Jestham and the Donut Boy's Meeting: "I Love My Dad So Much."

Medan City, North Sumatra - (01/08/26) On a bustling roadside, a young boy was seen sitting beside his simple bicycle. In front of him, homemade donuts were neatly arranged, which he sold to passersby. Jestham, who happened to be passing by, was immediately drawn to approach after seeing the young figure, who should have been in his school uniform, instead busy waiting for customers.

"Hello. What are you selling?" Jestham greeted him warmly. "Selling donuts, Miss. They're 2,000 rupiah each," the boy replied succinctly. From there, the conversation began to flow. Jestham asked his age, and the boy answered that he was 16. However, when asked about school, he just gave a faint smile. "Only finished elementary school, Miss. Not in school anymore. No money for it; my father has passed away."

Jestham was silent for a moment. She didn't expect that the boy in front of her was already shouldering such a heavy burden. Especially after learning that the donuts he was selling were his own making, not someone else's consignment. From his polite and humble way of speaking, it was clear that this boy was already accustomed to a hard life despite his young age.

On a whim, Jestham asked, "If there's a blessing, would you be okay with me buying all your donuts?" The boy's eyes immediately lit up. "Sure, Miss." After counting, the total value of his goods was 52,000 rupiah. Jestham then tried to bargain jokingly: "Can I bargain a little? Is it okay if I bid this much?" while signaling a higher amount. The boy was momentarily surprised. "Wow, that's a lot, Miss!" Jestham just smiled and asked him to pack up all the donuts. Without much else said, the boy understood that Jestham wasn't really bargaining but was actually giving more than the asked price. It was an unexpected extra fortune for him.

While waiting for the donuts to be packed, Jestham chatted further. She asked about the difficulties of selling. "The hard part is when there are no buyers, Miss," the boy answered innocently. Jestham also asked about his dreams, but the boy just shook his head. "I don't know anymore, Miss, since I'm not in school anymore," Jestham could only sigh. She then advised him to keep praying diligently and never give up.

One final question from Jestham turned the atmosphere touchingly emotional. "If your father is watching you from heaven, what would you want to say to him?" The boy replied in a soft but clear voice, "If only my father were still alive, I would love him so much." The sentence was simple, but its depth was extraordinary. Jestham could only strengthen her heart and tell him she was sure he would be successful one day.

After all the donuts were packed and the money received, the boy said goodbye with a cheerful face. Jestham waved and reminded him to stay strong. That brief encounter would probably be unforgettable for the donut seller, not because of the money, but because someone stopped, listened to his story, and made him feel seen.

Jestham asked again, "What time do you usually go home?" "Usually around 6," he answered. Jestham then said, "Today you can go home earlier." The boy nodded. Before parting, Jestham advised him, "Always stay strong, okay? Don't be sad. Let's always be diligent in our prayers, okay?" The boy listened intently. Jestham then said goodbye, "Okay, excuse me. Bye-bye." The donut boy waved back with a cheerful face, going home earlier than usual with all his goods sold and extra money in his hand.