Graduation day dawned in the sweltering heat of a Jakarta morning. The air felt heavy with humidity and exhaust fumes. Even the Convention Center's expensive air conditioning couldn't clear it all away.
I woke up at 5 AM, not because of an alarm, but because my body refused to sleep. It had been like this for two weeks—ever since the night I walked away from Dave’s house, leaving my heart on his doorstep.
I sat at my vanity, watching the makeup artist apply layer after layer of foundation to my face. She chattered cheerfully about how smooth my skin was, asking if I wanted a "bold" or "natural" look.
"Whatever covers the pale," I answered. "Make me look alive."
I stood up and put on the kebaya. It was a stunning piece made of champagne-colored French lace. The intricate beading added t
