.

Mom.

Mom.

You're awake.

You're sleeping so soundly.

She's gone to the market.

Willa.

There she is.

Look what I brought.

A baby chick!

Is this for me?

Yes. It's your new friend.

Don't forget to feed it.

Yay! I have a baby chick! Thank you, Mom.

Yes. Did you hear me?

Don't forget to feed it.

Can it eat fish eyes?

No, it'll get sick.

That's not its food. Just give rice.

What should we name it?

Tiny Yellow?

Sure.

Tiny Yellow Chick?

Okay.

Super Tiny Yellow Chick?

Sure.

Yay! Super Tiny Yellow Chick!

Yay! My kite is flying!

Willa, help!

It's tangled!

Willa!

Let's go to my house.

Look, Ida.

- Bud's hand is stuck in the string. - Willa! Help!

Let's help him.

Don't do this at school.

I'll be studying and can't help you.

Yes, I won't play with string at school.

Willa, let's go to my house.

Why?

Just see for yourself.

This way, Willa.

Are you going to school?

Yeah.

Why?

My dad said Dul got hit by a train

because he couldn't read the signs.

So my parents want me to be able to read.

Bud's mom wants him to go to school too.

Why not do it like my mom?

She teaches me at home.

What are you doing here?

We want to eat cucur cake.

Take some.

Let's eat.

My sister is getting married.

Can I see?

Of course.

She's getting married tomorrow.

Tin, can Willa see you as a bride?

Being a bride really makes you cry.

So you're going to school, like Dul?

Yeah.

Brother Rahman will take me there on his bike.

What if I want to play?

Wait for me to come home.

Willa, just go to my school so we can play there.

Wedding night.

Can I wear lipstick, Mom?

Of course not.

Why not?

Lipstick isn't for kids.

Your lips are lovely as they are,

no coloring needed.

Look.

You are beautiful.

My child is beautiful.

- Congrats. - Thank you.

Willa.

Hi.

Let's take a picture.

Come closer.

Smile. One, two...

So this is what grown-up parties are like.

The music is louder than Erres.

Everyone smells nice,

like they just washed their hair.

The women are carrying small bags.

I've never seen a bag that small.

Could it even hold much at the market?

Maybe three langsat,

or one sugar apple.

BANANA, ORANGE, SNAKE FRUIT

Is this yours?

They got the baskets wrong.

The snake fruit basket has oranges.

The orange basket has snake fruit.

Mrs. Chang!

I'm sorry, is Willa causing you trouble?

Not at all.

Mom, the basket is wrong.

The snake fruit basket has oranges.

The orange basket has snake fruit.

Okay, go fix it then.

Which school is she in?

She's brilliant.

Willa hasn't started school.

Oh, really?

Very interesting.

Willa's been learning to read and write at home with me.

She's really good at it,

even better than school kids.

I apologize for my question.

Look, with just your help,

she's gotten so good at reading.

Can you imagine

how much she could learn at school

with a teacher?

I know a kindergarten nearby.

I...

I'm close with the principal.

If you change your mind,

I can ask them

to get Willa admitted right away.

I really mean it.

Huddle up.

Okay, everyone, please look at the camera.

I'm taking the picture. One, two, three.

Do brides really have to cry?

They could cry during the ceremony

out of happiness.

Why?

Ida and I went to Tin's room to eat cucur cake.

Then Ida said Tin was getting married.

After that, Tin cried.

Perhaps she's not ready to get married.

She doesn't want it?

How silly. I want to get married.

I'll get to wear a big, shiny dress,

a crown, and lipstick.

Willa,

getting married isn't just dressing up in a big shiny dress.

You have to do many things,

like taking care of the house and the family.

Can't play anymore?

You can't.

No wonder Martini cried.

Then I don't want to get married.

That's still a long way off for you.

Like later-later?

Yeah, a long time from now.

When you're taller than me,

grown up, and finished with school.

School?

I want that.

Ida said she and Bud are going to the same school.

That means they also don't want to get married.

Kids in school need to do three things.

Be responsible,

listen to the teacher,

and get along with lots of friends.

Maybe Farida and Bud can already show it.

Responsible? What is that?

Super Tiny Yellow Chick is yours, right?

It's not the seller's anymore.

What if you forget to feed it?

It will get hungry.

Yes.

But if you remember to feed it,

the chick will be healthy and happy.

That means Super Tiny Yellow Chick

is your responsibility.

Got it?

Yes, Mom.

I'll make sure to be responsible,

listen to my teacher,

and get along with lots of friends.

