Behind the Grey Cloud

02 Graduation

This morning, the announcement of the Final Examination results yesterday will be announced. From dawn, my feelings were anxious.

"why are you, son? How do you look so agitated?" ask me when we have breakfast.

"Today the results of the Final Examination will be announced by my father. But Mayang was afraid.."

"Why baby?" ask dad while frowning.

"That's afraid that Mayang failed. Mayang did not want to disappoint my father. "

I answered my father's question while sobbing. Suddenly I remembered my mother.

Where is he now. Has he found the happiness he has been looking for. Does he not miss me? With dad?

"Son, you've tried. Already studying. For the next result, leave everything to God. We as human beings can only strive. And for results, only God can give. Now pray. It is time to pray Dhuha. Ask God what you want, son. Let this be all dad's done."

said dad while hugging me.

And at that moment, my crying spilled. I hugged him tightly. Right now it's all I have. Only my father is my confiding place.

I also obeyed my father's orders.

I rushed to the bathroom to get some ablution water and then prayed to my room.

After the prayer, I spilled all the burdens that were in my heart. I wept. I surrender.

***

Now it's time to go to school.

I also told my dad to go to school.

"Today's dad inter. "

"But you have to go to the market, "I answered with a frown.

"Today is your special day, my dear. I want to take you to school. Do you mind?"

"Of course not dad. Come on then let's go. "

We walked together to my school.

The distance from the school house is only 10enits on foot. Throughout the journey we told stories.

Dad told me about his childhood. About the cattle he herds. About friends. And about mom.

When we talked about Mom, we were silent.

We were drowning in each other's feelings. It didn't feel like we were at school.

"Dad, Mayang go in first. Dad carefully. His announcement will be made at 09. Later finished from school, Mayang follow my father to the market yaa"

I said while peeping the back of my father's hand.

"But you're not tired?"

"No dad."

***

At exactly 08.

We were in each other's classes. We talked, joked, enjoyed the end of our time at school. Because soon we all split up. Some choose to continue to State School, some to Private school, some continue to school out of town.

So this time we take the best time to enjoy togetherness.

"May, are you going to go to State School? Let's keep going." asked Bela.

"God willing, Bel. Hopefully, I can enter the top 3 and can get a scholarship so that I can continue to State school" I replied

Bela is my friend. He is the son of a rich man. But he's not arrogant. He wants to be friends with anyone. Including me

"Yes, I pray that you can enter the top 3 and get a scholarship so that we can continue together May. Later if there is no you, if there is difficulty learning, I ask who dong" he said.

Then we laughed together.

Besides Bela, there are also Rani, Dinda, Siti and Rahma.

In one class, we had 20 students.

We hardly ever fight. We always get along well. Never ridiculed each other.

When a task or lesson is not understood, we help each other.

Suddenly, the Teacher entered the classroom. Yes, it's Ms. Yasmin. Our classroom guardian.

"Good morning kids." said Ms. Yasmin

"Good morning, ma'am." We answered simultaneously.

"How are you today?"

"Alhamdulillah good ma'am.."

"Thank God.. Hmmm, all right, kids. Just go straight yeah. Today is the day you have been waiting for. A day of determination that will determine your ideals.

But you know what? There was a sad feeling in my heart. Mum's sad....."

Ms. Yasmin hung up her sentence. He seemed to be organizing the feeling that was brewing in his heart. He took a breath many times but his power still failed. I walked to the front of the class and hugged him. Now the cry of Ms. Yasmin broke.

We also had a class crying.

The boy also seemed to shed tears. And then Bella came to bring a glass of water to Ms. Yasmin. After drinking the water, it seemed that Ms. Yasmin was a little calm and relieved.

"Kids.. I'm proud of you guys. I'm proud to have been your homeroom teacher. You guys are great kids. Smart kids. You guys always get along well. Never had a fight. Always helping each other. I'm sure you can all achieve your goals. You can be a successful person.."

Back, Ms. Yasmin was silent.

"Mom has considered you like a mother's own child. I never distinguish. You know, this mother is a kara in this village. Mother's parents have died, and here the mother served to become a teacher at this school. However, ever since I taught you. I feel like I have a family, son. Happy mom. Mom was always excited to go to school. And today..."

It looked so heavy that Ms. Yasmin continued her words.

"Today, the day of the graduation announcement came dear. Mom happy and proud. You can all graduate and get the best grades.

And thank God our school is ranked first in the district. It's all thanks to you, baby... Thanks...."

prok. prok..

Suddenly from outside the classroom there was applause. They were the principal and several other teachers.

We also immediately bowed in gratitude. Thank God Robbi for this happiness.

"Kids. congratulations. Thank God you all graduated and the grades are good. You have brought the good name of our school to the district level. You are very grateful to you. Father's message, after this, do not be discouraged. You must keep the spirit of learning. You must be able to pursue your goals. And you have to be successful people. I'm proud of you boys." The words from Mr. Muhadi cool and encourage us again.

We shook hands and hugged each other. A sense of haru and happiness enveloped the atmosphere this morning.

Now is the time of announcement of students who got scholarships to State High School.

"Children, as per government regulations, there are only 3 students who enter the top 3 who will get this scholarship. But you don't get discouraged. Your exam scores are above average. So you can later get a scholarship through the track of achievement. For that father does not get bored reminding you not to forget to learn. Don't let your guard down, and keep your spirits up."

"We want you all to get this scholarship. But it's government rule that only 3 kids can get it."

"Alright, the one who got the 3rd rank is.... Ahmat Rafif. with a value of 95.4."

prok prok's....

"Next. who got the 2nd rank is... Rania Damayani's. With a value of 95.6."

prok prok's...

"And the last one, though,.. Actually, the value of all of you is not a difference much. The difference is only in the decimal number."

mr. Muhadi kept silent for a moment while smiling.

"And the one who gets the first grade is... Mayangsari."

Allohu Akbar's. God is great.

Alhamdulillah

At last...

All of them, my female friends hugged me tightly. Congratulate me. Some even shed tears.

___________________________________

After school, after school. I went to see my father at the market. I am very happy today. I will give this news to my father. Must be happy father.

But I haven't reached the market yet, Tarjo sir, my father's friend, called me.

"Darling, your father fell while transporting goods. And now taken to the hospital. "

Deggs..

Like being struck by lightning. Suddenly my legs go limp. My body feels light and floating. I fell down and... Unconscious