Bima's knee, which had endured the challenging journey of rehabilitation, has begun to heal after two months of intensive physical therapy, yet even as he feels the gradual return of strength, the scar left by the injury serves as a persistent reminder of his vulnerability, compelling him to approach every run with a heightened sense of caution and mindfulness. On that particularly bright and invigorating morning, where sunlight poured through the windows of his small apartment—adorned with vibrant posters showcasing intricate soccer tactics and detailed diagrams of bridge structures—Bima found himself sitting pensively at his desk, where two pivotal envelopes were laid before him. One envelope, unmistakably from his university, boldly proclaimed in large celebratory letters, "CONGRATULATIONS - MASTER'S DEGREE AWARDED," a statement that spoke volumes to the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The other, marked with the logo of a German second division club, from a soccer agent, hinted at a potentially life-altering opportunity. As the fresh spring air flowed gently through the open window, stirring the delicate pages of his papers, Bima's mind was anything but calm, swirling with thoughts and emotions that churned vigorously within him like a tempest.
With a rush of mixed emotions, he decided to open the envelope from the university first, and as his eyes scanned the contents, a smile widened across his face—a profound sense of achievement washed over him as he absorbed the news of his official master's degree in Civil Engineering. "A master's degree in Civil Engineering, Mom must be crying with joy," he muttered to himself, the thought prompting him to instantly video call his beloved mother, eager to share the moment with the one who had supported him through thick and thin.
"Hello, son! How are your knees holding up?" his mother's warm and nurturing voice flowed through the connection, a balm to his stretching nerves.
"Mom, I graduated! I finally received my official master's degree. Look!" Bima proudly held up the certificate in front of the camera, the paper shimmering slightly in the light.
Over the miles that separated them, his mother clapped her hands in sheer joy, her eyes brimming with tears of happiness that reflected her pride. "Alhamdulillah! I am so proud of you, son. Why don't you consider coming back to Indonesia? There are plenty of opportunities to work at a state-owned construction company, or perhaps you want to think about pursuing your doctoral studies instead?"
Bima hesitated for a brief moment, his gaze momentarily fixated on the second envelope that contained the soccer contract opportunity. "Mom... I've received an offer from the German second division team. It's a one-year contract, and the compensation is quite appealing. This could allow me to play professionally while I contemplate continuing with my doctorate later."
His mother's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of concern. "Bima, you're already 23 years old. Soccer demands a significant amount of physical strength and commitment. Your injury yesterday truly worried me. Perhaps it would be wiser to choose a safer path. Becoming a civil engineering professor holds prestige and could pave the way for a more secure future."
"Mom, you know my heart has always been with soccer, right? This is an incredible chance to play professionally in Europe. I believe I can prove myself," Bima explained gently but with a serious undertone, the passion evident in his voice.
Mom sighed deeply, the weight of her worries palpable even through the screen. "Think carefully about your decision, son. I will always stand by your choice, but ensure that you won't look back with regret later. Why not come home first for a month? Reconnect with the family who misses you dearly."
"Alright, Ma'am. I promise to think about it seriously," Bima replied, the commitment to his mother gently easing his internal conflict.
After concluding the video call, Bima immediately reached out to Marco, a close friend who had an agent supporting his aspirations within the soccer realm. "Mar, how's the situation with the Bochum II contract? I just graduated with a master's degree, and my knee feels a little better now."
Marco's voice crackled with enthusiasm over the phone. "Bim! The contract is ready for you to sign. There's a significant opportunity for you to potentially be a starting player, with €3,000 a month plus decent bonuses. Summer is right around the corner! But are you sure about this? Pursuing a career as a civil engineering professor might offer more stability in the long run."
"I'm truly torn, Mar. My heart is deeply inclined towards soccer, but my mind weighs heavily on the idea of immersing myself in academics. At 23, the pressure is becoming palpable—if I stumble in my professional career, it could be too late to secure my doctorate," Bima confided, the conflict within him surfacing as he sought guidance from his friend.
Marco's voice was reassuring. "You're unique, Bim. You possess two extraordinary passions. Take two weeks to reflect on your decision. Bochum will patiently await your answer."
As the bright afternoon sun streamed through the stadium gates, Bima made his way for light training. Donovan, his coach, greeted him warmly, "How's the knee feeling? There's a friendly match scheduled for tomorrow against a second division team, and the Bochum scout is slated to attend."