Good night.

Willa!

Willa!

I'll add more tea.

- Do you want to drink from the cup? - Hello, everyone!

Meet your new friends.

They're Bud and Farida.

Willa!

Willa!

- Hurry up. You'll be late! - Okay.

Pass the ball to me!

It went through!

Let's go, Bud!

I'm going to Quran study. You should come, Willa.

Bye, Willa.

Bye.

SURABAYA POST OFFICE

- Good morning. - Morning.

Lampung Port.

Lampung Port?

Yes.

- Mr. Paul. - Yes?

A letter for you. From Surabaya.

Thanks.

Dear Paul.

Thank you for your letter.

I hope whatever is holding you back clears up,

and everything goes well.

Unfortunately,

things aren't all good here.

Mr. Karno's son Dul, who often plays with Willa,

had an accident.

He was playing on the railroad tracks

and had to have an artificial leg.

I saw it myself.

He'd lost his leg

and was screaming in pain, being carried.

Paul,

I lied to Dul that day.

Willa heard it and got mad at me.

Because before the accident,

Dul asked Willa to come to the railroad tracks.

I told him that you were coming home.

I was hoping he'd stop asking Willa to go.

Even though Willa had just read your letter.

I know it was wrong.

I've apologized to Willa,

and she forgave me.

But what would have happened if I hadn't lied

and Willa had gone to the railroad tracks?

Farida and Bud have started school.

Willa wanted the same.

But I'm just not ready to make it happen for now.

I thought I'd get her a baby chick since you can't come home yet.

I know she needed a friend.

She's so happy.

That's all from me for now.

I hope you stay safe at work

and come home soon.

Sending love from me and Willa.

Hugs and kisses, Marie.

Let's do Quran study, Willa!

It's fine, come on!

Come on, Willa.

It's okay.

Come on.

Peace be upon you.

Mom, can I go study the Quran with Ida?

Willa, studying the Quran isn't a game.

It's like how you, Dad, and I

read the Bible at church.

But I just want to see.

Peace be upon you.

Ma'am, I live across the street.

My child wants to join Farida for Quran study.

Is that okay?

Sure. Go ahead.

Thank you.

You may go inside.

But just sit quietly in the back.

Don't make a noise, don't call out to Farida,

and don't run around.

- Got it? - Yes, Mom.

Now read Al Falaq.

Ma'am!

Ma'am! The bedsheet's gone!

Willa!

Willa!

What's wrong, Mom?

You said I could go to the Quran study.

I didn't call out to Farida,

I didn't make any noise,

and I stayed quiet.

It's not that, Willa.

Look at what you've done.

Aunty just washed it this morning,

yet you dragged it across the street.

Can you see how filthy it is?

Don't go with me to the market tomorrow.

Help Aunty wash this until it's clean and white.

You hear me?

I'm upset.

Mom went to the market without me.

I'm staying at home with Aunty and Erres.

Morning, Aunty.

Morning, Bud.

Aunty, where's Willa?

She's grounded.

- Morning, Aunty. - Morning.

There's my plate.

Oh, Willa.

A song by Lilis Suryani, Mom's favorite.

If she's singing from inside Erres,

she must be very tiny.

There's no one inside Erres!

No one's playing trumpet, guitar, or piano.

There's no Lilis Suryani.

Na Willa!

What were you trying to do?

Why is it so messy here?

Willa. I'm asking you a question.

I can't play with Dul, Ida, or Bud.

I want to see Lilis Suryani singing inside Erres.

Taking a radio apart while it's on is dangerous.

You could get electrocuted.

Understand?

Want to see what's in the radio?

Come. I'll teach you.

Look.

There's nobody here.

Only cables and light bulbs.

Then who's singing

and talking inside the radio?

These wires

receive waves from a radio station

called RRI.

From there, someone plays music and talks.

The signals travel through the air

and reach our radio and everyone else's.

I don't understand her words,

but I know she's right.

Imagine this.

If Lilis Suryani is singing inside our radio,

and also inside Ida's radio,

there would be so many of Lilis Suryani.

However, there's only one Lilis Suryani in the world.

Do you understand?

It'd be funny if there were lots of Lilis Suryani.

Now,

put this back together.

Stay on the buffet

until it's put together.

Need a hand?

It's okay, Mom. I can do it.

It's not easy,

but I don't want help.

I took it apart, so I should fix it.

Aunty.

Yes, ma'am?

Ma'am, a letter just came in.

Have some tea.

Thank you, Aunty.

You're welcome.

What's the matter?

Sorry.

Yesterday I cooked for you and Willa,

like usual.

I separated mine,

but...

my plate disappeared.

Disappeared?

- Yeah. - How?

I'm not sure. I kept looking for it,

and I found it in the chick coop.

The chick coop?

- Yeah. - Who put it there?

I guess she feels responsible

for the chick.

Willa must be lonely.

Her friends aren't around anymore.

Now she's dismantling the radio

and messing up the bedsheet.

Poor girl.

LISTEN, BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CHICK, PLAY

LISTEN, BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CHICK, PLAY

Mom said I could visit Dul.

So we took a rickshaw to the hospital.

Mom brought oranges and a storybook.

Your friend has a new leg now, Willa.

What does it look like?

He might be able to walk,

but I don't know if he can scratch or pinch it.

For now, Dul still needs a lot of bed rest.

Maybe his parents picked him up?

No.

But he's always like this.

He's mischievous.

Always roaming the hallway

and running in the yard.

Let's go, Willa.

Dul!

Willa!

Dul!

- Willa! - Dul!

- Dul! - Willa!

Dul!

Aunty!

Dul. How are you? Are you...?

I'm doing better now! Thank you.

Willa, come sit with me.

What's that?

Its name is Super Tiny Yellow Chick.

Mom approves.

You have a baby chick.

Hold it. It doesn't bite.

But you have to check this out.

No one can pinch here anymore.

Mosquitoes won't bother me anymore!

Listen.

My leg makes sounds.

I can use it to sing.

What song?

This hospital's song.

Can you hear it?

You don't see this in Krembangan, right?

You should stay at the hospital like me.

Hello, this is the pediatric ward.

Na Willa, God gave me a blessing

A new leg that makes me even greater

This new leg is strong

Try to pinch it

I won't even feel a thing

Then I realized, with this strong leg

I'd win every race I'll take the lead

And even now

My leg can make a sound

Like a symphony

You hear that, Willa?

My leg makes a sound!

We can sing together with Super Tiny Yellow Chick!

It can help us sing like this.

One, two, three, four

Take a good listen

How lovely it is

Na Willa, listen

How soothing it is

Of all the beautiful sounds on earth

My leg can make a sound

Oh, how wonderful it is to see my friend again

Like books all gathered neatly on a shelf

Why be sad when you're not alone?

Your smile brings me so much joy

Take a good listen

To the sound of footsteps

- My leg can make a sound - Your leg can make a sound

Here, the music is like this every day.

Fun, right? You've got to stay at the hospital.

Come on, sing along!

When I am all alone, I feel lonely

I wish I could find my best friend

Am I that special?

Now, I am happy to see you happy

- Your leg can make a sound - My leg can make a sound

Open your heart, listen to the world

BP is normal.

My feet also want to sing along

Here's the medicine.

With you, I will never be alone

Never alone

Your smile brings me so much joy

Take a good listen

To the sound of footsteps

My leg can make a sound

My leg

Oh, your leg

- My leg - Your leg

Can make a sound

My leg can make a sound

Dear Marie.

Thanks for your prayers that kept me company at sea.

Don't blame yourself for lying to Dul.

You're Willa's mom.

You did what you had to do for our child.

I understand how you feel.

What happened to Dul was indeed a tragedy.

I wouldn't want that for Willa at all.

But, Marie,

if you don't let anything happen to her...

then nothing will.

I believe

you know best when it's time to open the door for Willa.

Just don't keep it closed for too long.

Did Willa really need the chick?

Or was it just you, thinking that she did?

I can't wait to get home.

Hugs and kisses from me.

Paul.

Mom, Super Tiny Yellow Chick

won't get back in the cage.

It wants to stay with Dul.

Willa.

What if you give Super Tiny Yellow Chick

to Dul to be his friend?

Yeah. That's fine.

Go on.

Excuse me, nurse.

May I borrow the phone for a bit?

So cute!

- I like Mrs. Chang's hair. - Please, have a drink.

Blonde, smooth, and the back looks like a snail's shell.

When Mrs. Chang moves her head,

it shines.

And her nose is pointy.

You haven't visited our Kembang Jepun bookstore

in quite a while.

I like the way Mrs. Chang talks.

It's so unique.

It's different from Mom and everyone I know.

But I've heard Dad talk like that too.

What do you think?

Shouldn't

Willa start school?

School?

I want that!

- I'll be with Farida and Bud! - You can teach her to read and write.

But she needs to experience the world.

She needs friends outside the neighborhood.

And she needs a teacher.

This is just my opinion, but...

Willa should go to school.

Mom, don't stay quiet!

Say something!

This looks nice.

Once again, thank you, Mrs. Chang, for your help.

You're welcome, dear.

It will be very beneficial for Willa.

I'll be heading home now.

Be safe, Mrs. Chang.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

Why are you crying?

You don't want to go to school?

Am I going to school?

Yes, you must.

- That's what you want, right? - Yeah!

When do I start?

Tomorrow.

Yay! I'm going to school!

Look.

Mrs. Chang gave you this.

Listen up, Willa.

We can't let Mrs. Chang's gift go to waste.

Promise me you'll study hard

and not cry at school.

Can you do that, Willa?

What's school like, Mom?

You'll find out tomorrow.

You'll meet your classmates and your teacher.

Teachers can read?

Of course. They'll teach you to read faster.

Teachers have a lot of books.

More books than we have at home?

Yes. They have a special room for books.

You can read everything there.

It's called a library.

Libra...?

...ry.

Library.

I love the sound of a library!

I'm sure you will love it.

- Is this a lunch box? - Yeah.

And you'll be wearing this tomorrow.

Wow!

Farida, Dul, and Bud go to that school too?

Look. It's your name.

Yeah! Na Willa.

Correct.

And your water bottle.

First Day.

School time!

I can't be late!

Breakfast must be quick!

Bananas? We're out.

Fried rice? Only Mom and Aunty can make that.

Crackers will do.

Willa!

What's going on?

Breakfast.

Breakfast?

I'm getting ready.

Oh yeah, it's school day today, huh?

All right. Clean it up, and I'll heat water for you.

I'll be late, Mom.

You won't. It's five in the morning.

Hurry up, Mom. I'm going to be late.

I'M GOING TO SCHOOL

WELCOME, NA WILLA

Farida! Bud!

Willa!

- Hurray! Willa's going to school! - Hurray!

Hurray! Willa's going to school!

Let's go to class.

Willa! Wait.

You two can go ahead. Willa will come with me.

Good morning.

Morning.

Have a seat.

Mrs. Chang called earlier.

She said your child will study here. Is that right?

That's right.

Good morning.

This is Ms. Tini.

Your child will be in her class.

Thank you, Ms. Tini.

I'm counting on you.

Willa, I'm going home.

Study well. Remember your promise to me.

Go on, follow her to your class.

There's a library here, right?

- Farida! Bud! - Willa!

Farida! Bud!

That's not your class.

Attention!

Hurry into class.

Do not misbehave.

I don't like children who misbehave.

Meet your new classmate.

Her name is Na Willa.

What's so funny?

That's my name.

Easy, there.

Quiet!

Sit there.

Next to Bayu.

When I call your name,

come forward and grab a book.

Understand?

Yes, miss.

Anita.

Yahya.

Ratna.

Asma.

Budi.

Budi.

Bayu.

Bambang.

Ningsih.

Wati.

Pay attention and follow what I write on the board.

Understand?

Yes, miss.

Why didn't my mom pack a book?

Oh, I remember.

Last night she said the book will be handed out at school.

Miss.

Yes?

I don't have a book.

You're new here.

Be quiet and watch how your classmates write.

You wrote it wrong.

Lowercase B has its belly at the back.

B for back.

What you wrote is a D.

I'll show you how.

No.

You wrote D. I'll show you the right way.

- No! - I'll show you!

Miss Tini!

Quiet!

Listen up.

In the old days, any student without a notebook

wasn't allowed in class.

No matter how far their home was,

be it dozens of kilometers or across rivers,

they would be sent home.

You are lucky.

You became a student right away thanks to a recommendation.

So behave, and don't bother your classmates.

Break time!

Come, have a drink!

Syrup, Orange Cruz!

I want Orange Cruz!

One at a time.

Here's the bottle.

Here.

- Here you go. - Mister, I want this.

It's 20 rupiah.

Open it, please.

Do you have the money?

You must pay.

If you don't pay,

I won't open the bottle.

Willa!

- Let's go inside. - Let's go.

Yay! Goal!

Dul has a wooden leg now?

Yeah! You can't pinch it anymore.

He runs a little crooked.

How about scratching?

No. But you can play music with it.

Bud will beat Dul in a race once he's back.

I don't want to race. I like playing at school better.

But you have a lot of toys at home.

Let Murni have them. I'll play at school.

You have omelet in your fried rice?

