In a small village, there lived a humble man named Bastian. Every day, he worked as a woodcutter, drenched in sweat and the smell of gasoline from his faithful chainsaw. His work was hard, but Bastian never complained.
Years ago, he married Ratna, a young woman who had just graduated from high school. Ratna had big dreams of going to college. Out of love, Bastian saved every bit he could and worked tirelessly to pay for her tuition until she finally graduated. He worked not only to support their household but also to help Ratna’s family — her parents and younger siblings.
After graduating, Ratna decided to take the civil servant entrance exam. Bastian encouraged her every step of the way, staying up late at night to motivate her while she studied. Then, the good news came — Ratna passed. Bastian had never felt such joy, believing that all his sacrifices had finally paid off.
But happiness didn’t last long. Over time, Bastian began to feel a growing distance between them. Ratna became quieter, came home late more often. Eventually, the painful truth surfaced — Ratna was having an affair with a colleague, another civil servant.
That day, in the Religious Court, Bastian stood before the judge. His voice trembled, his eyes glistened with tears.
“My wife doesn’t love me anymore, Sir,” he said softly. “I’m just a woodcutter. My body smells of sweat every day. But she… she’s a civil servant, wearing such a fine uniform.”
The courtroom fell silent. Some lowered their heads, holding back tears. Everyone there knew that it wasn’t just a marriage ending that day — it was also the breaking of a man’s heart, a man who had given everything for the woman he loved.
Outside the courtroom, Bastian walked away… carrying his broken heart, yet standing tall, knowing that although his love had been betrayed, his sacrifices were pure and would never be in vain.
Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash
