Family Breakdown
A bitter life, yet filled with priceless memories.
Chapter 1
Story based on real life events from the 1970s - 2025 (A fictionalized story not related to anyone)
Traces of Time
Traces of Time tells the story of Rina, a young girl born in 1965 in a small village in East Malaysia. She grew up in a loving yet struggling family, deeply bonded with her loved ones especially her beloved grandmother, Fatimah.
But at just five years old, Rina witnessed a series of events that shattered her small world a family conflict that tore apart the peace of their home and forever changed her life's direction.
As Rina navigated her childhood, she found comfort in the simple games she played with her cousins a brief escape from the chaos surrounding her. While the village elders gathered in serious discussions to resolve her family's crisis, Rina and her cousins continued to play, blissfully unaware of the gravity of what was happening.
Through these early trials, Rina learned that no matter how fierce the storm threatening to destroy her family, love, resilience, and the innocence of childhood dreams could heal what was once broken. Traces of Time is a deeply emotional tale of *family, love, loss, and the enduring power of memories that never fade.
In 1965, Rina was born a beautiful girl with a unique face, different from her siblings. She resembled her grandmother so closely that even I inherited that same likeness. Yet, a trace of Chinese features also blended into her face, as her father, Lim, was a Chinese-Dusun man.
Rina grew up facing life's many challenges alongside her family, always doing her best to help and care for her younger siblings. But in 1970, when she was only five years old, her family's life changed drastically.
That day, little Rina was playing with her cousin Anita in the front yard when the peaceful afternoon was shattered by the sound of angry voices.
Rina: "What's happening, Mama?"
She asked in confusion, her small eyes darting toward the living room where her grandparents were arguing.
Grandmother (Fatimah): "You're not faithful! Our children are grown, and you're still doing foolish things!"
She said, pulling Rina close to her chest.
Grandfather (Harun): "I have no feelings for you anymore! You think you're still young?"
The argument grew louder, anger filling the air. Dishes clattered, and furniture toppled as Fatimah, in a fit of rage, threw things around.
Little Rina could only cry, terrified, as her grandparents fought.
Moments later, the villagers began to gather, hoping to calm the situation.
Village Head (Abu): "So, what do we do now? If it's come to this, we'll settle it the village way one buffalo, two pigs, that's the fine. We'll make this official."
Fatimah: "Fine! Let's do it! Rina, take the children outside. Go play. Don't listen to what the adults are saying."
Rina, too young to understand, nodded obediently and went outside to play with Anita, keeping her distance from the chaos.
Anita: "Why is your mama so angry?"
Rina: "There's a new stepmother now. They got married today."
Anita: "That's good, right? So why are they fighting?"
Rina: "I don't know. Mama said not to meddle in adult things or lightning will strike us God will be angry."
Anita fell silent. The two girls went back to their play, using empty sardine tins and water from a bucket, pretending to cook.
Rina: "This is our special dish! Sardine soup!"
Anita: laughing "So delicious!"
Soon, their cousin Mikel came running over.
Mikel: "Let's play !"
Anita: "Okay, let's go!"
They gathered large leaves and wooden planks left from a house renovation, building their own tiny "home" in the yard, decorating it with old newspapers.
Nearby, another cousin, Mikol, appeared.
Mikol: "Hey, want to play seven stones instead?"
Ibrahim: "No, we're playing house!"
Mikol sighed and left, while the rest continued their imaginary world completely unaware of the turmoil unfolding inside the house.
The Village in Tension
The once peaceful village had turned restless as Village Head Abu and several elders gathered to discuss the family's issue. Their voices were serious and filled with concern.
Abu: "We must take action. If this continues, the family will fall apart. We need a solution that brings peace."
They spoke for hours, exchanging opinions and traditions, trying to find a way forward. The decision was made but to Rina, none of it made sense. She only wanted to play, laugh, and forget the shouts echoing from her home.
The Innocence of Childhood
Rina and Anita lost themselves in their games, choosing joy over fear. Despite the tension hanging in the air, they clung to their small moments of happiness moments that painted their dark world with color.
Rina: "Let's build a big house!"
Anita: "We'll be the king and queen!"
Ibrahim (pretending to be the king): "I'm the king!"
But before they could continue, a sharp voice called out.
Mikol's mother (Rosmah): "Mikol! Come home now!"
Anita: "Oh no, now we've lost another player."
They laughed and ran around the yard, their bare feet kicking up dust. In that moment, they were free children untouched by the weight of the adult world.
Time passed quickly, and little Rina's world remained simple, laughter, games, and dreams unaware of how deeply her family's cracks would shape her future.
Thus began Rina's life story a story of a family tested by pain and separation, yet held together by love and shared memories. Even a broken family can be stitched back together with patience, kindness, and the courage to forgive.