
Chapter 106: "The Shattered Sheets of Hope"
Sulis felt that his life was getting harder with each passing day. Therefore, she decided to make her wishlist and stick it on the wall of her room as a reminder so that she does not lose focus.
However, one morning, Sulis discovered that his wish list printed on large paper had been torn into pieces, making it difficult to read.
Sulis: (surprised) "Oh no, my wish list is broken! How could that happen?"
Ahmad, Sulis' best friend, came to his room to provide support.
Ahmad: "What's up, Sulis? Why do you look worried?"
Sulis: "My favorite sheet of hope is torn apart and destroyed. I'm hard at reading it now."
Ahmad: "Don't worry, I'll help you fix it."
Scribe: "Really? Thank you, Ahmad!"
Ahmad helped Sulis reassemble every piece of hope that had been torn to pieces until it was back in one piece.
Ahmad: "This is good. Now you can read your wishlist back, right?"
Sulis: "Thank you, Ahmad. I wouldn't be able to do it without you."
When Sulis raised his wish list back to the wall, he felt that his hope had become stronger because it had been well tested and was able to get through the challenge.
Sulis was very grateful for Ahmad's help. He felt the strength within him growing.
Sulis: "Thank you, Ahmad. I've been feeling tired in the last few weeks because of everything that's happened. But you are always there to help me. You are my best friend."
Ahmad: "Don't thank you, Sulis. You are always there for me when I need you. We are friends who help each other."
At that time, Sulis understood that the two of them were friends who supported and motivated each other. He was happy to have Ahmad as a friend who always listened, understood and helped him through every difficulty.
After giving support to Sulis, Ahmad returned to his home. Sulis again looked at his wish list with a different feeling. He feels more confident and optimistic about the future.
Sulis thought, "Now I know that when my wishlist is torn or broken, I always have Ahmad ready to help me. And I know for sure, we're gonna get through everything together."
Sulis feels power in the context of friendship. That is the most important force that has helped him overcome all obstacles, including on his wish sheet.
Sulis decided to approach Ahmad again a few days later after he pondered and thought about how he could fix his torn hope sheet. They met at their favorite cafe.
Sulis: "Hey, Ahmad. I have an idea to fix my wish list."
Ahmad: "Of course, I really want to hear it. What'sthat?"
Sulis: "Why don't we make a new wish list together? We can consult each other about what should be included in that list and then stick it on our respective walls as a reminder. What say?"
Ahmad: "It was a brilliant idea, Sulis. Let's do it!"
They sat down and discussed some ideas about what should be included in their wish list, including their dreams for the future, things they want to achieve in the short term, how they want to grow as individuals.
After a few minutes, they managed to create a new wish list that was very meaningful to them. They happily stick it on the walls of their respective homes as a reminder of their purpose.
Sulis: "Thank you, Ahmad. Not only did we fix my torn wish sheet, but we made a new, stronger wish list together."
Ahmed: "Sama-sama, Sulis. It was a fun experience to consult with you and come up with something meaningful together. I wish we could do it more often."
Sulis felt happy and inspired after their discussion. She feels meaningful to be able to consult with a true friend and stick a beautiful new sheet of hope as a reminder of her future goals and dreams.
Ahmad: "Sulis, what about the things that have not been achieved in your wish list that were torn?"
Sulis: "Most of them are still the same, but perhaps now I understand better that not all expectations can be met easily. I also understand that sometimes, unfulfilled dreams can open up opportunities for better and bigger dreams."
Ahmad: "You're right, Sulis. Some unattainable expectations sometimes pave the way to better things. I hope you can keep the fighting spirit to achieve all your expectations."
Sulis: "Sure, Ahmad. I will never give up on my dreams, but I will also not ignore the new opportunities given to me. I'm also grateful to you for helping me in fixing my torn wish sheet."
Ahmad: "No need to thank you, Sulis. We always help and support each other in achieving our dreams. We've always supported each other, haven't we?"
Scribe: "Yes, Ahmad. We are true friends who always help and support each other. Thank you for being such an amazing friend."
Ahmed: "Sama-sama, Sulis. Always be ready to help whenever you need."
They both smile at each other, feeling grateful for having a true friend who always supports and helps each other in achieving their dreams. Sulis feels inspired and determined to keep fighting and achieve all that is aspired to in his new wishlist.
Ahmad: "Written, what about your expectations that are on the sheet that is not torn?"
Sulis: "Some of them have been achieved, such as having a better job and being able to save to buy their own home. But there's still nothing that hasn't been achieved, like completing graduate studies and gaining work experience abroad."
Ahmad: "Then, let's find out how to achieve it. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Sulis: "Thank you, Ahmad. There's one thing you can help."
Ahmad: "What is that?"
Sulis: "I want to learn a foreign language, especially English or Mandarin. Maybe you can help me find a cheap, quality language course?"
Ahmad: "Of course, Sulis. I'll find information and help you find a course that suits your needs and budget. Tomorrow I'll give you a list of options and you can choose what you want."
Sulis: "Thank you, Ahmad. I'm very helped with your help. You always respond well to my wishes."
Ahmad: "We always help and support each other, right? That's a true friend."
