The Facets of the Lake of Love (PART III.)

CHAPTER III. My consciousness hadn't fully returned as Mom helped me put on my hijab and tidy my clothes. "A little faster, Mom?" Dad called from inside the car. At three in the morning, we were driving along a quiet road towards the dormitory. The cry of my heart couldn't even begin to express the immense feeling of loss. "How long has she been sick, ma'am?" Dad asked as soon as we arrived at the dormitory mosque. "It's been two years now, sir, but her child is a bit stubborn. We've suggested she rest at home, but she insists on continuing her studies. Her family couldn't persuade her either." Meanwhile, I was speechless. Only these tears could convey the pain of being left behind. "Just today I was going to share happy news with you, my friend, but it turns out our laughter yesterday was our last." *** EPILOG As beautiful as a North Bandung sunset, the Lake of Love always presents beautiful stories from the young souls who are the nation's successors. On that stone bench, four brightly-hijabed university students were seen, sitting and still chewing cimol. While three of her friends chattered about the dazzling handsomeness of the Literature lecturer, the cute girl at the far end was engrossed in typing on a handheld computer. Line by line, words were created by fingers dancing in tune with a singing heart. "Dear kartuneters, allow me to post my first writing as a greeting of love. Truly, for me, the symbols of expressing love are one thing and another, completely unrelated. For me, the Quran is love, for me, the Crutch is love. For me, the hijab is love, the sky-blue pin is love, Mom and Dad are love, and all of you are love, always becoming a rainbow when the storm subsides. I wrote this Mini Novel, reflecting on how good and full of abundant love the Almighty God is. So that we, His helpless creatures, are able to navigate this life by holding firmly to what He points to as light. (That is) on the Day when We will roll up the heaven like the rolling up of a [written] scroll. As We began the first creation, We will repeat it. [That is] a promise binding upon Us. Indeed, We will do it. (104). *khatam*