It had been a long time since I was reminded of my reluctance to take any kind of standardized test (for those who know, they know). Even though I like challenges, I’m not fond of the kind that forces me to chase something overly theoretical. I looked at the exam card and whispered in my heart, bismillah.
I began the day with a long and sincere prayer. I made milk for my child and woke him up to pray Fajr at the mosque with my husband. My husband had already gotten up and was doing his early prayers and had started the laundry. I continued with the usual house chores: washing dishes, cooking while tending the laundry, tidying up what I could, packing the children’s lunch boxes, and preparing their clothes and school bags. Usually, I have breakfast at school, but yesterday I had it at home. Then, I took a shower, dressed neatly, and began dropping the kids off.
The first was my little one. After giving him a goodbye hug, I saw his smile slowly fade, his face looking a bit sad. Whenever I see that, it breaks my heart all over again. But I gather my strength, reminding myself that even if I stayed with him, I might not always bring a smile to his face. I sometimes get tired, easily irritated, and end up hurting or disappointing him. In that situation my actions can be out of control then lead me feeling guilty and the feeling of being a failed mother. So each time I drop him off, I strengthen my soul for his good and ours. However I always pick him up right after I finished my work, and I never letting him wait until the very last moment.
Then I dropped off his older brother, who was already running late. Usually, we’re the earliest to arrive, even before the teachers. Thankfully, the school security is always there, and my son keeps himself busy checking his project or his plants at school.
That day, I visited my younger sister right after dropping the kids off. I planned to accompany her to meet someone, but the appointment was canceled. Unfortunately she took over two hours to get ready. I was also checking if everything was done about ten times. In the same time i was talking with my in-laws mother about her and eating a quick bite.
When she was finally ready, my time's run out. I dropped her off at our uncle’s house with some food and pocket money. I reminded her that she should not go anywhere until I picked her up later.
I had just an hour to get ready. I double-checked my exam card for identifying time and location, while sipping a cup of coffee. I had a quick lunch with a fried egg then took a shower, and got dressed. The last but not least, my husband drove me to the test venue. The place was not too far from our house.
Arriving at the exam site, I felt a bit awkward. It had been years since I’d taken part in anything like this. I remember my last test was in 2011. So many years ago. Then, I drank water from my personal tumbler and sat in a corner seat. I had to store my belongings in lockers, sit in a sterile room, and watch an instructional video on how to use the exam system.
After a while, the long-awaited test began. I had to excuse myself to the restroom beforehand. The questions were quite tricky and complex. I really had to concentrate, but since I hadn’t studied or reviewed anything at all, the results fell below my expectations. I was at ranking 16/100. But whatever happens I remain grateful to Allah.
As I exited the room, I met the mother of one of my child’s schoolmates. She shook my hand a small gesture that helped calm my still-racing heart and cold hands. She also cheered me up.
Outside, my husband and my child were already waiting. We picked up my youngest son, and after they returned home, I went to fetch my sister from our uncle’s house. I dropped her off at her place. Then I had a bowl of meatball soup by myself. My head still felt heavy as I made my way home.
I came back with pukis, my younger son’s favorite snack. He was thrilled, and even his older brother wanted some. Next, I tidied up the house, placed dirty dishes in the sink, cleaned the bathroom, washed my self, straightened the bedroom, and picked up toys scattered all over the floor and carpet.
The kids asked to play outside for a bit, which gave me a chance to stretch my back. By Maghrib, my older son and husband went to the mosque. I stayed home with my little one. After prayer, we read together, and I slowly went over some muraja’ah. After Maghrib, it was time for tilawah. My older son played for a while until it was time for Isha. After the Isya prayer, he read books with his father, while I completed my prayer and muraja'ah.
Finally, we cleaned up, got into bed, recited bedtime prayers and dhikr before sleep. I whispered words of love, encouragement, pride, and support to both of my children before they drifted off to sleep.
That's all the story I can share in this blog. See you again with my another story. I hope this is useful for all of us. May Allah bless us !
CATATAN:
Buat pembaca (pelajar) ceritaku ini merupakan contoh tulisan recount text.
Recount text adalah jenis teks dalam bahasa Inggris yang menceritakan kembali pengalaman atau peristiwa masa lalu. Tujuannya adalah untuk menghibur, menginformasikan, atau membagikan pengalaman.
Struktur recount text:
1. Orientation: Pembukaan — menjelaskan siapa, di mana, dan kapan peristiwa terjadi.
2. Events: Rangkaian kejadian secara kronologis.
3. Re-orientation: Penutup atau kesimpulan (opsional, bisa berupa kesan atau harapan).
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