Sulis: "Rubber. I'm grateful to have a friend as good as you, Ahmad."
Ahmed: "Sama-sama, Sulis. We are true friends who always fill each other and help each other in achieving our dreams."
Sulis: "Ahmad, do you have a wish sheet torn like mine?"
Ahmad: "Of course, Sulis. Everyone must have dreams and hopes that have not been achieved."
Sulis: "Lantas, what did you do to achieve it?"
Sulis: "I will also try like you, Ahmad. Keep striving to make your dreams come true and seek support from the closest."
Ahmad: "It could be, Sulis. We must remain optimistic and believe that things will go well as long as we keep trying."
Sulis: "It's so thick. Thank you for your motivation, Ahmad. You always make me feel better."
Ahmed: "Sama-sama, Sulis. We as friends should support each other and motivate each other in the face of life."
Sulis: "I'm grateful to have a friend as good as you, Ahmad."
Ahmed: "Sama-sama, Sulis. We'll keep together filling this torn sheet of our hope."
Sulis and Ahmad sat by the beach, watching the sunset. Sulis took out a piece of paper from his bag and showed it to Ahmad.
Sulis: "See, Ahmad. Here's my torn wish sheet."
Ahmad: "What happened?"
Sulis: "This is my plan to get into the college that I dreamed about for a long time. I had been getting ready for months for the entrance exam, but suddenly my father fell ill and I had to go back to the village to take care of him. In the end, I couldn't take the exam and my dreams were shattered."
Ahmad: "That's a pity, Sulis. But can't you still try again next year?"
Scribe: "Of course. But my heart was hurt at the time. I feel like there's no point trying."
Ahmad: "Don't think like that, Sulis. There are many opportunities in the future. After all, if you don't try anymore, your dreams will definitely never come true."
Sulis: "Yes, you're right, Ahmad. Thank ye. I do need a friend like you who always gives me motivation."
Ahmad: "Do not hesitate to ask for my help or support, Sulis. I'm always ready to help you pursue your dreams."
Sulis smiled. He was lucky to have a friend like Ahmad. He promised to continue to fight and support Ahmad in achieving their dreams.
Sulis took a deep breath and tried to think of a plan ahead. He knows that he has to prepare better next year, and will not let this stop him.
Sulis: "I should be able to forget this and try harder next year. I know I can do it."
Ahmad: "Of course you can. I'm sure you can reach for your dreams, Sulis."
Sulis: "Thank you, Ahmad. I'm lucky to have a friend like you."
Ahmad shrugged and smiled sweetly. "It's good to help, Sulis."
The two of them looked at the sunset, letting time erase their disappointment then rushed home. Sulis knows that he must be stronger and will continue to fight to achieve his dreams in the future.
When they arrived home, Sulis saw a white envelope on the table.
Scribe: "There's a letter for me."
Ahmad: "Who's letter?"
Sulis: "From school."
Sulis opened the envelope and read the letter inside.
Sulis: "I got accepted to an art school in Jakarta!"
Ahmad: "Wow, congratulations! That's great news!"
Sulis: "I still have to take the entrance test, but I'm very excited about this opportunity."
Ahmad: "There must be a reason why your dreams were torn apart today. God may be planning something better for you in the future."
Sulis smiled and nodded. "I believe that too. I'll prepare myself for the entrance test. Thank you, Ahmad, you are truly an amazing friend."
Ahmad shrugged and smiled. "We support each other, Sulis. I'm always there for you."
Sulis feels excited and inspired by his best friend, and he learns that even if his educational institution does not accept him now, he will always have a pleasant experience with the art he loves and the support of his best friends.
Sulis: "You know, Ahmad, sometimes I feel inferior and not good enough."
Ahmad: "Why do you think so, Sulis?"
Sulis: "Because I failed the entrance exam to the art school I wanted."
Ahmad: "Sul, one failure does not determine who we are."
Sulis: "But all the friends who took the exam were equally accepted, except me."
Ahmad: "Everyone has a different way of life. They may have advantages that you don't have or they're the one who made the right decision to choose you as their friend."
Sulis: "I do feel inferior sometimes."
Ahmad: "Jonathan Swift once said, 'a man who constantly contemplates all his mistakes, will spend all his time in misery.' So, throw away your inferiority and start appreciating yourself. You are an amazing person. Don't let that letter drop your spirit in what you love."
Sulis smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Ahmad. I will always remember your words and will always try to be better."
Ahmad: "It's late. I think it's time we go home."
Sulis: "Yes, maybe I should rest first. Thank you for accompanying me today."
Ahmad: "No thanks, Sul. We'll support each other and help each other, won't we? Whenever you need help or someone to talk to, I'll always be there for you."
Sulis: "I'm lucky to have a friend like you, Ahmad."
Ahmed: "Sama-sama, Sul. We have to support each other in difficult times like this."
They walked together to the door of the university, under the dimly lit streetlights. Sulis looked back and caught a glimpse of the torn sheet of hope, then smiled. He felt stronger after speaking to Ahmad, and he knew that he would do well despite facing obstacles in the future.
Sulis waved at Ahmad, then stepped out of the university, walking towards his house while carrying a new hope in his heart.