A Ray of Hope in the Afternoon

 

A short story 

*A Ray of Hope in the Afternoon*

Written by Sugiri

That afternoon, after two days of gentle rain in Ciampea, I was at home, enjoying a quiet moment when a WhatsApp message popped up on my phone. It was from one of my junior high school students—Muhammad Fahmi Wicaksono.

We had just finished a series of chats and guidance about his senior high school registration. I had helped him step-by-step, all done virtually from our own homes. Fahmi was there at his house, and I was here at mine. Still, the connection felt real and meaningful.

He sent a message that stopped me for a moment:

> “Terima kasih banyak, Pak. Saya senang sekali sudah dibantu. Saya janji, saya tidak akan menyerah dalam menggapai cita-cita saya. Tapi… jangan bosan bantu saya ya, Pak?”

I stared at the screen, quietly moved. I hadn’t expected such a sincere expression from him. His words revealed a surprising strength of will, a determination far beyond his age. He wasn’t just asking for technical help—he was asking for support that would accompany his journey, a reminder that someone believed in him.

A moment later, another message followed:

> “Pak… doakan saya ya. Doakan supaya saya sukses.”

In that moment, from my small corner of the house, I whispered a prayer—one full of hope, one that I believe will accompany Fahmi throughout his life:

> اللَّهُمَّ يَسِّرْ لِفَهْمِي فِي أُمُورِهِ، وَارْحَمْهُ، وَبَارِكْ عَلَيْهِ، وَبَلِّغْ مَقَاصِدَهُ، وَاجْعَلْهُ قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ، وَاجْعَلْهُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا، آمِينَ.

May Allah ease his affairs, have mercy on him, bless him, fulfill his dreams, make him a joy to his family, and raise him as a leader among the righteous. Aamiin.

That afternoon, through a simple chat, I saw a young soul planting a seed of hope. And I will always remember how powerful a quiet message can be—when it carries sincerity, faith, and a heart that refuses to give up.