
Truly .. because of Mother, I can continue to work and spread knowledge that God willing is useful!
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Today is a day that is highly anticipated by Tiara since she won the Islamic youth short story writing competition with Ustazah Qhumairah. Last afternoon, the launch of their short story anthology book went smoothly and was very crowded. Literacy lovers all over Makassar flocked to the court of Gramedia Bookstore Mal Panakkukang— where the event—demi see firsthand their idol writers. They're so enthusiastic. Patiently and orderly, they are willing to wait in long lines to get a signature and take pictures with ustazah and writers whose works are indeed being hailed lately.
And now, Tiara earned her right as the winner of that race. He and Ustazah Qhumairah are enjoying the atmosphere of dinner at one of the best restaurants in Makassar that provides VIP dining room facilities. Tiara was nervous at first. But, the friendly and friendly attitude that the idol showed made him more relaxed later. He was more amazed by the figure of the woman who was with him now.
"Thank you, yeah! You've participated in my race and provided a very inspiring story. Such writing is what teenagers need today. In the middle of the level of association that is almost without a partition."
"I should be the one to thank you, Ustazah ...."
"Eits .. Call Mbak only, yes! Let it be more familiar," cut Ustazah Qhumairah while still smiling.
"Well, Ma'am!" Tiara tried to temper the remnants of her awkwardness. He should be able to take advantage of this precious moment. "Thank you for choosing my short story as a winner. I really didn't expect. Given a number of famous names who participated in this race."
"I'm sure, someday, your great works will color the world of literacy. It doesn't even rule out the possibility that you will surpass my achievements."
"Aamiinu. Hope so. Although it sounds a little excessive." A small laugh slid from Tiara's thin lips.
"You just need to be patient, keep trying, and don't give up easily."
"God willing." Tiara really did get a shot of spirit.
"Yes already. Eat first. It's not good to eat." For the umpteenth time, the shady-eyed ustazah smiled amiably.
Tiara is really happy tonight. While enjoying the food, a prayer flowed softly in the heart. Hopefully he can follow in the footsteps of the idol's success.
"Oh yeah, you said you'd show a sample of the manuscript?" Ustazah Qhumairah started the conversation after they finished eating.
A few days ago, they were able to communicate via email. Tiara asked whether or not she could bring a sample of the manuscript to be reviewed at this meeting. How happy the nosed girl was when the idol said it unconditionally. With a little nervousness, Tiara took out a sample of the manuscript from her sling bag, then thrust it to Ustazah Qhumairah. Of course he had made sure there were no typos in the sample before it was printed out and neatly licked. Ustazah Qhumairah grabbed it and read it immediately. Tiara waited patiently, a little stubbornly.
"You're good. Neatest. Like in the story, I love the way you tell the story. The idea is also quite unique. Not many stories like this. And most importantly, you managed to get me to blend in with the characters. For this one, not all authors are able to do it," explained Ustazah Qhumairah after finishing reading a sample of the ten-page manuscript.
"But, Ma'am, the script was rejected yesterday." Tiara's words seemed dubious.
"There are many reasons publishers reject a manuscript, not just because it is ugly. Rejection is also new, right? That's not nothing. You think my script was never rejected? I had already felt dozens of rejections before arriving at this position."
Tiara looked at the words of the woman in front of her solemnly. It seems he does need to strengthen the roots of patience and perseverance in him in order to realize the dream of becoming a famous writer.
"Have you ever asked your mother for her blessing? Ask him to pray for your steps in achieving your goals?"
Tiara gasps. The question just now suddenly presented the face of someone who had long blurred in his mind.
"Does it have to be like that?" tanyanya. Slowly.
Ustazah Qhumairah nodded firmly. "Remember, God's Ridho is Mother's Ridho!"
Tiara had no doubts about that sentence at all. But if Ustazah Qhumairah knew his mother .. would it still say that?
Instantly longing and sick of competing together, creating a clear swing on the edge of the Tiara's eyes. He ran away from reality, left Mom four years ago. For years he put up a shield, brushed off everything they said about Ibu—which he thought was impossible. Until one day, about all the things he tried not to believe with all his efforts, even justified by the concerned. A nod to the plan followed by tears at that time seemed to end everything. Not only the shield in Tiara collapsed, self-esteem and ideals also melted. Suddenly dark for a moment. And uninvited, the seed of hatred began to grow. So, is there still a ridho from a mother who is a prostitute?
Leaving Mom was the best way back then. At least according to Tiara personally. He is afraid of failing to survive in situations that make him withdraw from the association. Running is better than suicide.
"Whoever she is, however bad her life may be, she is still the woman who gave birth to you. Do not forget the womb in his body that you made as the first home. In the arms of a miracle, blanketed in sincerity. From a drop of low water, to have a beautiful appearance. One thing is certain, he will do anything for your good. Even if in the wrong way," responded Ustazah Qhumairah after Tiara bluntly, telling all the things he had never revealed to others. Including Rani, his best friend.
The warm conversation was suddenly flooded with tears. Ustazah Qhumairah was also unable to resist crying as long as Tiara told her in a poignant tone. The wound in Tiara's heart, the disappointment towards a mother, was as if she felt as well.
In this precious moment, Tiara not only gained enlightenment for her struggle in the world of literacy, but also for the heart. In fact, he had the opportunity to get to know the other side of the life of the late-bodied ustazah— which may not be known by many people. It turns out he lived without his mother all this time. His mother died shortly after giving birth to him. Never mind feeling affection, just knowing his face does not have time. Hearing the confession, Tiara suddenly remembered a sentence that he always wrote in every book. Usually listed after the thank you segment.
Without Mom .. I'm like a candle left by the light.
Without Mom .. I'm just a colorless rainbow.
Without Mom .. I'm like a wingless butterfly.
Truly .. because of Mother, I can continue to work and spread knowledge that God willing is useful!
Whoever reads that sentence must have imagined the harmony that exists between mother and child. The child who makes his mother a role model, as well as the mother who is always supportive in everything. But the truth ...? Then, how did Ustazah Qhumairah write that sentence? Doesn't she live without her mother?
"Mother has exchanged her life to give birth to me. Is that not love? So, as long as you're still breathing, you're always with me!" the light of Ustazah Qhumairah after Tiara asked a question that was quite curious.
That answer seemed to be able to dismantle the hate chest for Mother that had been neatly stored in Tiara's heart all this time. Tiara's career in the world of literacy is not as brilliant as the motherhood. But on the other hand, he was much luckier. His childhood was colored by the real love of a mother, not just love in prayer as Ustazah Qhumairah believed.
***
[Connected]