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THE FRAGMENT OF WIND Master Piece of OZON Editor : Mrs. Nurul Hikmah Design and illustration : Zulfahmi Letter Examiner : Mrs. Nurul Hikmah Published by SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Printing 2013 Frist Printer e-Book

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The Blurbs

“‘Fragments of Wind’ is vivid and compelling, with strong imagery and an evocative plot. Sure to get under your skin." (Mr. Gordon Gifford LaForge. One of Aminef staff members in Jakarta from Colorado)

“You will have rapidly beating heart and tingling fingers while reading ‘Hide and Seek’ story. It creeps into your subconscious, so that when you’re alone and the wind is kicking up, you’re not so sure you’re really alone in the dark.” (Ms. Nur Akmaliyah. One of the lectures in English Department of IAIN Ar-Raniry Darussalam. She graduated from York University in Britain)

“ ’Sorry, I Can’t Accept Your Chocolate Today’ is a simple great story which usually happens in teenagers daily life. When many young fellows do such a nice regular thing without realizing what is the fact behind it, Sarah Rahmany comes with the answer through this story.” (Mrs. Nurul Hikmah, English Teacher of SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan)

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“ ’Haunted Face is a sweet and nice story. It doesn’t perform the ordinary things, but it shows about high school in different side. The story also makes us realize that God always has a beautiful planning for us. And of course Mrs. Nurul could make me imagine the story perfectly. :D” (Safira Salwa. The Head of Language Department of SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Kota Banda Aceh”

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Preface

These stories were English Assignment for Ozon (Organization of Nine) students of Fajar Harapan. The teacher then chose some stories of 75 stories. They aren’t the only stories that are nice, but some of others which doesn’t include in this anthology were lost and forgotten. Some of those great stories are the story of Halimah Tusakdiah, Syarifah Faihaa, Intan P. Fikri, Nasiha Sakina, Siti Zuhra Saliha, Cut Sabrina and still many others left unmentioned.

It needs about a year to complete collecting and editing this anthology. This big project almost disturbs the writers’ study for their Final Examination (UAN). But beyond of all, our aim is to release this book before the OZON graduates from Fajar Harapan. Hopefully this book can be a gift from Ozon for our beloved SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Kota Banda Aceh.

Our gratitude are proudly given to :

Allah the most merciful and gracious for giving us the chances to live and study to be a good moslem by doing the useful activities.

Rasulullah, Peace be Upon Him. For being a great teacher and role model for us.

Our family, especially Bunda and Ayah for your endless love.

Our teachers. Thanks for your motivating and trusting us that WE CAN.

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Our beloved brothers and sisters, OZON members, we are nothing without you. Thanks a million for being a great brothers and sisters ever.

Nong Nabila, Putri Rizky, Nabila Sophia, Mrs. Nurul Hikmah, T. Haris Syahputra and Espi Akhiria Putri for your time editing and translating these stories. We just can’t finish it without you.

Lina Sundana and Muhibbul Hadi for the idea of the anthology’s cover. That long night conversation is unforgotten.

Mr. Zulfahmi for helping us in lay out, book editing and cover designing until this anthology isn’t only just a dream. We never publish it without your help, Pak.

For the weakness and human error, there are still many names left unmentioned. Great thanks for your time helping us..

We love you more than you’ve ever known.

Have a great time reading our first anthology :

THE FRAGMENT OF WIND

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Contents

THE BLURBS.......................................................................... ii

PREFACE .............................................................................. iv

CONTENTS ........................................................................... vi

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY ................................................... 2

AISYAH R.A IS MY IDOL ....................................................... 14

SASA AND RARA ................................................................. 24

BELIEVE .............................................................................. 34

FRAGMENT OF WIND ......................................................... 49

HIDE AND SEEK ................................................................... 61

NOT JUST A DREAM ............................................................ 71

FATHER .............................................................................. 81

SORRY I CAN’T ACCEPT YOUR CHOCOLATE TODAY .............. 96

I LOVE YOUR EYES............................................................. 108

HAUNTED FACE ................................................................ 119

WHEN SHE ASKED ME TO STAY ......................................... 156

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THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY By : Novira Chandisa

That day was the first day for new students of Al-Jabar senior high school, also for that young boy. His name is Zahid As-Saidi. He was from Mtsn 3 Simeulu, one of famous junior high school there. But he wasn’t a popular student in that school, although he was smart but he never want to be proud of himself. He just want to be an ordinary student.

Al-Jabar Senior High School is a boarding school which known as one of the most famous school in Indonesia. This school has talented and genius students who always get achievement everywhere. The students aren’t just smart in science but they also good in art, social subject, and the most important is they also good in religion. Since the teachers there always support them in all of their activities. Friendship is the best thing which always be among the student there.

All the parents of new students seemed so busy to prepare their daughters and their sons’ first day to enter dormitory. The parents helped the students to tidy up their wardrobes, their beds, and their new bedrooms. But Zahid just with his father.

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His mother can’t take him to his new school because they didn’t have enough money to go together to Banda Aceh. Simeulue, Zahid’s hometown, was an island located far from Banda Aceh. So they must take ferry and continued by bus. It will spent much money, right ?

When Zahid and his father finished arrange Zahid’s book in the shelf, a man came to them.

“Assalamu’alaikum Sir” greated that man to Zahid’s father.

“Wa’alaikumsalam” Zahid’s father answered him with smile.

“I’m Khalid. This is my son, Anas” said Mr.Khalid.

“Oh, I’m Ikhwan. This is my son named Zahid” said Mr.Ikhwan.

“Where are you come from, Mr. Ikhwan?” asked Mr.Khalid.

“We come from simeulu, Sir. And you ?”

“Waw, that is so far from here. We are from Banda Aceh” answered Mr.Khalid.

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“Although Simeulue is so far from here but I’m so happy because Zahid can enter this favourite school” said Mr.Ikhwan with a big smile.

“I hope you can be a good friend for my son and you both can enjoy living here, Zahid” said Mr.Khalid .

“Thanks,Mr.Khalid. We will be a bestfriend, Insha Allah.” said Zahid while looking at Anas. Anas answered with smile. Zahid was so happy because he got a new friend and he thought they really can make a bestfriendship

----------------------------IIIIIIIIII-----------------------------

Zahid entered class X-3. After all of the students introduced themselves, they decided to make the name of their class. So many idea from the student but the best idea is from Zahid. “TETRIS (Ten ThRee Is Solid)”, he wrote that name on the whiteboard . All of the student like that name and they all decided to choose that name to be their class name. So since that day all the member of TETRIS called themselves “TETRISIOUS”.

Zahid didn’t speak too much in his class. He likes to be silent than talking unimportant things, because he followed the Hadist of Rasulullah SAW

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which warned us not to speak too much if not important. So that tetrisious didn’t know him so well especially the girls. But besides, Zahid is so kind and dilligent that all of the student agreed that Zahid is a good friend although they didn’t know him well.

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When the english subject ...

“Okay students, who can answer this question, please raise your hand!” asked Mrs.Aisyah to the students.

All the students except Zahid raise their hand. Mrs.Aisyah surprised because Zahid didn’t say and do anything during the class, whereas Zahid smart in english.

Suddenly Zahid felt down on his table. All students was very shock because that made a big sound. Anas who sat beside Zahid couldn’t says anything, he didnt know what to do. Mrs.Aisyah walked fast to Zahid’s table then asked him.

“What happen to you, Zahid ?”

“I dont know, Miss. I got stomachache. It really hurt” Zahid answered.

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“Anas, please take him to UKS room.” And the other boys also seemed to help Anas..

Anas, Ferry and Ahmad brought him to UKS. Then they went back to their class because there was Mrs.Sri who would look after Zahid. Walking back to the class, Anas didn’t say anything, he was afraid if something wrong happened to his best friend.

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One day when math subject , Ms.Husna entered the X-3. The student was so happy if that teacher entered their class. Because Ms.Husna was a kind teacher. She always listen if her student want to tell their problem. And she is like their second mother for them. After salam of course like usual, Ms.Husna absent all her student.

“Anas ?” said Ms. Husna

“Present Miss” answeres Anas.

“Anisa rahma ?” asked her to Nisa.

“I am here Miss” Nisa answered while smile.

“Ok the last, Zahid ?” asked her to Zahid. He was the last name in that absent.

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“Zahid was sick Miss” Anas said with a sad face.

“What’s kind of sick he has Anas ?” asked Ms.Husna.

“He feels toothache Miss” Anas anwered.

“Oh . Anas please tell to him to consume the medicine and get well soon ya. He was so many absent because of sick.” Ms.Husna told Anas her message to Zahid.

“Ok Miss, insya Allah I will not forget your message” Anas answered with spirit.

Yeah, almost of the student knew if Zahid often sick. Especially the girl, they trusted Zahid more than the other boys. Bacause Zahid was a kind and a honest person . He never looks to the girl eyes when he talk to them. He also kept his eyes of something that Allah SWT does not allow to see.

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Now, Zahid just entered class four days in a week. Because he always get toothache and stomachache. Zahid also one of the boys in the class who rarely paid the class money. Dira, one of the girl in his class often paid his class money. Not just Dira,

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all the girl feel pity to Zahid. Zahid never told his family about this. He didn’t want to make his parents worried.

One day Anas asked about it to Zahid when they were together in their room.

“How are you today,Akhi ?” Anas asked to Zahid.

“ Alhamdulillah better than yesterday. Nas” Zahid answered with smile. They were the best friend since their first day school. Anas always looked sad if Zahid was sick.

“Oh alhamdulillah Hid. Have you told your family about this,Hid?” Anas asked.

“Not yet Nas, I dont want to make them worried” Zahid answered with a sad face.

“What ? How can you didn’t tell them the important things like this? I know, this can make them worried, perhaps. But they will be more sad if they know your condition from other people, Hid.” Anas was shocked.

“I know, Nas. But I cant tell them now, I’m not ready yet. Nas, promise me you will not tell about this to them.” Asked Zahid to Anas.

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“Ok because I believe you, I will not tell them.” answered Anas .

“Thanks Nas, you’re the best friend I have ever had” answered Zahid with smile.

From that time, Zahid’s condition become worse. He was sick almost everyday. Anas want to inform Zahid’s family, but he remember about his promise. He never want to break the promise.

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Thursday. January, 11st. 12 a.m

Kriingggggg..........(Bell for the last subject of examination was ringing)

“Tasy, how about your exam ? Did you answer them all ?” Rara asked Tasya.

“Alhamdulillah Ra, I just couldn’t answer number 5” Tasya answered with sad face.

“Did you cheat, Ra ?” Khansa asked Rara.

“Huh. Of course not, Sa, although I couldn’t answer number 2 and 5. I know Allah SWT always watches us” Rara answered with smile.

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“Excellent answer Ra! I’m so proud of you” Khansa said to Rara.

“Ok enough. Let’s go back to dorm, I wanna sleep a moment” Tasya said while holding their hand.

In dormitory, Tasya had changed her uniform to the pajamas. She was ready to sleep. Just 3 minutes of her sleep, Winda called her.

“Assalamu’alaikum Sya, Tasya. Zahid, Sya. Zahid” Winda said while crying.

“Wa’alaikumsalam, what’s up Win ? What happen ?” Tasya asked.

“Zahid sya, Zahid left us,4 hours ago” Winda answered sobbing.

“Whattt ? Innalillahi wa innailaihi rajiun. Ya Allah Win, what’s wrong with him ?” Tasya shocked. She started to cry like Winda. That made her roommates wanted to know what happen.

“He had a cancer in his stomache. And that cancer now spread to his mouth. Because of that, he often get toothache” Winda explained.

“Astaghfirullah, what a pity. Will we be allowed to visit him ?” Tasya asked.

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“We will, after dhuhur Sya, Insha Allah we will go to Simeulu with our school bus” Winda answered.

“Ok Win, I will tell the others.

Assalamu’alaikum” Tasya closed their convercation.

“Friends , please, all of you listen to me well. Zahid passed away four hours ago because of the cancer in his stomache. After dhuhur we will go to Simeulu. So please collect a donation for his family to Dira” Tasya told all of the room’s member loudly, so that all of students could hear her voice.

“I can’t believe it. It’s just a lie Sya. You played a trick to us.Zahid said to Anas he will back to school today. You’re lie, you’re lie.” Rara said while crying. She still didn’t believe if Zahid was gone.

“I don’t lie Ra. I don’t.. I know how you feel. We feel that too Ra.” Tasya hold Rara .

All the students of Al-Jabar school were sad. They always remember how kind was Zahid. They were just silent. They couldn’t express their feeling. Anas was the saddest one . After azan dhuhur, an ambulance entered their school. Zahid was there accompanied by his family. That ambulance stopped right beside the Mushalla. All of the students could look Zahid’s smile for the last time.

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“Aceh was just left by one ulama again” A Grandteacher said that.

They would not understand what his meant. They just looked at smiling Zahid. They tried not to cry infront of Zahid. They didn’t want to make him sad if he could see them. One thing they could learned, Allah SWT could take us whenever He likes. They would always remember Zahid until the end of their life. Zahid was a best friend that they have ever had.

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Aisyah r.a is My Idol By: Lina Sundana

“Allah tasketh not a soul beyond it’s scope. For it (is only) that which it hath earned, and against it (only) that which it hath deserved. Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget, or miss the mark! Our Lord! Lay not on us such a burden as thou didst lay on those before us! Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear! Pardon us, absolve us and have mercy on us, Thou, our Protector, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk. "(Surah al-Baqarah [2]: 286)

Aisyah was a Muslim who had finished her high school. Now she was busy in preparing to go to college. Her ambition from the beginning was a preacher like the figure of Aisyah binti Abu Bakar ra, wife of the Prophet Muhammad Saw who became her idol. She was concentrating on SNMPTN, her target was the one religious university called Al Kindi with a major in Islam.

Aisyah with two friends who were both graduated from islamic boarding school of Ibnu Sina was being serious to resolve the question in SNMPTN books and religious books. Their target is to study at the university of Al-Kindi.

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The condition was silence, all were busy in working on a matter. Siti was one of Aisyah friends break the silence.

"Oh god, I can’t memorize all.. I don’t know how the questions will be to pass SNMPTN... "

"How if we find information about the entrance exam?" Said Sarah.

"I have a friend who have graduated from university al-Kindi, Nur is her name, maybe she can help us". Aisyah immediately took his cell phone and tried to contact Nur.

As a result, Nur still had a save question test about the college about 4 years ago. Aisyah and her friends looked very happy. Now, with the help of sis. Nur, they worked for the matter,discussed it throughly and they did it together.

SNMPTN day arrived. Aisyah entered the room and sat down at a place that had been listed her name, while waiting for test supervisor to share about the paper, she read the prayer “Rabbi zidni ilmaw warzukni fahma, rabbishrahli wayassirli amri wahlul ‘ukdatamminisani yafkahu qauli....Ya Allah... I hope I can answer these questions with easy, and I

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don’t forget what I have learned. Ya Allah, you are the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful ". Amin Ya Rabb.

Aisyah opened her test question. Question number 1, she could solve it. She was smiling up to the last question. 83% the questions were spent mostly within these 5 years which had studied and discussed with sis Nur. Alhamdulillah. She collected her papers to the table supervisor and came out with a beaming face.

Announcement day arrived. That morning, Aisyah seemed to buy a newspaper to see her test results. She opened the pages and found his name on the top line : Aisyah with score 100 did not pass. She didn’t believe and gave it to her mother for checking it once again, and that was true, Aisyah didn’t pass. Astaghfirullah. Aisyah directly limp, her body was cold, the world seemed to stop for a moment, her brain was crowded with the questions, Why? sadness and tears appeared from the face of Aisyah. She met the organizing committee to know why she did’t pass. They said Aisyah did not pass because she had stolen the key answer so that her score was perfect with the answers had filled all. So Aisyah did not pass. Aisyah had denied all allegations but, rice had became porridge, no one listened to Aisyah. One year she could not go to college that she was targeting. Ya

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Allah may be able to pass through this ordeal with you, my good pleasure of God.

Aisyah was very sad because that incident, but she remained optimistic that there would be lessons from all of this. “There is no Muslim who suffers from fatigue or illness or grief, even the thorn in the form of interference, but all the events that would be a sin" (Bukhari, Muslim). She believes that was not the end for her life.

Every day, Aisyah preached to achieve her ambition which was delayed to be a preacher, everything started from teaching the women around her about religion in mushalla, continued by teaching private of reading qur’an and all about Islam course in people house who wanted to join. She was also active in an Islamic organization in which she was invited as resource persons or speakers in specific event.

Two months had passed since that incident, Aisyah seemed happy to enjoy the work she was doing now. This was propaganda, shared information and connected Muslim brotherhood. As Aisyah binti Abu Bakar r.a was the wife of the Prophet Muhammad SAW who had a high spirit in the preaching and simplicity in the Bohemian. Subhanallah (Glory to Allah).

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When Aisyah still in organizatioon at Indonesia, she had secret admire who always sent letter there was the word all about love but Aisyah never reply and ingnore that letter. Here the poem went:

Everytime I look into your eyes, I fall in love again. I know that I've only known you for less than a tenth of my life, but I feel like I've known you since the dawn of time.

I'm never tired of looking at your pictures, reading your letters that you've written to me. All of these things keep me so happy and feeling so blessed that I have truly found the one person that I want to spend eternity with. You are the only person on earth that has ever been able to calm me down when I get worked up. Talking to you makes my days great.

I could have a crappy day at work, but at night when I get to talk and think of you, you lift my gloomy spirits. You never makes me feel like I can have a bad day, and that is so uplifting to me.

