Hatori Imas
Support from all parties

I sat at home feeling troubled while waiting for Usep to come. My mother who saw me so restlessly approached me and asked gently, "Gold, calm down. Talk about everything clearly and casually."

"Yes, mom. I already know what to say to Usep." I answered while still trying to calm down.

"Are you sure, Imas?" My mother once again asked and hugged my shoulder.

"InshaAllah, Imas is 100% sure%. All are ideals that may have become the decrees of God, Mother." Reply steady.

Not long after, Usep came to my house on his motorcycle. "Assalamualaikum, Imas."

Mom went out to greet Usep and let him come in and see me. "Wa'alaikumussalam, Usep. Please come in, Imas has been waiting since." I heard my mother answer Usep's greeting.

Usep sat in the guest chair and I immediately brought him some water and sat down in front of Usep.

"How are you, Usep?" I asked with a slight tremble in the voice.

"Alhamdulillah, Imas. Was fine. Is there something you want to talk about?" usep replied with a friendly smile.

I took a deep breath, trying to muster up the courage to express my feelings. "Seez, there's actually something I want to tell you."

Usep nodded, giving his full attention to me. Mom sat next to me, giving support with her smile.

"I just got some news that might be good for me and bad for us, Usep. I passed the selection to get a scholarship to continue studying in Australia. Now I'm confused by my attitude, whether I take this opportunity or I forget everything."

Usep looked surprised to hear the news, but he remained calm. He looked at me with great attention. "Gold, whatever your decision is, I will always support you."

I understand that Usep needs time to process this news. Mother held my hand gently, providing support and calmness. "Gold, continue. Everything's gonna be fine. Let Usep think things through well."

I nodded, trying to accept the fact that everything was still uncertain. Although in my heart I hope Usep will respond well to this news.

Moments later, Usep took a deep breath. "Gold, I do wish you would stay here. But, I also have to support you as my girlfriend progressing and growing in her career and life."

Hearing Usep's reply, my heart rippled happily. I smiled and felt relieved. My mother smiled proudly at my happiness.

"Thank you, Usep. I'm so glad to hear that. May our relationship not be disturbed because of my plan to study in the land of people," I said with a hopeful voice.

In my mother's arms, a mixed feeling of gratitude filled my heart. I feel lucky to have a girlfriend who is so understanding and supportive of my future ideals.

"So, this is not an easy decision for me either. But, I promise to keep our relationship and try to make things work" I said sincerely.

Usep smiled understandingly. "Gold, I know you will definitely try your best. We need to be communicative and supportive of each other in every way. Distance is not an obstacle to true love."

Mother agreed. "Yes, son. Distance can be a test, but if your love and commitment are strong, then you can deal with it well. And of course, prayer and endeavour must also always be there."

"But... my eel business, how?" I think of my business in the process of growing.

"Just calm down, Imas. Let me take care of all your business here. Reports will come to you every week." Usep tried to give me a solution.

"Are you serious, Usep?" I ask, still a little in disbelief.

"Yes, Imas. I seriously. Your business will continue to run well. I'll keep everything as good as possible" Usep replied steadily.

I smiled happily. "Thank you, Usep. I really appreciate your offer. I believe my business will be safe in your hands."

She smiled proudly to see both of us. "Look, my son, you have a partner who cares so much and is ready to support you. It is a precious gift."

As the conversation deepened, the voice of Ujang called my name from outside the house. "Gold... Impeach..."

I got up from the chair and went to the door to meet Ujang, my little friend since childhood. "What's up, Ujang?" manya curious.

Ujang gasped, "Gold, I have important news. I just happened to go to school to legalize my diploma, and I saw a poster announcing my acceptance of a college scholarship in Australia. Your name is on the poster!"

"You're applying for that scholarship program?" Tanya Ujang looked very curious.

"Yes, Ujang. I signed up and thank God I was chosen." Answer's short.

"Yes, all the students who happened to be at school were shocked. An installment's Imas can also excel." Sahut Ujang tried to comfort the sadness of himself who would part with me.

I smiled at the news. I did not expect that the scholarship announcement poster had been posted at Spotaker High School.

"Thank you, Ujang! Yes, Ujang. Yesterday I got a short message about this news," I said with a smile and felt more and more confident about my decision.

Ujang smiled widely. "I'm so proud of you, Imas! Wishing you success in Australia and don't forget we're here."

"I will never forget my friends and my childhood, Ujang. You will always be in my heart" I replied expectantly.

"Amas Hatori must remain Hatori. I'm gonna miss our moment when I caught the Eel." Ujang looked down sad when he remembered all the memories that might be long to be able to repeat again.

"Of course, Ujang. Later when I get home, I'll spend time doing my hobby." My heart tries to eliminate sadness.

Mom smiled happily. "Gold, never be afraid to pursue your dreams. We will always support you wholeheartedly."

I looked at my mother with pride and then said, "My eel business will also keep going thanks to Usep's help. I am so grateful to have you in my life" I said with deep gratitude.

Usep smiled gently. "Gold, don't think too much. I'll keep your business going well.

I feel relieved and happy to hear the support of Usep and my mother. Although this decision was not easy for me, I am confident that we can deal with it by supporting each other.

"I'll miss you, Amas. Keep the spirit there and fight for your dreams. I will always support you from afar" Usep said as he rubbed my hair.

"I'll miss you too, Usep. Thank you for everything. We will stay strong and keep this relationship. I promise," I replied in a trembling voice.

We both smiled at each other, even though our hearts were slightly sliced. Usep and Ujang then say goodbye to go home and give me the opportunity to prepare the goods that I will bring to Australia.