Back in school, I had this one friend whose beauty could make your head spin. Her name was Nadia. Imagine this: every time she walked by, every single pair of eyes—guys and girls alike—would automatically turn to look. I admired her, just like everyone else.
I was a huge fan of hers. Not just because she was pretty, but because Nadia was the kind of person who was really fun to be around. She didn’t pick and choose friends, got along with everyone easily, and whoever talked to her would instantly feel comfortable. I often wondered, “When will I ever get to hang out with her?”
One day, the school held an event. For some reason, we got to go home earlier than usual. While I was getting ready to leave, Nadia and her friend Gina suddenly walked up to me. They asked me to go to the mall with them to buy a birthday present for Nadia’s boyfriend. They said we’d be going back to school afterwards, so I could just leave my motorbike there.
I didn’t think twice—of course I said yes, thrilled at the chance. But there was one small problem: I had this habit of keeping my wallet inside my bike’s seat compartment. Which meant I didn’t bring a single cent with me. I told Nadia, “If we need anything, I’ll just borrow some money from you and pay you back once we’re back at school.” She just chuckled and nodded.
We got to the mall and started walking around. At first, the conversation was smooth and fun. But as time passed, they began chatting more to each other, whispering and giggling. I just smiled along, not understanding what they were talking about. Then suddenly—poof—they disappeared!
I was stunned. My heart started racing, and I began frantically looking for them, going up and down the floors, combing through the parking area—but nothing.
I tried calling Nadia and Gina. Both phones were off. I even went down to the car park, hoping they might be there. But nope—they were gone.
That’s when my chest tightened. Not just because they’d ditched me, but because I had no money to get home. What was I supposed to do? Walk all the way from the mall back to school? That’s insanely far! I felt weak, sitting in a corner trying to hold back tears.
After gathering some courage, I called my close friend, Fajar. With a shaky voice, I told him I’d been left at the mall by Nadia and Gina. At first, he couldn’t stop laughing, but when he realized I was serious, his tone changed. Fajar was the son of a teacher—getting permission to leave school for him was like a miracle. But out of pity, he agreed to pick me up.
Half an hour later, he showed up looking annoyed. The whole ride back, he scolded me while laughing, “You’re such an idiot! Why would you just go along with them like that?” I just grinned, relieved I was finally going home.
From that day on, I hated Nadia and Gina with a passion. Maybe forever. At school, they still acted casual, like nothing had happened. Some of my friends urged me to confront them, but I couldn’t be bothered. What for? I didn’t want to give them the satisfaction of feeling important.
After graduation, I heard Nadia became a flight attendant and eventually settled in the Netherlands with her husband. Gina? No one knew where she ended up.
Then today, out of nowhere, a message appeared in our alumni group: “Innalillahi, Nadia has passed away.” Apparently, she’d been in an accident in the Netherlands. The group was filled with condolences, even though Nadia wasn’t on the member list. I just sat there, silent, unsure of how to react.
I found myself reflecting, thinking back on that day over 20 years ago. By now, you’d think the hurt would’ve faded, right? But it hadn’t. I cried again, not even sure why. Maybe because the wound was still there. Maybe because I’d never truly forgiven her.
And then I realized—some wounds just take longer to heal. Maybe forever. And perhaps this one would remain, a reminder that not everyone is as kind as we think.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