Like I say so many times, you're my Angel, sent from Heaven above to be my one and the only.

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Your touch can excite me. When we are together, I wonder if you're really there, or did I just had a sweet dream.

Having this chance of dedication, I wish you'd find your truth happiness one day.

Your name will always be kept in my dairy. Wherever I am in life, no matter what happen, it'll never change.

Your Secret Admire ( I Love You Aisyah)

Nine months later, Aisyah married with one young man who worked as a lecturer at Darul Ilmi university and he was active in Islamic religious activities. His name was Ibrahim. Aisyah and her husband lived in their own house. Their family looked calm and serene.

After married, still, many men asked Aisyah to be their girl friend, they didn’t know Aisyah had married. After she was being a speaker in one of events, she got a pink letter in her bag. That was:

Love was blind, So make it able to see Love was cry, So make it happy

Love just one, So give it to one man/woman

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Love was everything, So make it to every answer

Love will change all, So protect your TRUE

And every time i see you, my heart skips a beat,

You sweep me straight off my feet.

Those dark brown eyes looking upon mine,

And the way you care.

It is then, I realize,

This is reality,The best part is,

That is always a missing, Is that, you are mine,

And within this rhyme.

I've outlined my feelings for you,

Those of I always knew.

They are deeper than any ocean,

Like a poisonous potion.

They go further than any star,

Leaving a deep scar. Within my heart,

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Like some sort of art, and through all of life's obstacles,

We should think of this, as one of God's miracles.

For we are meant to be,

Forever, you see?And one more thing

I LOVE YOU.

Your love (Ishak)

Aisyah just smiled and threw that letter to rubbish bin. Sometime, she gave them to her husband, Alhamdulillah her husband was not a kind of people that easy to get emotional. His respon just gave some advices to her wife. Subhanallah.

One month after, overseas scholarship program at the Islamic kingdom of Malacca university, prody of communication was open, Aisyah tried to take the test to get the scholarship, and she finally passed the test. She continued her school which was delayed accompanied by her husband.

Aisyah remained active preaching in Malacca, she often invited as a speaker on special occasions, she got award to be the best speaker and most

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participants in religion event. She had also written books which were best seller, there were: Looking at the story of Aisyah ra, There will be light after darkness, Think Positive, Stop Crying, Do not Look Back, and so on. The books were one of the propagation through writing. Allahuakbar.

Failure was not the end of everything, never gave up to reach the dream. Many were failures in life because people didn’t realize how closed they were to success when they gave up. Don’t Give Up (There will be light after dark).

The End

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Sasa and Rara By : Sheila Natasha

Black and white, sky and earth, sour and sweet there is always a difference in this world. The differences are also between my beloved sister, Rara and me. If I choose pink, she will choose blue. If I read science book, she will read a teen magazine. I like swimming and she like playing basketball. I love a jazz music but she does not, because she likes rock style so much. I keep my long hair and she always changes her hair style as Avril Lavigne did. I keep my black hair but she often colors her wavy hair. That is us, two sisters who live in a same bedroom, but we make a separate side, the right is my area and the left is her area, the boundary is the pink and blue carpet.

We study in different place, because I am a junior high school student and she is a senior high school student. But her school is located close to my school. That’s why we always go together by driving a motorcycle. Know what? I love my sister so much, but I have to confess that she often disturb my good day, she is the causes I came late yesterday to my math course. She destroyed my art creation in one night, even though I should collect that task tomorrow. But,

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actually she is my beloved sister, she accompanies me to any place I want to go.

“Kriiiiiiiiiiiing……kriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing now is 5 am, wake up Sasa, wake up, pray for shubuh and take a bath”. Yea it is my alarm. I wake up from my nice sleep and pray soon. Then review my lesson, prepare anything to school and take a bath. I am ready with my complete uniform at 6.30 am then help my mum prepare for breakfast. Suddenly Rara screams loudly because she is late. “ Sasa………..where is my blue towel? Where is my veil for praying? Help me Sasaaaaaa”. Huuuuft, she always likes that. It is like a magic, she just need 30 minutes to pray, take a bath, were her uniform, and ready to go.

As the older sister, actually she should pick me up to my school then take me home too. But the fact is I pick her up to her school then take her home too. Because she often forget me if she bring our motorcycle to her school. I know Rara`s friends well. Her classmates, or her friends in her organization, they also know me well as Rara`s younger sister. I often hang out with them, also with Rara.

“Rara, you will have final exam some months later right? You should be more serious in your lesson, give your big attention to study, look at your sister Sasa, she is preparing for her final exam and

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also for her test to a new senior high school. Do not be too slow my dear, you want study at Engineering Faculty, right dear? Prepare your self well”, daddy said.

One night, my family have dinner together. Long time we never do this culture. Usually my daddy did some his office task, my mum accompanied my youngest brother in his room spells alphabet. My younger sister, Mimi. She is 5grader at a famous Junior High School. She has a break dance training every Sunday. We know that she is a multi talent girl, and Rara just reads some books about final exam. Tonight Daddy calls us to talk about our holiday.

“I want to go to Bali Mum, I wanna swim there…” asked Mimi.

“No, you may not go there by forcing us. I want to go to Singapore !. Yaaaa Singapore” said Didi.

“But we have visited Singapore for three times beloved Didi.” Mum answered.

“Quiet Honey, I ask you all to Umrah, will you?” asked Daddy.

“Wooow wonderful. I agree” Rara said.

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“Oh I am forget Rara, you have to stay here cause we will umrah before your final exam , but calm down baby, you will have your holiday next after your exam”.

“No, it is not fair dad!” Rara said.

I see it is a hard decision for Rara. But she has to prepare her self for her exam, we want the best for Rara. Sometimes Rara thinks childish. During this time she did not do something important. She often hang out with her gang, play basket and Daddy wants her come to Engineering Faculty.

I think Rara needs me to accompany and support her. So I will not join my family go to Mekkah. I will stay here next to her while I prepare my self for my exam too.

“Thanks so much Sasa, I promise will not disturb your good day, trust me!”.

“It is okay Ra, please be a good girl when mum is not at home, I don’t want overcome your problem”.

I am glad I could help her. On the next week, wo go to airport pick them up and say a great hello before my family go to Mekkah. A moment back from airport, I ask her to go to a women saloon. I want to cut my hair and get a new style. She also want to

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change her hair color, back to black but not back to nature.

Along the way home, I slept in the car and she does not. Suddenly my phone vibrates, I do not concious. She reads a new message,

“Hi Sasa, how do you do?

By: R”

“Wooooow, a secret admirer, why does Sasa not tell me yet?” Rara said.

Finally we arrive at home. Rara smiles when look at me hang up our bag. I do not take care, because she often smile without a certain reason. Then she asks me about someone with “R”.

“ I don’t know about him, and I don’t care. I really do not interest in him, and lookin for his real identity. No, I WILL NOT!”. I answered.

I got mad to Rara, but I see, I should not get mad to her, she just want to know, cause usually we often share about our day, our feeling, and everything around us right before we close our eyes. But tonight, she decides keep her self in silence. I know she is scare, so I start our sharing.

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“Ra, actually the “R” texts me for many times, I don’t know who is he, I don’t care”.

“I know Sa, my friends and I now are busy preparing for our farewell party. I am so happy, cause I can look at him, listen to his tals, I think I like him” Rara said.

“Hmmm finally my freak sister falls in love to a boy. It is okay Ra, it is normal for many teens. But think about your final exam and make it become your main priority”

Actually I want to laugh, but I am cruel if laugh cause of her feeling. Ups, I am forget ask the boy`s name.

Before sleep, I check my phone and get one message from R.

“Have a nice sleep, Sasa”

Who is he? What is R? Oh God, I am crazy, someone terrors me.

In the afternoon at 2 am, I go to Rara`s school pick her up home. As usuaaly I come to her class. You know what? She is not inside, am I late? No. When I step back, I hit someone, from his shoes, I know that he is a boy. A tall man.

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“Ups, sorry guy, I did not see you” I said.

“It is okay Sasa, are you looking for Rara? She is in the hall. We are discussing about our farewell party, follow me” he replied.

Hah? Sasa? He knows my name, how can? Maybe Rara told much about me. I walk with him to the hall.

After study, Rara asks me to hear about her day, she explains the concept of their farewell party. Suddenly she smiles. Ooooo I see, it is the sign that she wants to talk about him. She is so happy because that boy made a dialogue with Rara about the planning.

Drrrrt…drrrrt. My phone is vibrating. I guess, it is from the R, and I am right.

”I like the way you asked apologize this afternoon. Hi, I am Reva, nice to meet you Sasa”

What? R is Reva? The boy who helped me looked for Rara? Oh my god, how stupid I am. From that night, we get closer.

Since that day, I always go to school together with Reva. So that, I give our motorcycle to Rara and she gets to school by her self. Manythings change

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since I know Reva. I hang out with Reva on the weekend, not with Rara anymore. I often go to the bookstore accompanied by Reva, not Rara. We also more focus to our final exam, so we decrease the time for sharing before sleep, exactly she becomes more seldom talk about the boy she likes.

Rara never asks me about the causes I never go with her, and I don’t know why I am forget to let she knows. I think it will not be a problem for Rara. But I have to know who is the boy she likes, because I don’t want she will get hurt cause of a boy.

I don’t know what is wrong with my heart. I can not stop thinking about Reva. He is kind, smart. I don’t understand, do I like him? Maybe yes, we are getting closer now. I know him well and he knows me well too.

Tomorrow my family will back from Mekkah. They ask us to come to the airport. How happy we are. Long days no family at home. Suddenly, Reva texts me, he wants to tell something but not via SMS. When I reply his message, I look at Rara`s chemistry note. Ups, I find a paper, and Rara wrote “I like you REVA”. Oh my God, the boy is Reva? Reva? The boy who always pick me up to school, asks me to take a walk? So we like a same boy? Triiiit… triiiiiit… and my

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phone is ringing, a call from Reva. I take a long breath, make a good explanation.

“Sasa, two months have been your close friend, I have to realize that I like you, will you become my girlfriend?”

“Reva, you are a kind boy, everybody want to be your friend. But I am so sorry, there is another girl who likes you without think about your IQ, your style, it is pure, not like I do, and sibling is more important than a boy. I will not hurt anyone, especially a girl just for my happiness, moreover she is everything, and family is everything for me. I am so sorry”.

Tiit. I end our dialogue. I don’t know, Rara listenend from the door all about my words to Reva, and she hugs me. Family is everything, and love is a secret thing.

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34

Believe by : Ocy Cyntia Permata

"Gosh! curruption cases are everywhere?" Afwa complained. My guess was right, she was watching the news. Well, she was a high school girl who was very critical and she liked to follow up the national and international growth . This attitude made me loved her so much.

"I am fed up with these news! This earth is really stale." Afwa grumbled while she was changing the television channel. I suddenly coughed for I had throat problem since three years ago. She looked at me and smiled widely.

She arose from her seat and came to me. Afwa also took some firewoods and put them in the fireplace to warm the room.

"I am confused, why were you angry at the television?” She smiled again because she thought my words were funny. Sometimes whenever I saw her face, it remained me to her father, my son.

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"I’m sick with this country. Corruption cases and rights derivation are beeing two huge barricades in our country. My question is when we can develop. Should we wait for the next one hundred years for seeing a country which’s equitable enough? " Afwa said. She looked serious at that moment.

"Oh dear, this’s our country where you was born in and you live in now. You shouldn’t have said that” I replied her. I knew my answer didn’t make her felt satisfied "What is good from this decrepit country?" Afwa looked angrier.

I smiled and grabbed a chair asking her to sit beside me. She sat there but her face showed that she was discontented. I tried to explain once again but she still kept her head down.

"Afwa, this country is getting worse because of its government, not its society. Society tried to choose the best leader in the election but unfortunately they chose the wrong one" I said.

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She smiled and she looked like a little six years old girl who listened to my story earnestly.

"Indonesia was a victorious country. Few years ago citizens of Indonesia were very enthusiastic to uphold the nationalism. They would die for Indonesia and they struggled for taking its freedom back.

"Yes, that’s true. How about now? I can bet that officials may not know the meaning of nationalism. Cheating and tricking have washed their brains! " Afwa grumbled critically.

"But Afwa, you should know that not all people harm other peoples’ rights. You know Munir, don’t you? He was a human rights defender and he fought for the rightness. If there were a man who would do this, I can guarantee that many people’s eyes will be opened." I convinced her and looked into her eyes.

Afwa felt impatient after hearing that name. She left me and said “I will take a bath and we’ll continue the conversation next time”. I stared at the retreating figure. I could feel the bitterness came. “Forgive me honey..” I whispered.

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I kept thinking about what I had said to her that night. I knew Afwa would never believe on this country anymore. “This is a cruel country, If you want to win and get a reward, you have to finish off your barricades”. She said once time. I felt sorry for my grand daughter. She didn’t know how beautiful our country is. The trees grow fast, rich in natural resources and the people were friendly.

Afwa Filzatul Nurul was my grand daughters’ full name. I knew the reason why Afwa had doubt about this country. What would you do if the people you loved had been taken in your country and they struggled for your country but they were not appreciated there?

Afwas’ mother passed away when she delivered Afwa. Afwa did not know the love of a mother, but the point was she loved her mother. My son raised Afwa alone. He worked as a lawyer, his salary was enough to support their live.

Afwa loved her father so much. Whenever she felt

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alone, her father would come to her and cheer her up. He would never let his daughter sad and unhappy.

Munirs’ assassination happened. No body knew who had killed Munir. Everyone knew that Munir was a great man. His father was asked to become a lawyer in Munirs’ case, because Hasan was the trusty person at the time. Hasan rejected the request of their wanting him to turn the fact upside down. They would pay Hasan expensively. But Hasan refused their offer. He rejected the job because he had already known their bad intent. One evening, Hasan was killed in a car accident. It made me feel weird, but this case didn’t leave any evidence.

Afwa was shocked. She was crying uncontrollably. She grasped Hasans’ hand and said, "I will never believe on this country anymore, how could it kills my father? I’m sure this country will be greater than now and the person who has made my father died will get the return from God!” I hugged her in sadness. Afwa was too young for getting that tragedy. I tried not to cry infront of her...

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Afwa made breakfast for me and her aunt. She cooked fried rice and some fried eggs. She has been staying with me and her aunt since that tragedy. Her aunt was always busy, she was not at home all the time. That’s why Afwa and I did the housework.

"Breakfast is ready!” She served the food on the table. I knew that the only person who loves her was me, she looked very happy because I still cared for her.

I went to the kitchen. I found two plates full of fried rice with fried eggs. The difference between my plate and Afwas’ plate was, there weren’t greens on her plate, it proved that she didn’t like eating vegetable.

"Honey, why didn’t you eat....?”

She cut my words soon.

“Well, you have to eat vegetable grandpa. I’m a teenager, I dont need to eat vegetable.” She said lightly while she poured the coffe into his cup.

"Doctor said, Grandpa’s heart is getting weaker. So grandpa must eat lots of vegetables to reduce the protein. I love you, Grandpa.." I took my plate which was full with vegetables and ate them. Afwa was a gift from God for me. She brought felicity in my life and

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she also made my day. I suddenly realized that her tears dropped..

"Why? What happened Afwa? I asked her.

Afwa wiped her tears and smiled. "No, Grandpa. The food’s quite mushy. Come on Grandpa, eat some more”. I continued my eating again after hearing her words. I knew Afwa was crying because she remembered that her dad’s favorite food was fried rice.

Afwa turned the TV on. The news was about corruption and murder. Afwa sipped her tea and chuckled, "Ah, these cases again!” I looked into her eyes. I knew that she remembered what she had said to her father long time ago about this country.

I always thought that Afwa was disappointed on this country. She believed that Indonesia would always be retarded and there would be no moral.

When I was watering the flower in garden I suddenly couldn’t breath. It felt like my heart was stabbed and it stopped beating. I couldn’t stand properly. I

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grabbed a brance which was near to me that time. All I could see was darkness. I fell down...

“Grandpa! Grandpa! What happened?!” Afwa shook my body with her soft hands. I couldn’t reply her because I was too weak. There was no one beside her, she was alone sitting on a chair beside me. Yeah, I was hospitalized that time. I was afraid that Afwa couldn’t pay for the treatment but she told me that she got the money from her dad’s saving.

Afwa was very protective to me. She was always at my side. She complained about doctors who worked unappropriately, rough nurses, and the incompetence of Indonesian service.

One day Afwa was called by the doctor to come to his room. He wanted to explain her what actually happened to her grandpa. I hope the doctor wouldn’t say bad news which could break Afwas’ heart and made her shocked. I hope I would always be in Gods’ protection.

Afwa hugged me before leaving. The nurse was waiting for her infront of my room. She looked worried but I told her not to be anxious about my health. I took a book which Afwa bought for me and

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read it when she left. It was Afwas’ favorite book. It was about the future prime of Indonesia. I started reading the first chapter of the book. Suddenly Afwa came back. I knew she was really sad, she couldn’t hide her sadness untill her tears dropped

"What’s wrong, Honey?" I asked.

She looked at me but she cried harder after looking at me. “Who hurt this little girl?” I stroked her head. All I wanted to do is to make her smile and be calm. But, she cried harder.

"Grandpa, I love you so much. Please be strong and promise me you will never leave me.." She said bitterly.I knew what she meant. I held her right hand and said “Honey, I’m fine. I will never leave you, my grand daughter.” I wiped the tears on her cheeks. Her eyes were swollen because she couldn’t stop crying.

