Only I Love
88. S2-12

Currently, Syauqi works as a teacher at an elite Islamic school. Every day, he passionately taught and guided the students. Among his students, there was Baim, the son of Syauqi, who looked dejected upon seeing his friends receive the award.

That day, the school held an award ceremony for the students who have achieved brilliant achievements in various fields. Both in Quran memorization, saint, and exercise. Baim, although still a child, also wants to get an award like the student who holds the award's tropi. However, until now he has not managed to reach it.

Syauqi noticed the disappointment emanating from Baim's face. She felt sad when she saw her son feeling sad. Syauqi understood how eager Baim was to receive the award, as he could be motivated and gain recognition for his efforts.

In the middle of the event, Syauqi approached Baim who was sitting alone. He held Baim's hand gently and said, "Son, you know, appreciation isn't everything. Even though you haven't got it at the moment, it doesn't mean your efforts aren't appreciated or you're not performing."

Baim looked at his father with eyes still full of sadness. "But Bi, all of Baim's friends get awards. Baim tried his best, but still lost. Baim is sad."

Syauqi smiled and said, "You must remember, everyone has their own journey and speed in achieving achievements. Maybe it's not your turn yet, but that doesn't mean you can't. Most importantly, keep trying and give your best in everything you do. Achievements will come in time."

Baim slowly nodded, trying to understand his father's words. He felt better after listening to the words of encouragement from Syauqi. He knew that his father was always by his side, supporting and appreciating his efforts.

When the event was over, Baim's eyes glazed over as all the students studying here were picked up by their mother. The faces of the students looked happy every time they got the embrace of the mother when she picked up at school.

"If Aunty Ala wanted to be Ummi, Baim, it would be so much fun" he murmured sadly.

Baim remembered one figure who had been claiming to be his mother for the last time. "But Baim did not want Ummi like that" his his hiss rounded his bowed lips.

Baim still remembered how harsh Salma had been to him. "Ummi Baim must be nice and beautiful like Auntie Ala."

"Baim, why do you look sad?" A gentle touch and voice surprised Baim who was sitting alone waiting for his father to finish the task as a teacher.

Chief Baim glanced at the figure of the woman who became his homeroom teacher. "Baim is just sad, Dzah. Baim wants to have Ummi. But, no one wants to be Ummi Baim."

The woman slightly chuckled at the words of these second grade elementary students of SD. "Why doesn't anyone want to? Isn't Abi Baim very good, very good at teaching, smart, and liked by many people?"

Baim looked at Karmila, his homeroom teacher with his innocent face. "Did Dzah Mila like Abi?"

Karmila smiled and gently stroked Baim's head. "Not that, Baim. This diploma is married and Dzah's son has been sitting at the High School level. Dzah just wants to say that there will definitely be someone in the future who will be a good mother and love you. Maybe it's not time yet, but don't worry, your happiness will come."

Karmila nodded firmly. "Yes, Baim. Dzah is sure that one day you will have an amazing mother, just like you and your father. We just need to be patient and trust the destiny that God has determined."

Baim gave a small smile, his feelings slightly lighter after hearing positive words from Karmila. He began to believe that in the future, he would have a loving mother figure. Meanwhile, Karmila promised in her heart to always support and provide moral support to Baim.

As the days passed, Baim remained passionate about learning and developing his talents in school. When he came home from school, Syauqi invited Baim to eat at a rice stall.

While waiting for his order to come, Baim's head was busy turning to look at whoever was in the stall. Suddenly, Baim's face looked quite shocked when he caught the shadow figure of a woman who was scolding the child in her carriage.

"Shut up! I'm tired of watching you keep crying! Heyaaam!"

Baim wiggled Syauqi's hand as if unmoved by the sound of the baby's cry. Shauqi looked at his son.

"What's wrong? Was it a laper, right?" ask the father.

Baim shook his head slowly. He pointed at a figure in the corner. Syauqi turned his head and his forehead shriveled to see who was there.

"Shhh! I want to eat! Don't be noisy!" the mother snapped at her son. But the crying of the baby did not stop.

Syauqi felt reluctant to continue being in this place, but he had already ordered food. He prefers to hide himself so as not to be seen by Salma, the ex-wife.

"Bi, he's so mean. Because his grandpa was being scolded?" whisper Baim.

Syauqi stared at Baim with a wistful glance. Because he himself felt sad to ever fall for such a woman. "Here you go, you don't have to pay attention to it!"

Baim nodded and tried to distract him. The two of them tried to enjoy their meal with an atmosphere slightly disturbed by the presence of Salma. Syauqi tried to keep Baim's spirit from being swayed by the bad attitude of his ex-wife.

After finishing the meal, Syauqi paid and they immediately left the rice stall. As they walked home, Baim asked his father with a tickling curiosity, "Bi, is that really Baim's Ummi?"