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The morning was steeped in a heavy, ethereal silence.
The sun had yet to pierce the horizon, leaving the world cloaked in shadows.
On the wall, the clock ticked rhythmically—5:35 AM. The only sounds breaking the stillness were the muffled thud of footsteps and the rhythmic clink-clink of utensils against ceramic.
In the kitchen, Tanah moved with practiced grace, helping his mother set the table for Suhoor.
Every plate laid down felt like a silent prayer. Meanwhile, upstairs, the peace was being vigorously challenged as Petir and Amato attempted to rouse the remaining brothers.
It was a battle of wills.
Petir stood in the hallway, his patience fraying like a worn cable. For the umpteenth time, he had to intervene between Angin and Api, whose loud bickering threatened to shatter the morning calm and wake the two youngest.
"You two, shut up," Petir hissed, his voice a low crackle of electricity. "Before I send someone flying into that wall."
Angin merely grinned, leaning back casually. "Oh, come on, Pet-Pet! Kami hanya berseronok~!"
"HEY! FOCUS LAH!" Api added, his energy already peaking despite the hour.
Before Angin could dive back into their game, Petir’s hands shot out. He seized them both by their collars, dragging them toward the bathroom with effortless, terrifying force. He leveled a sharp, piercing glare at them.
"You have five minutes. Do you hear me?" his tone was like a blade. "Ablutions, clothes, and downstairs. Immediately."
The two brothers nearly choked on their own breath, nodding frantically. They scrambled into the bathroom without a second thought. As Petir turned to leave, a small, triumphant smile crept onto his face.
"Huff... unbelievable," he muttered, pride swelling in his chest.
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In another room, Amato sat perched on the edge of Air’s bed. He shook his son’s shoulder gently. "Son... bangun... you don't want to be late for your first day of fasting, kan?"
No movement.
Amato shook him harder, but the only response was an annoyed hum as Air clutched his whale plushie tighter, burying his face in the pillow. Amato sighed, rolling his eyes in disbelief. It was time for Plan B.
He leaned down, whispering a secret directly into his son's ear.
The effect was instantaneous. Air bolted upright, staring at his father with a knowing smirk. He extended his pinky finger. "You pinky promise?"
Amato laughed heartily, linking his pinky with his son’s. "I promise... tapi jangan beritahu Umi awak, ok?"
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Soon, the family gathered. Mara and Tanah had transformed the table into a feast of colors and scents: golden curry puffs, neatly wrapped onigiris, leftover muffins Angin had baked, sweet dates, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate.
"Bismillah," they voiced in a soft, unified chorus.
A tranquil silence fell over the room—not a heavy silence, but a calm, easing one. Everyone focused on their meal, savoring the last bites before the fast began.
Until... patter-patter-patter.
Rapid footsteps echoed from upstairs. Amato and Mara exchanged confused glances.
"Everyone is here except for the two youngest," Amato noted.
"You don't think he—" Mara started.
Slam! A door closed upstairs, followed by a blur of motion descending the steps.
"Selamat pagi semua!"
They all turned to the figure in the doorway. It was Cahaya. He was dressed in a striking Baju Melayu that practically screamed his name—a sharp combination of grey, gold, and white. His eyes danced with excitement.
"H-Haya?" Tanah was the first to find his voice.
Cahaya beamed at the nickname.
"Haya! I thought you were asleep?" Mara asked, concerned. "Did we wake you?"
"NO WAY DID WE WAKE HIM!" Api interjected loudly. "WE WERE SUPER SILENT! PETIR MADE SURE OF THAT, MA!"
Amato shot Api a look that silenced him instantly.
Cahaya shook his head, smiling. "Api’s right. I actually set my own alarm in case no one woke me up!"
Api rolled his eyes. "Of course you did."
"Do you... want to fast too?" Tanah asked tentatively.
Cahaya nodded vigorously, navigating his way toward his parents at the head of the table.
"Ayah~, Umi~, can I? Pleeaseeee~!" He turned on the full force of his puppy-dog eyes.
Petir, Angin, and Tanah exchanged knowing looks.
‘You think they’re gonna let him?’ Petir’s voice echoed in their minds.
‘Tidak pasti... but how can they say no to those eyes lah~?’ Angin replied.
‘Umi is just worried about him... but I think she’ll give him a chance if we back him up,’ Tanah concluded.