She hugged me while she was crying. She told me what the doctor had told her about my illness. I got to know that my heart is very weak. It didn’t have enaugh power to pump the blood in the circulation system. She also said that my heart wouldn’t work someday. I was going to die, I would be living together with Hasan, my son. I would leave Afwa alone. I didn’t know what to do. I love Afwa and

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Hasan but I couldn’t leave my lovely grand daughter alone. I was the last love of Afwa.

"Grandpa, I dont want to let you go." She sobbed and covered her face with her palms. My life was ruined and Afwas’ life would be ruined too. “God, why do you do this to her? She’s just a teenager. She doesn’t even have parents now. Who would take care for her?” I talked to myself.

Suddenly the doctor came. He asked how I was. "Mr. Hussain, how are you?" He asked softly. "I’m pretty wel,l thank you.” I replied honestly. “Doctor, I will feel very sore on my chest and head if I stand or sit” I told him what I felt.

"Afwa? Why do u look sad? Did you cry? The doctor asked.

“What do you think? I dont need your mercy if you can’t make my grandpa get health soon!"

The doctor was quite surprised, but several minutes later he smiled and said "I'm here is to provide solutions." Afwa stared in disbelief.

“Afwa, I feel so sorry for your grandpa. But I must say that I’m not a God who can heal every diseases. But I can give a solution for your grandpa, he has to find another heart so I can do heart transplantation.”

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"Indeed, there is a solution. You have to find another heart. "

"What kind of doctor he is?" Afwa grumbled after the doctor came out, "Looking for another heart? What's so easy to find it? Where can I find it? "

I looked at her dazed. This sadness was creeping me out.

"The country is ridiculous! My grandfather is very weak, but there's no help from anyone! There is no shred of attention has been paid. "

I wiped her arm softly, trying to calm her down but she was already filled with anger.

"Honey, anyways sooner or later, Grandpa will leave you. We'll just enjoy the rest of the time grandfather has." "I'll be alone. My father had left and now you're going to leave me"

She sobbed sadly.

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"This country has the same heart to me. Dad was allowed to go without the slightest defense. Now, they do not care about the health of my grandfather. I only have him with me now.”

Tears dripped on my cheeks. God, what will happen to my grand daughter if I leave her?

Without realizing it, someone was eavesdropping on my conversation with Afwa.

There were many heart donors who came to my doctor. However, there was no heart which was convenient. I was surprised, even the governor came to see me and he also brought a letter which was commended by the president. It contained a condolence letter and promised to look after me until healed.

I read the letter and tears dropped on my cheeks. The letter was about his concern to me.

However, no tear could compare to Afwa’s . While reading the president's letter, she wept uncontrollably. Crying as if her inner wounds was shown up. She sobbed hard and cried next to me. Out of nowhere my doctor came and spoke with Afwa.

"Afwa, the country is concerned to your family. Do you still need more proof?"

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My heart had been treated. A young donor who didn’t not know its origin. Doctors did not tell me the name who donor the heart. I was in the process of healing that time. For some reason, my health was considered by the country. Governor, mayors and even presidents had visited me. The president also talked to Afw., Afwa cried because she got to know that her thought was wrong.

I got to know that Hasan had been regarded as one of human rights heroes in Indonesia. Afwa and I were really happy until we cried in joy.

One day I was allowed by the doctor to go home. Afwa was absent from school to pick me up. She had ordered a taxi to pick us up. Suddenly a doctor came and called Afwa.

"I want to talk to you." the doctor said.

They talked a little longer. At the end of the conversation the doctor gave her two gifts. They were a book and a coupon to go to a band concert. Afwa nodded after she received another gift from the doctor, it was a bracelet. The doctor smiled but Afwa was looked pretty sad.

Afwa got into the car. She told me everything, she also told me about the hearts donor. It was doctor sister’s

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heart. Her sister was critical. After she heard the story about Afwa and me, Silsilia was willing to donate her heart to me.

I cried after hearing the truth. The doctor was very noble. I owed my life to their family. I hugged Afwa and I asked her to marry the doctor someday. Afwa smiled because she knew what I meant and I knew she would do whatever I said which was fairly good for her future.

Afwa opened the book which was given by the doctor. The first page was written:

"Afwa, you're not alone now. This country cares about people. Yes, there are some drawbacks, but we must be sure that this country can be like a dream which's peaceful and triumphant. There should be a starting step to make a big change. Why do not we start the move first? Because the strength of a country is the people who live in that country"

-Dr.Harraz

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Fragment of Wind By : Putry Rizky

I blow softly.

She’s right in front of me now. I don’t know this girls’s name, but I can’t stop staring at her. This little girl, about twelve years old, is staring at a pink box in her hand. The box is quite simple, heart-shaped, I don’t know what the content is. Sometimes she looks at the sky for a while, before staring at the box again. Hmm, I can feel it. The loneliness. And, she’s like a magnet to me somehow. I don’t want to leave her alone here.

“The weather’s so much up. God is kind today,”

I’ve been staring at her since hours ago, and that was the first time I heard her speaking. She spoke to no one, with an unchanged empty gaze. The weather’s so much up. Those words were good enough to make me feel useful. So, I’m not in vain for blowing near her since hours ago. This little girl is not like most people who only remember me as a thing to blame. “What a wind! You damaged my hair again!” It’s one of the lines I hate the most. It’s not my fault if I sneeze sometimes, is it?

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And, what? God is kind today? I do want to talk to this little girl. No matter how worst the problem she ever faced, but, God is not only kind for now. He’s always. I become curious, I want to know what’s in her mind.

The girl moved slowly. I followed her. Leaving the field.

The girl is walking slowly. Her eyes cannot stop staring at the pink box in her hand. I really wonder what’s in the box, but I know it must be very important for her. She held the box possessively, as if to make sure that there’s no thief can steal that box from her. I blow gently. Making sure that the sun will not do it so hot today.

The steps of the girl stop at the yard of a house. The house is simple. With a wooden fence, a little peeled paint, and some neat flower pots in the yard. Still, this little girl is staring at the box. I wonder how much that box means to her.

Ah, not just the box. I have been accompanying her for more than hours. But, I don’t even know her name. What is your name, little girl? If only I can speak some words for you to hear, but only with all these blows I can accompany you.

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“Mom, I miss you,” This little girl spoke the words in front of me sadly.

Ah, I understand the pain now. Longing, missing someone. Human, as long as I know, is always being this way. Their suffers are caused mostly not by themselves, but by those around them, people they love. Love is one of the most excruciating feeling. Realizing that you really badly want to meet someone, but at the same time realize that however, it’s not possible. Can you tell me any weapon can hurt more than that does?

“Levaska!” Get into the house!”

The door of the house was opened roughly. A middle-aged woman scolded the girl in front of me rudely. Who? Levaska? The girl in front of me is named Levaska? A unique name. I’ve often heard Maya, Gabrielle, Michelle, Anna, and so on. But, Levaska? It’s my first.

I don’t have much time to think about that name. My attention is again focused on Levaska. She keeps silent. She has not given any response to that yell yet. She’s still just staring at the pink box.

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“Lev,” She warned, “Get in! If you hang around outside, you wonder who will be in the trouble?! Your father could just blame me, you understand?!”

The yell of that woman became even harsher. The woman grabbed Levaska even harder. I hate to see a scene like this. I blow dust flying in the direction of that woman.

“What a wind!” She fixed her hair which was no longer good, then wiped her face which was dirty because of the dust.

But I don’t stop. I keep blowing the dust at her. I want this woman to stop hurting this little girl!

But… its’ just a few moments. My attention is totally taken knowing Levaska did not react at all. She did not cry, she did not even make a single move avoiding that violent woman. She didn’t even speak a single word. She only keeps staring at the pink box, again.

That woman became even more violent.

“What a naughty chick! You don’t know how to be grateful, do you?!”

I do not know what was wrong in their family nor the reason why this old woman hates Levaska

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that much. The woman is becoming more and more violent. She tugged Levaska harder. Dragging her on the floor. Slapping her hard.

“You and your mother are just same! You can only harm people! Even after her death, she still didn’t want to see me and your father live happily! She left disabled children like you to ruin my happiness!” That woman snapped Levaska on her face.

I’m surprised. Very surprised. Levaska did not react at all!

I saw tears rolling down her cheek. But…that’s it. No other reaction. There was no resistance, or just words, nothing.

“I want to meet my mother,” The words came out slowly from the lips of Levaska. Without halting, without anger, hardly without expression. Just words. Very odd.

The woman released Levaska roughly.

“Fine! Go away! Find that woman! What a useless child!”

Levaska walked out of the fence. While behind her, that woman was doing some rude cursing.

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This is strange. I do not see the slightest expression of pain on the face of Levaska. Her gaze was still empty. Staring at the pink box in her hand.

“What?! You let her go alone?!”

“Yeah, why?! I’m tired of everything! My patience has its limit too! You should care about…”

“For God’s sake, May! You know what day is today, right?! What if she goes there alone? I’ve called James, and you know what? They found Levaska no where!”

“I don’t care, Erick! It’s been years for me trying to make it up with her, but this is all what she can give to me! She never gave even a little respect to me, you know?!”

“Stop blaming her, May. You know Levaska is different. That happened because you never really loved her. You never loved here the way Shera did!”

“Stop mentioning her name, Erick! She had died! And she left her useless child to ruin my whole life!”

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Erick did not know what was on his head when his hand floated, slapping woman in front of him on her cheek. The woman was holding a burning cheek, her lips were bleeding. She then passed, leaving Erick alone.

Erick holds his head in despair. He does not think about anything but her daughter. His daughter, his beloved daughter is somewhere unknown now. But Erick knows for sure, where his daughter wanted to go.

“I want to meet my mother,”

The words were always heard everytime he tried to speak to Levaska since the accident. Since his wife, Shera, died. No other words. I want to meet my mother, only that.

“James, are you sure Levaska is not around the cemetery? Not any where? Yes… look at the way to the cemetery, got it? Let me know if you find something as soon as possible…” Erick hung up in a huff.

“This is our daughter, Erick. I do love her, in every way she is…”

Erick smiled softly remembering Shera’s words. She will be the baby we raise up, Erick. Erick

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still remembers Shera saying those words for so many times. Their household was all perfect, but it all changed completely after Shera gave birth for their first daughter. Their baby was different. Erick and Shera had known it even from the start. The little Levaska did not smile everytime she saw her parents, she rarely cried, and months after her born, the doctor told them the bad news. Their daughter…had austism.

Erick lamented their lives for days after that. Condemning his own daughter. An autism daughter? The feeling of hatred soon made Erick ignore the baby.

But Shera never gave up. She took the baby before Erick everyday. When she was breastfeeding, when she put Levaska on a diaper, when she slowly began to teach the baby to crawl and walk.

Until one day, Erick realized it. This baby, however, was his daughter.

Erick remembers, it needen one year for their baby to get a name. Why? Because Erick needed that long to accept the baby. But, Shera, never gave up.

This is our daughter, Erick. I’m not going to give her a name, but we are. Erick still remembers those

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words clearly. And they named her Levaska. Special name for our special daughter, and the face of Shera smiling when she said those words.

And Erick has never forgotten about the struggle that Shera had done to make Levaska trust her, to make Levaska believe that there were people that love her somehow, to make Levaska sure that she was never destined to live in her own world lonely.

Shera insisted not to use any help of any psychologist for Levaska. My daughter and I know each other better than any psychologist in this world, Said Shera. And Erick remembers that Shera was not wrong.

Erick remembers, on the fifth birthday of Levaska, Shera jumped happily holding Levaska after Levaska uttered a simple sentence before her birthday cake. I love you, mother and father. Words that seemed to be enough to pay all the sacrifices of Shera, even more.

All was normal, Erick even almost forgot that his daughter was living with autism. They were a happy little family. Until one day, when the accident occurred. Erick, I’m on the way now. Take care of her while I’m not home. I love you guys so much. Those are

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the words that always heated up Erick’s eyes everytime he remembered it. Shera spoke so happily on the phone when she was on the way to a kindergarten to arrange Levaska entering the school. And, the accident happened just a few minutes after Shera hung up the phone.

Erick dropped his back on the couch. All the memories are like some fragments establishing itself in his head.

He’s sick, about everything. Sick about losing his beloved wife, sick about knowing his only daughter is somewhere unknown.

Erick remembers how it all changed after the accident. Levaska was like backing to the square one. She never spoke anymore, never laugh anymore.

I want to meet my mother, only those words can be heard everytime Erick desperately tried to make Levaska speak.

Levaska, his daughter who did not cry at all on the day when Shera was brought to the funeral. But Erick repeatedly found his daughter calling out Shera’s name in a voicehoarse in her room, alone.

And this is the birthday of Shera. Erick really knows where Levaska was going today. His Levaska

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was fragile, weak, and now, she is running around out there, while outside of the home, rain is falling heavily.

In a river on the edge of the road to a cemetery, a little girl was found floating dead.

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61

Hide and Seek By : Kuro lunatic

There was an old, old story. Told from

generation to generation. Grandma told mother, and mother told the story to their kids. People were believe it. But as time passed, no one believe on the story anymore. They were thinking that it was just a folklore, based on children’s play. The story gradually disappear. Almost no one knows about that story now.They didn’t know, that old bedtime story, really happened. And now, somewhere, it was happening. A kid, trying to hiding from someone, something. Seeking for a never-coming help. Trying desperately not to found, eventhough that kid knew it was impossible . A devil was seeking for him.

The little girl darted to her room, dragging her desk to the door and try to keep it closed. She was regretting why did she ask her father to remove the lock that was previously on the door. She was panting, her emerald orbs showing fear. Her body couldn’t stop shaking, eventhough the desk already placed securely in front of the door, blocking anyone

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to come in. Because deep inside her mind, she knew it was futile.

Glimpsing a shadow passing over her window, the girl paled. She looked frantically around her room for a place to hide. The desperation reflected clearly in her wide, frightened emerald eyes. She looked at her bed, couldn’t think of any better hiding place, the girl scurried over it. She crawled under the bed.

Her breathing got heavier and quicker, and her

forehead broke out in a cold sweat. She could feel her heartbeat got quicker just at the sound of her house’s front door creaked open. Her hands tightened into fists as footsteps slowly made their way around her house.

She was began to regretting why she didn’t go

with her parents, instead of stay alone in this house? Her heart beating so fast that she even thought

he would hear it. Her breath caught in her throat as the footsteps got closer to her room and stopped.

It was a bad sign, a very bad one. She knew it.

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The door’s handle twisted slowly. The desk, completely useless, moving slowly. The friction between the moving desk and floor made her tense.

Her door opened as slowly as the front door.

The creaking sound of the door combined with the sound from desk and floor’s friction was enough to frightening her more.

“Are you here?” She didn’t answer, of course. But she could feel

a glare scanned around her room. It almost felt like her hiding place was found out.

She could see the figure’s bare feet from

beneath her quilt. The feet wandered over to her closet. The closet opened, she knew it from the creaked sound. Another creaked sound, it closed.

“Not here.” A chuckle. She bit her lip hard, didn’t care how hard is it

eventhough he could feel the metallic taste of her own blood in her mouth.

Just as she thought that figure was about to

leave her room, a hand suddenly grabbed her quilt up

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and she came face to face with those empty, glazed red eyes. She gasped and tried to scramble back as far as she could from that smile and those black sclera.

The figure—quite obviously a boy—chuckled

soflty. “Found you. Now, you’re the ‘it’.” And she found it hard to believe they were

used to be friends. Then again, that might explains why he’d come after her. His hand shot under the bed and grabbed a handful of her long, blonde hair. With a harsh tug and unbelievable force, he dragger her out, ignoring her screams and yelp.

He held her up, hovering above the ground,

ignorant of her kicking—which landed a few blows on his own legs. Not that he noticed. The girl tried to get her hair off of his grip. Which was no avail due to their difference of strength.

He found himself amused by her struggles. He

just continued to chuckle under his breath.

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“P-please…don’t…” she gasped, tears pricked her eyes rolling down on her cheek. Her eyes remained squeezed shut.

She knew what was going to happen. It was

pointless to keep on struggle. There was no way to stop what would happen.

Might as well succumb on it. She braved herself to open her eyes slowly.

When they opened completely, he brought her face to his, smirking at the fear in those emerald eyes.

“Relax,” he whispered. His eyes boring to her

own, dull emerald met bloody ruby. “It will be fun. Believe me.”

Then, his smirk fell, and his eyes rolled into

the back of his head. With a moan of pain, the boy collapsed, releasing his hold on the girl.

It was quite clear that the body was lifeless

now. And yet, despite the fact that he used to be her friend, she couldn’t help but feel no emotion as she stared at his lifeless, unmoving body. The warmth slowly seeping out of it to the wooden floor. Her

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formerly emerald eyes slowly turned to color red, color of the blood.

She smirked. “You’re right.” The girl chuckled, “this will be

fun.” And with that, she abandoned the unmoving

body and left the room, searching for someone she could hunt down. To become the next victim.

To continue the never ending game. The Devil’s Hide and Seek.

The Devil, contrary to popular belief, was a

rather mischievous little girl. She lived in a large, abandoned masion on top of a hill in a small village. She quite liked the house and stay there for a very long time.

Hence why the people of that village believed

they could see a teenage girl with raven black hair in the window at times, her crimson eyes just staring

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out at them. Then she’d smirk and disappeared, leaving them wondering if it was just an illusion or the sun’s heat getting to them thus making them saw hallucination.

Much like her physical appearance, she had

the mentalityof a teenage girl—despite being around for many years now and having knowledge beyond any human’s mortal capacity.

