CHILDREN OF THE MIDDLE EAST

"The boy was a village child; he came from a remote village deep in the forests of Kalimantan. His name was Kai. Kai was known as a diligent and hardworking child. Although he was only seven years old, he already helped his parents tend to their farm. Despite this, he still attended school to continue his education. He was in the second grade of elementary school and was also known as a smart and kind-hearted child. In short, we graduated from that elementary school in 2006, and that's where our story began.After six years of elementary education, Kai finally graduated with satisfying results. He planned to continue his education at a secondary school in the city. Seeing Kai's enthusiasm, his parents agreed, even though they knew they were living modestly. However, seeing their child's passion, Kai's father decided to seek help from Kai's uncle, who was currently living in the city. Kai's uncle happened to be a teacher at a high school there. Kai's father contacted the uncle to ask for help so that Kai could study in the city and live with him. Long story short, Kai's uncle agreed to let Kai study in the city. Hearing this news, Kai was very happy.A month later, Kai finally left for the city, accompanied by his father and uncle. Having lived with his family since birth, Kai felt heavy-hearted about leaving them. However, he still had to go. His younger sibling and mother took him to the airport. Along the way to the airport, Kai was advised by his mother. Mother: "Son, when you live in the city, you must take good care of yourself, and you must also listen to your uncle. Be a good child." Kai smiled and nodded. Still innocent at the time, Kai shared his dream with his mother. Kai: "Mother, when I grow up, I want to become a soldier." His mother was shocked and said to Kai, Mother: "Son, I don't want you to become a soldier. I want you to become a teacher because soldiers go to war, and I'm afraid that if you go to war, I will lose you." Kai fell silent.They finally arrived at the airport. Kai sat with his mother and father while waiting for their flight. There, Kai hugged his mother and cried. No one knew what Kai was thinking, and his mother asked, Mother: "Son, what's wrong?" Kai replied, Kai: "Mother, I don't want to leave you and my younger sibling. I don't want to continue my education!" Seeing Kai's uncertainty, his mother comforted and encouraged him, Mother: "Son, don't worry. Your younger sibling and I will always call you; we can still keep in touch." Kai cried even more.When it was time to depart, Kai, still crying and reluctant to leave his mother and younger sibling, was persuaded by his father. Father: "Son, don't worry. I am coming with you. When we get there, we will call your mother right away." Kai: "Hikzzz hikzzz hikzzz" (still crying hard). Kai's father held his hand as they slowly walked toward the plane. Unable to bear seeing Kai cry, his mother ran after him and hugged him tightly. Mother: "Son, you must be a good child. I will always pray for you." (while wiping Kai's tears). Reluctantly, she let go of Kai's hand. Kai and his father boarded the plane with his uncle. Kai sat in a corner seat by the window, looking at his mother and younger sibling. Unable to hold back his tears, he shouted from the plane window, Kai: "Motheeeer...!!!" Mother: "Stay strong, son. I love you." (waving her hand)."