"Ready to go, Coach! Am I in the starting lineup?" Bima responded, enthusiasm bubbling within him.
Donovan patted his shoulder with confidence as he replied, "Absolutely. Show them that you deserve a professional contract. However, remember to play as a team and avoid being selfish on the field."
The scrimmage practice was a whirlwind of energy. Bima excelled, scoring two goals and providing one assist, igniting the cheers of his teammates and the onlooking Marco, who clapped his hands enthusiastically. "You're on fire, Bim! Bochum is sure to take notice of your talent."
But during the final moments of the scrimmage, Bima found himself faltering—not from a physical setback, but rather as he reflected on his mother's sage advice. "I must make my choice wisely," he thought to himself.
That night, filled with swirling thoughts, Bima connected with his best friends, Aiden and Clara, through a lively group chat.
Bima: "I officially graduated with a master's degree! But now Bochum II is offering me a professional contract. At 23 years old, I feel the pressure—should I chase the doctorate or dive into soccer?"
Clara replied excitedly, "Wow, congratulations on your graduation! I'm in the running for a doctoral scholarship to the Netherlands. Choose whatever brings you that inner sense of calm, Bim."
Aiden chimed in with his own news, "Congrats, bro! I just signed a contract with AI Germany. My advice is to pursue soccer; even though I had aspirations to become a playmaker, my focus is now on AI. Follow your passion."
Bima, intrigued, responded, "So you wanted to be a playmaker? Spill the details, because yesterday you only hinted at it!"
Aiden replied with a playful tone, "It's a secret for now, but you need to figure out your stance on the Bochum contract. Whatever you decide, you have my full support."
Bima gazed thoughtfully at the Bochum envelope, his heart pounding wildly. Tomorrow marks the friendly match—could this moment be the pinnacle or the conclusion of his journey? The competing visions of returning to Indonesia or stepping into the role of a professional athlete in Europe clashed within him, and at 23, the enormity of the decision felt all-consuming, demanding careful deliberation.
As he drifted into a restless sleep, his dreams were filled with vivid images of a lush, green soccer field melded with towering constructions and architectural blueprints. The next morning, the friendly match commenced with palpable excitement. The Bochum scout was present in the stands to observe his performance, and Bima took to the field as the main starter. He played with unwavering heart and determination, ultimately scoring a hat trick that evoked roaring cheers from the audience surrounding him.
Donovan's proud voice cut through the noise, "You're ready to step into the professional realm, Bim!"
After the match concluded, the Bochum scout approached him directly, asking, "Are you ready to sign the contract tomorrow?"
Bima looked out at the nearly empty stands, memories of his mother's advice and the support from Aiden and Clara weighing heavily on his soul. "I sincerely appreciate this opportunity; I will think it over," Bima replied politely but firmly.
After the match, Bima made the decision to buy a ticket back to Indonesia. "I will return home first, weigh my options carefully, and reunite with my loved ones to solidify my fate."
On the flight back, Bima sat in deep contemplation, reflecting on the challenging choice that lay ahead: to chase his dreams as a professional athlete in Europe or to embrace a stable, secure career as a civil engineer back home in Indonesia. At only 23, the divergence of his paths presented a vast expanse of possibilities, and he felt a mix of anxiety and hope intertwining within him, each choice beckoning him toward a different future.
***
As the heavy rain poured down in relentless sheets over Jakarta that afternoon, the familiar chaos of the capital city's roads transformed into a tableau of traffic jams, adding layers of intensity to the usual urban hustle and bustle. This downpour created a rare, intimate atmosphere, enveloping Clara's modest apartment in a cocoon of comfort and contemplation. Clara found herself seated quietly on the small balcony, her gaze transfixed by the somber gray and gloomy sky overhead, grasping tightly the official scholarship acceptance letter that had arrived from a prestigious university in the Netherlands, heralding her acceptance into a coveted doctoral program focused on Trauma Psychology and Community Resilience. Despite possessing a master's degree already and having earned high praise in her prior academic endeavors—her thesis proposal recognized for its outstanding quality—an unsettling turmoil brewed within her heart. The thought of leaving her cherished Indonesia, with its vibrant culture, her loving family, and the treasured friends who had become her second family, weighed heavily on her mind. At just 24 years of age, Clara found herself standing at a significant crossroads in her life, a moment where her grand aspirations of reaching out into the world collided with the deep-seated roots she had established in her local environment.
