It was 4.10 PM I just back from my work. My roommate told me she didn’t do iftar at dorm because her boyfriend asked her to do iftar at his house. Then, I’m alone at my room while waiting for iftar time in the next 2 hours. I decided to go out because I’m not in the mood of being alone at that time, it was so stuffy being at dorm all over the weekdays. I drove my car aimlessly. But then suddenly I imagine how nice and comfort it would be to do iftar at home with my family. So I turn around towards the highway and go home. Back to Jakarta.
After I arrived at home, my family looked surprised. I didn’t tell them that I’m going back home that day. My sister checked the calendar to ensure whether today is the day I usually get back to home. I laughed. With a surprised look on her face my mom asked me whether I have any problem because it was so odd to find me back home in weekdays. I said no. I just want to do iftar with my family. My mom looked relieved. I spent 3 hours at home and went back to dormitory. 3 hours being surrounded with my loved ones is not enough. But it’s okay. There’s still another weekends, right?
It’s my second year to not perform Ramadan with my family since I live at dormitory. Going through Ramadan without family beside you is quite hard. Especially when you’re never stay too far – and too long – from your family before. Sometimes I feel lonely and hopeless, feels like I want to go back to home and get back together with my family. The most comfortable place in the solar system. But no. It’s not that easy, man. There are lot of things to consider. The distance between my home to my office, the need to get up much earlier (LOL I know this must be the most lame reason I ever had), and some other major reasons.
This is hard. But I never regret my decision. Living far from my loved ones builds me to be a stronger person, and independent. One thing I need to tell you guys, well it’s cliché but true. Never be afraid to try new things. New things will get you when you’re out of your comfort zone. Be brave.
Photo Credit: @frsphoto
