Our Dreams

Ambition Under the Sky

The friction of the guitar strings blended with the
sound of frogs croaking in the rice fields, creating a
soothing symphony of nature. Shan closed his eyes
tightly, feeling every vibration of the strings under his
fingers. He imagined himself on a grand stage,
playing his music for thousands of mesmerized
people. Suddenly, his mom's voice broke the silence.
"Shan, it's getting late. Let's eat first," she shouted
from behind the hut.
Shan opened his eyes slowly, a faint smile gracing his
pale face. He put down his guitar carefully, then
climbed down from the hut and headed to the hut's
cramped kitchen. There, his mother, a middle-aged
woman with a face full of wrinkles, was already
preparing a simple dinner.
"Have you eaten?" asked Shan as he helped his mom
move the plates to the table.
"Not yet, Son. Waiting for you," his mom replied with
a warm smile.
They ate dinner in silence. Shan still remembered his
broken melody. He wanted to tell his mom about his
dream, but he knew his mom wouldn't support it. His
mom wanted Shan to become a pilot, a promising job
that would raise their family's status. Rani walked into Shan's room. She saw Shan with his guitar and
smiled.
"Shan, it's getting late. You should rest. There's an
exam tomorrow,
" Rani said to her only son.
"Yes, Mum. Soon,
" Shan said.
"You want to be a pilot, right? I want you to be able
to live comfortably and happily." Rani said.
"Yes, Mum. You always says that." Shan said
"Music is beautiful, Shan. But you have to be
realistic. Being a pilot is a promising job." Rani said
it seriously.
"But, Mum..." Shan's speech was not finished but was
cut off by his mother.
"No buts, Shan. You have to focus on learning. I'm
sure you can become a great pilot." Rani said, cutting
Shan off.
Shan bowed his head, hiding his disappointment. He
had wanted to be a musician like his father, but he
didn't want to disappoint his mother.

In a luxurious apartment in the capital city, Ara sat in
front of her study desk made of sturdy teak wood. She
was surrounded by thick books and a state-of-the-art
laptop. Her gaze was focused on the laptop screen, her
delicate fingers dancing nimbly over the keyboard.
Ara is reading an article on forensic science, her eyes
twinkling with excitement. She had always aspired to
become a forensic doctor, inspired by the crime films
she has watched since childhood. She was convinced
that she had the talent and determination to be the best
in her field.
"Ara, my daughter, how are your preparations for the
UGM entrance exam?" asked her dad, who suddenly
entered the room.
Ara turned to her father. Her beautiful face adorned
with a big smile.
"All right, Dad. I've studied hard. I'm sure I'll be
accepted there," she replied confidently.
"I'm proud of you. UGM is the best university in
Indonesia. Becoming a forensic doctor there has been
your dream since childhood," said Mum, following
behind Dad.
Ara hugged her parents tightly. She felt very lucky to
have parents who always supported her. She promised
herself not to disappoint them.