Just as her thoughts began to spiral, the melodic ring of her phone cut through the contemplation—a video call from her friend, Bima, brightening her somber ambiance. His enthusiastic face appeared on the screen, set against the lively backdrop of the airport, teeming with travelers. "Clar! I'm at the airport, landing in Jakarta tomorrow. I've officially graduated with my master's degree, but Bochum II is still waiting for a contract response. How's your scholarship?" Bima's voice conveyed both joy and a hint of uncertainty.
With a radiant smile illuminating her face, Clara held up her scholarship letter to the camera, her heart swelling with pride and excitement. "Look at this! A full scholarship to the Netherlands from LPDP! I'm scheduled to fly there next year. But... I'm feeling torn, Bim. Leaving all this behind is a huge decision."
Sharing her enthusiasm, Bima delivered an excited virtual high five. "That's incredible! You absolutely deserve it, Clar! I'm also wrestling with a dilemma—do I dive back into pursuing professional soccer, or do I embark on a doctoral journey here? Let's set aside some time to meet up tomorrow and talk through all our options."
"Deal! I'll put Aiden on the call, too," Clara replied, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within her.
Once the call ended and Bima's face faded from her screen, Clara retreated into her apartment, her mind racing. She opened her laptop and found herself greeted by an email from her esteemed thesis advisor, Prof. Dr. Lina. The message overflowed with encouragement and constructive guidance: "Clara, your doctoral proposal is exceptionally unique—an innovative integration of community-based trauma intervention coupled with AI screening methodologies. The Netherlands is undoubtedly the right locale for further development, but be prepared for cultural adaptation challenges. Don't forget about the farewell seminar scheduled for tomorrow at the campus."
Filled with determination and a hint of apprehension, Clara dashed off a quick reply: "Thank you, ma'am. I feel ready for this new chapter, but I must admit, my heart is still in a state of turmoil."
That afternoon, at the private psychology clinic she was deeply involved in managing, Clara facilitated a group session aimed at helping natural disaster survivors process their experiences. Eight participants sat together in a circle—each face a testament to resilience, unfolding their stories of trauma brought on by devastating flash floods that had dramatically altered their lives.
Siti, a mother whose heartache was palpable, spoke softly, her voice trembling with emotion. "Sis Clara, every time it rains, I feel my heart race. My child was missing for half an hour during the flood, and even though I try to maintain a brave front for others, I find myself overwhelmed with tears every night, alone in the dark."
Offering a compassionate nod, Clara responded empathetically, "Mrs. Siti, your tears are a reflection of your profound resilience. Trauma does not simply vanish; it's a process, and even amidst the pain, you are demonstrating strength. Who else among us has faced a similar challenge?"
As the group continued to share their stories, Clara skillfully facilitated the session, weaving in breathing exercises and prompting the use of gratitude journals, hoping to equip participants with tools for recovery. Yet, amid this act of healing, a realization washed over Clara, filling her heart with poignancy: she was there, imparting wisdom on how to overcome trauma, yet she found herself grappling with her own depths of uncertainty regarding the prospect of relocating to another country.
Once the session concluded, Clara's colleague, Dr. Maya, approached her with warmth and concern. "Clara, it's certain that tomorrow's farewell seminar will be a significant occasion, with students and patients eager to celebrate your achievements. But are you genuinely sure about your decision to venture to the Netherlands? Indonesia truly needs dedicated psychologists like yourself."
Clara inhaled deeply, processing the weight of Maya's words. "Doc, I aspire to engage in research that makes a meaningful impact on an international scale, fostering global collaboration. But honestly... the thought of leaving this place behind is profoundly challenging. My family, my friends, Bima, Aiden—all of you have been my cornerstones."
Maya enveloped Clara in a supportive embrace, offering comfort and encouragement. "Trust your heart, Clara. Your capabilities have been clearly demonstrated here. Moving to the Netherlands represents an exciting new phase in your journey."
As night quietly settled in, the farewell seminar in the faculty hall buzzed with energy, filled with eager faces celebrating Clara's numerous accomplishments. Standing confidently on the podium, she shared her journey—a visual display of her achievements ranging from her ground-breaking thesis on community service trauma and numerous international journal publications to the management of the volunteer clinic that had become a beacon of hope for so many.