Thus, she got bored easily. So, one century, in the dead of night, she

thought up a game. A game that would span centuries and never have true winner but herself—for you see, she will gain amusement from this play. While the players would lose their live and sanity over it.

And so, the Devil’s Hide and Seek was born. She left her mansion for the first time in

millennia, and wandered into the village. Hiding her true intentions under the mask of innocent friendliness, playfulness and curiosity, she played with the village’s children. All the while, during each game of tag and ring-around-the-roses, she carefully scrutinized each child.

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Until she choose a small girl with blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Her little bow bouncing in her hair as she jumping around.

That night, the Devil snuck back to the village.

Locating the little girl’s house, she ignored her twin brother and set to work.

Her first victim. Waking her, she whispered in her ears,

ignored her frightened sobs. “You, my dear child, has been chosen by the Devil to begin an eternal game. Do me proud, my girl.”

With that, the Devil walked back from the

small girl’s bed and into the shadows, which she slowly faded into.

The girl lay there for some time, no sound of

movement coming from her. Then, she slowly lifted herself into seated position, her eyes closed.

Then with a smirk, she opened them. The

formerly blue irises now blood red crimson. Swinging her legs, she left her house,

searching for what, no-one knows.

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And no-one will ever know. For weeks later, her lifeless body was found in

the house of a young boy, who himself had gone missing.

The Devil’s Hide and Seek has gone for

centuries now. The only victor being the one who started the game. It continues on, taking child after child. With no sign of ending.

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Not Just A Dream By : Tri Asih Wulandari

Where my feet touches, it flourish one by one That place suddenly gets brighter They surpass everything, so we don’t need to worry if someone hits them That place suddenly gets far away Then, I dreamed of a dream ***

Sunlight was so dazzle this morning. The wrens gave the earth their voices phenomenally. Yeah, happy because Spring would come soon. Trees were also coming into leafy and the air was so fresh. The wind was breezing softly. Giving the calmness to this pasturage. The colorful flowers were blossoming and spreading their fragrant to the earth. So comfortable and pleasant. Reminded me of them, who were live-calmly at their own world now.

~~~

Prok! Prok!

“Sist! Your oboe’s performance is more amazing!”

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Again, she gave me an applause for something that often I do. I was happy because I could cheered her in this white room which was so boring, for me. Look at her smile, made me realized that how precious all skills, ability and also excess that God gave to me.

“Haha! Of course! You know what my dream is, right? I want to be a professional musician of oboe, prove and make real daddy’s dream. And in order that able to perform in an orchestra concert in Europe, I must always keep spirit and practice diligently, right?”

She just nodded her head, signed that she agreed with my argument, still with her cheerful smile.

“Alright, Sist! Play a song for me, please! The last one for today.” Her requested suddenly.

“Okay. What is the song that you want? Like usual?” I answered, and guessed.

She nodded her head again. I just would take my oboe in its case, until she suddenly pull my hand.

“Not here, Sist! I also want to play my music together with you.” An answer which made me touched.

I smiled softly, and just did everything she wants. Then, I just helped her to go to the living room.

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There was a white piano at one of the side. I helped her body which looks so weak to sit in front of her beloved piano. And I just stood next to her with my oboe.

“With slow tempo, ok?” her requested again.

I just got ready with my oboe. And we played her favorite song, Spring’s Bethoven. Actually, this song have a cheerful rhythm, but we played softly and warmly just for her.

~~~

Lily, an adorable girl whom I knew about a year ago. She came with her father, completed my mother and me after my blood-father passed away. Lily, a cheerful step-sister, who were so energetic and sociable. She was the one who changed me from a stolid and serious girl became an open hearted girl in my life. I was blessing she came to my life. Her character that was so different with me, gave me a lot of life-lesson with her mind and behavior which sometimes can’t suppose.

I was happier when I knew that she learned more in the music, too. Although her music’s skill wasn’t oboe, but the piano. Her piano’s performance was enough to amaze me, though Lily was a wild pianist, in my thought. Why? Because she relied more

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on her feelings than the real note. But, her playing technique of the piano was so adorable, she could remembered a song, whereas she just listened it twice or three times. And one thing that I wondered about her, her biggest dream is to be a kindergarten teacher. With her piano’s skill, which if were given a little polish, she would be a professional pianist. But, her dream is a kindergarten teacher, where will she put her piano’s skill?

~~~

Sunday came, like usual, I accompanied Lily to visit Dawn Melody Kindergarten which is near from our house. There, Lily could be a kindergarten teacher’s on the rest of her life. Since she had known about the worst fact of her, she always tried to spend her life accord as what she wanted. With the fourth stage of cancer from her blood-mother who was living with God, she knew that her time was no longer long anymore. That was so bitter and cruel. But, it’s life, right? And me, I just want to make her rest times became her precious thing. Yeah, as the kind-sister, all at once, as the payment of everything that was given to me.

Lily spent that day playing and accompanying the children by her piano’s performance. Occasionally, I

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also joined them, and once I practiced my oboe’s skill for the concert next week.

On the way home, I remembered about her dream. Until now, I still wonder it. And I decided to ask her about it.

“Ly, I want to ask you something. May I?”

“Hm? Of course, sist.”

“Why did you dream to be a kindergarten teacher while you have an adorable piano’s skill. Won’t you like to be a professional pianist?”

She just kept silent and smiled. She didn’t answer my question but asking me back.

“What about you? Why you want to be a professional oboist?”

I had a little surprise with her question. The answer was so clear, right? I also told her about the answer. Why she still asked about that?

“Yeah, because I want to be like my blood-father, continue his dream to be a professional oboist, to get his real dream becomes true, joining orchestra concert in Europe.”

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“That’s it, me too, Sist. My blood-mother is a kindergarten teacher. She love piano, but not just for herself. She makes other people love piano, too. Spread the love up through piano. I want to be like her, Sist. Music and piano for others’ happiness. To tell the children, how much I love them. Seeing their smile when they are enjoying my performance. Or listening to their cheerful voice when they are singing together with my piano’s performance.”

Okay. That was enough to make me touched. Again, something that never came to my mind. The reason was so simple, but really meaningful. Music was not to enjoy by ourselves, but for our happiness together. Music also could be the distributor of our love and our feeling to other people. And that time, I realized that the most beautiful smile is the pure children smile, right?

***

I've got my memories They're always inside of me But I can't go back Back to how it was ***

That was the precious memory. And that memory was brought me back here, to her dream.

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“Miss! Miss! There is a paper fell!”

“What paper is that, Miss?”

That pure voices woke me up from my reverie of the memory. That cute face looked at me innocently. I took the paper which was given to me.

“That is the oboe’s note for the concert in Prague next week.”

The other voice that helped me to answer the children questions from behind, my mother. Still looked tidy with her office style, my mother came with Lily’s father or my step-father.

“Whaaat? Can’t listen miss’s oboe performance for some days again? Aaa, I won’t!”

They complained with their glummy faces, so cute. I just tried to make them calm down.

“Saina, I’m so proud of you. At last, it’s not just your blood-father’s dream coming truel in your hand, but also our cheerful Lily’s dream, as the kindergarten teacher.”

My mother said that softly while hugged me warmly.

~~~

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He had stood there since I was still at school. Looking at him who was so serious with his oboe, sometimes made me jealous. I just moved my feet to get close to him.

“Daddy, I’m home.”

Just tried to inform him that I was home. He stopped his performance, looked at me and smiled.

“Daddy, why are you so serious when you are playing oboe?”

“Really? Haha, I don’t know. I just don’t realize it, Honey. But, when I am playing oboe, I feel so confort. I feel that I can take out my happiness and share it to everyone who listen to my oboe. Hmm, maybe it’s something that called love, Honey. When we love something, that’s so hard to let it go from us. So, I just make oboe as my friend to reach my dream.”

“Your dream?” I asked innocently. Just trying to be honest, I didn’t know yet what daddy’s real dream is.

“Hmm, my dream since I was young is to be a professional oboist, because I love it. And I wish to do my concert in Europe, at the place where the musician was born with their legendary masterpiece.”

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He answered my question with his best smile. His eyes was so bright and his face was so gleam. I didn’t know, how someone could love something that way?

