HOPE SHEET

ONE STEP TOWARDS HOPE

Chapter 40: one step towards hope

Sulis sat alone in a cafe, looking out the window with a blank look. The look on his face was gloomy, indicating that he was in a difficult situation. Ahmad, a close friend of Sulis for a long time, saw him from the table next door and was moved to see the sad state of Sulis.

Ahmad: (softly) Sulis, what happened? You look very sad.

Sulis: (smiling weakly) Ahmad. (holding his tears) I am facing a difficult problem, Ahmad. It all seems so complicated and I feel like I can't handle it.

Ahmad: (observe with empathy) Tell me, Sulis. I'm here to listen to you and help you.

Sulis: (sighs) Actually, it's a family matter, Ahmad. My father went bankrupt and we lost everything. Now, we have to live in my sister's house which is very narrow, and I feel like burdening them.

Ahmad: (holding the hand of Sulis) Sulis, you are not a burden to anyone. Your family loves you and will always be by your side in this predicament. Don't let yourself feel bad about the situation.

Sulis: But, Ahmad, I feel like I have a huge responsibility to help my family. I wanted to give them a better life, but I felt very limited.

Ahmad: (smiling excitedly) Sulis, do not doubt yourself. You are smart, strong, and have a lot of potential that you are not yet aware of. I'm sure you can find a way to help your family through this difficult time.

Sulis: (nodding slowly) Thank you, Ahmad. Thank you for listening to me and encouraging me. I really met an amazing friend.

Ahmad: You don't have to thank me, Sulis. You know that I'm always there for you, whenever you need me. Now, let's think together how to solve your family's problems.

They continued their conversation vigorously, finding solutions and sources of hope within the darkness Sulis felt. Sulis realized that although he was facing difficulties, he was not alone. There are people like Ahmad who are always there for him, and with their support, Sulis believes that he can face every obstacle with his head held high and his heart full of hope.

It was late afternoon when Sulis and Ahmad were sitting in the front garden of the school. The two were discussing their plans to hold a charity bazaar to raise funds for orphans.

Sulis took out a piece of paper from my bag and read some of my notes he had written last night. "So what do you think we should prepare for this charity bazaar, Ahmad?"

Ahmad looked at Sulis' note with a smile, "You've written everything down very neatly, Sulis. But I have some ideas that can make our charity bazaar more interesting and successful."

"Until this moment, I believe in you, Ahmad. So, what's your latest idea?"

Ahmad grabbed the paper from Sulis' hand and pointed to a passage that read "Amusement for the children". He said, "We can provide a small stage on one side of the school park, and bring some bands or dancers to perform. In addition, we can also invite clowns or magicians to entertain the children who come."

Sulis smiled as if creating a shadow in his mind, "That was brilliant, Ahmad! The kids must have been very happy and happy when they saw such a show. I'm going to add this to our record and look for bands and magicians who want to volunteer for this show."

Ahmad nodded, "In addition, I also have an idea about food. We can provide some unique and interesting food vendors to add to the appeal of our charity bazaar. Maybe we can open food booths from various regions in Indonesia, such as Aceh, Padang, or Java."

Sulis wrote Ahmad's idea enthusiastically, "True, Ahmad! We can ask the help of mothers in our environment to prepare dishes that are typical of their region. I'm sure the food will sell well and bazaar visitors will love to taste it."

Sulis clasped Ahmad's hand tightly and said, "Thank you, Ahmad. Because of you, I feel increasingly confident that we can provide a sheet of hope for these orphans. Let's work hard and see them smiling happily in the upcoming bazaar day."

Ahmad smiled gently, "Sure, Sulis. We will work together to live up to that hope. Together, we're going to turn this world into a more beautiful place for them."

With a burning spirit, Sulis and Ahmad continued their planning for the upcoming charity bazaar. They were both convinced that their efforts would not be in vain. The hope sheet is getting closer and now they are only one step away from achieving their noble goals.

Chapter 40: Falling Wake Up

After a long journey in search of truth and true meaning, Sulis finally returns to his hometown. His heart was full of hope, but it also felt heavy because he had changed a lot since his last meeting with Ahmad.

Sulis entered a small shop on the outskirts of the city, where Ahmad usually spends his time. He hopes to meet again with Ahmad and explain what really happened in his life. When Sulis saw Ahmad sitting alone in the corner of the store, nervousness and anxiety immediately ambushed him.

Sulis approached Ahmad with a thumping heart. "Ahmad, may I sit with you?" asked Sulis in a voice that sounded soft.

Ahmad glanced at Sulis. There was shock in his eyes when he saw the woman's face. "Sulis," muttered Ahmad with a big smile. "Of course, please sit."

Sulis sat down before Ahmad, then looked into his hopeful eyes. "Ahmad, thank you for helping and accompanying me all this time. I have to be honest with you, this journey has changed my life." Sulis's voice flinched, reflecting the emotional stages she was going through.

Ahmad nodded, giving room for Sulis to continue his story. "I found clues about my long-lost parents. I knew that they were not the poor people I had always believed in. They were a married couple who wanted me to be happy, and decided to give me a better chance."

Tears welled up in Sulis' eyes as he continued, "But how can I be happy if I have to leave you, Ahmad? You've been the most important person in my life."

Ahmad was stunned to hear Sulis words. He never expected that Sulis had such feelings. He felt overwhelmed but also confused because he could not give the same thing. "Sulis, you should know, I feel lucky to know you. You've given me so much and I'm grateful to be a part of your life. But I can't give you what you want."

Sulis looked at Ahmad in confusion. "What do you mean, Ahmad?"

Ahmad took a deep breath before replying, "Sulis, I have long been faced with the fact that I am an older person, with a complicated past. Not only that, I also have a dependency that is hard to leave behind. I don't deserve to be with me in a better life."

Sulis sniffled at Ahmad's words. His heart was broken with that reality. However, he also understood that Ahmad did not want to repeat his mistake and wanted to protect him from it.

"Sulis, I just want what's best for you" Ahmad said in a hoarse voice. "I will always be your friend and I hope you can find your own happiness, even if I'm not part of it."

I cried even harder this time. He felt lost and was afraid to step in without Ahmad. However, he realized that this was the time to start a new chapter in his life.

The two of them sat there, together but apart. There was an uncomfortable silence dominating the air between them. Sulis wiped her tears and smiled gently at Ahmad. "Thank you, Ahmad, for everything. The days with you will continue to be a sheet of hope in my life. I promise, I'll find my own happiness."