Anggi lived her life day by day with a feeling of emptiness and regret, feeling she'd made the wrong decision to become an entrepreneur, selling snacks to young people while her school friends worked in clothing and sporting goods stores, and some of them worked in private companies.
Anggi constantly felt that what she was doing now didn't live up to her expectations, and what she and her friends had planned to always be together through thick and thin, including working together.
However, reality doesn't always live up to expectations. That's the reality. Although her job as a trader was relatively easy, it was still a very boring routine for Anggi, especially since she felt inferior because she couldn't help but compare her life to her friends.
"Good evening, Mom. How are you? I hope you're always healthy," Anggi said over the phone.
"Good evening, my daughter. You're fine. How are you, Anggi? How are your sales? Is everything going well?" Anggi mother replied.
"I'm fine, Mom. But, to be honest, I'm not comfortable with the path I've chosen, especially in the working world," Anggi complained.
"Why?" Anggi mother asked curtly.
"I envy my friends who can work in shops and companies. Meanwhile, I'm just a small-time trader like this. My monthly income is nothing compared to my friends' salaries," Anggi explained haltingly.
Anggi mother didn't answer directly. All she could hear was a deep breath, then she said, "I'll visit your stall this afternoon. I'll bring you your favorite dish: grilled mushrooms with tomato sauce."
Long story short, it was midday approaching evening. The sky above the city remained clear, although some vehicle exhaust fumes slightly obscured the view. The city was bustling with traffic, bustling with activity, from shops that were open during the day to tidying up and closing up at closing time. Some street vendors began to return when the traffic light turned green.
From inside her late husband's car, Anggi mother carefully observed Anggi's busy schedule serving customers. A warm, friendly smile spread across Anggi's face as she served them. After Anggi finished and prepared to close the shop, her mother approached and quickly joined her in packing up her merchandise.
After everything was done, the sky began to take on the distinctive color of dusk. From several places of worship, voices could be heard, signaling the imminent arrival of Maghrib prayers.
Before Anggi was taken back to her boarding house, Anggi and her mother sat together on a bench in the city park, enjoying the food her mother had brought: grilled mushrooms and tomato sauce.
As they ate, Anggi mother instructed her to observe the scene across the street. She saw a grocery store worker being scolded by her boss, who was pointing and cursing at her. Then, she was told to observe a fried rice vendor who appeared relaxed, waiting for customers, usually office workers too lazy to cook at home. Anggi was also told to closely observe the sight of another office worker being scolded by his boss, who was throwing paper at him.
"It wasn't without reason that I supported you when you chose to open your own food stall. Because I understand your character very well, Anggi. You can't work under pressure," said Anggi mother.
Anggi didn't say anything, just listened blankly, staring at the office worker being scolded by her boss.
"If you keep comparing your life path to the lives of your friends, who you think are full of comfort, that's a big mistake. Especially if you compare it to your monthly salary. You're wrong, my daughter," said Anggi mother.
"Sorry, I was wrong," Anggi said briefly, wiping away her tears.
"No need to apologize, you're not wrong. You just need to keep learning and live life with enthusiasm without comparing yourself to others. Remember, even big salaries start from small ones," her mother said, stroking Anggi shoulder.
They were both silent for a long time. Anggi expression showed a hint of embarrassment and a sense of being slapped by her mother's words, which Anggi believed to be true. That she just needed to keep learning and live life with enthusiasm without comparing herself to others.
"Read this before bed," her mother said, handing her a folded piece of paper.
"Now I'll take you back to your boarding room. Stay strong," her mother said, wiping away Anggi tears and hugging her.
In a short time, Anggi arrived at her boarding room, while her mother returned home. After Anggi showered and was about to rest in bed, Anggi remembered the note her mother had given her. She picked it up and read it.
To my little daughter, Anggi.
There are children who can't stand growing up, and those who are already adults miss their childhood. There are also those who are unemployed and long for work, while those who are employed are tired of all the pressure and long for their unemployment. There are those who are unmarried and impatient to find a partner, and those who are married regret getting married in the first place.
That's human life, my daughter. Sometimes human life is just a matter of mutual suspicion. You assume what your friends are doing now is good for your life, when in reality, that's not always the case. Office workers regret and envy fried rice sellers, because even though their income isn't that great, their work remains peaceful without constantly putting pressure on their minds and souls. Meanwhile, fried rice sellers sometimes think working in an office and earning a large salary every month is fun.
You are my only daughter. You can definitely live this life. Live what you have chosen. Every path in life has its own obstacles, challenges, and struggles. And one more thing, always be a good person."
That was the content of the small letter from her mother. With tears in her eyes, Anggi kissed the small letter, folded it neatly, and tucked it under her pillow. Anggi smiled faintly and fell asleep.
Finally, Anggi lived her life with enthusiasm. She carried out her sales routine with love. Until finally, months turned into years, thanks to her hard work and the motivation from her mother's letter, Anggi succeeded in opening a branch of her kiosk.