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"Yas! I thought from the start that I would be accepted at the University. Yeyei, hardwork will never betray the results, everyone also knows that I have tried hard for this university," Celine cheered happily when she saw the announcement of the SBMPTN selection exam results through web access.
"I will tell papa and mama, that I've successfully graduated. They must be happy, because from the start they also supported me to enter the university," she said again and she immediately took off running from the bed to meet her mother.
'Why was he home at this hour? Is papa sick?' Celine thought when she saw the figure of her father sitting on the sofa from a distance.
"Ma, what should we do? Mama must be disappointed with Papa now, right? But this is not Papa's fault, the company is in bankruptcy, and we are all laid off," said Sihar, Celine's father.
"What else can we do, papa, besides accepting fate. It's not like we are left with any other choice than doing it. God knows that," replied Ririn, Celine's mother.
"Papa is worried about the continuation of our daughter's school, Celine. She has long dreamed of going to the capital to pursue her dream of going to the university she had longed for. Mama also knows what kind of effort she had made to pass the selection. If she passes the selection, of course the costs required are not small. Not to mention Abigail - sister of Celine - currently requires a lot of money for the thesis. Papa is afraid that if we have to disappoint them, my job is the only source of our daily living expenses. Papa is also doubtful, whether Papa will be accepted for work again by another company, considering my old age."
"Mama also thinks so, surely Celine will be very disappointed if she finds out this is happening now. Her efforts will be in vain. Mama gets goosebumps just imagining what Celine will feel if she have to give up!"
"Ma, shall we sell this house and find a small rental place? We can use the money to create a small business capital, and some of it can go to Celine's school fees."
Ririn's tears fell unconsciously when she heard this. They had wanted a house for a long time until they finally got it, but now they have to lose it again. The joy and sorrow of the contract, gave Ririn the creeps when she remembered that moment just a few months ago. All of a sudden they would be forced to leave because the house would be soon kept for sale, or there would be a new contractor, etc.
"Ma, we can't be selfish right now. Celine's education costs are most important, we also have to find a way how to continue our lives. Finding a new job is impossible! Papa is old."
"If that's the best, why not!" Ririn finally gave up.
Celine, who was eavesdropping unintentionally, bit her lower lip, so that her parents couldn't hear the sound of her sobbing. And after hearing it all, she slowly went back to the room and shut herself up until dinner time.
"Honey, why aren't you eating your food?" asked Ririn.
"Celine is not hungry Ma."
"Why can't you be hungry? Or are you craving for something ele? It's not like you have eaten anything all day because you locked yourself in your room the whole day?" asked Ririn. "Oh yeah, have you gone through the announcement, did you graduate?"
"Do you expect Celine to graduate?"
"Of course, that's your dream. Mama and Papa will definitely help you get it."
Celine smiled bitterly. "But Celine couldn't pass Ma."
"How is that possible? Papa's daughter has tried hard," said Sihar.
Celine just smiled wryly, and left the dining table quickly, before her tears could flow out arbitrarily.
It's hard to accept, but she can't be selfish. Apart from her, her parents also have to think about the fate of her younger siblings who are currently in high school and in junior high school as well as older siblings who are at the final stages of their education.
Celine also did not intend to tell about her selection to the State University of her dreams. She had decided that she had to keep the truth from her parents as well as her sister and brother.
This was best for all, she thought.
Huff!
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