The telepathic conversation happened in a flash of stares. Mara sighed softly, looking at Amato for support, but he pointedly looked away. He knew better than to get between Mara and the youngest when those puppy-dog eyes were involved.
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With a bit of help from Tanah and Air, Cahaya won the debate. He giggled, taking his seat beside Petir.
"By the way, thanks Air and Mama-Tah! Hehe~"
Tanah rolled his eyes at the nickname, but the tension broke as everyone returned to their food.
Without a word, Petir grabbed a muffin and placed it on Cahaya’s plate.
"Here. Eat well so you won't get hungry by midday," Petir said gruffly.
Cahaya blinked, staring at him as if he’d grown a second head.
"Ooouuhhh~," Angin teased, leaning in. "Look who’s being the caring mother nowww~!"
Laughter erupted around the table as a faint crimson hue dusted Petir’s cheeks. "Tunggu sahaja, Angin!" he threatened, though his heart wasn't in it.
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After Suhoor, the brothers followed their father to the nearby masjid for Fajr prayer. By the time they returned, it was 6:50 AM.
The house shifted into its morning rhythm. Petir and Air sat together to revise the Quran. Angin and Api immediately retreated back to their beds. Tanah, ever the dutiful son, began cleaning the kitchen—a silent surprise for his mother, seeking the reward of Bir al-Walidayn.
Cahaya, however, headed for the library. He wanted to read, but for once, he bypassed the physics and science journals. He wanted something that felt like the month they were in.
As he scanned the shelves, a book was suddenly thrust into his line of sight. He looked up.
"Ayah?"
Amato smiled, patting his son's head. "You might like this."
Cahaya took the volume, reading the title aloud: "The Great Heroes of the Past."
"It’s about the Sahaba," Amato explained. "Great heroes from the time of the Prophet (PBUH). You can learn about our history in a way you'll actually enjoy." He winked and waved as he headed off to check on the others.
"Doesn't hurt to try, I guess!" Cahaya shrugged.
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Since Ramadan started on a weekend, there was no school to distract them. Cahaya was the first one back up at 9:00 AM. Despite the others insisting he sleep to conserve energy, he dismissed the idea as "nonsense."
He curled up on his favorite couch in the far corner of the library, diving into the book his father had given him. He was enthralled. He loved science, but this was different. This was a world of prophets, heavenly messages, angels, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. It felt like a fantasy epic—yet it was real.
He found it difficult to believe at first … but eventually put his faith in god as he knows he is capable of doing anything
Whether it seemed possible or impossible!
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At 11:00 AM, a noise from the kitchen broke his concentration.
"I wonder who that is?"
He marked his page and walked into the dining room, only to find Daun happily munching on breakfast.
"Morning, Daun!"
Daun looked up with a bright smile. "Morning, Haya! I hope you slept well! Come and eat breaky!!"
Cahaya walked toward the table, but suddenly stopped in his tracks. Daun noticed the hesitation immediately.
“Is something the matter?” Daun asked, his head tilting in confusion
Cahaya chuckled, a determined smile spreading across his face. “I just remembered... I’m fasting today! Hehe~”
Daun froze.
Time seemed to stop for a heartbeat before he yelled, his eyes widening in shock. “YOU’RE WHAT?! Did Umi actually let you?!”
Cahaya nodded proudly.
“Then why didn’t you wake me up too?”
Daun’s voice dropped, laced with hurt.
Guilt pooled in Cahaya’s chest. He knew how much his brother wanted this.
For months, they had plotted to be the first in the family to fast before turning ten—especially since Api and Air were only just starting their first year now that they’d hit a decade.
But the research was clear.
Because of Daun’s chronic illness and fragile immune system, fasting was a danger he couldn't afford. Not until he recovered—if recovery was even possible.
“Maaf, Daun,” Cahaya whispered, his voice softening. “But you know it’s dangerous for you. I don’t want you to get any sicker.”
Daun huffed, turning his gaze back to his untouched meal. “No fair lah...”
Cahaya went silent.
He was the genius, the logical one, but he wasn't built for comfort—not even for his closest brother.
“Don’t say that, Da...” a gentle voice drifted from the kitchen doorway.
Both boys looked up.
“Tanaaaaaahhhhh!” Daun scrambled from his seat, racing toward the eldest brother.
Tanah opened his arms wide, bracing for the impact he knew was coming.
He pulled Daun into a warm embrace, playfully rustling his hair.
Then, a small sob broke the silence.
