Chapter 5: Light in the Darkness part 2

After experiencing small moments of happiness in his struggle, Ben had to face a bitter reality. The business he built to survive and stay in school was finally exposed. The teachers at school discovered that Ben had been doing homework for others and selling game cheats to his friends. The school administration firmly warned him that if he was caught doing it again, he would be expelled.

Ben was forced to stop everything. His heart felt heavy, as if every path he took always led to a massive wall blocking his way. From that moment on, Ben began to lose his spirit. He felt that his struggles were merely a game to fate, as if the world refused to let someone as poor as him rise.

Losing a Friend and Hope

As he advanced to the second year of middle school, an even bigger blow struck him. Tragic news befell his best friend, Akhir. Akhir's father passed away, leaving deep sorrow for his family. Due to their worsening financial condition, Akhir was forced to move out of town to live with relatives and continue his studies elsewhere.

Akhir's departure left Ben in despair. Now, the only friend who understood and supported him was gone too. Ben felt even more isolated, and the only place where he could pour out his sorrow was his grandmother's grave. He would sit there for hours, speaking to his grandmother's tombstone, apologizing for his failure.

Countless times, he asked himself, "Is this the end? Am I truly destined to fail?"

When he returned home, he resumed his daily routine—working in the fields, helping his parents in the rice paddies, living as if everything had already ended. His passion for school slowly faded. He often daydreamed in class, even considering dropping out altogether.

Meeting Saddam: An Unexpected Friend

One day, during recess, Ben decided to go to the school library. Not because he wanted to study, but simply to find some peace. However, there he met Saddam, a notorious troublemaker in his class. Saddam was known for smoking, fighting, and constantly causing problems.

At first, Ben wondered how Saddam could afford cigarettes and expensive items like branded shoes."Is your father rich?" Ben asked curiously.

Saddam laughed cynically and replied, "No, my father left a long time ago. My mother also passed away when I started middle school. I have money because I work."

Ben grew even more curious. "What kind of work?"

"I climb coconut trees to pick the fruit, help with farm harvests, and after school, I work at a car repair shop. It's enough for me to survive," Saddam answered casually.

Hearing this, Ben felt a new glimmer of hope. If Saddam could work and still attend school, then so could he. He returned home that day with renewed determination and told his father about his desire to work. He even brought Saddam as proof that kids their age could work without compromising their education. After a long discussion, his father finally agreed.

Working to Survive

Ben started working alongside Saddam. They climbed coconut trees to harvest fruit, helped in the fields, and even assisted at the car repair shop. At first, his body felt extremely exhausted, but he knew this was the only way to continue his education.

Every day, after school, he and Saddam went straight to work. At night, he made time to study, even though his body was aching. However, he never forgot to visit his grandmother's grave and share everything that had happened. It became the only place where he felt heard without being judged.

Over time, Saddam became Ben's closest friend. Despite their different backgrounds, they complemented each other. Saddam was always ready to protect Ben if anyone bullied him, while Ben helped Saddam with schoolwork. They became two people who supported each other through the harshness of life.

Looking Toward the Future

Time passed. Now, Ben and Saddam were in their final year of middle school. Although his journey had been full of struggles, Ben managed to endure thanks to his hard work and the support of his friends. With the money he earned, he no longer had to rely too much on his family to pay for school. He learned from Saddam that nothing was impossible if one was willing to try.

Although Ben didn't have many friends, he realized that what mattered wasn't the number of friends but their quality. Saddam might have had a bad reputation at school, but he had a big heart and was always ready to help a friend in need.

Now, Ben dared to dream again. Even though the road ahead was still long and filled with challenges, he was certain that as long as he kept trying, there would always be a light at the end of the path.