“You, too, Saina. I hope you can find your dream, your real dream. I never force you to be a musician like me or to be an officer like your mom. Because your mother and I want you to be yourself, to be what you want to, so long that is still in the right way.”

~~~

A glory and here I am Thinking, dreaming of my future That feeling, just a bit more and I feel I can reach it ~~~

I looked at the wide-sky. It’s so blue and beautiful. I still couldn’t believe who am I now. With everything that I did, I tried and what I got. At this place, my dream was born.

“Daddy, I miss you. I miss your words which always give me a motivation. And I will always keep your words to get my own dream. A dream that…….

not just a dream.”

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FATHER By : Achmad Damanhuri

My name is Raka Putra Pratama, I was 17

years old. I was sitting in 11th grade, I was the first child of two siblings. I have a younger sister named Putri Raya Pratama (Aya), age 16 and she was sitting in the 10th grade. We went to the same school. We lived in a simple family. My father and my mother is the most precious treasure that I have, because they always brought joy in our lives.

This morning, I was still asleep in my room

and I heard my mother's voice calling me, "Raka, wake up! Let’s pray subuh prayer together," Mom called from behind the door of my room.

"Yes Mom. I'll catch up" I said lazily.

I was getting out of my bed. Praying subuh together with my father, mother and Raya is an obligation which we always do every morning. After praying we all get to do each activity, mom was busy preparing food for us.

"Morning, Mom!" I said.

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"Morning, Honey, where is Aya and Daddy? Why didn’t they come down?" Mom asked me when she saw I was alone sitting at the dining table.

"They were getting ready mom," I answered. "Huh, they took so long," Mom said. "That’s

right Mom, my stomach was rumbling,” I protested. "Be patience my dear, wait for them for a

moment," my mother calmed me down. Soon. Father and Aya were coming down-

stairs. "Morning, Mom, morning, my hero," Father said when he saw me and my mother who was waiting.

"Morning, Dad, really long time anyway,

worms in my stomach was on the demo," I protested to my father.

"Sorry Dear, let's have a breakfast," Daddy said.

My father is the one who was leading the

prayer before we eat, the after meals dad drove me and Aya to school. He’s a hero. After arriving at the school gate, I and Raya was saying goodbye to our father as we got out of the car.

Time was running out. The last subject in my class (XI-IPA 1) that day was Bahasa Indonesia, the teacher, Mr. Jim told us to make the story of a father

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figure for us. Without hesitation, I immediately wrote down all of the contents of my mind and heart about a father. And now it’s my turn to come forward and without any hesitation I came forward to the front of the class.

"I'll tell about Pratama Putra, he is my father.

He is the one to whom I tell all my problems, All for the struggle that he did just for me, my sister and my mother. He is a role model for me. I want to be like him who always brings happiness, fun and laughter to us. He’s never afraid to carve a smile on our lips. I can’t imagine if he has to go from my life. Maybe I better go first so I never felt the pain of losing him. You're everything to me dad, don’t ever change a bit and stay with us here. The most beautiful gift that God gave me is when I was born in this family. Having a perfect father and mother to guide me in my life. Telling me to be the best for everyone. This is a father figure for me, Thank you," I said as I finished presenting my papers.

The atmosphere of my class became crowded because of the applause of my friends. I can see Mr. Jim’s face who smiled at my writing. The last bell was ringing. I was preparing to go home when Mr. Jim's called me.

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"Raka" Mr. Jim’s calling stopped me. I went up to meet Mr. Jim.

"What is it, Sir?" I asked Mr. Jim. "Your article was great, I want you to bring

your paper when report book day. Would you?" Asked Mr. Jim, full of hope.

"Hmmh, I'm not too confident to bring this paper in front of the people, Sir!" I answered doubtfully.

"I’m sure you can! I’ll teach you about the intonation later, so your parents will be proud!"

"OK, sir I’ll try my best." I replied enthusiastically.

"Okay, so we’ll begin practicing tomorrow, okay?" Said Mr. Jim.

"Yes Sir" I said as I say goodbye to Mr. Jim. This afternoon after school, Mr. Jim was

waiting for me to practice. Before practicing, I told Raya that today I can not go home with her due to no business, No one knew that I would perform later in the report book day because I want to surprise my father, mother and sister. I want this all to be a real surprise.

This night I was awakened from my sleep, I went from my room and heading to the bathroom under stair. But suddenly I saw my mother. "It’s a coincidence that My Mom slept on the couch, where’s

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Daddy?" I told myself confusedly when I saw mom who fell asleep on the couch. I felt like I could not bring myself to wake mother up who was so soundly asleep, but I also could not bring myself to see if she was asleep on the couch. Without hesitation, I walked into my mother’s room to bring a blanket and pillow for her and put a pillow and blanket on my mother’s body. Finally I decided to accompany my mother by sleeping on the couch too.

This morning my mother woke me up on the

couch "Wake up, Dear," said my mother who sits

next to me. "Yes Mom," I said. "Why are you sleeping on the couch, dear?" my

mother said as she stroked my hair. I moved from the position of my bed and said,

"I saw you slept on the couch last night, so I accompany you," hearing it, my mother hugged me tightly.

"Where’s Daddy? I saw him nowhere." Asked the surprised Aya because Daddy wasn’t home.

"Father had a business." Mom answered shortly. "What’s the matter, Mom? What time did father leave?" Asked Aya. Mother was silent, I was waiting for the answer.

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"Dad went last night, when you guys were still asleep. He didn’t have time to say goodbye because it was so sudden," replied Mom, nervously.

"Then what time did Daddy go home last night?" asked Aya again.

Looking at me, Mom said, “Dad went home at 10, when you've already asleep,"

I know all that Mom say was a lie, I didn’t see

father last night when I took the pillow from Mom’s bedroom. And I know when she looked at me, it’s a sign for me to just be silent. I chose to do it because I don’t want to trouble her.

This afternoon I was home alone, As Raya

asked permission for me to go to the bookstore with a friend. Arriving at the gate, I looked Dad's car was parked in my yard. I also quickened my pace to see Daddy. Because indeed in a few days, I never met him and a sense of longing in my heart has been too big on him. When he reached the front door, father looked out of my house alone.

"Father," I said to him. "Oh father’s hero was home, where’s your

sister?" He asked. "She had asked permission to go to the

bookstore," I said.

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"Well, sorry dear, but I’m in a rush. I must go now. Catch you later," said father as hugging me and left.

"Dad, where are you going?" I asked. Having no time to answer my question, my

father drove straight. It was the report book day, so I waited and I

hope that today father could see my performance, this morning when breakfast, I didn’t see father anywhere.

"Where’s Daddy, Mom?" I asked confusedly. "Daddy doesn’t come home again, Dear,"

mother said softly. "Where did he go, Mom?" I gave my mom the

same question as I usually do within these few days. Mom didn’t have the time to answer my

questions. Then Raya approached me and Mom. "Today is the report book day, Mom, and Dad

will come to our school, right?" asked Raya. "Yes, I’ll be there" the mother replied

hesitantly. "We are leaving, Mom? We want to prepare

the things for school." Raya said. "Okay Dear" Mom said.

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After the report book has been given to the

students’ parents, now that the next event was my performance. As I climbed onto the stage, I saw my mother sat alone in the bleachers, Disappointment was covering in my heart. But I tried to calm down. "I’m Raka Putra Pratama of XI IPA 1 will bring a poetry that is dedicated to all of our beloved fathers."

Father, You're the place which became the port of my heart to tell all of my problems A fighter who never gave up I never felt your hesitation to carve a smile on our lips And you never feel tired to give the best for us Father If you know how important you are to me How very precious you are to me And my presence is always waiting Father Stay with me until the end of my life Do not ever change at all Do not leave me Promise me, father Lord Take care of my father always

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Protect my father always And save him always Lord Allow me to make him happy Allow me to make him proud Allow me to be able to carve a smile of happiness and pride in his mouth Lord Tell him I that need him Tell him that I love him Tell him that I would be nothing without him Lord I really thank you Over all this happiness Above all the most beautiful gift you gave And thank you for giving me a perfect father and mother Thank you for everything Father You are my hero You are my idol And you are my role model Thank you father I say I love you

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Throughout the period of life

Mom was seen crying from the audience seat, I know mother would feel what I feel at this moment. Moment that I had been waiting for came as well. Though, I hope my father was here and watched me express all of my heart's content. As I came down from the stage, everyone appalused. Then I approached my mother in the audience seat.

Then Mom hugged me and said "I was very

proud of you. Very, very proud," Mom’s words no longer made me cry.

"Brother," said Raya, hugging me and said again

"You’re great, brother. I'm proud of you. Two thumbs up for you," Raya said.

"How’s our report book, Mom?" Said Raya. Mom immediately raised her thumb "You’re

both great, you both got good grades. And you, Raya, you got to go to Science class" said Mom then hugged me and Raya.

After yesterday’s report book day, came a long

holiday, different from the last holiday, I and Raya just sit at home. But all remained well even without father. Fathers do not go home this week since his

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fight with Mom. Me and Raya was already getting used without his present, even I feel that we didn’t have a father at all. And Raya may have bored to ask about father.

This night I was awakened from my sleep

because of the noise from my father's room. I was silent in the front door of their room while seeing and listening to what really happened,

"I know you have already had another woman

besides me. No longer have to hide, I know it all." Mother’s tone sounds a little high.

"Good if you know, so I had not to tell you anymore" Said father calmly.

"Remember the kids, it’s okay if you hurt me, But do not ever leave the kids and make them disappointed," Said mother lowered her tone.

"They’ve grown up, I’m sure they will all understand," father said.

"Not that easy to make them understand, you’re cheating, but don’t you know when the kids asked where you are, I was confused to answer? And do you know when the report book day, Raka, your hero, read a poem for you? He practiced for days hoping you to watch his performance. But? You don’t even have the time for them at all. You made them disappointed," Mom said.

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"Ah, I don’t care. That's your business," said my father.

"It’s so easy for you to say. Now what do you want anyway? Don’t throw us away like this,” said the weeping Mom.

"I didn’t throw you away, I still give you a living, money for you and the kids,” Dad replied.

"It’s not the money that we need, the kids need the old you," Mom said.

"I’m not the same like I was used to be, now I've found a woman that I really need and I'm looking for," Father said with a high tone.

"What? Did you know what you just said? We have the children. And don’t you ever blame me if the kids hate you, it’s because of your own attitude," Mom said.

"What I want now is just living with the woman I love and I don’t care what will happen next," replied the proud father.

"What do you mean?" Mom asked. "I want to divorce you" replied Father. "No, how about the children? That’s okay if

you hurt me, but please rethink about them," Mom said.

"I don’t care," Father replied. "I ask you, don’t leave me alone with the

children, I don’t care if you become a polygamy if it

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can make you stay," Mom said as she kneeled in front of Dad.

"She did not want her love to be divided, she wanted to have me wholeheartedly," said father.

"No, don’t divorce me" replied Mom with tears in her cheeks.

"You’re really a stubborn woman," said Father. "But-“ Mom did not have time to say more

than this because Father had a hard slap landed on Mom's beautiful face that cause her to fall down to the floor.

Seeing that, I immediately shouted, "Mom!" and then hugged mom. Father's face looked surprised at my presence.

"It’s enough, don’t hurt my Mom anymore ! And Mom, you don’t need to beg the father to come back anymore. Dad, if you want to go, just go away! We don’t need someone like you here! And don’t you ever send your money to us anymore, we don’t need your money! I will work for the living of MY own family. And don’t you dare come to this house and touch my mother and my sister anymore!" I shouted.

"Alright, I will go and wait for my divorce papers to be submitted to the court." The father said as he walked away.

And so that was the end of our story with

Daddy. He divorced Mom, but it’s really a good

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decision. We don’t need someone like him here. And for the livings of our family, I started to take a part-time job even though my mother didn’t allow me to do it at first because I was already a 3nd grader and have to prepare for the national exam. And for Mom, she went back to her old profession, a school teacher. I think it’s better for us just live like this, rather than seeing my mother being hurted by my father. And I can protect Mom and Raya with my own hands.

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Ahmad is a student of Kanto International High School. He is from Indonesia. He is genius, so he got scholarship to study in Kanto International High School. Kanto International High School is a famous boarding school in Japan. He is a Muslim and he is the only Muslim in Kanto International High School. Although he is the only Muslim, he has many friends at the school. He never got bullied because he is a Muslim and he can still do the commandments of Allah at school. And now he is the leader of students council at his school.

And this is a story at the school.

SORRY I CAN’T ACCEPT YOUR CHOCOLATE TODAY

By : Sarah Rahmany

In the early morning on the 14th of February, a boy with a cap on his head has finished praying Subuh. He rose up his hands and prayed, ‘Ya Allah, please protect me, today.’

Soon after his praying, he took a bath in one of dormitory’s bathroom. He remembered that today is Valentine’s Day, so he must get the class as soon as

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possible to avoid the girls. He knew, the girls would chase him and give him chocolate because today is Valentine’s Day. Last year, he got a lot of chocolate. And today, he didn’t want to accept those chocolates although he loves chocolate.

He came back to his room, and he woke his roommate up.

“Huaaaam, what time is it, Ahmad?” His friend, Rona, asked to Ahmad.

“6 AM.” Ahmad replied.

“Huaaaaam, why did you wake me up too early?” Rona yawned.

“Because I am going to leave to the classroom,now.” Ahmad replied and took his bag.

“HAH? You wanna get to the classroom, right now? Are you sure? You will see the ghosts, not anyone there by this time.” Rona frowned.

“I think it is better to see the ghosts than the girls.” Ahmad giggled.

“What do you mean?” Rona asked.

“I mean nothing.” Ahmad drawled.

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“So what will you do in the classroom? Studying? Sleeping?”

“Anything, I just don’t want to meet even a girl.”

“What’s wrong about the girls today, Dude?” Rona blurted.

“You know what date is today?” Ahmad said with bored voice.

“Umm, today is 14th of February. This is good Ahmad, today is Valentine’s Day. You will get your favorite chocolate. I’m sure you will get a lot of chocolate today, because all the girls in this school are admiring you.”

“Yeah, I love chocolate, but I cannot accept any chocolates today.” Ahmad replied to him without inclining his head to Rona’s direction.

“Why?”

“Today is Valentine’s Day.”

“Huh? What you said?”

“…” Ahmad rolled his eyes. Talking to him would be useless.

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“Up to you, I will continue my sleep again. Bye.”

“Don’t blame me if you’ll be late.”

“Whatever.”

Ahmad closed his room’s door and went to the classroom, hurriedly. It was still dark outside, but he could hear birdsong everywhere. He liked this atmosphere.

But, suddenly he felt an eerie premonition. It was strange.

“……MAAAAAAAAADDD.”

“AHMAAAAAAAAD.”

Ahmad freeze. He knew that was freaky girls’ yell who wanted to catch Ahmad.

“Allahu Rabbi, why they woke up so fast?” Ahmad muttered and he hid in the empty classroom where he could hear that annoying scream already gone.

‘I think it’s not good to get to the classroom by now. Maybe they will try to find me in my room and my classroom. I’ll just wait here.’

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He sat on the chair in that room. And he overslept because he woke up very early today.

“8 A.M.”

“Wake up, Dude.” Harry screamed in Ahmad’s ear.

“Huh? Where am I?” Ahmad yawned.

“You are in my classroom. You’re lucky, the girls were looking for you everywhere. But no one realized you are here. Just go back to your classroom with my hat and my sunglasses if you don’t want to be late.”

“Ok, thanks Buddy, you’re the best. Bye.” Ahmad said.

” Ahmad turned and wore that hat and sunglasses.

“Haha. Be careful with the girls today, they’re like murders who are looking for a victim.” Harry chuckled.

“Hahaha, Surely, I will.”

He bowed and walked to his class as fast as he can.

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Luckily, when he sat on his seat, Mr. Ei came to his classroom and they were studying math. No one dared to talk because Mr. Ei would hit his/her body with his golf stick.

*TEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET* (Break Time)

“Ok, student, class is over,” said Mr.Ei and he went out from the classroom.

Ahmad followed Mr.Ei and ran to the library as fast as he can. He didn’t want to meet the girls, moreover from Ahmad’s Fans Club. Just for information, the girls had made a Fans Club for those who like or admire Ahmad. And now, the Fans Club has 76 members of all girls from first grade until third grade. It was unbelievable.

‘I hope they don’t know that I’m here. Allah, please help me. I don’t want they hate me, but I don’t want to celebrate Valentine’s Day because of You.’

Unfortunately, when he entered the library, the girls had waited for Ahmad. Inevitably he dealed with them.

“Ahmad, are you angry with us?” Ruth, the leader of Ahmad Fans Club asked him.

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“Nope. I’m not angry with you.” Ahmad went rigid.

“But why did you avoid us from this morning? We just want to give you these chocolates.” Ani snickered.

“Sorry, but I cannot accept your chocolates.” He sighed.

“Why you can’t? It’s your favorite. Please accept our chocolates, we made these with all of our love just for you.” Ruth fumed testily.

Ahmad rolled his eyes. “Because, if I accept your chocolates, it means I celebrate Valentine’s Day.”

“It’s good Ahmad, you will celebrate Valentine’s Days together with us. Come on, just accept our chocolate.” Selena said.

“Yes, I love chocolate, but....”

‘Just tell the truth, maybe they will understand.’

“Islam prohibits us to celebrate Valentine’s Day.” Ahmad continued.

“Why? I think Valentine’s Day just a day when someone gives chocolate to someone else. There is not related to any religion.”

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“There is the real story behind Valentine’s Day.”

They gasped. “Can you tell us about that real story behind Valentine’s Day? We wanted to know the truth.”

“Ok, will you listen to me?”

They nodded. He can see they keep their serious face. He takes his android in his pocket. And he read the articles in islam.thetruecall.com.

Valentine who was asked to give up Christianity but refused to do so and thus was killed on 14th February 269 C.E., the day which was also allocated to love lotteries. Another tradition arises from the time of Emperor Claudius II. He came to a conclusion that single men made better soldiers and thus made it illegal for young men to marry. No wives, no families – hence better soldiers. During this time St. Valentine was a priest at the temple and he found the actions of Claudius outrageous and thus defied the emperor. He married off young men in private. When the emperor got to know the actions of valentinem he sent him to jail and according to certain sources; he was to be put to death. In 496 C.E., the 14th of February was set as a day to honor St. Valentine by Pope Gelasius.

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Why valentine day is haram in Islam?

Firstly: that its origins lie in the pagan beliefs of the Romans, where it was an expression of the spiritual love of the idols which they used to worship instead of Allah.

Secondly: That the development of this festival among the Romans was connected to myths and legends which no sound mind can accept, let alone the mind of the Muslim who believes in Allah and His Messengers (peace be upon them).

Thindly: Among the ugly rituals of the Romans on this day was the sacrifice of a dog and a goat, the daubing of their blood onto two youth then washing the blood off with milk, etc.

He finished reading the articles about Valentine’s Day.

“We celebrate Valentine’s Day but we don’t know the real story about Valentine’s Day, how pathetic.” Someone scowled.

“Yeah, by celebrating Valentine’s Day means we memorize that Santa Valentine. We don’t know who is he, it’s scrubby.” Someone added.

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“And the real ritual for this Valentine’s Day is sacrificing of a dog and a goat and taking their blood. What an ugly rituals.”

“Islam is right, Valentine’s Day is not good.”

“Valentine’s Day isn’t an important celebration.”

Ahmad was very shocked to hear the comments from the girls. He thinks they won’t believe him when he read the article about Valentine’s Day.

“Hey, you believe me?” Ahmad asked them.

“Why you should believe me?” He added.

“Because, we’re sure that you are the honest person.” Ruth replied with smile.

“By the way, Ruth, I give this chocolate for you. It just means ‘a gift from friend’ not to celebrate Valentine’s Day.” Amy gives her chocolate for Ruth.

“Me too. I give my chocolate for you, Amy.” Then they exchange their chocolate each other.

“Ok guys, we can exchange our chocolate. It’s better than give it to Ahmad. He won’t eat our chocolates, right Ahmad?” Ruth asked.

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“Yup, you can eat them together.”