Tanah pulled back, his expression shifting to concern as he saw Daun trembling, trying desperately to muffle his cries.
“Daun? Why are you crying all of a sudden?!”
“I—I just wish I was like you guys,” Daun sobbed, his voice breaking. “Having a weak body really sucks.”
Tanah gently caressed Daun’s cheek, wiping away a stray tear.
“I know, I know... but we can’t change the way things are right now. If you want to heal, you have to pray hard for god to heal you , Do your exercises, take your meds on time, eat well... and maybe stop sneaking snacks.”
Tanah gave a knowing smirk. “Did you really think Mom and I wouldn't find your hiding spot while we were cleaning the bedroom?”
Laughter finally echoed through the room, and the heavy cloud over Daun’s head began to lift.
“What’s so funny? Make us laugh too!”
Daun broke away from Tanah and ran to hug his next two brothers.
“Petir! Angin!”
Angin squeezed him back instantly, while Petir offered a rare, gentle pat on the youngest’s head.
“I overheard you guys coming down,” Petir said calmly. “You should remember... if you are patient and face your illness with peace instead of grief, Allah will reward you. Your struggles turn into Hasanat. In the end, it’s a blessing.”
Cahaya adjusted his glasses, smiling.
“Then you have almost nothing to lose, Da! Kan lah?”
Daun beamed, wiping the last of the moisture from his eyes. “Terima kasih, semua! You guys are the best!”
Angin wrapped an arm around Daun’s shoulder, winking down at him.
“Come with me! I’ll teach you a secret Ayah once taught me.”
The two vanished toward the garden, leaving the others behind.
“I wonder what he’s planning now,” Petir muttered, crossing his arms.
Tanah sighed, though a smile played on his lips. “Let’s just hope he’s not going to kill us all with a 'secret recipe' or something.”
Once again, the house was filled with the sound of laughter.
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The brothers headed to the masjid to perform their Dhuhr prayer as soon as the Adhan echoed through the air.
When the prayer finished, the group began to file out immediately.
As they walked, Cahaya glanced around and realized one of his brothers was missing.
He reached out and grabbed Tanah’s arm.
“Mana Petir?” Cahaya asked.
Tanah turned back and offered a small smile. “Oh! Petir said he wanted to stay behind for a while. Kenapa?”
“Oh!” Cahaya’s eyes lit up. “I... I think I’ll stay with him!”
Tanah raised an eyebrow but nodded.
“Fine, but be careful. Don’t leave his side, and no speaking to creepy strangers outside... faham?”
Cahaya rolled his eyes, a playful smirk on his face. “Tanaaaaaah.”
“I’m just worried, Haya,” Tanah chuckled, waving a hand as he walked away.
“Anyway, don’t come home too late or Umi might freak out. Assalamualaikum.”
“Waalaikumussalam!” Cahaya called back.
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Cahaya stepped back into the cool, quiet interior of the masjid.
After a bit of searching, he finally spotted Petir in a secluded corner.
He was sitting alone, cradling his Mushaf in his hands, reciting the Quran in a peaceful, low voice.
Cahaya approached quietly and sat down beside him.
Feeling the presence of someone else, Petir finished his verse and raised his head.
“Haya?”
The younger brother simply smiled and rested his head on Petir’s shoulder.
Petir flinched—the sudden affection catching him off guard—but he eventually relaxed, leaning his head against Cahaya’s.
“Can you read a little louder?” Cahaya whispered. “I like listening to you read.”
Petir felt his face heat up at the compliment.
He let out a soft sigh to hide his bashfulness and did as he was told.
Cahaya closed his eyes, soaking in the moment: his brother’s warmth, the rhythmic beauty of his voice, and the tranquil air of the masjid. Everything felt perfect.
Without realizing it, he drifted off into a deep sleep.
Petir felt the weight on his shoulder grow heavy.
Realizing Haya had fallen asleep, he slowly closed his Mushaf and set it aside.
He glanced at his brother, noticing the faint smile on the younger boy's face.
He shook his head, a genuine smile tugging at his lips.
Cute, he thought, though he’d never admit that out loud.
Gently, he hoisted Cahaya onto his back and began the walk home.
“Have a good rest, Haya,” he murmured.
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Cahaya woke up in his bed feeling a bit... dizzy?
He struggled to remember how he’d gotten there.
All he remembered was the masjid and Petir’s voice.
He was about to sit up when the door swung open.
“Api? Air?”
