Trapped in the Love of Stepchildren
Chapter 27's

“Mari, Laura. I will take you to see the contents inside this boarding school, there are many interesting places that you have never seen before" said Ilham with a smile.

Laura looked around with curiosity. The forest surrounding the pesantren hut looked lush and green. The gurgling sound of river water flowing nearby was clearly heard. He felt even more excited to explore this place.

"Alright, Inspiration. I'm ready to follow your adventure" Laura replied with a feisty smile.

They passed through a path surrounded by tall and dense trees. A calm and peaceful atmosphere immediately enveloped them as they walked along together.

"Why did your father choose to build a boarding house in the middle of a forest like this?" ask Laura.

Inspiration smiles. "My father believed that the natural beauty and tranquility of the environment can provide peace and tranquility for people who come here to study religion and worship. He wanted to create a comfortable place for them."

They continued walking and arrived at a small lake surrounded by beautiful flowers. The lake water looks so clear and reflects the blue sky above it.

"It's a very beautiful lake, Inspiration," said Laura amazed.

Ilham nodded. "Yes, this lake has an interesting legend. That said, if one threw a stone into this lake with good intentions, his wish would come true."

Laura smiled as she picked up a small stone nearby. He held it tightly and threw it into the lake in hope.

"May all your good wishes come true, Laura," said Ilham sincerely.

They continued their journey and arrived at an old building made of wood. It was an old madrassa that was hundreds of years old.

"This is the old madrassa where my father studied first" Ilham said. "In it there is a lot of hidden knowledge and history. Come on, let's go in and see it."

They entered the old madrassa and felt its aura of antiquity. Inside, there are many ancient books and historical inscriptions displayed on the walls.

"Wow, this is truly amazing," Laura said as she looked around her.

"I'm glad you like it" said Ilham. "My father wanted to keep the history and knowledge here from being forgotten. He hoped that future generations could learn from the past."

After exploring the old madrassa, Ilham and Laura continue their journey to a small hill nearby. From the top of the hill, they could see an amazing sight: a vast and beautiful forest stretched out beneath them, surrounded by towering mountains.

"This is my favorite place here" said Ilham. "When the sun goes down, the view from here is stunning. I often sit here to contemplate and to give thanks for the beauty of God's creation."

Laura and Ilham sat on the grass at the top of that hill. The gentle breeze blew, while the setting sun gave a golden touch to the landscape around them. They looked at each other with smiles, enjoying the natural beauty around them.

Inspiration saw the slightly lethargic look on Laura's face. Ilham sighed, “Laura, may I ask about how your problem has been progressing lately?”

Laura let out a long sigh and said, “You mean my problem with Daniel?”

Ilham nodded.

“People around us still feel that our relationship is not right, because of our status as stepmothers and stepchildren. But I don't think of Daniel as my stepson, he's in a special place in my heart,” Laura said bowed in lethargy.

“I can understand why people might feel that way. But, are you and Daniel happy together?” Ask Inspiration.

Laura smiled gently. “Yes, very happy. Daniel is a wonderful person and we love each other sincerely. But, it is difficult for us to see others not supporting our relationship.”

Laura hesitated a little. “Yes, I talked about it to Daniel, but not everything I told, because Daniel also felt burdened with the views of others, especially from our family and friends.”

Inspiration speechless did not say anything, “kitq back now?”

Laura nodded her head.

—

Ilham and Laura walked down the hallways of the boarding school after admiring the natural beauty around them. Along the way, they met some santri who were passing by. When the santri saw Ilham, they immediately approached him with respect.

"Assalamu'alaikum, Ustad Ilham," said one of the santri in a soft voice.

"Wa'alaikum hail," Ilham replied with a smile. "How are you?"

"I'm good, Ustad. Thank you for the knowledge and guidance that Ustadz gave us" another santri said, looking at Laura with curiosity.

Ilam introduced Laura to the students. "This is Laura, my friend. He's interested in getting to know more about this pesantren."

The first Santri, named Ali, looked at Laura with a big smile. "Assalamu'alaikum, Sister Laura.”

Laura replied politely, "Wa'alaikum greetings, Ali. Thanks for the welcome.”

A second Santri, named Huda, joins the conversation. "Ustad Ilham, we heard the news that Sister Laura was the future wife of Ustad. Really true?"

All the santri-santri was teasing Ilham whose face immediately blushed in shame and turned red.

Inspiration smiles and tries to calm the atmosphere. "Hehe, it's just a joke from your friends, Huda. Laura is my good friend.”

Santri third, Farhan, chuckles. "But, Ustad, we believe Sister Laura is fit to be Ustad's wife. We can see the closeness of you both."

Laura and Ilham looked at each other, then chuckled. Inspiration explained gently, "You all take this joke too seriously. Laura and I just had a good friendship. Don't let anything get me wrong."

The fourth Santri, Zahra, spoke innocently, "But, Ustad, to be honest, is Ustad interested in Laura's sister?"

Laura felt a little embarrassed by the question, while Ilham just smiled and did not answer the question from the students.

“Now you go to the mosque immediately, Ustad want to get ready too, Assalamu’alaikum,” said Ilham passed away followed by Laura.

“Wa’alaikumsallam,” replied the santri-santri simultaneously and still left their laughter that managed to prank Ustad Ilham.

Ilham and Laura continued their journey down the hallways of the boarding school. Inwardly, Laura prayed that Inspiration would always find happiness in her life, just as she also hoped for her own happiness.

Along the way, they met some teachers and staff of the boarding school who also greeted Ilham with great respect.

"I was very impressed with this boarding school and the hospitality of everyone here" Laura told Ilham. "They are also very lucky to have an ustad like you Ilham.”

Ilham smiled and replied, "Yes, I feel very lucky and grateful. This boarding school is not only a place to live for me, but also a place where I can learn and develop together with the students and people here.”