Ikhlaas

My eyes finally caught his face, my ex-staff face that is, and I could see a mixture of tiredness, sadness and desperation. I remembered that he had asked for my help financially the week before because he plans to move to his new house and he needed to build the kitchen ASAP. My guess about his lousy facial expression was that he's been thinking about how on earth he could get the money after my refusal.

"What's up? You look so tired. Are you OK?" I asked slamming my butt on the chair next to him.
"I'm OK, miss."
"I see. Many things to do before finally moving out,eh?"
He forced a smile in the corners of his lips.
"I've lost a motorcycle, miss."
"Come again?!!!"
"Yes, it's my wife's motorcycle. On the way home, two men stopped her and asked for an address. When she finally came around, she's at home already but no motorcycle there."
"You mean she's been hypnotized?"
"Yes." He looked away. And then his eyes returned to meet mine. "It's fate, miss. My wife wanted to report to the police but I said it wouldn't be no use. I told her to let go."
Up to this point, my heart sank so deeply. He needs some money for building his house and yet here comes the challenge this man and his family's intention to move out of the in-law house.
"So, what's your plan? Are you going to move out? Soon?"
"Certainly, miss. My children have thought about moving out, making new friends and trying out the playground. They can't wait. The schools are ready to accept them, too."
"So, this time it's the parents' sacrifice, eh?" I smiled.
He smiled, too."Indeed, miss. Indeed." And his face began to glow again as if what had happened didn't matter as long as his children are happy.

Gosh. This concept of 'ikhlaas' is not easy to hear, to digest, let alone to apply. Though we know it, learn that it's good as a remedy to any loss or pain, it still is hard to swallow. I dunno how many times I have thought about the plastic bag which was thrown away with its content that I thought (oh yes, I thought) was invaluable. My so-called sad story is nothing compared to his. And He makes sure that I remember to be 'ikhlaas'. Life is indeed my teacher.