HOPE SHEET

FORGIVE AND START OVER

Chapter 44: Forgiveness and Getting Started Again

Sulis sat in the campus garden with a troubled expression. Ahmad, his close friend, saw him and sat down next to him.

Ahmad: (sighs) Sulis, what happened? I see you look very sad.

Sulis: (subject) Me... I feel disappointed in myself, Ahmad. I've made a big mistake and I don't know how to fix it.

Ahmad: Tell me, Sulis. I'm here to listen.

Sulis: (telling in a trembling voice) So, you remember when I had a fight with Ayu, my best friend? I told Ayu that I was tired of our friendship. I feel like I'm in the dark and I don't know how to get out.

Ahmad: Sulis, a true friend is something precious. I know you're struggling with this, but don't give up.

Sulis: But, how can I fix what I have told Ayu? I felt like I had hurt her feelings with my harsh words.

Ahmad: First of all, you must regret what you have said. Then, speak honestly with Ayu. Tell me what you really feel and how you regret it. Trust me, honesty and humility will get you forgiveness.

Sulis: But, is Ayu going to listen to me after everything that has happened?

Ahmad: Sulis, Ayu has been your best friend for many years. He knows what you really are. Don't doubt your friendship because of the mistakes you've made. Everyone makes mistakes, Sulis. What matters is how we learn from those mistakes and work to correct them. If your friendship is really strong, then Ayu will give you a second chance.

Sulis: (smiling faintly) Thank you, Ahmad. I really need someone who can listen and give me advice like this.

Ahmad: You know, Sulis, I'm always here for you. Our friendship is also precious to me.

Sulis: (noddering) I'll try to talk to Ayu and mend our relationship. I hope he can forgive me.

Ahmad: I'm sure he will. Don't give up, Sulis. You still have a wish sheet that hasn't been written in your friendship book.

Sulis: Thank you, Ahmad. I'll try my best.

Ahmad: I'm always by your side, Sulis. We're gonna get through this together.

Sulis: (cheers) Together!

The two smiled at each other and embraced in their strong friendship. Sulis was relieved that she had someone supporting her in the midst of this predicament. With his newfound confidence, Sulis made up his mind to apologize to Ayu and restart their friendship.

Sulis and Ahmad are intercepted by a mysterious man on their way to Sakinah's house. The man wore a fedora hat and a black coat that added to his mysterious impression.

Mysterious Man: Sulis, Ahmad, may I speak to you for a moment?

Sulis: (anxious) Who are you? Why are you looking for us?

Mysterious Man: My name is Agha. I came to tell you about something important.

Ahmad: (suspicious) What do you want to say?

Agha: I heard that you guys are planning to help Sakinah get a wish sheet. I know where the sheet is.

Sulis: (surprised) How did you know about that?

Agha: I am actually a researcher who is interested in ancient mythological stories. I found an ancient manuscript that contained clues regarding the wish sheet.

Ahmad: (interested) So, where is the location?

Agha: Its location is in a hidden cave in a mature mountain range. However, the cave was filled with danger and anyone who tried to enter it would be faced with various exams.

Agha: Right. But I am willing to help you. I have studied every test and I will be your guide there.

Ahmad: (think for a moment) All right. We accept your help, Agha.

Sulis: (believe in yourself) We will not give up. We will face all obstacles to help Sakinah regain her happiness.

The three of them then continued on their way towards the Matang mountain range. Agha led them through a steep road and wilderness. After walking quite a distance, they finally arrived at the mouth of the cave which was covered by a huge rock.

Agha: This is the cave where the hope sheet is kept. However, the door is locked and will only open if you are able to answer the puzzles that are in each exam.

Lopez: We are ready for this challenge!

Ahmad: We will not back down.

Agha: Well, the first riddle is...

They embark on this dangerous adventure with passion and courage. They had to pass one exam after another which was difficult to be able to have such a valuable wish sheet. Only with the help of each other and a strong determination, were they able to surpass every test and bring hope back to Sakinah?

Sulis sat alone in the garden, staring at a shady tree before him. The wind whispered in his ear, carrying the fragrant breeze of blooming flowers. His heart felt hollow after Ahmad's departure two weeks ago. Sulis missed the man's smile, their countless small talk, and his presence that made his days feel colorful.

But Sulis could not continue to dissolve in his longing. He wanted to take off the burden and live this life with gusto. He felt he had to meet Ahmad and find out what was really going on between them.

Not a good time to dig into feelings. Sulis knows that. But he couldn't wait any longer. He had to know if what happened between them was a pseudo dream or a real reality.

As Sulis fell silent in the turmoil of his mind, familiar footsteps approached him.

Tagged: "Hello, Sulis. How are you?"

Sulis: (gets and smiles) "Hello, Ahmad. I'm doing fine. How's yours?"

Ahmad: (sitting next to Sulis) "I'm fine too. I miss you."

Sulis: (surprised) "Really? I miss you too, Ahmad."

Ahmad: "Can we talk about what happened between us? I feel like something's upsetting our relationship, but I don't know what it is. I wonder if I have a chance to fix it."

Sulis: (feeling relieved) "I also want to talk about it, Ahmad. I feel there's a misunderstanding between us, and I wonder if we still have a chance to be together."

Ahmad: "I'm so glad you want to talk about it. I feel like there's a lot of unresolved stuff between us."

Sulis: "What if we deal with the problem honestly? I want to hear your thoughts and feelings, as well as yours."

Ahmad: "I agree. We have to be honest with each other and listen to each other. I want to fix our relationship, Sulis. I feel like we fit together and I don't want to lose you."

Sulis: (with a smile) "I feel so too, Ahmad. We can handle it if we understand each other and commit to improving it."

Ahmad: "Now I feel better, Sulis. I'm glad we can talk like this. I promise I'll do better and make you happy."

Sulis: (put his hand on his hand) "Thank you, Ahmad. I will also be committed to making our relationship better. We can get through this together."

Ahmad: (while nodding) "I believe we can, Sulis."

Together, Sulis and Ahmad sat in the park, planning their steps to mend their relationship. They give each other trust and the opportunity to correct mistakes that occur. With their honesty and commitment, Sulis and Ahmad prepare for a better future together.