"My doctoral research will concentrate on AI-based interventions aimed at the early detection of PTSD within vulnerable communities. The Netherlands offers unparalleled access to cutting-edge technology and critical collaborative networks throughout Europe," she spoke earnestly, flooding the room with inspiration.
The question and answer session erupted with lively discourse. One student posed a question steeped in curiosity, "Sis, aren't you anxious about adapting to the culture there?"
Clara, expressing her honest feelings, replied, "Absolutely, I am fearful of the adjustment process. However, my experiences with community service in the villages have taught me invaluable lessons on adapting to diverse environments. While this is undoubtedly a leap into the unknown, I am preparing carefully."
Thunderous applause enveloped her as the event drew to a close. Prof. Lina approached Clara, presenting her with a plaque that commemorated her title: "Indonesian Trauma Psychology Princess."
Later, as she dialed her parents' number, Clara's heart raced. "Mom, Dad, I received the scholarship! I'm heading to the Netherlands next year!"
Her father's voice resonated with pride. "Outstanding work, dear! Make our family proud."
Her mother, however, punctuated the moment with concern. "That's quite a distance away. Take good care of yourself while you're alone. When will you return home?"
"I promise, every semester, Mom. I'll make it back," Clara assured her, hoping to ease her mother's worries.
Once the call concluded, Clara returned to her balcony, her fingers flying across her phone screen to stay connected with her friends through a group chat. "Today's seminar was lively and a resounding success! Tomorrow marks the reunion, everyone. Bim is arriving—Aiden, will you be able to join us as well?"
Bima's message pinged back almost immediately: "I'll be landing in the morning. I'm ready to spill all the details about my imminent choice between Bochum and pursuing a doctoral program."
Aiden responded with playful intrigue, "I'll join the conversation via call. My AI project has taken an exciting turn with a new team onboard. But don't worry, my secret playmaker is still under wraps, haha."
Clara chuckled at their banter. Yet, once the laughter subsided and solitude enveloped her, she opened her personal journal, where her thoughts poured forth: "The summit of my scholarship journey has been reached, yet at the same moment, I stand atop the precipice of separation. The Netherlands represents a significant dream, yet Indonesia is the only home I've ever truly known. I am ready to soar high, even as I am entangled in a heavy web of longing and nostalgia."
As the rain began to taper off, the stars began to punctuate the night sky with glimmers of hope and intrigue. Clara gazed skyward, her heart filled with twin emotions of hope and uncertainty: "Will tomorrow's reunion illuminate the path toward my decision? Should I embrace the challenge of adaptation abroad, or remain within the comforts of familiarity?"
Amidst Clara's life lingered an air of mystery surrounding the impending reunion of three friends, each harboring secrets. Would Aiden's closely guarded secret finally see the light of day? Would Bima ultimately choose to chase his soccer dreams or remain committed to academia? And most crucially, would Clara take the leap into a new life in the Netherlands, or would she choose to remain firmly rooted within the soil of Indonesia, where her heart resided?
***
The light emanating from the research lab monitor gently spread across Aiden's glasses, creating reflections of constantly moving Python code, like an endless digital dance. On the wall, the clock showed that it was 2:17 a.m. in Germany, but Aiden remained faithfully seated in his ergonomic chair, focused on refining the federated learning algorithm for the ethical AI project that had just been agreed upon in his project contract. The model Aiden developed—specifically for mental health predictions based on wearable devices with additional blockchain encryption security—achieved 95% accuracy, an impressive feat. But there was one last challenge ahead: tomorrow morning, an independent audit on research ethics would take place. On his desk, hidden among stacks of renowned scientific journals from IEEE and Nature, lay an old soccer shoe he had brought from his homeland, Indonesia, which had been neglected for months.
"It's still there," Aiden muttered softly to himself, pausing his typing for a moment. A glance at the shoe took him down memory lane. He remembered the fierce duels he had with his best friend, Bima, on the campus field: the cheers of the crowd, the dirt on his shoes, and the adrenaline rush as he ran fast. "Playmaker... setting the pace from the middle. No longer a striker," he whispered, keeping this little secret close to his heart, even though he had once confided it to Clara and Bima—but he didn't want to sound silly in the midst of his rapidly rising AI career.