Air smiled softly. “You’re awake! How are you feel—”
“ENOUGH WITH THE SWEET TALK!” Api interrupted, looking like he was one second away from a total meltdown.
“HAND OVER THE MONEY, BRAT!”
Cahaya stared at Api in shock.
Beside him, Air let out a long, defeated sigh.
“W-wait! What money?” Cahaya stammered.
“DON’T ACT INNOCENT!” Api yelled, though his anger was tinged with a hint of disappointment.
“I know you’re the one who took the money Air and I have been collecting for months!”
Cahaya felt a flash of frustration.
“I really don’t know what you’re talking about, Api. You know I’d never steal from anyone!”
Api opened his mouth to shout again, but Air stepped between them.
“Cukup lah! You heard him, Api. He knows stealing is wrong, and so do the others. Stop accusing everyone you see.”
Api huffed, crossing his arms.
Api “ but- “
“No buts,” Air insisted firmly. “Apologize to Haya, Api!”
Api turned away, his face turning red.
As he reached the door, he blurted out a quick, “Aku minta maaf lah!” before sprinting out of the room, clearly hating the taste of the apology.
Cahaya looked at Air, confused. “What’s wrong with him?”
“He’s just upset because he couldn't find the money we’ve been saving for Sadaqah,” Air explained. “We’ve been working so hard for it.”
“Oh... but where was it the last time you saw it?”
“Api was hiding it under his bed before Mom cleaned the room,” Air said. “But this morning, it was gone!”
The two brothers froze.
They exchanged a look of sudden realization before racing toward the kitchen in a panic.
“MOMMMM?!”
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Mara pulled a small wooden box from her desk drawer, her expression softened with guilt. She handed it to Api and Air, while Cahaya watched them with sharp, curious eyes.
“I’m truly sorry, honey,” Mara sighed, her voice laced with sincerity. “I happened to see the money while I was cleaning your bedroom. I decided to put it somewhere safe until you returned from soccer practice with your brothers… but it completely slipped my mind.”
Api didn't say a word. He flipped the lid open immediately, his fingers flying as he and Air counted the notes and coins.
After a tense moment, Api’s face lit up with a satisfied grin.
“200… 250… 255… 260 RM!” Api cheered.
Air let out a breath of relief, leaning back. “Great! Not a single cent is missing. Thanks, Umi!”
Cahaya edged closer, his analytical mind already spinning. “Who are you guys planning to give all that money to?”
Air smiled warmly at the question.
“Ayah told us about a charity gathering funds for the people in Gaza. That’s where this is going, Insha Allah!”
Cahaya gasped, his eyes widening in shock. Without a second thought, he lunged forward, grabbing Air’s arm and shaking it with desperate excitement.
“I want to give something too! Please, let me help!”
Api and Air exchanged a quick look, their smiles widening in unison.
“Sure!” Api exclaimed. “We’d never say no to more help!”
Cahaya beamed, his heart racing with excitement—until a sudden, crushing realization hit him.
His shoulders slumped, and a frown creased his forehead.
“Tapi… I don’t have any money left,” Cahaya muttered dejectedly. “I used the last of my savings to buy supplies for my science project.”
Mara, who had been watching her sons with pride, stepped back into the conversation. “Well, you know… money isn’t the only thing you can give away.”
The three boys turned to their mother, startled as if realizing for the first time she had been standing there all along.
“Oh yeah?” Cahaya asked, his hope rekindled.
Mara smiled gently. “You can give anything that would be of use to someone else. Think about it: food, clothes, books, bags, toys… there is so much more you can offer.”
“Ooh! Okay then!” Cahaya’s energy returned instantly. “I’ll go gather everything I don’t need anymore!”
Without a second to waste, he bolted toward their shared bedroom.
He began rummaging through his belongings, determined to find items that could make a difference.
By the time he was finished, a significant pile sat in the middle of the floor: a few beginner science books, old clothes that no longer fit, and a collection of toys he hadn't touched in ages.
He gathered it all up in his arms and marched back to the twins.
“We’ll take it from here,” Api said with a confident grin, taking the items. “Thanks for the help, Cahaya!”
The twins picked up the box of money and the bundle of donations. They headed out the front door, leaving Cahaya standing at the threshold, his chest swelling with a newfound sense of pride.
As the door clicked shut, Cahaya stood in the quiet hallway, a spark of determination in his eyes.
He spoke to the empty room, his voice filled with purpose:
“What should I do next?”
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End of chapter