Ahmad felt happy today, because he can make his friends realized that celebrating Valentine’s Day is not important enough to those who don’t have any relation of that ritual.

‘I hope, someday, they will realize how beautiful Islam is.’

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I LOVE YOUR EYES By: Nong Nabila

Rafia had two older brothers and one older sister. Her first brother was working in Sydney, Australia. He was an engineer. Her second brother was doing college in Australia too. Rafia’s sister was working at bank in the same country as Rafia lived in. Rafia lived in Malaysia with her sister and her father. Her mother passed away three years ago because a cancer. Rafia was five years old. It was hard for her to face what actually had happened to her mother. She spent her life with a barbie which was given by her mother. Her sister, Hafsa usually played with Rafia. Hafsa had a friend, his name was Ahmad. Ahmad was in the same age as Rafia. He often came to Rafias’ house and played with her. After years, they had been really close. She always told Ahmad she liked Ahmads’ eyes. Ahmad didn’t respect her much for this compliment. He didn't quite know why. Ahmad just gave a smile whenever she said that. Ahmad always picked her up from her high school by his car and Rafia would say the same statement again.

***

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Day by days passed by, Ahmad was in love with her. Of course Ahmads’ face lit up immensely whenever she said that. Rafia didn’t know that behind the kindness of Ahmad there was an affection for her. All the way Ahmad could see from Rafia was her beauty and her tender heartedness. They'd be talking about nothing and she'd turn to Ahmad and whisper, "I like your eyes." One evening, Ahmad was playing basketball. He was waiting for her to drive over to his house to have a game with him. Suddenly, he got a phone call. It was Rafias’ sister. Hafsa was in a panic. Ahmad couldn't quite understand what Hafsa was saying. It sounded like, "Ahmad, come quick! Rafia, accident, Main Street! Blood. Come now!" Ahmad had no clue what happened, so he ran to Main Street with his basketball shorts and a tee shirt on. Ahmad saw Rafias’ sister dan her father helplessly crying, waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Ahmad saw a totaled car, blood everywhere. Then he saw her, Rafia. She was right inside the car. She was bogged down in her car with her head bleeding. Ahmad went to the hospital that night, the main source of blood coming from her head. Before he could say anymore, the medics took her away.

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Ahmad knew it was not very manly, but he couldn't help it. "Rafia! Rafia!" He screamed. She was unconscious. Ahmad started crying. Ahmads’ heart stopped beating as he frantically ran over to her. Ahmad came every night. The nurses tried getting him to leave, but he refused. Rafias’ sister was blamming him for this. She even slapped him hard on his right cheek. “It was all my fault. If it wasn't for me, wanting to play basketball with her, she wouldn't be going through this.” Ahmad regretted. A doctor entered the hospital in a hurry after being called in for an urgent surgery. He answered the call as soon as he could, changed his clothes and went directly to the surgery block. He found Rafia’s father pacing in the hall waiting for the doctor. On seeing him, the dad yelled. “Why did you take all this time to come? Don’t you know that my daughters’ life is in danger? Don’t you have any sense of responsibility?”

“I am sorry, I wasn’t in the hospital and I came as fast as I could after receiving the call. And now, I wish you could calm down so that I can do my job.” The doctor smiled.

“Calm down? What if your daughter was in this room right now. Would you calm down? If your

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own daughter dies now what would you do?” said the father angrily. “ Doctors can not prolong lives. Go and pray for your daughter, we will do our best ” The doctor smiled. “Giving advices when you’re not concerned is always easy.” murmured the father. Ahmad was sitting in the corner of the waiting room. He couldn’t see the discord between Rafia’s’father and the doctor. He closed his ears with his hands and prayed for his girls’ safety. The surgery took some hours after which the doctor went out happily. “Thank God your daughter is saved” Without waiting for Rafia’s father’s reply the doctor rushed off down the corridor. As he hurried away he called back, “If you have any questions, please ask the nurse.” “Why is he so arrogant? He couldn’t wait for a few minutes so that I ask about my daughter’s state.” replied Rafias’ father. A nurse answered, tears coming down her face, “His son died yesterday in a road accident, he was at the burial ceremony when we called him for your daughter’s surgery. Please forgive him, he rushed off to finish burying his son.”

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Rafia’s father was out of word. He felt very guilty for arguing with him. He felt so sorry about the doctor’s son. Hafsa came next to dad and Ahmad. They were hugging each other and came in to see Rafia was lying on bed weakly. The next day, they came to the doctor’s son’s funeral and Rafia’s father apologized. The doctor just smiled and said, “I’m okay when my new friend’s daughter is okay”

*** It was already four days and she doesn't wake up yet. Ahmad waited for her the whole day. On the fifth day, Ahmad saw her eyes gently open. "Rafia?" Ahmad called. She wasn't quite awake yet. Suddenly, doctors came rushing in. They told Ahmad to wait outside. Ahmad did, for a few hours. One of the doctors finally came out saying, "I understand that you're Rafia's friend, Ahmad?" "Yes," He bit his lip because he knew that the doctors would say something bad. "She woke up and she’s fine. But I'm afraid she has long term memory loss." "Are you serious?!" Ahmad almost shouted. "I'm afraid so."

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Ahmad didn't meet his gaze. He couldn't. He wasn't going to say anything, so the doctor spoke again. "You can go to see her if you want, but she doesn't remember anything, not even her father or her sister." Ahmad walked in, trembling in horror. He breathed really fast. He saw her. She looked helpless as she slept with her head bandaged. Ahmad waited a few hours, until he saw her eyes opening gently again. He expected doctors to run in, rushing him out. Instead, she looked him straight in the eyes and whispered, "I don't know you, but I like your eyes."

*** Two years after. Ahmad had to do his college in Sabah, Malaysia because he had to look after his hearts’ mate, Rafia. Mean while Rafia still did her studies in high school because that car acccident. Rafia tried to remember who exactly Ahmad was. And Ahmad helped her to bring her memory back. “I’ll wait till her memory comes back. I’ll propose her to be my fiance after she finishes her studies, for the Gods’ sake” Ahmad said in his deep heart. On the next day Ahmad came to Rafias’ house and brought a jasmine. It was his summer holiday that’s why he came to Rafias’ house. Ahmad knocked

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the door. Rafia was the one who opened the door. Before Ahmad saying hello, she took the flower from Ahmads’s hand and sat on a huge branch in front of her house. She scented the flower and called Ahmad to sit beside her. “Hey beautiful eyes, thank you for the flower.” “Your welcome. But...” He bit his upper lip. “But? What do you mean? Did you want to give this to my sister?” “No, of course not. I just wanted to ask you. Do you remember when we were playing hide and seek, you suddenly shocked me then I got mad at you? “Hmm, no i don’t” “ Let me give you another clue. The next day, you came to my house by riding your bicyle and you gave me a jasmine as the apology.” “Sorry but i don’t remember. Ahmad, I like your eyes so much. I must say, They glitter everytime you see me” He just smiled though he felt so sad deep inside. “Rafia, I’ll go to your house once per a month from tomorrow. I’ll not be able to have any free days. But I promise I’ll contact you everyday, beside we’re still in the same country.” “Huh? Why? Why are you going so sudden?” “It’s our lecturers’ will, I couldn’t say anything” “Aww, It’s okay”

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“I’m sorry my bestfriend” He sadly said. ***

“Hello Ahmad?” Rafia called Ahmad trough her mobile phone. “Sorry, the number you’re calling is powered off.” Operator suddenly responded her. Rafia was sad. She ended the call by leaving her disappointment. Her sister, Hafsa called her. Hafsa asked Rafia to sit beside her. She asked why Rafia was so sad. Rafia just kept quiet and kept her head down. Hafsa tried to cheer her sister up. “Can I asked you a question?” Hafsa asked her. “Yes, you can” “Do you like Ahmad?” Hafsa looked so serious. “Like? What’re you talking about? He’s just my bestfriend. Our relation’s not more than bestfriend, sister” “Ah, I see. But, if you do. It’s okay. He’s easy going” At night, before going to bed Rafia checked her phone and wished at least she got a message from Ahmad. But she didn’t get anything. Ahmad didn’t text her, he didn’t even tell his condition to Hafsa. Rafia was in woolliness, she really missed Ahmad. She missed his voice, his cares and whatever he had done to her. Rafia preferred to stay in her room without talking to anyone. She had not gone to school for

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three days. Rafia didn’t get wind of what her family asked her to do something. She didn’t respect anyone. After a week, suddenly Hafsa got to know that her sister was sick. She was having fever and unhealthy feeling. It happened because she had not heard any words from Ahmad.

*** Ahmad pushed the bell of Rafias’ house. He came to her house at 1 pm in noon. Nobody responded him, nobody opened the door and nobody said to wait. Ahmad walked toward the back yard door. He found the door was opened and shedding of water everywhere. He came in fearfully. “Rafia? Hafsa? Father? Are you there? Rafia?” Suddenly someone ran to Ahmad. She hugged him really tight. Ahmad was shock. He tried to calm Rafia. Rafia kept hugging him, tighter and tighter. “Rafia, are you okay? What happened?” “My mother was dead because cancer right? My father and Hafsa were there, in the car accident? You asked me to play basketball before that tragedy? Did we meet in my school when i was kindergarten? Did you bring me to the hospital that night? Did you cry?” Ahmad was speechless. He didn’t know what to say. The only thing he could do was crying. “Rafia, look at me. All what you said was true. We were bestfriend. That tragedy took all your

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memory. Even you didn’t remember your family. Thanks to God for bringing your memory back. I wonder why you still compliment my eyes.” Ahmad smiled. “I don’t know. Something right in my heart asked me to say that.” “Okay, You have to take a rest now. Don’t water the whole house, okay?” I teased her. “I’m sorry, I got headache by sudden that time. I was watering the flowers while sister and dad were going to shop. So, I went inside and cried.” “I see. I’ll stay here untill i find you fall asleep, okay?” Ahmad was really happy. Finally, his hearts’ mate had remembered him. Moral: Never judge anyone’s state, because you never know how their life is and what they’re going through. Always believe in the best in people.

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HAUNTED FACE By : gerimissenja

Standing in front of the mirror once again this

morning. Nothing changes. That face is always the same, though I’m 29 now. Perhaps,it has changed a lot by the time passing by, but I’ve never realized it much, since I don’t really care about my appearance. And that kind of indifference is enough to surprise me that now those eyes started to dim and that smile started to stop.

Finishing my meal. I took my motorbike and rode to work in my solitude. It has been happened through years. Although I have already been someone’s wife, but I’m still all alone here to go againts my loneliness.

Sometimes , I felt so tired to run this life without my husband beside me. But it’s not entirely his fault. He has asked me to follow him to German accompanying him to finish his post graduate programme.

“But my work here would be ignored. Do I have to leave my job just for accompanying you?” I said curtly sometimes just three months after our marriage.

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“But you are my wife,Honey.... Don’t you know that a wife should always be beside her husband, accompanying and helping him? Moreover, I don’t think I would be strong enough without you, Babe!” My Ahmed replied patiently.

“ But we had promised each other,we made an agreement before married that I can still do everything what I want though I’m your wife, remember ? My voice grew louder.

“Okay, honey.It doesn’t matter whether you are going or staying here. I just beg you,just try to convince you to come away with me. It’s not for you, honestly, but for me, for hoping we won’t be apart event a day.” He tried to calm me down and took me to his reach.

“Teet.. teeet ... teeeeet...” The cars behind me started to blow their horns, for I was not moving when the traffic light turned to be green. I was day dreaming while the traffic was turning to a stop.

Hurriedly I spured my motorbike and turned right in the direction of my office. No more than 10 minutes I arrived to my work place. Parking my bike on the parking area near by the head master office.

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“Here you go Junia. Some students were looking for you, just now.” Said one of my friends, soon after I entered to the teacher’s office.

“Err, I don’t remember that I have an appointment with anyone today. I answered lazily.

“ You don’t have to make appointment with anyone, but the will always look for you, since you are the favourite teacher at the time.... hahaha. “ My friend laughed at me.

“Don’t kid me Ta. I’m neither a good nor a favourite teacher. They just need to discuss something because the final examination is drawing near.” I answered Lita’s words while walking out through the office’s door.

“ I’m leaving.”Permitting her and soon leave to my second office, in the biology laboratorium where my students are waiting for me in front.

“Miss... we have been waiting for you about half an hour.” Welcomed my students as I’m coming toward them.

Everyone called me ‘Miss’ by the time I just taught here four years ago,as I love to greet everyone in English however it is just for “Hello, good morning

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and good afternoon”. Now I’m married but they still call me that name.

“I’m sorry. I have to do something this morning.So, I come a bit late.” It was a perfect reason, I bet.

“Just text me a message in the evening if you need some helps. So, I could be here earlier okay?” I added.

Then about five female students stood around my desk and started asking me these and those. We just did a ten minutes-discussion because the bell soon remind us that the break time was over.

“Okay, I have a class now,just continue discussing with your friend later.”

“Thank you,Miss, we also have to leave now. See you..” They wrapped their bags, kissed my hands and hurriedly left to their classroom.

I closed the door of my office - a 4 x 5 meters’s room connected to the biology laboratorium. A perfect quite place to hide my loneliness - and walked slowly to the stair. And someone was there waiting. I don’t really sure whether he was waiting for me or we just arrived at the same time, by chance. But it happened many times. He always stands there in the morning or after break, perfectly by the time I

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have to teach the second level students up stair/there.

“Assalamualaikum,Miss.” He greeted me as he used to.

“Wa’alaikumsalam. Let’s go up.” I answered, shortly.

And as it used to be, he walked near by me to his classroom without saying anything. He entered the classroom and I passed his room to another one.

“Good boy.” My heart stated.

I just began to explain about the botanical theory to XI-2 students while unpurposefully I saw someone standing outside the window staring at me.

“Hmm, it’s him.” My heart whispered.

Trying not to look there, I continued my explanation. I gussed it was about 3 minutes he was there, and now he was standind in front of my room’s door borrowing for ink.

“ Sorry Miss, may I have some ink, please? He asked me kindly.

“Ofcourse, here it is.” I handed him the ink, and he left after thanking me.

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It a bit disturbed, but I guessed, I like it.

“Okay, time is up. We will continue our lesson next week. See you. Assalamu’alaikum.”

I closed my class and walked quickly so that none of my students have to shake my hand. They shake my hand everyday. I didn’t really know what was that for. Sometimes, I try to avoid this thing by walking faster after class. Strange teacher, I guessed and smiled to myself.

Reaching to the stair before none got there, but it was a surprised that the boy was there waiting.

“Going home,Miss?”

“Oo yea,let’s get down.” A bit shocked to answer.

We walked side by side without saying anything, and ...

“Bye.” I said after reaching the down stair.

“Bye.” He answered and quickly run to his dorm.

Actually, he was not a new comer student. He has been being my student for about one year and half. Nothing special in the last those times, but now, he was really a weird.

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It was dhuhur time, the voice of muazzin was reverberating through the loudspeker of mushalla which was placed in the middle of the campus area. It is the heart of this boarding school, SMAN 21 Harapan Ummah, that my students usually called it Harum school.

On the right side of mushalla placed the classroom buildings and some laboratorium buildings. On its left stood a three stairs blue building where the first grade’s male students were staying. While the basketball field hold mushalla by both front and back side.

“It’s a really perfect environtment.” I said to myself. With many shady trees and great buildings including good facilities inside. It really suited the tittle of this school as the favourite one in this region. It’s not a boast if then many parents chose this school for preaparing their children future.

“Hey, you are still here,huh?” I asked Vira, just after entering the teacher office’s room.

“My husband is in Medan, now. He is working there for several times on. I don’t know what to do at home. So, I just stay.” She explained me without my asking her.

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“Hahaha, at last I have my partner of loneliness. I feel very happy to hear that.” I couldn’t stop my mouth to release those words.

“Huh..You are laughing on my crying.” Vira said annoyedly.

“I don’t mean so, Honey. I just need someone who could feel the same as I did.” I told her the truth.

“Hmm, I see, it will be so bored without them,right?” I wish he could return every month.” She murmured.

“Monthly husband, isn’t it?” It’s not too bad dear, while I have to wait for at least six months or even a year before his return. He’s a termly husband or an annually husband, perhaps. He just can return every summer holiday.” I groaned.

“ Just call him ‘the summer husband’,then. Hahaha... Vira laughed loudly realized that she has avenged me.

And suddenly Laura Pausini was singing in my mobile...

“Where are you, gal?” It was Alia’s voice on the line.

“School.”

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“ I’ll go out for lunch with Muthy. We’ll really glad if you can join us.” Alia added.

“I’d love too.”A short answer,still.

“Okay,we’re at Muthy’s office. fifteen minutes for you.” Alia dared me.

And I’ll always love it.”Okay,I’ll be there before those fifteen.Bye.”

I put on my jacket and covered my head with a heavy black helmet. Again, starting to ride my loneliness. I run my motorbike as fast as I can. It’s a bad habit I think. To be honest, I’ve never dreamt to be a racer, but the time is just like a blade, cut it or it’ll cut you. And unpurposefully/accidentally I had to fight the time to cut about 12 miles every single day, about five years, by the time I was studying in the university. And that nessecity became a habit. It’s really a habit, not a hobby. Trust me..!!

About ten minutes, I arrived in Muthy’s office.

”Salamu’alaikum.” I came in without permitting and sitting on the floor.

“Exhausted.”Just like whispering to myself.

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I have ever been several times to Muthy’s office. She has her own room fulfilled with to big black cupboards containing various kind of books. It also has two desk: Muthy’s and another computer desk. The room is also compliting with a set of light-brown sofa.

The room is too large for her, but it really suits her position as an assistant /associate of dean.

“Why don’t you lay on the sofa instead of sitting there?” Muthy asked astonishedly.

I put my jacket and my bagpack off on the floor and lay down on the sofa.

“What if a guest of you come here, Ti? I made sure.

“I’ll lock the door.” Said Alia just getting out from the lady’s room.

“And so... Where we’re gonna have a lunch?” Alia reminded for the plan.

“Here!” I muttered carelessly.

“What? In the canteen? The food are tasteless you know?” Alia pursued.

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“Who said I want to get lunch in that kinda uninteresting canteen? Just call for order.” I repeated unpatiently.

“ Hallo, Sam, could you here, right now?” Muthy just called someone.

“Okay,wake up,my assistant would be here soon.” Muthy warned me to awake. Lazily I arose from my sleep.

“Salamu’alaikum..” A charming face snoke through the half-opened door.

“Wa’alaikumsalam... Sam, would you mind to get us some food for lunch.”

“With pleasure ma’am.” He seemed to answer it boastedly.

“Come on, don’t call me ma’am..You are older than me.” Muthy looked upset.

“Okay,okay.” Soonly he left with a wide smile in his face.

“Kinda good looking and kind-hearted boy. Is he married?” I just tried to tempt Alia as she doesn’t couple yet.

But she was just busy with her chatting fellas.

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“That’s Muthy’s student actually. But he seemed like admiring our sweety sister.” Alia as the most experiented joker among us will always success to make us annoyed by her words.

“Say it again!Ha..ha..ha.” Suddenly I bursted into laugh.

“Unrealizedly.ha..ha..ha..”I don’t stop laughing yet.

“Hey,it’s impossible... I’m a mother of two children. Never try to trust her.” Muthy was answering by throwing Alia her block note.

“Why don’t you match him with Alia instead.”

“What?” Alia run to me and pretend to choke my neck.

“What’s his name. Samson?” I wondered.

“Ha...ha..ha..Samwiel.” They both answered.

“Hmm. Samuel? A unique name, I bet, I like it.”

“Samwiel” They repeated.

Okay.Samuel. Samuel. I said it on and on.

Long live. He has arrived..

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“Thank you,Samuel.”I said as he put some foods on the table next to sofa where I just sat by Muthy’s side.

“Hey,that’s my baptist name.” He said hastily . “I hate it.”

We broke into laugh again, while that Samuel immedietly left the room for not going to ruin our greatest time together.

Then, the three of us sat on the floor surrounding the food.

“ I felt really bored, you know. Doing the same activities everyday. Talking to everyone, laughing with them all the time, but I feel empty inside here in my heart.” I started to voice my heart.

“ Nothing I must do. Nowhere I should be.No one in my life, to answer to but me...”