Who made it?

My mom this morning.

Looks good. My mom doesn't make fried rice in the morning.

You should ask.

Tomorrow, I'll ask my mom to make fried rice like yours.

With lots of omelet on top.

Ida, go to my class.

I can't, Willa.

Then I will go to yours.

Goal!

That's also not allowed.

We have our own classes.

The teacher told us so.

- Goal! - Yay!

Oh, Hesty Why do you look like...

Quiet.

Miss.

What?

Do you have Erres here?

Erres?

A radio.

Why do you ask?

If I'm not writing,

can I just sing instead?

No. And there's no radio.

Just be quiet and sit still. Don't misbehave.

Ms. Tini,

my mom said I'd get a book at school.

You're new.

You don't have one yet.

Just watch your friends write.

Besides, you can't even write yet.

I can write, miss.

Sure, you can write, but it's not readable.

I do know how to read and write.

No child can read and write before starting school.

Understand?

Go back to your seat, and stop lying.

I'm telling the truth! I'm not lying!

How dare you!

Go back to your seat.

That's enough!

It hurts!

Stupid Chinese!

Stupid Chinese! Stupid Chinese! Stupid Chinese!

- Ms. Tini! - She's hurting us!

Quiet!

Stupid Chinese! Stupid Chinese!

What a troublemaker!

I'll punish you!

You'll see! You little brat!

Ms. Tini is mean! I don't like her!

What happened?

Willa!

Are you okay?

What happened?

Gosh, your hair and your clothes!

What if your mom sees?

Ma'am! It's Willa!

What happened? She fell? Is she sick?

- No, ma'am. - Why are you screaming?

I think she had a fight.

A fight? With who? Is she hurt? Where is she?

In her room.

Aunty said you got into a fight.

Is that true?

Willa. Talk to me.

Talk. Yes, I have to talk.

I have to tell the truth.

Remember,

we must never lie to anyone.

What's a lie?

Lying is like

having pebbles in your shoes.

It feels uncomfortable to walk.

You won't stay like this forever.

Something will change.

When the time comes...

Look.

The caterpillar will become a cocoon.

Then, it will turn into this one.

A butterfly.

Can it become a caterpillar again?

No.

It can't stay a caterpillar forever.

I asked for a book to write,

but Ms. Tini said no.

She said I'm new and can't read yet.

I told her I can read.

I can, right?

No child can

read and write before starting school.

Go back to your seat, and stop lying.

She didn't believe me.

She told me to sit still beside Bayu.

And Bayu mocked me, so I kicked his feet.

My hair got pulled until it hurt, so I fought back.

Then Ms. Tini pinched my ear.

I was angry!

I stepped on her foot and ran home.

Is that really what happened?

Yes, Mom.

Ms. Tini pinched my ear.

Because you kicked your friend.

They started it. I only fought back!

They called me stupid Chinese!

You are Chinese. Your dad is Chinese.

Don't fight back, or it will never end.

You can speak to Ms. Tini about it.

I don't like her! She doesn't like me either.

Willa. Teachers are kind.

No! Ms. Tini is mean, and I don't like her.

Still, stepping on your teacher's foot

and pulling a friend's hair is wrong.

I told her I can read,

but she called me a liar.

I want to go to school,

but I don't want Ms. Tini as my teacher.

I will go to school and talk to Ms. Tini.

You, stay here.

I'll decide your punishment after I'm back.

I made Mom angry.

What will my punishment be?

A pinch? Hit me with a stick?

But I had to tell her.

I don't want any pebbles in my shoes.

I don't like having my hair pulled

or people making fun of my name.

Ma'am, calm down. We can talk about this nicely.

Why did you call my child a liar?

Because she said she can read and write.

That's a fact. She knows how to!

Proof?

How would I know she wrote that?

Besides, our class has rules. And our school...

MY NAME IS NA WILLA I CAN RE--

I'm Marie's and Paul's child.

I can read. I'm not lying.

She's definitely going to pinch my thigh.

Or maybe my hand.

Which one, Mom?

Willa.

You're getting punished.

Yes, Mom.

You...

can no longer go to that school.

Really?

You're not allowed to meet Ms. Tini

unless you like her very much.

Then I'll have to allow it.

It's okay. I'll just take the punishment.

All right.

There's one more punishment.

What's that?

You can't go play today.

You must come with me on the bike

to look for a new school.

Yay! I'll pick the school.

Wait, let me ask you.

What face did Bayu make at you?

Like this.

Why?

