Never Tired

Heavy rain poured down on the city without a break. The cloudy sky covered the atmosphere, and the cold air made anyone want to hide under a thick blanket. However, on the corner of the street near the flyover, an old man named Pak Usman was still busy with his cart. He was a fried food seller, the only source of income for his family.

Pak Usman never tired. Every morning before dawn, he woke up to prepare his wares. With wrinkled hands, he mixed the dough for bakwan, stuffed tofu, and fried bananas. "This is my way of life," he said to himself, while lighting his small stove.

That day, the rain did not stop. Customers who usually bought from him preferred to stay home. However, Pak Usman continued to wait. In between the drizzle, a small boy in a soaking wet school uniform approached him. "Sir, buy two bakwan, okay," the boy said in a low voice. Pak Usman smiled, giving him the still-warm bakwan.

"Just take it, son. You must be hungry," he said while patting the boy's shoulder. The boy hesitated, but finally accepted with a grateful face. He then walked away, leaving Mr. Usman standing alone under the bridge.

Time continued to pass, but Mr. Usman's merchandise had not sold much. However, he persisted, even though the cold pierced his bones. In his mind, he always remembered his wife's message before she died, "Never give up, because sustenance will come to those who are patient."

Towards evening, a young woman stopped in front of his cart. "Mr. Usman, as usual, five stuffed tofu and three fried bananas," she said with a warm smile. The woman was his loyal customer. She often bought fried food for her family.

"Thank you, son. You always save my merchandise," replied Mr. Usman.

The woman just smiled. Before leaving, she gave Mr. Usman more money. "This is for your grandson. I know his schooling costs a lot of money."

Mr. Usman was stunned, his eyes filled with tears. He never asked, but the kindness of the people around him always came at the right time. In his heart, he felt grateful.

That night, even though his merchandise was not sold out, Mr. Usman still went home with an open heart. In his small house, he found his grandson studying under an oil lamp. Seeing his grandson smiling cheerfully, Mr. Usman felt that all his tiredness was never in vain.

“It’s okay, this tiredness is small compared to your happiness,” he murmured softly. Because for Mr. Usman, love and devotion to family are the energy that makes him never tired.