My name is Vion. I got the nickname “bookworm” from my friends at school because I really like reading books. They also said that I have a quiet nature, but not when I’m with Zane, my best friend and classmate since in the kindergarten. He is a cheerful and funny person, yet he is kindhearted and loves to help others.
On Monday, at 09.00 AM, I sat on a chair in the library during break time. I read some books as usual until a familiar, playful voice called me, “Vion!!! There you are, why did you leave me again?” it’s Zane, plopped himself to another chair beside me. I turned to face him and gave him a faint smile, “I can’t wait for you to finish your exam in class all day.”
“I’m sorry. I was stuck on number 6, it made me confused.” he said thoughtfully. “The answer is A, almsgiving. You’ve studied, right?” I asked. “I forgot about it, I chose B. You’re so smart, Vion.” He chuckled and leaned back on his chair, “By the way, since the break time is still long, shall we pray Dhuha?” I smiled and nods, “Mm, let’s go.”
We went to the mosque beside our school and pray Dhuha together, he still had time to help an old man get to the ablution place. Then, in the second break time at 12.30 PM, we had lunch on the rooftop. I was in silence mode for a moment, chewed the food slowly in my mouth before I decided to ask, “Zane, why did you love to help others?”
“Because… helping each other eventually ends up being good for ourselves.” he answered. He took another bite of his meal and asked, “Why did you ask?”. I simply said “Just curious.” He suddenly choked and startled me. I offered him a water, but he just giggled. “Ehem, I’m sorry,” He looked at the meat he bit earlier, “This meat tastes weird.”
I leaned in to take a look at his meat, “Hey… it’s not a meat, it’s a ginger.” He froze and stared at his meat for a moment before he burst out laughing. I chuckled and shook my head for his weird and funny behavior. Well, it doesn’t surprise me, though. Because he often mistakes a ginger as a meat, he said they’re quite similar. The next day, on Saturday, Zane went to my house as usual, “Assalamu’alaikum, bookworm.” he said playfully. I smiled and rolled my eyes, “Wa’alaikumussalam. Come in,” I greeted. But I paused for a moment as I noticed something different from him, his face pale. I decided to ask, “Zane, are you feeling unwell? You look pale.”
“Nah, I’m perfectly fine. Maybe it’s the effect of the ginger I ate yesterday.” he said casually, clearly tried to change the topic. “Impossible.” I muttered and smiled. At 07.046 PM, we just did Isya’ prayer and suddenly he handed me an Al-Qur’an, “Vion, I want you to have this”. I blinked in surprise, “Why did you…?” I trailed off.
He smiled and put the Al-Qur’an in my hands, “Take it, a gift for you”. I shook my head and said, “No, I can’t-” “I insist,” he cut my words, “we didn’t know if we still can meet again later. I mean, who knows we’re going to a different high school”. I fell in silence for a moment, momentarily confused by his words.
I let out a small sigh and smiled, “You’re right. Thanks, then”. He returned my smile, “No problem. I have to go home now, see you later!” he said with waving his hand. I nodded and waved my hand back as he disappeared from my sight. When I was in my room, I placed the Al-Qur’an he just gave me on my bookshelf and sat on my bed.
I couldn’t help but wondered why he looks a bit different today, his pale face… and he was less excited than usual. When I lost in thought, I suddenly heard the sound of an Ambulance’s siren. It was quite loud which meant it was nearby. Curious, I went out from my house and looked for the source of the sound with my parents.
On the street, I spotted a crowd surrounded by an Ambulance. I stepped closer to take a better look of what’s just happening. I found a boy carried by some people; blood covered his body. I froze in place, I realized it was… “Zane?” I stammered. My face paled with shock as I took in the scene before me, my legs almost trembled and I stepped back.
My eyes glazed over. I couldn’t believe this, we walked together not long before… how did this happen? My father stroked my back to reassure me, “Vion, go back home with mother. I’ll help the others here.” He ordered. I nodded slightly, “Yes, dad…” I muttered. Then I went back home with my mother.
On the next day, I heard from my father that Zane was gone. He had severe bleeding in his head and a concussion. He was hit by a car which also almost hit a child, the child survived because of him. He was buried this morning after morning prayers. I felt very sad but also amazed by his kindness, he was willing to sacrifice himself for others.
I sat on my prayer mat in the living room, finished my Dzikr, then I remembered when Zane comforted me when I was sad after I lost my grandpa, “Vion, nothing is eternal, we belong to Allah swt and He can take what’s His whenever He wants. Separation in this world is only temporary while separation in the afterlife is forever.”
He smiled warmly, “Let’s compete in goodness, so that we can meet in heaven later with our families, okay?”. His words lingered in my mind. I am very grateful to have him as my best friend. I will always wish the best for him. I smiled as I looked at the Al-Qur’an he gave me. I’ll take good care of it and use it to memorize 30 juz fully, Aamiin.