Suddenly, his phone vibrated. A notification from the group chat informed him that Bima had just set foot in Jakarta, preparing for a reunion tomorrow morning Indonesian time (which was nighttime in Germany). Clara sent a message: "Aiden, don't forget to join the video call at 9 a.m. WIB, okay? We want to talk about our plans after we finish our master's degrees!"
Aiden replied briefly, but meaningfully: "Sure. My project is really hot right now, but you guys are more important." He smiled wryly. Indeed, this project was "hot"—a technology company in Germany had given him a team of five people under his leadership, with a salary of €60k per year. However, another thought crossed his mind: "Imagine if I could send a pass to Bima in the pro league..."
The next morning in Germany (which meant evening in Indonesia), the ethics audit began in a virtual conference room. The panelists were not just anyone: there was an ethics professor from Oxford, a lawyer specializing in GDPR, and competent company executives.
The Oxford professor stated: "The model you have designed is unique, Aiden—with a fairness score of 98%. However, what about the responsibility if the prediction is wrong, which could lead to a misdiagnosis?"
Aiden replied calmly and confidently: "We make human intervention mandatory. AI only plays a role in the screening stage, while the final decision rests with the doctor. In addition, we implement explainable AI—every prediction has a visually viewable audit trail. We have tested it on a 10k multicultural dataset."
Then, the executive asked: "Can this be scaled for enterprises? How much does it cost?"
Aiden replied firmly: "This system is cloud-agnostic, with a cost of €0.01 per prediction. Return on investment (ROI) can be achieved in six months through reduced employee burnout," Aiden replied, full of confidence.
The panelists were satisfied with his answer. "Approved. The launch is planned for the second quarter of next year."
Aiden left the meeting feeling euphoric, but wasted no time and immediately held a video call with his team. "Guys, we passed the audit! We'll start developing the prototype tomorrow."
His team members added: "Boss, you're great. But you look tired. Get some rest."
Aiden laughed spontaneously. "Tired? This is just the beginning. Tonight I have a video call with a friend, and tomorrow I'll continue iterating the code."
That afternoon, he went to the campus gym—not for weightlifting or regular exercise. Instead, he went to practice his soccer skills alone on the small field available. He practiced dribbling past cones, passing against the wall, simulating passes as a playmaker. "From the center, set the tempo, give Bima space to score," he whispered to himself. No one knew this secret; everything remained safe and under control.
In Germany (which was morning in Jakarta), the video call reunion began. Bima and Clara were ready to welcome everyone at a café in Jakarta.
Bima said, "Den! How did the audit go? Amazing! I came back thinking between Bochum or continuing my doctorate at UI."
Clara added, "I've got confirmation in the Netherlands! But I'm definitely going to miss Jakarta. How's your project going, Aiden?"
Aiden replied, "The launch is scheduled for the second quarter. My team is very excited. I... feel happy to be able to focus on this."
Bima felt uncertain: "You're lying. From your eyes, it looks like you're hiding something. You still miss playing soccer, right?"
Aiden was surprised. "No way. I used to be a striker, now I focus on coding."
Clara urged, "Aiden... tell us again. We're your friends."
Aiden took a deep breath. "Okay. I do want to play again. Not as a striker—as a playmaker. Setting the pace from midfield, giving precise passes, controlling the game. Like Pirlo. I secretly train at the campus gym. But I switched because I was afraid of being caught in a dilemma: dividing my time between AI and soccer, which could ruin both."
Bima clapped enthusiastically. "That's amazing! It suits you perfectly!"
Clara laughed as she replied, "Me as a counselor? There would definitely be a lot of commotion! But it sounds exciting. So, what's your plan: AI full-time, or split your time?"
Aiden replied, "AI remains the priority. Soccer as a hobby on Sunday nights. I'm 24, there's still time."
The discussion became even more interesting: Bima was still torn between Bochum and his doctorate, Clara between the Netherlands and home, Aiden between AI and being a playmaker.
Bima decided, "We promise to reunite in Jakarta this summer. Play soccer together, I'll test myself as a playmaker!"
Clara agreed, "Deal! I'll bring my PhD story."
Aiden responded, "Ready. But keep my secret safe, okay?"
The call ended with laughter. Aiden stared at his soccer shoes: "Codes during the day, grass at night? Is this a new challenge I have to face?"
Will the mystery surrounding Aiden's secret as a playmaker be revealed? Will the reunion in Jakarta become a reality? What will their final choice be?