On the evening preceding the grand revelation of our PMR results, I engaged in fervent prayers, imploring the divine mercy of Allah to grant me the desires of my heart. Despite these earnest supplications, my nerves remained entangled in a web of anxiety, a tangible sense of trepidation coursing through me. The spectre of unfulfilled dreams haunted my thoughts, for anything short of perfection seemed forbidding, even terrifying.
As the first light of dawn touched the horizon, I was already afloat on the turbulent sea of anticipation, my heart beating steadily with foreboding. I summoned every bit of preparation, aiming to shape a favourable destiny. I journeyed to the town of Kota, where I met with a group of Asrama friends, each of us cloaked in uncertainty.
We, a contingent of Asrama students, embarked on the journey to Johor Bahru, the anticipation almost palpable in the air. Our collective anxiety grew, and our excitement reached a feverish pitch.
As we neared our destination, my heart raced, each moment quickening my pulse. Anxiety and apprehension threatened to overwhelm me, my face flush with suppressed dread. The impatient desire to reveal my results weighed heavily on me; I longed to escape this seemingly endless suspense.
Upon reaching Larkin Station, bewilderment overcame us. Where were our eagerly awaited PMR results? Were they at our school or within the confines of Asrama? Our confusion deepened as the official announcement informed us that the PMR results would be released on this very day but failed to specify the exact location for Asrama's students. One among us suggested that we should contact Asrama directly to clarify the situation.
Upon getting in touch with Asrama, a startling revelation came to light—the long-awaited PMR results would not be distributed by Asrama until the following day. Surprise washed over me like a deluge, my mind struggling to process the unexpected news. Disappointment loomed as I realized that I would have to endure yet another day of suspense, a prospect laden with frustration.
At this critical moment, the paramount importance of achieving exceptional results weighed heavily on me, as they held the key to unlocking the doors to my carefully crafted dreams and aspirations.
Upon our return to Kota from Johor Bahru, the certainty that tomorrow would bring the answers we sought gave me renewed strength. When we arrived in the middle of the day, camaraderie enveloped our gathering. We exchanged words before heading back to our homes, pledging to reconvene at Asrama the following day. Nevertheless, the journey we had undertaken seemed like a futile expenditure of time.
However, one of our determined friend suspected that Asrama had our results despite official proclamations to the contrary. His suspicion arose from the school's insistence on retaining our examination slips for purported review and evaluation. Resolute, he decided to contact Asrama once again to seek clarification.
The rest of us gathered around him, collectively holding our breath as he engaged in a phone conversation with Asrama. My nerves were rekindled instantly, and the revelation he shared sent shockwaves through me—the PMR results, he declared, were already in the possession of Asrama and could be obtained on the same day!
The day of reckoning had arrived, and we were ready to discover the fruits of three years of toil in junior secondary school. My relief was mixed with frustration, as we were only allowed to collect our results in the afternoon despite our earlier inability to do so.
Nonetheless, the situation had changed. My friend's announcement shattered the veil of uncertainty, and we now possessed the means to unveil our destinies.
As my friend continued his conversation with Asrama, I oscillated between anticipation and apprehension. I stood at the precipice of knowledge, ready to delve into the depths of my PMR results. The inquiry began with him seeking his own outcome, followed by the collective revelation of our fate.
In hushed anticipation, I watched my friend's expression. His voice, tinged with disappointment, delivered the words that would profoundly alter the course of our lives:
"You all got 8A's."
A rush of emotions surged within me, wordless jubilation echoing through my soul. My gratitude to Allah knew no bounds, and a sense of contentment washed over me like a soothing balm. The burden of anxiety was lifted, and tranquillity settled in my heart and emotions.
I extended my congratulations to my comrades, for we had journeyed together, witnessing the realization of our shared dream. The sacrifices and hard work of three years had culminated in this pinnacle of achievement.
Amidst our celebration, a sombre note lingered. Our companion, who had made the call to Asrama, had not achieved the coveted 8A's but still secured an admirable rating. Disappointment etched his face, yet his resilience remained unshaken. He refrained from casting a shadow over our jubilation, and I offered words of solace in an attempt to lift his spirits.
In search of absolute confirmation, I initiated my own inquiry with Asrama. The initial fervor had subsided, replaced by a sense of calm. My intention was to soothe the turmoil within my heart. As the call was answered, Asrama discerned my purpose.
After providing my name, the officer began the search, playfully jesting, "You're finished... You're finished..." I chuckled in response, recognizing the tease as a sign of a positive outcome. He extended his congratulations, confirming my achievement of the coveted 8A's. Gratitude swelled within me for this meaningful blessing.
Without delay, I shared the news with my family, their eagerness palpable. Their unwavering belief in my abilities had given me a profound sense of fulfilment, and my mother's tears upon hearing of my success reflected their joy. Bringing such happiness to my family was a source of deep contentment.
The following day saw our return to Asrama to collect our result slips, as promised. This time, an even larger group of Asrama students from Kota Tinggi accompanied us. During our journey, I gained insights into the overall performance of Asrama students. Serenity and contentment now filled me, a stark contrast to the turbulent emotions of the previous day.
Upon arrival at Asrama, my eagerness to see my result slip adorned with eight letter A's was palpable. As I stood before the notice board displaying the comprehensive results of Asrama's students, my heart swelled with pride. My name, among those who had achieved exceptional results, served as a testament to our collective success. Bel and Min, cherished comrades, also revelled in the glory of 8A's.
To my astonishment, Min, who had seemed to grapple with academic excellence, had reached the pinnacle of achievement. Bel, whose brilliance I had always acknowledged since our early days in Asrama, showcased the fruits of his genius. Furthermore, my dorm mate, Kaido, had joined our ranks of 8A achievers.
It was a remarkable testament to our school, contributing 11 out of 13 male students who achieved 8A's, constituting a third of all Asrama students with this distinction. Moreover, Asrama students made up a quarter of the entire student body in my school who achieved 8A's in all subjects. While I refrained from dwelling excessively on such statistics, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for my role among these exceptional students.
After savouring the joy of my PMR success for a few days, my thoughts shifted to the upcoming chapter of my life. Anxiety coursed through me as I contemplated the uncertainties that lay ahead, wondering if life would continue to favour me.
As my Form 3 days drew to a close, I contemplated the contentment that had filled my life. Every aspiration had borne fruit, every desire had been fulfilled. Yet, amid this elation, a trace of unease remained. Would the forthcoming year be as bright as the one that was ending?
I focused on the prospect of a fresh start, one that didn't involve continuing my stay in Asrama. Three years had proven sufficient to experience its many facets, and I struggled to see the need for two more.
Yet, unresolved inner conflicts lingered, casting a shadow of uncertainty over my attempts at resolution. I hoped that time alone could alleviate these ambiguities, erasing their presence without leaving lasting scars.
My chapter in Asrama was drawing to a close, with a brief return planned for the following year before embarking on a new phase in an unfamiliar territory. I embraced the unknown eagerly, eager to see the path that fate would carve for me.
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