Laura pausini’s lyrics were sounded from my mobile.

Lazily I took my phone, and “Emm.” I grumbled.

“Hallo darling... How are you doing there.” My husband was voicing on the line.

“I’m doing good.” I replied shortly

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“I tried to chat witu you lastnight, but you ain’t on the line. Then, I tried to call you, but it was out of charge.” He added.

“I just felt so tired last night, I fell asleep soon after isya.”

“Are you sick,honey? You ain’t heard very well.” He pursued

“No, I don’t.I just not really comfort to talk because I’m now out with Alia and Muthy.” I said firmly hoping that he would end the conversation immedietely.

“Oo,I see.I’ll call you later then. Please inform when you are home. Bye...” Surely he has to understand.

“Bye.” I threw my mobile to the sofa and started to eat while Alia and Muthy were about to finish their meal.

“Hmm, someone is looking too upset that she didn’t even want to talk to her beloved. What’s up girl?” Alia tried to break the silent as Muthy walked to the wash-basin to clean her hands.

“ A little virus seemed to infect at last.” Unsurely I said.

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“WHAAT? Try to infect or you’re just infected?” Alia investigated disbelieving.

“I don’t know. I hate to think about it. But, sometimes that virus forced to cross my mind several times.” It was really hard to confess.

“What do you mean,Ukhti?” Muthy likely felt very shocked.

“Nothing, just a cute little virus.” I mumbled.

“ Ha..ha..ha..” Both of them just realized that their friend was trapped in a kind of silly thing.

“ You must be kidding, Sist. Please awake! It’s you... Junia Awayna, a kinda flexible nice teacher who should be appreciated by every students of yours, never tell us those kind of joke,okay? Who is he that brave enough to teased you..? Tell me that I was wrong,Babe.” Muthy hardly succed to convince herself.

”You are NOT wrong ukhti.. NOT wrong. “I almost scream to pronoun that unbelievable answer.

“But, it’s not really as bad as you think. I’m just bothered, a bit. I still know my name, and I am his teacher. He won’t danger me at all.” I’m persuading myself that everything will be okay.

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“Kamu masih anak sekolah, satu eS eM A, belum tepat waktu tuk begitu begini...”

“ ha...ha..ha ..” We were laughing histerically hearing Alia sang that stupid song.

“Dua SMA.” I corrected Alia’s mistake.

“Ha..ha..ha. Let’s share Amel ‘bout this wonderful news. She is on the line now.”

“Alia, stop kidding me please.” I begged.

But she had already sent the message to Amel.

“You know what buk.. Our Junia was infected by a cute virus... Guess who...

It was a student of her. lol :D”

Soon Amel answered... “WHAAT?? Ha..ha..ha.. You must be kidding.”

“I believe it was just a minor nuisance that will surely pass.”

I brushed off Alia’s hand, and typed fast on the keyboard. “Never try to trust her.. She is slandering me. Hiks. T.T“

“You guys also had also faced the same problems right, when you are teaching in Nyawong Senior High

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School, our former school? Why don’t you share?” I sent her twice

“Your Ahmed will hang you on the roof, I guessed. Ha..ha..ha :D”

“I will mail you to your inbox.” Those two messages appeared on the screen.

Then, Alia continued chatting with Amel, one of the best friends I have ever had, and she’s now studying at Khourtoum University in Sudan.

“Beep..Beep..” Muthy’s cell phone was ringing.

“Assalamu’alaikum ukhti.. Long time no see. How have you been there? Guessed you really feel home in Subussalam, right?”

“ Ha.. ha..ha..” A really nice voice answered there laughing. “I’m doing very good.. I call to inform you that I will be in Banda Aceh next week for several days. Maybe we can have a small reunion.

“Oh, ofcourse, we are in reunion time now with Alia and Junia in my office..” Muthy explained proudly.

“You always gather when I was away.” Pipit answer jealously.

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“It’s unpredictable meeting Sist. We just discuss something about Junia, you know? She got a big trouble.” Muthy chuckled.

She seemed to leak this foolish secret.. But I won’t bare her to do it. Not to Pipit. It will be a great mistake if Pipit know it. I really appriciated her. I never share such a stupid childish thing to her. It will be very shameful.

“Stop bullying me Sist.” I run to Muthy and reseized her mobile.

“Nothing’s wrong,Ti..It just an old trick that I’ve played to them.” I convinced Pipit hastly before Muthy say anything else.

But suddenly...

“ She’s falling in love to her student.” Alia shouted loudly from the computer desk.

GUBRAKSSS. I really want to die..

“Ha..ha..ha..ha..ha..” Pipit started to laugh on the other side.

Muthy and Alia also bursted into laugh and stared at me satisfiedly.

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“It’s not true, Sist. It’s not true.. Someone just watched at me and I felt a bit disturbed. I’ve never said I like it.” I tried hard to persuade Pipit.

“Yeah.. It’s impossible for you to love another man....”

“A boy, not a man.” I cut Pipit’s sentence before she finished it.

“He’s my student.. It’s impossible. Isn’t it? And I kinda a good wife, you know that,right?” I insisted her.

“Ofcourse I trust you,Sist.. I know you well.” She said to calm me down.

“Thanks a bunch Ukhti.. It really means to me.”

I gave the mobile to Muthy and she continued talking to Pipit. But Azan of Ashar heard then from every corners of the place.

Alia stop chatting and turn the computer off. Muthy ended her conversation and made up her desk.

“Okay, our time is up. We’ll meet again next week when Pipit has already been here.” Muthy remind us about our next plan.

We got out from Muthy’s room and walked together to the parking area. We hugged each other and took our own vehicle.

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“Anyway, does the cute virus look like Walad?” Alia asked me smilingly.

“Hmm..I don’t really sure..I guessed.”Unsurely I told her. Waving them, I rode my motorcycle once again that day... In still.

Once, there was a boy named Waladul Kiram. He was a friend of mine when I was in Nyawong Senior High School. I didn’t really know him actually because he was an apathetic boy. He was only an ordinary friend, just like the others. I just talked to him tree or four times in our first semester. Till everything changed in the second semester, when he was suddenly asked to speak in front of us for delivering an English speech. It was not really his turn,actually. But, Yusra’s.He felt unwell that Subuh (dawn time).

Walad stood infront of us and started to greet us with his bariton voice. His preambulance/ opening was very good. I just realized that he has very great English speaking skill. I heard word by word of his sentences. Everyone did the same. No other voices heard that subuh but only his.

Great one, I guessed. And all in suddent, I was very amazed by him soon after he ended that perfect

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speech. It was one of the most beautiful mornings that I’ve ever realized. I was sure. Really sure.

It should be a stupid thing that ones could fall in love just because of hearing an English speech. It was crazy, I guessed.

Hfff, I have already been home. Astaghfirullah...It’s too bad that you do day dreaming while you are riding. It’s too hazardous. I said to myself, regretedly.

Throwing my bag and my jacket on the floor, I took off my veil and my socks then lied down on my bed. I was badly exhausted.. Wish I could sleep for a while.

oo0oo

“Second floor, Miss?” One of my students passed in front of me, shaking my hand and run up stair. It was his class turn now. And he was there on the top of the stair smiling and greeting me.

“Assalamu’alaikum...Miss.”

“Wa’alaikumsalam warahmatullah.”

We entered the class together.

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“Okay class, please open your books in Tissues system chapter. But before, it’s better to you to sit in your group for we’ll have a small discussion, today.”

I started to highlight what they have to understand from this chapter. Then I walked around the classroom checking their works one by one.

After controlling all of the groups, I took my sit in one of the girls’ groups. Some of my students asked me to repeat my explanation. While I was talking, a pairs of eyes keep watching. It was not only me who realized about it, the girl who sat next to me also felt the same as I saw she tried to looked at the watcher.

I wondered then, who was the watcher and whom he was watching to. I craned my neck and saw a head was laying on the table with the two arms covering his face. It was him predictably. He must be very embarrassing.

Finishing the class, I decided to talk to him. But I don’t know how. It should be a reason of my doing it.

Everyone got down stair as quickly as they could. But he was out there waiting.

“Errr,may we have a small talk?” I asked him gently

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“Ofcoures Ma’am. Here?” He asked me back.

“No, please come in.” He followed me and sat in front of my desk.

“Did I do wrong while I’m teaching?” I tried to find a better start but I was failed.

“No,Ma’am. I really enjoy your class? I thought the others do so.” He answered it honestly.

“But I felt uncomfort because there’s someone always staring at me when I’m teaching.”

It was not the fact,actually. The eyes are not watching me while I am teaching but mostly in another occasion.

“It makes me feeling guilty.” I added.

“Which class,Miss?” It seemed that he really want to help.

“Hufff, He’s innocent.Really! It’s just my wrong feeling.” My heart conscience.

“I’m very sorry to tell you that it’s really uncomfort to be watched by a boy... Even he just a little boy, like you...” Finally, I confessed.

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“WHAT?Emmm...Me?”He was really shocked I guessed.

“You are misunderstanding,Ma’am. I really don’t mean to do so.” His face turned red as he answered my question.

I did a really BIG mistake, that day. Yes, surely I did. Then the air of the classroom becoming very unfriendly. Whether he was getting angry or shame. I don’t know which one is true.

“I’m sorry, Dear. I just want you to be a good boy who always can keep your sight from every bad thing.” My mind was blank at all. I don’t know how should I close this unexpected conversation. If only I could turn the time back, I swear I will never do this stupidest thing.

He was speechless.

“Please forgive me for this unconvinience.I wish we could still keep good relation on. ” I stood up and walked slowly. He was behind me walked messily. I was waiting for him on the top of the stair, but he returned to the classroom. Something wes left,I guessed. I stepped down the stair, alone.

It would make a big change and creat a high wall gap between me and him that was unrealizedly has become my beloved student.

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Walking to my office,I texted him a message to apologize. But I wouldn’t ever get it replied till the hell froze.

And everything wouldn’t be the same now.I met him everyday but he didn’t ever say hallo to me or smile at me anymore. He looked like trying to avoid me as possible as he could.

I blamed myself for this unpleasant circumstance. It would take a long time to break this hard ice.

And the vice versa I was staring at him, then. And just tried to say hello or just gave him a smile. But it was so hard.At last, I gave up and decided to stay away from him. But, I had to teach in his class once a week.

Frustating with the situation. I remembered Amel and soon I opened my email.

Here I found her email.

“Dear,Ukhti....

The thing that you are facing now is an ordinary thing in work place. Sometimes, we really did a good job, but sometime we also did some mistakes.

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I know, you were bothered by this situation for ofcourse, we’ll be unconvinience to face a kind of certain problems but by the time, we also can’t do anything to solve it.

I think, it’s better to you to find out about his background, so that you will understand what is the reason of his doing it. He needs the attention, perhaps, or he just admires you as such a kind teacher that cares to everyone. Please, think positively.

And.. For you,yourself. You had left your jama’ah (group), hadn’t you for such a long time?

You should not be alone in a long period of the time, because many things could happen to us and sometimes we couldn’t face it alone. We need other people to share with.

You’re so lonesome now, I bet, for you live alone far from your family and your husband. You don’t interact with your environment well, and also you didn’t make a good relation with your patners in your working place. Those what you’ve told me. It will make you very lonely,Dear.

I know your feeling, I can feel it, though I’ve been thousand distances far from you.

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I really believe that you can face and solve it well. And the experiences will lead you to be a great teacher someday. Trust me. That will be true...!!”

She close her letter with warm embrace.

It has answered all the questions that I had in my mind. She knew everything what I feel even I don’t write her yet.

That was the letter which she promised me while chatting in Muthy’s office. It was a long time. I almost forgot about it.

“Millions thanks,Ukhti... near or far you always can be counted on.”

Replying her message shortly, turned my computer off and lied on my bed. I felt very free as if my body could fly to the sky as that burden left my thought.

Beep..Beep. A message received.

“How’s the life there?” Was your problem solved yet? It was Alia

“Yeah.. It seems to be solved now.” I replied quickly.

“Seems to be? What does that mean??! Butcher it Ma’am!!

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Her words could always make me feel better.

“Ha..ha..ha..Ofcourse I did.” I sent the last one.

Rabbi..I don’t know how grateful I was to Thee for confersing me such great special friend as them who always there whenever I needed.

TODAY’S IN ACTION....

I walked vigorously just likely to hear one of the soundtracks of Alvin and the Chipmunks movie titled “Follow me now.”

This morning I woke up and something has changed

I felt kinda good and I felt kinda strange

There’s something going on here

And maybe it’s a brand new world

Or I’m just crazy,insane

So everything’s different. Well I guess that okay.

Cause those thought that used to hold me down

Have all gone away.

I feel like I can take on the world

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So come along for ride

Or just get out of my way...

Come on come on get up get up

Let’s go.. Won’t you follow me now..?

Smiling at everyone, greeting every students whom I passed and get to the up stair running.

“Assalamu’alaikum.” I opened my class with a story of those whom always love each other because of Allah. All they have to do is just to greet each other.

Then, I continued my explanation about sirculation system.

Finishing the explanation, I wrote some tasks in the whiteboard for my class.

And it was him, one of the members of the class.

I came toward him and said : “Hallo, how you have been doing?”

“I’m okay,Ma’am.” He smiled.

And that iceberg began to melt, then..

But actually it wasn’t the end of the story.....

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Knock. Knock... It was Mr.Syah one of administrative staff knocking my door.

“You’ve been being waited by the head master in his office,right now.” He told me smilingly.

“Okay, I’ll be there soon,Sir.” I answered him and permitted my class.

What kind of another good news that I’ll get there in the principal’s room? I tried to guess.

“Assalamu’alaikum,Sir.” I greeted my boss.

“Come in,please.” He said hastily.

I sat down in one of the arm chairs facing my boss. I felt a bit nervous to examine that my boss’s face looked unfriendly.

“I just got the letter of your replacing work place to another senior high school.” He sounded disappointed.

“WHAT?” I just likely to hear the sound of thunder.

“I’m very sorry to inform you that you can’t be any longer to teach here. For you have made a big mistake to one of our students,haven’t you?” His intonation got louder.

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“Don’t you realize that the one whom you made trouble with is the son of Mr.Muhibuddin, the head of education and culture department? I’m very disappointed with you.

I was really shocked.Whom I made the trouble with? What kind of a big trouble that now send me out from this school. I wondered confusedly.

I wasn’t a kind of people that pay a lot of attention to my students’ background. It hard to find a name relating to Mr.Muhibuddin. At last, I got none in my memory

“You didn’t only embarras yourself as the teacher, but also this school. Why don’t you think deeply before doing such a foolish thing that will give a bad impression to this school?”

I really did’t get the point yet, but I was speechless.

“It’s such a shameful thing when you have a private relation with your student something that.” He got really mad then.

What kind of relation that I’ve already made and whom I did it with? “I really don’t understand,Sir.” I tried to defense.

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“Don’t pretend to forget what you have done to Faizul Mubarak. Don’t you tease him and bother him by texting him all the time ?” He was trembling now for a great angriness.

I was very surprised to hear that name.

“You are the teacher… “He couldn’t continue his word. I swear I’ve never seen him this mad all along these four years.

It was him appearently the one whom we are talking about. I don’t know what he had shared to his parents, but he seemed to win the case and immedietly would send me away from this school.

“Okay,Sir. I will soon go away.I’ll take of all my stuff this Saturday afternoon when no one at school,then.”

I felt complicated and exhausted with all of these. I really want to be home. I was embracing my empty soul. It was very fragile now.

It was just like a dream. I got that pure smile that likely would end all of my troubles. That was what I’ve been thinking. But the things ruined worse all at once.

I trudged to the administration office, taking all of the license that would be needed. And there the

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Bee Gee’s lyrics woke me up from that painful dream...

I started a joke which started the whole world crying. But I didn’t see that the joke was on me

I started to cry which started the whole world laughing. Oh if I’d only seen that the joke was on me.

Getting all of the appropriate letters from Mr.Syah, I left that room almost in tears.

Till I finally died which started the whole world living. Oh if I’d only seen that the joke was on me

Bee Gees had realized for long times ago that the looser needed to know that they weren’t really neccesary in the world. They just such pitifull people who had made the world smiling on their crying. Made the world living on their dead. And those looser should be glad to please everyone by their unexisting. And that day, I was really sure that they write that song for me.

Passing everyone with sadly smile, I went through laughing-world to pick up my destiny.

The decision was made.. I would quit of my job. I didn’t think that the new work place would be better than here. All the things flashing back in my

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memory strong enough to remind me that it was better to leave this country.I’ll fly to German next week. It was final.

Oo0oO

“I’m home.I’m home. We are home,Honey.” I was very extraordinarily pleased by the time my plan was boarding in Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport.

It was four years since I left my beloved home town, Banda Aceh. And now I’ll be here forever for an endless time. I swear !!

And the most pleasant things was I would never be alone anymore. My husband was also here accompanying me, together with my cute two-years old princess. It was a perfect world to live in.

We have never known what Allah has prepared for our life. The bad things that entirely forgot,has been being replaced by many great things. I’ve never planned that my leaving to German is not only to accompany my husband but also to finish my post graduate programme.

After months of my arrival. I decided to work again. I would like to be a lecturer assistant in one of favourite universities in Banda Aceh. It doesn’t matter to me for doing this simple job. I really

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realized that I can’t be any longer refrained without doing anything. I would get bored soon.

And.. here I go with full of spirit and smiling face wishing to attend my first class/meeting as soos as I can.

I have just stepped my foot on the first ladder of stair when I suddenly heard someone’s greeting behind me.

“Assalamu’alaikum, Miss.”

I craned my neck to gladly reply the first greeting I’ve got on my first day campus. There I saw a kind of tall young good-looking boy. And unexpectedly,it was him,my little Faiz,standing in front of me, smiling.

I was really shocked for realizing it was really him, the one whom I really tried hard to forget over these years for his taking me to those unforgettable cases.

“Up stair,Miss?” He gave me another question for his watching I didn’t answer his greeting.

“Oh,yea.Let’s go up.” Finally, I just got those words came out my mouth.

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We walked side by side without saying anything. He must be innocent. I was really sure.

**The End**

really wish to thank to those great inspiring students who have been colouring my teaching activities over these years.

Thousands thanks for sharing those kinda amazing experiences...

This story would have never been released without your being..

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WHEN SHE ASKED ME TO STAY By : Akhiria Putri

That was the man.The old man who usually sold ballons in front of the Primary School beside the river. The sweat was covering his old face. But he never stopped smiling. Moreover when the children came after him after the bell just rang. The smile had carved permanently in that face, the pure one.

I like watched over him when I wanted to go back to my house which is near by that small school. And he never absent, as far as I know. I think many people love him, many people are waiting for him. But, you know, the destiny? Sometimes the destiny likes playing the human life.

°°°

My daydream was scattered by sirine of ambulance which entered the yard of the hospital ICU. I was passing that ICU room by chance for going to check the patient’s room whose under my control. My eyes were closely watching the patient who brought in by the stretcher. The skinned white skin looked redish since it was burnt.

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“Fire victim, Mr? Man or women?” I asked to Mr. Yudis, the hospital ambulance driver who was walking behind the stretcher .

“A man, Doc. The gas cylinder blast,” he replied, a little shout hurriedly went away to the ICU.

Fast, I followed him to the room and I saw Mr. Yudis sat on the chair sadly.

Mr. Yudis looked at me for a while and shook his head. “Innalillahi wa inailaihi rajiun,” I whispered. “How it happened?” I asked and sat beside Mr. Yudis.

“He is an old man who was selling ballons for Primary School Students, mas Ganes.and it’s likely he got leak of his gas cylinder. Suddenly the gas cylinder explode when the man checking it. He was still breathing on the way to get here. But we don’t know, the destiny. He died shortly after being taken here. I heard he had been long time selling balloons and bisanya tabung gasnya tidak kenapa-napa because the man always checking it at home before he bring it. And if the gas cylinder was leak he always repaired it as fast as he can. But maybe he was unlucky today,” Mr. Yudis explained.