If I had a friend making that face,

I might kick them too.

Oh, Hesty

Why do you look like her?

She who left me

Gone to who knows where

What is this school?

"Putra Sejati Kindergarten."

Let's find another school.

I don't like the school's name.

I don't remember how long we were biking,

but my mom and I kept singing.

Her bike was so fast,

and the wind hit my face a few times.

It almost blew into my mouth.

We biked straight, left, and right,

and still couldn't find a school for me.

Until we saw a small house

with a colorful garden.

"Djuwita."

What does that mean?

Beautiful.

I like this school's name.

Me too. Let's check it out.

DJUWITA KINDERGARTEN

Look, Mom.

It's nice.

Who made this?

Maybe the teachers and the students here.

Good afternoon.

From her voice, I can tell she's kind.

Good afternoon. I'm Marie.

I'm Djuwita.

That's right. The kindergarten is named after me.

Have a seat.

How can I help you?

Thank you, Ms. Djuwita.

My child is ready to go to school.

I've been teaching her reading and writing at home,

and now we're looking for the right school.

What's your name?

Will she laugh?

No. Tell her your name.

My name is Na Willa.

Na Willa?

What a beautiful name.

I've never heard anything like it.

I couldn't hear anything else.

Ms. Djuwita said my name was beautiful.

It seemed Mom kept asking questions,

but I only heard one thing from Ms. Djuwita.

You can start school here whenever you want.

Can I start now?

Can I call you Willa?

Willa, school's over for today.

Everyone's gone home.

But you can check out the class

or try sitting at the desk if you want.

Do you want to?

Come in.

Tomorrow, I'll teach you everything on this blackboard.

Here is our reading area.

There are plenty of books to choose from.

Your classmates love reading as well.

If you like arts and crafts,

you can use the craft papers here

to create all kinds of things.

Over here, we can sing together.

Tomorrow?

Tomorrow, Willa.

Mom, I want to study here.

Day one.

Again!

I love bananas.

Bananas in the morning. Bananas at noon.

At night? Still bananas!

Willa, here's some papaya.

But papaya is actually pretty good.

Yellow.

- Dul, let's play! - No.

- Let's play! - I'm good.

Let's play, Dul!

No. My chick might get thirsty.

I'll play marbles later.

Even though Dul takes things slowly now,

I still think he's awesome.

Bud says Murni can sit now,

so his toys are her toys too.

His nose isn't runny anymore.

Farida has one less sibling at home.

Where's the youngest?

Farida!

Now, Farida can't play at my house until night.

Her mom keeps looking for her.

She must be upset.

Mom said Dad knows about my new school.

Guys,

my child has started school.

Everything's sorted. We can go back to Surabaya.

Surabaya!

I hope Dad comes home soon,

or I might forget his face again.

It's a funny feeling.

- This is for Farida. - Thanks, Cik.

- For Na Willa. - Thanks, Cik.

- Dul's. - Thanks, Cik.

- And Bud's. - Thanks, Cik.

I don't like it.

Ah, all right.

I'll change it.

This one isn't fizzy.

Can I try that too?

Of course.

Here, I'll change it.

Thank you, Cik.

So good.

SERODJA BOOKSTORE

Djaja's Tailor Shop is now a bookstore.

Mom and I have been there before.

The lady running it is very kind.

I want things to stay like this tomorrow, the next day, and every day after.

We're not riding the bike?

We'll walk so you remember the way.

Willa!

Ida!

I'm going to Djuwita Kindergarten today.

- Bud! - Willa!

Study hard, Willa.

Willa, bye.

I'm so excited.

I want to finish school fast

so I can keep playing.

And I don't need to get married.

Ms. Djuwita!

Willa.

Good morning.

Morning.

- Morning, miss. - Morning.

Willa, I'm going back. Behave, okay?

If you don't understand something...?

Ask the teacher!

Bye, Mom.

- See you, miss. - See you.

Everyone, let's head into class.

That morning, I met a lot of new friends.

Endang, Gatot, Sumi, Sri, Eko, Joko, and Asih.

Joko.

- Morning. - Morning.

Good morning, everyone.

Come on, introduce yourself.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

My name is

Na Willa.

Hurray!

What's the name of our new friend?

Na Willa!

Na Willa!

NA WILLA'S JOURNEY WILL CONTINUE.

One, two, three, four!

CHIRP!

Mom.

Yes?

Can I stay at the hospital?

CRASH, CLATTER, BANG

A GIRL IS A GIRL!

I WANT TO BE LIKE MOM!