The Light at Dusk

In a small, remote village nestled among green mountains and vast fields, lived a young man named Arman. Arman was a simple farmer, but he had a heart as big as the sky. Known throughout the village for his warm smile and caring nature, he was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. Arman had a beloved named Lestari, a gentle and beautiful girl from the same village. They had known each other since childhood, and their love had grown over time, like a tree with roots deep and strong.

But behind their peaceful life, a looming threat was approaching. A long drought had parched the farmlands, making life increasingly difficult. Water had become the most precious resource, and without it, the crops that sustained the villagers' livelihoods could not survive. The village began to feel the weight of despair, as the blue skies showed no signs of rain, only adding to their sorrow.

One day, terrible news arrived in the village. A large mining company planned to start operations in the mountain that was the source of the village's water. The project would divert the river that had been the lifeblood of the community. The villagers gathered in the town hall, desperate to discuss how to save their home.

"We can't let this happen! That river is our life!" shouted one villager passionately. The room was filled with heated debates, but no one knew how to confront a powerful corporation.

In the midst of the turmoil, Arman stood up. "I'll go and speak with them," he said firmly, even though fear gripped his heart. "I'll try to convince them not to take our river."

All eyes turned to him, including Lestari's, who sat in a corner of the room. Lestari knew that Arman's intentions were noble, but she also knew this was a dangerous task. "Arman, you can't do this alone. They won't listen to us; we're just farmers from a small village," she whispered, her voice filled with worry after the meeting ended.

Arman gently took Lestari's hand. "I have to try, Lestari. If we do nothing, the whole village will suffer. I can't just stand by and let that happen. Besides, we've always believed that everyone has the power to make a difference, no matter how small."

With a heavy heart, Lestari finally nodded. She knew there was no stopping Arman once he made up his mind. With the prayers and support of the entire village, Arman set off for the city where the mining company was headquartered. The journey was filled with challenges, but Arman never wavered. He traversed rugged paths, endured hunger and thirst, all for one purpose: to save his village.

When he arrived in the city, Arman quickly sought out the mining company's office. With unwavering determination, he entered the towering, modern building, which was a stark contrast to everything he had ever known in his village. He was met with cold stares from the employees, who couldn't understand why a simple village farmer had the audacity to come to their place. But Arman was undeterred. He requested to meet with the company’s leader, but his request was denied repeatedly. He was treated as nothing more than a minor nuisance, unworthy of attention.

Days passed, but Arman didn’t give up. Every day, he returned to the building, patiently waiting outside the door, hoping to meet someone who would listen to his story. Meanwhile, Lestari, anxiously awaiting news back in the village, grew more worried with each passing day. She spent many nights praying, asking for strength and protection for Arman.

Finally, after nearly a week of waiting, Arman managed to meet with one of the company’s executives. The man in a sharp suit looked down on Arman, but he allowed him to speak. With a voice filled with conviction, Arman explained how crucial the river was for the village's survival. He spoke of the drying fields, the thirsty children, and their last hope resting on that river.

But the executive only laughed coldly. "What do you think you can do? This is a multimillion-dollar project. A small village won't change anything," he said dismissively.

Those words cut through Arman's heart like a knife, but he stood firm. "Money can buy many things, but it can't buy life. It can't buy the future of our children. Please, reconsider. If you have a family, you must understand."

The conversation ended in disappointment. Arman was thrown out of the building, and all his efforts seemed in vain. But Arman knew he couldn’t go home yet. He still had one last chance, a desperate move that carried great risk. One quiet night, Arman returned to the company's building. He had decided to take a final stand: a peaceful protest at the entrance until they agreed to listen to his plea. He prepared a simple banner that read, "We Need Water, Not Mines," and sat down in front of the building's entrance.

The first day passed without anyone noticing. On the second day, a few people began to see Arman, but few cared. On the third day, Arman's body began to weaken from lack of food and sleep, but he remained steadfast. By the fifth day, news of a village farmer staging a peaceful protest began to spread in the local media. Arman's courage began to draw public attention, and support came from various directions.

However, as time went on, Arman’s body grew increasingly frail. In the midst of a heavy downpour, he remained seated, clutching the now-soaked banner. In his heart, Arman thought of Lestari, imagining her smile, and prayed that his actions would not be in vain.

Finally, on the 10th day, an elderly man, who was none other than the owner of the mining company, emerged from the building. Seeing Arman, who was barely conscious, his heart was touched by the young man's perseverance and sacrifice. The old man approached Arman and knelt down before him. "You've done enough, son. You've shown extraordinary bravery. We will reconsider this project," he said gently.

Arman could only manage a faint smile before finally collapsing from exhaustion. He had succeeded, he had done what no one else could. Arman was rescued and treated by medical teams summoned by the old man. When Arman regained consciousness, he found himself in a hospital, with Lestari faithfully by his side.

"Arman, you’ve saved our village. They’re going to stop the project," Lestari said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Arman smiled weakly. "I just did what I could, Lestari. I wanted a better future for all of us."

The story of Arman’s sacrifice spread across the country, and the mining company eventually decided to cancel the project that would have destroyed the village’s water source. Arman returned home as a hero, though his body was still weak and in need of time to recover. The village was saved, and life gradually returned to normal. But in everyone’s hearts, the tale of Arman and his sacrifice would always be remembered as a lesson in courage, love, and selflessness for the greater good.

That evening, as the sun began to set behind the mountains, Arman and Lestari stood by the river that had once been at risk of disappearing. The water flowed gently, bringing new life to their village. "You are truly the light of this village, Arman," Lestari whispered as she embraced him tightly.

Arman gazed at the sky, now painted with the soft hues of dusk, and smiled peacefully. "No, Lestari. The light is within all of us. We just have to believe in it, even when the path is difficult."

- The End -