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“Oh, come ooon. What are you talking about. There’s no unlucky in this world. All just God’s destiny.”Firmly I said to him.

“Alright, boy. You know, that man also usually has his base in the school near your house.” Mr. Yudis said again.

I just likely hit by the thunder when I heard about it. “are you sure?” I asked him to convince. “yea,I’m sure. I’d pick him up there.” Mr.Yudis answered. I ran to the morgue where they put the dead bodies of victims of the gas cylinder blast.

And I saw him. The bodies was still new, not dry though half its body gone up in flames. When I get closer I felt sad. Yaa, that’s the man who has taken my concern in these few time. I could still see his face which burned a half. Just yesterday when I saw him smile while tied the balloons to the cart.

°°°

That afternoon I was just dreamy.My memory is still with the man, the ballon’s seller. The man’s death was not something new for me. Death just like the air which rotating in here, never stopped coming and going. From mild to severe pain, from the child’s room to ICU, from the newborn to the elderly just like

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the man. But.I never really care about it until today arrived. Death means letting go of everythings in the world. No job, no sweetheart, no friend and no annoying Mom. No mother who peeves. I think it’s good.

°°°

I came home a bit late today. The house looked usual. It was only my mom’s car parked in the front.it felt different that she was home earlier today. My activity always defeated by her job as a private bank manager. I went into the house without considering that. When I wanted to get into my room for lying down, my mom hold me up. “Wait, Ganes. I want to talk a moment,” She said. I just glanced at her and lean back to the wall.

“You know Retno, right?” she asked.

I began to feel uncomfortable.

“She always asks about you,” Said my mom again.

The uncomfortable feeling began to fload.

“I think she really want to meet you,”

The uncomfortable feeling was show off now.

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“This evening I want to invite her to get dinner at home,”

And now the uncomfortable feeling was perfectly clear.

“So I hope you like to....”

And I interrupted her soft voice with my rude words which coming out of my mouth easily. A bit snapping. She looked surprised. Maybe because of my impolite response. Yea, although I didn’t like Retno, but I never snapped at mom who always tries to take me to that girl. And I think for this time I was so upset and couldn’t be patient anymore. Mom just kept silent and then stepped away. Were those words too rude? Akh, I couldn’t think of it now. It was so messy a day that made me decided to leave for a while from home.

°°°

My car speeding along the road. I was very upset and was unable to control the car at normal speed. My mind wandered to the events which happened today. Too much. Mom’s face flashes back in my memory when she was silent by my snap. Hmm, if only the girl who called Retno didn’t appear, if only dad didn’t leave us so soon, if only I came along with my dad when the accident took him, if only...

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CIIIIIIIIIITT!! BRAAAAK!

The brakes sreeching sound loudly in my ears. As well as the sound of the hard crash, seemed so familiar. What happened? Whose voice of the break belongs to? I withdraw from my daydream and feel something flow in my head. And pushed the pain away. Fill every inch of my body. I think I hear my screaming before everything became dark.

°°°

I woke up in a room which really unfamiliar to me. Because as far as the eyes could see I saw nothing except a white floor. Even the walls and the roof was not visible. I couldn’t remember anything before. An old man with silver beard came to me. His face looked friendly and he smile at me. I think he could look confusion on my face because he said, “You must be asking what’s going on, don’t you? And surely you couldn’t remember anything, couldn’t you? Let’s see, maybe I can help you. Do you want to do watching with me for a moment?”

I am in confusing only just nodded my head when he reached out his hand to help me up. He pulled me to walk toward an object such as a mirror without the glass in its side, but something which clearer than water. I was really surprised to see what were shown

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there. I saw myself. Lying stiffy on a white bed with all the wires and the hoses attached to my body. And my head... I think I really didn’t match with the bald head. I was speechless for a moment. Unbearable so many memories force to get in my mind just like the bullets which will shoot me soon. My parents’s face, that ballon man burnt face, my loudly voice, brakes screeching sound, a hard crash and broken piece of glass was fully my sight. All that things drain my energy. I sat down. Then I remembered that my shadow fell asleep on the hospital bed. I held my head. And that was surprised me, again. I can feel my hand touch my thick hair. What are the things going?

As if the old man could read my mind that he was suddenly giving me a say: “Calm down, you’re okay. I know you must feel confused with this condition. We are at the crossroads now. We can’t go because there is a lump here.” He said while pointing to my chest. Oh my God! I really really didn’t understand... “W-what do you mean? What crossroads? I even didn’t see anything,” I was frustuatedly said. The old man just smile. “Do you want to continue this spectacle delayed?” He asked. I tried hard not to believe the things and tried to interupted him. But I bared my concience because I was sure he wouldn’t give a darn. At last I watched those freaky things again.

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My reflection which was lyin,g now replaced be a siluet of a man and a women that I was really sure they are my parents. My mom was holding a baby with a smile and my dad looked so busy with some papers. The place looked so familliar. That was the orphanage where I was treated first. I was not a child of my parents. But the time has totally answered they treated me as if I am really their own son (a son of of them). I often visited the orphanage even though it’s not my home anymore. Yeah, my parents were not the type of parents who threw the past for the sake of brighter future for their proudness.

The old man who standing beside me said, “You are likely had given the perfect hands to give you the greatest care, aren’t you?” I just didn’t want to give any comment. The illustration began to blur and change to be a child who was crying in the midnight. The child was me. My mom looked so busy to feed me the milk and my dad didn’t stop make a funy face and talked to me to stop me crying. Then mom holding me and gave me the milk while trying to make me sleep. She didn’t look tired and never stopped smilling at me. Then she said something which I couldn’t hear.

The illustration begined to blur and change again. There was me and my dad who was joking in the car. Dad said something which made me laugh. I was very

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familiar with this memories and I already know how it will go. And that made me turned away. The old man with silver beard glanced at me and took a breath. “Why? You don’t want to watch this one? Alright, we’ll see the other. But if I may be honest I’m curious about the next.” I turned my face to the old man without any expression. “I’m still in elementary school. Dad just picked me up and promised to take me out to eat because I didn’t stop complaining about my mom’s meal at home. And the promise was never fulfilled. Shortly after he did that promise, he passed away in an accident. The accident just kill my dad while I just a bit injured. Something which was not fair.” The old man just looked at me before turned away. “God always has a plan,” He said.

The illustration in front of us now show the figure of myself who is sitting alone without touching the food on the dinner table. Mom who was standing right behind me from nowhen just stared at me sadly. Then she sat beside me and said something which I was ignored at all. She sighed and smiled. She tried to feed me. But I shoved her hand away. She said something again and I went away. She looked like bitting her lip to stop her tears dropping. Did I hurt her so much?

I vaguely heard footsteps behind me. I turned away and found nothing. I winced and tried to listen more,

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but I can’t hear anything. Maybe I misheard. I turned around and re-focus of the mirror in front of me. Now I could saw ‘the other me’ were sitting in the car with mom. I think that was moment when my mom picked me up from the school. Mom looked excited and I... looked like feel nothing, just staring blankly out the window. Mom kept talking to me. But I just answered her carelessly. I did the same things, over and over again. And mom seemed to give up to talk to me. She just smiled bitterly and looked straight to the street. I couldn’t read the expression of her face. “Were talking to her bored you ? She just wanted to make you happy, but you always make her sad.” Said the old man.

Is it so?

The illustration didn’t continue because the old man beside me, looked annoyed and he changed it to be the other memories. My mom was seen running in the mirror. Her face look pale of worrying. Then she tripped over a big book and fall down. Her face hit by the near cupboard. Seemed very hard because I could saw the blood out from her nose. She was holding her forehead which seemed bruised while trying to stand. Then she ran again. I was confused for a moment, but then flash memories hit me. And when I saw to the mirror again, that’s absolutely true… My mom ran to

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my room because she hear me going wild. Ya, that night I really miss my dad. And my empty soul raged violently for not be able to see my dad. Mom came in and tried to take me to her arms. She said something while crying but I didn’t stop. At last I feel tired and cried on mom’s lap who didn’t stop caress my back. And it put me to sleep. She took pains lifted me on the bed. Then she cried beside me while caress my head. She seemed to say something. Oh, no, no... she sang.

°°°

I took a breath to calm myself down for a moment. So many memories seemed to make me hold my breath. The mirror in front of me became blurr and didn’t show anything. I sat on the floor. Still don’t know what to do. The old man sat beside me.

“You look so shocked. Not ready to accept the fact, huh.” I know that’s not a question. I just could smile bitterly. Soon we were immersed in the silence. Then I hear the voice again. The sound of the footsteps approaching. I looking for the owner of the voice and didn’t saw anything. But I’m sure it’s real. It’s not my fantasy. Because the sound was so clear.

“Do you hear that? The sound of the footsteps?” I asked to the old man who sat in the silence beside me. He looked at me for a moment then looked

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around us. After that he just shrugged his shoulders seemed to hear nothing.

“Well, you want to continue this or not?” He asked me back. I was staring at him unbelievedly. But I followed him to stand up and look the illustration at the mirror again.

Now I am wearing the academic gown. I looked so happy while standing up beside my proudness smiling mom. Hmm, I was very disgust there. Hiding behind the mask just for making my mom and the others stop looking annoyed to me who never smile since the last accident. I know what makes me feel better. I think my acting wasn’t so bad. Because my mom wasn’t likely know that I was just pretending.

“You can’t deceive her. She knows it wasn’t your sincere smile. You never did it anymore after your father gone.” The voice of the old man shocked me for a moment. Ah, I don’t care.

“Will it take a long time to watch?” I patheticly asked.

“Of course not, we’re just going to watch a few more memories.” He said with a smile.

The illustration has changed now. Revealing my mom who was stepping slowly like a thief. Oh, she was just entering my room. But… what did she do in there?

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She sat on the floor beside my bed. Then she stroked my hair with a smile and started… singing, I think. She looked so happy. Gosh, what is this? I think I have no memory about it.

“Of course you haven’t. You’re sleeping, Stupid.” The old man firmly said. Then he continued to smile.

“You know, I like watching over her crouching into your room just for singing your favorite song. She never absent from the first time you’ve been adopted until… last night. If I am not wrong counting the time since you are here.”

I can’t believe it. “You are—you are joking me, aren’t you? I mean… she was too busy to do this silly thing like that!”

The old man was smiling. “Maybe, that’s not important to you, but I don’t think so, for her. The time with you is important to her. I know it will be hard to believe this, won’t it? Because she never at home. But do you know, she always has a little time to see you. Following you to the hospital, watching for you when the break time, and making sure that you go back to home safely. And she does it everyday. You don’t need to be surprised like that, because you never seem to care about her presence, don’t you?” I was surprised. I didn’t know if my mom always did it.

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It’s hard to find her because she’s always home late. But… I really really can’t believe she did all of this, for me.

“Alright… let’s move the channel into… this time. Well, this is it. Oh, come on, don’t you want to see what happen to the other you in there?” The old man forced me. I re-focused my eyes to the mirror. And I did almost fell when I saw myself being bald with wires and hoses everywhere, again. But now I’m not alone. I saw… my mom, crying, there, beside me. I saw her babbled hiding her face by her hands.

“I think you just got kind of surgery. And I think that’s not nice, huh? You know, the doctors, they looked like poke everything inside your body to examine.” Said the old man with the strange look in his face. I turned my eyes toward my sick body once more. My mom is now looking like someone who is praying. What she was doing exactly. It’s not possible that she is singing a song, is it?

“Could I hear what was going on there?”I asked.

“If you beg, let’s see what can I do for you.” Answered the old man.

°°°

TIT-TIT-TIT-TIT

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…

“Ganes, I’m sorry, Honey. I’m so sorry. I won’t force you anymore,” Sobbed the frustrated old lady.

“I’ll stop working. I’ll be there for you, Dear. Everytime. Please, don’t leave me alone.” She’s crying now.

“Sorry, I’m not a good parent for you. I’m sorry if I never have time for you. But please, Honey, don’t go! I promise to change. I wouldn’t go anywhere except you are asking me to.”

“I’ll always be at home, Son. I’ll make breakfast for you, I’ll make lunch and dinner. Also we could drink tea every afternoon while eating your favorite cake. Or I’ll make hot chocolate for you if you don’t want the tea. You like hot chocolate, right. I’ll wake you up every morning. I’ll wash all your dirty clothes and clean up your room, Darling. And if you’re not busy, we’ll go picnic every week to spend your spare time. You still like the meadows where you learn to ride a bike with daddy, right. I’ll take you anywhere you want to, Dear. And I’ll sing for you every night. So I beg you, Ganes, come back to me please…” Her voice soon changes to a whisper which accompanied by her quietly sobbers.

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…

“If this heart stops beating, Ganes, so mine will also do the same. Yea, mine will also stop. I won’t be able to lose two people who are very meaningful in my life, Dear. Not anymore. I beg you, my little boy, take me wherever you go if you don’t want to stay, please…”

…

TIT-TIT-TIIIIIIIIITT

…

“Ganes… I beg you Dear! I beg you!” Her voice was drowned in her soundly sobbing.

°°°

It’s really painful. I didn’t know if my mom could do something like that. She asked me to stay. My tears have run to the corner of my eyes, waiting for the right time to fall down. Did I really mean for her? Or she did it just to show her sympathy?

“She loves you.” The old man said as he put an end to the illustration. “And I know you feel the same. I know that you always avoid her, but deep inside your heart, you miss her so much, right.” He continued. “And that hamper our trip now. This. Something,

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which fid in here, something which you don’t want to let it go.” The old man pointed my chest.

Initially I didn’t understand, but then… the puzzle is uniting now. I became silent.

“So, actually I’m dead?” At last the daunting question show off to the surface.

“No, you’re not dead yet. Not for now,” Answered the old man.

“What do you mean?”

“Hmm, actually it’s not your time to go back. But you had asked, before the accident. Remember? And when we want to take you with, you refuse to go. Your heart denied. Therefore, I’ll give you once more chance to choose….”

The words of the old man suddenly cut off by the rough voice. “No! He couldn’t choose anymore. We will take him with us. He has asked.” The rough voice looked impatient. I turned my face to the owner of the voice. He was another old man with a big body and cruel face with a piercing stare. Yeah, I think I’ve found the person behind the mysterious footsteps which bothering me just now.

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“What do you think, Ganes? Are you coming with us?” Whispering the first man. “If you follow us, you won’t let to be back anymore. We will go to the other place. The place where no one can’t be there without taking this way. Everything depends on you. You know what I am talking about, don’t you?” Asked the old man.

“Of course I know, I think. Maybe… I want to follow. But…”

“You had asked it, Boy. I know you wanted to have it. How can you be doubt, now?” The rough voice cut my daydream. I just stay quite.

“Rethink, Ganes. Think it clearly! It’s your chance to see your dad. You don’t need to put the mask to cheat anyone. And you don’t need to see your mom anymore.” The rude voice never stops filling my ears.

“Yeah, I think I’ve chosen. “I’ll follow you.” Gosh, I wasn’t expecting to pronounce the sentence.

“Are you… sure?” Asked the old man with silver beard.

“Yea, sure.” I pretended to be sure enough.

The old man took his deep breath. While the other one smiled sinically to me while stood up and walked

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away. We both walked in the silence to follow him. I turned for a moment to the mirror behind me which fade out. Am I really sure? The question reappeared in my heart now.

Hmmm, I hope it will be the best way I’ve ever taken.

“Ganes…” the low voice called me from the silence. Waking me up once more time while I was trying to find the voice. But there’s nothing catched by my eyes. “I beg you Dear.” The voice came back, low and tore at my heart deeply. “I beg you.” The voice is slower and slower now. I know I won’t find the owner of the voice in here. Because it’s impossible my mom can come after me to this place. The voice likely come out of my head. No! The voice… come out of my heart.

I feel my tears flew down. I think I can’t. I can’t leave her. Not for this time. I want to go back. I want to be beside her. Yea, I have done nothing for her. In the opposite, I always hurt her, make her crying. Oh my God, what the worst things I’ve done. I want to go back! Back to her! God, give me one more chance, please. I beg You, just for this time.

I think God hear me. I couldn’t move my feet further anymore. Just sat there, crying. A weak man who claimed himself as a great one. That’s what I was. The

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old man in front of me also stopped his step and looked toward to me. He smiled and hugged me. “Just go back,” He whispered.

°°°

“Ganes?” The low voice which I’m badly missing with all of my soul is calling my name.

THE END

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About the writers :

PUTRY RIZKY. Born in Banda Aceh, 24 December 1995. She lives in Lambhuk, Banda Aceh. She’s studying at the XII Grade of SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Kota Banda Aceh. Her hobby is reading and speaking English. She used to follow English Debate Competitions.

ESPI AKHIRIA PUTRI. Born in Takengon, Aceh Tengah, 9 December 1995. Living in Takengon and now she is still studying at the XII Grade of SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Kota Banda Aceh. Her excellence in writing the stories as great as writing poem. She has her own Poem’s Anthology under title SECRET of The RAIN. She likes to use Sang Titik as her pen name.

NABILA SOPHIA. Born in Banda Aceh, 23 August 1995. Living in Banda Aceh and she is studying at the XII Grade of SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Kota Banda Aceh. She is great at writing short story. Her stories are published in her own blog : kurolunatic.blogspot.com. Her pen name is Kuro Lunatic.

NONG NABILA. Born in Surabaya, 10 April 1995. Now, she’s living in Banda Aceh and studying at the XII Grade of SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Kota Banda Aceh. She is best in English both speaking and writing.

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LINA SUNDANA. Born in Bandung, 18 February 1995. She’s living in Banda Aceh and she is studying at the XII Grade of SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Kota Banda Aceh. She is great at writing short story. Her short story ‘Facebook Petaka’ was published in Majalah Potret. Nur Zayyan is her pen name.

TRI ASIH WULANDARI. Born in Lhokseumawe, 3 September 1995. Now, she’s living in Jalan Dumai No. 11, Kompleks PT Arun, Lhokseumawe, Aceh Utara, and studying at the XII Grade of SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Kota Banda Aceh.

ACHMAD DAMANHURI. Born in Banda Aceh, 6 April 1995. The only boy participants in this anthology -who is used to be called ‘Damar’- is now living in Banda Aceh and studying at the XII Grade of SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Kota Banda Aceh.

SHEILLA NATHASA. Born in Langsa, 22 May 1995. Sheilla is living in Langsa, Aceh Timur and now she’s still studying at SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Kota Banda Aceh. Her English Speaking is great. She was the winner of Duta Wisata Banda Aceh 2011.

OCY CYNTIA PERMATA. Born in Aceh Utara, 6 October 1995. Now, she’s living in Perum Lembah Hijau, Banda Aceh and studying at the XII Grade of SMAN 1O Fajar Harapan Kota Banda Aceh.

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SARAH RAHMANY. Born in Banda Aceh, 11 April 1995. Living in Lampeuneurut, Aceh Besar and studying at the XII Grade of SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Kota Banda Aceh.

NOVIRA CHANDISA. Born in Banda Aceh 9 November 1994. Living in Banda Aceh and she is studying at the XII Grade of SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Kota Banda Aceh. Her ambition is being a high educated mom with many children.

NURUL HIKMAH. Born in Montasik, 6 June 1982. Now she’s living in Aceh Besar and teaching at SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Kota Banda Aceh. She likes to use Gerimissenja as her pen name.

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