The morning sun cast soft golden light over the schoolyard as Siti stepped through the gate, her school bag slung across her shoulder. The sound of children chatting, laughing, and running filled the air — a sound she hadn't heard in a long time.
She paused for a moment, taking it all in. The bright uniforms, the smell of freshly cut grass, the familiar white walls of the classroom buildings — it all felt both strange and comforting.
Her heart pounded as she made her way down the corridor. She wondered if anyone would even remember her. It had been nearly a year since she stopped coming.
But before she could think any further, a familiar voice shouted her name.
"Siti!"
Siti turned around and saw Asmawati, her old classmate, running toward her with a big smile on her face. Her long braid swung behind her as she came closer.
"Siti, it's really you! You came back!" Asmawati said, almost out of breath but clearly overjoyed.
Siti's face lit up instantly. "Asmawati! I didn't think you'd still remember me."
"Of course I remember you! You just disappeared, and everyone wondered what happened," Asmawati said, her smile softening into curiosity. "Why didn't you come to school anymore?"
Siti hesitated for a second, then said quietly, "I had… some things to handle. My parents weren't home for a long time. But I'm back now. I want to study again."
Asmawati nodded with understanding. "That's good, Siti. I'm really happy you're back. It's not the same without you in class."
Siti's heart warmed at her friend's words. She hadn't realized how much she missed hearing her name being called with such joy.
As they walked toward the classroom together, Asmawati started chatting about everything that had changed — new teachers, new lessons, and how some of their classmates had grown taller. Siti listened and smiled, feeling like a piece of her life had finally fallen back into place.
When she stepped inside the classroom, some of the other students turned in surprise. A few whispered to each other, but their teacher, Miss Faridah, looked up from her desk and smiled.
"Welcome back, Siti. We're glad to have you with us again," she said kindly.
Siti bowed her head respectfully. "Thank you, teacher."
The day went by with lessons, laughter, and the warm rhythm of school life. Siti took careful notes, eager to catch up with everything she had missed. It wasn't easy — some of the subjects felt harder than she remembered — but she didn't mind. She was determined to do her best.
During recess, she and Asmawati sat together under a shady tree near the canteen, eating curry puffs and sharing stories.
"You know," Asmawati said with a grin, "you always used to be the best at essays. I'm sure you'll catch up quickly."
Siti laughed softly. "Maybe… but I'll have to work hard this time."
Asmawati nodded. "And I'll help you. Promise."
For the first time in months, Siti felt something she hadn't felt in a long time — belonging.
---
When the school bell rang in the afternoon, Siti packed her books and took the bus back to the orphanage. The familiar building stood quietly under the soft sunlight, and she smiled the moment she saw the children playing outside.
She parked her bicycle near the gate and went straight to the main hall where Kak Safura was busy arranging some papers on the table.
"Assalamualaikum, Kak!" Siti greeted cheerfully.
Safura looked up, smiling warmly. "Waalaikumussalam, Siti! How was your first day back?"
"It was really nice," Siti said happily. "My friend Asmawati was so surprised to see me. Everyone welcomed me back. I missed school."
"I'm glad to hear that," said Safura. "So, are you ready to study hard again?"
Siti nodded quickly. "Yes, Kak! But I came here because I wanted to help you a little before I start my homework. Maybe I can clean the playroom or help with dinner—"
Before she could finish, Safura raised her hand gently and smiled. "No need, Siti."
Siti blinked. "No need? But Kak, I always help you after school."
Safura chuckled softly. "I know, dear. But you don't have to anymore. Three new people came to the orphanage last week and applied for jobs. I already accepted them. They'll be helping with cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the little ones."
Siti looked surprised. "Really? That's good, Kak. But… if I don't help, what should I do after school?"
Safura stepped closer and rested a hand on Siti's shoulder. "You focus on your studies, Siti. That's the most important thing now. You've already worked so hard and grown up faster than most kids your age. But now, it's time for you to enjoy being a student again."
Siti looked down, her heart full of mixed emotions. She loved helping at the orphanage — it had become part of her routine, part of who she was. But deep down, she knew Safura was right.
"I just don't want to be a burden," she said quietly.
"You're not a burden, Siti," Safura said firmly. "You've helped so much already. You're part of this family, remember? But family also means wanting what's best for each other. And right now, the best thing for you is to study hard and build your future."
Siti smiled softly, her eyes glimmering. "Thank you, Kak. I'll do my best."
"I know you will," said Safura. "And if you ever need help with homework, just ask. Safuan and I are always here."
Siti giggled. "Maybe I'll ask Safuan for math help then. He's good at numbers."
Safura laughed. "Yes, but make sure he doesn't make you do all his work in return."
They both laughed together, the sound echoing warmly through the hall.
---
That night, after dinner, Siti sat at her small desk by the window with her notebooks spread open. The soft sound of children playing outside faded as the stars began to appear.
She thought about everything — her parents, the orphanage, the kids, and her first day back at school.
Maybe her parents would never come back. Maybe they would never reply to her messages. But she was no longer the same lonely girl waiting by the window.
Now, she had friends. She had a home. She had dreams.
As she wrote her homework neatly, she whispered to herself, "I'll make them proud… and I'll make myself proud, too."
The clock ticked quietly beside her, the air calm and filled with purpose. For the first time in her life, Siti truly believed she was on the right path — one that she had chosen for herself.