The Rain Is Pouring's
Graduation of Amel
Jakarta, September 2021.
I was finally declared a graduate. Now there is no need to think about online tutorials, UAS, and others.
"Assalamu'alaikum.." I said to my friends.
"Wa'alaikumussalam.." replied the friends.
"Something seems to be going well today" Didit said.
"For the good news dong.." said Mr. Arif.
"Okay, okay." I replied.
"So here it is.." All eyes are on me ready to put ears on.
"I graduated.. I finished my lecture yaaaayyyy!!!" I said.
"Well, cool!!! I'm proud of you Mel!" said Niken.
"Thank you Niken." I said.
My friends gave me a big applause...
Looks like there's gonna be a deal..
"All eyes looked at each other while holding a smile as if it were code.."
"Please calm down. I've prepared for everything. ehm..."
"No.." I said showing you a box of cashew chocolate bars.
"Well, thank you, it's getting sweeter, it can't be the sweetness of a little less." said Didit.
"Oh yeah, you make me!" lestari nyolot.
"Enak ajah!" sahut Didit did not want to lose.
"Congratulations Amel may his knowledge be of benefit to the world of the afterlife, greetings of success always.. Btw thanks for the chocolate, want you to love the number 2 child." Mr. Arif started congratulating.
"Thank you, Mr. Arif. Greetings to Mr. Arif's family at home." I said.
Then the others followed to congratulate. I feel so grateful.
Mr. Arif asked us to take pictures and make videos. I'm so moved.
I called grandma home from work and she was so happy to hear about my graduation.
"Be careful there, Mel. If there is some free time to go home, this is your place." said grandma.
"God willing, Grandma eat regularly so stay healthy" I said.
Jakarta, October 10, 2021
I graduated today. I am grateful to have reached this point. Though in the future I never know what it will be.
Many of my friends are married and have children. They also have an established life and career.
Some are rich after getting an inheritance, some are rich because they marry an established couple, some are successful with their hard work and many become PNS (a dream job in law).
"Can I be better than yesterday?" I looked towards the lobby.
I saw today that Junot's family also attended the graduation ceremony. Junot successfully graduated with a GPA above 3.
Even though I know it's my hard work. (You sinned Junot, you are Amel. We are symbiotic mutualism.).
Looks like he'll pay a little for his lie in the grave. Forgive me Lord, I have contributed to this sin. But not making a mother happy is also a reward even in a false way. But if Junot's mother knew this, she would be disappointed and very sad. Again back to sin🙄). Astaghfirullohal.
"Junot, are you being tortured for lying to your mother?" muttered.
"Tell the Lord, I beg for forgiveness. I'm so afraid he's going to stab me." I muttered again.
My eyes were looking up at the sky so high. My hope is that God hears the turmoil in my heart.
I-i saw....
Seemed a proud smile from the faces of Junot's late parents during the graduation handover.
Junot..
Even if he died, he still managed to find happiness for his mother.
Me..? I haven't done much for my parents. God has tested me with many things, and I have been through many.
At first it felt heavy. And it still feels very heavy to get to this point.
I miss my parents.
People nearby? Wait..wait.. do I have anyone nearby? Seems not. If family is limited to status, friends are just coworkers..
I envy you Junot, you always win from me. Win time, win facility, win money and win affection.
But it's OK. Neverminds.
What about Aiman? Of course he's just that...
"Mel.." someone called. I looked to the side.
"Dreams?" I was surprised that he came on this special day.
"Congratulations Mel, may her knowledge be a blessing" said Aiman brought flowers and gifts.
I smiled at his presence. Smile auto. I am so grateful for the coming of Aiman. Uninvited guests, such as jalangkung.
"How did you know today I'm celebrating graduation?" my many.
"So morning I saw you wearing kebaya bring toga. I followed you, uh actually dong kamu to campus , and I know you're the same age as me, he told me the same story. Look at that Rasya." said Aiman.
"Yes!" call Aiman.
"Man!" sahut Rasya's.
"Hi, Mel..," said Rasya.
"Hi,.." I said.
"Congratulations to you both." said Aiman.
"Thank you." said we.
"Who are you coming for?" ask Rasya.
Aiman.
"Make Amel dong." replied Aiman firmly.
"O Allah." - Rasya said with a funny mimic.
We took three photos.
So lovely...
_*_
"After becoming a scholar, will I remain a waitress and return to that cafe? Or am I going to continue S2 to Australia looking for my mother again?"
"That saving.." I murmured.
"My mother and Australis continue to haunt me.."
"Mom. Mum.."
There's a lot I want to ask you. There's a lot I want to tell my mom. Mother is my spirit, hold on for a while ma'am, don't go anywhere we will be reunited soon.
The next day I got permission, I took the IELTS test. Of course the price is not cheap. I also have no special preparations.
"If this is the way that you show me, O God, you will surely make it easier. Bismilbornrahmanirrahiim." I said.
A week later I got my IELTS score.
"Alhamdulillah, I escaped. I can go to Australia." I cried happily.
"But how can I apply for a scholarship? Even one college campus I haven't enrolled.. Looks like this process will be very long."
I ended up looking for college info and scholarships to Australi.
December, I was declared a FAILURE.
I can only sigh. How's this..😭😭😭.
I have to go through the selection next year..
Then I looked for more scholarship info.
"It doesn't have to be in Sidney, which is important I'm acceptable."
"Bismillah help your servant who has nothing but my hope in You, O God.."
I realized that the living cost there is very high. At least I can also find part time. Even though people are not as easy as we imagine. Better to try than just listen.
Adelaide, Canberra whatever it is I have a destination and a place to depend. There is hope hanging there and I involve God to ask for directions not to be misguided.
Come on Amel spirit you can definitely!
