The sun was already warm when Siti pedaled her old bicycle toward the orphanage the next morning. She could hardly contain her excitement. Today, she wasn't just coming to play with the children or help the workers—today, she and Kak Safura were going to the shop to pick out her very own electric bicycle.
The thought made her pedal faster, even though the chain squeaked and the tires wobbled slightly. This old bike has carried me for so long, she thought, but soon I'll have something better.
When she arrived, Safura was already waiting near the gate. She wore a light blue tudung and carried a small sling bag, looking calm as always.
"Ready, Siti?" she asked with a smile.
Siti nodded quickly, eyes shining. "Yes! I've been waiting since last night. I couldn't even sleep properly."
Safura chuckled. "Don't worry, we'll find the right one for you. But remember, it's not just about how it looks. We need to think about safety, battery life, and whether it's easy for you to handle."
Siti nodded again, though in her heart she secretly hoped for something stylish too. She wanted to feel proud riding it through town.
---
The shop was located in the pekan, about fifteen minutes away by car. On the way there, Safura drove while Siti sat by the window, staring out at the streets they passed. She imagined herself gliding alongside the cars, no longer struggling to pedal uphill, no longer arriving at the orphanage sweaty and out of breath.
"Do you think they'll have many colors?" she asked suddenly.
Safura glanced at her with a teasing smile. "So color is important too, huh?"
Siti giggled. "Maybe just a little."
---
When they arrived, the bicycle shop stood at the corner of the street, its wide windows displaying rows of bicycles—normal ones, mountain bikes, and, to Siti's delight, a few sleek-looking electric bicycles.
The bell above the door jingled as they stepped inside. The air smelled faintly of rubber and engine oil. A tall man with glasses and a neat polo shirt approached them with a friendly smile.
"Selamat datang. Looking for a bicycle?"
"Yes," Safura replied. "We'd like to see your electric bicycles. This young lady here is the buyer."
The man raised his eyebrows, clearly surprised to see such a young customer, but he didn't comment. Instead, he gestured toward a section at the back of the shop.
"This way, please. We have several models suited for daily use."
---
Siti's heart pounded as they walked over. There were about six electric bicycles lined up, each slightly different in design and color. Some were simple and practical, while others looked modern with bold patterns.
Her eyes immediately went to a shiny red one with a small basket at the front. "Kak Safura, look! That one's beautiful."
Safura smiled patiently. "Yes, it's nice. But let's listen to the details first."
The shopkeeper explained each model: the battery life, how long it took to charge, the maximum speed, and the safety features. Siti listened as best as she could, though her eyes kept drifting back to the red bicycle.
"This one," the shopkeeper said, pointing to a sturdy blue model, "is very reliable. Good for long rides, strong battery, and it's quite stable."
Safura crossed her arms thoughtfully. "That sounds suitable."
But Siti hesitated. "It looks… plain."
Safura gave her a knowing glance. "Plain but safe, or stylish but less practical? Which matters more, Siti?"
The question made Siti pause. She thought about the orphanage children waiting for her, about needing a bike she could use every day without problems. Slowly, she nodded. "Safety first. But… can I try both?"
"Of course," the shopkeeper said, bringing the bicycles down for her.
---
Siti tried the red one first. It was smooth and easy to start, and she loved how people might notice her riding it. But after a short ride around the shop's test area, she noticed it felt lighter, almost shaky when she turned corners.
Then she tried the blue one. At first, it seemed heavier and not as eye-catching. But when she rode it, the stability amazed her. Each push of the handlebar felt firm, each glide strong. She could imagine riding it to the orphanage every day without worrying about falling.
She stopped in front of Safura, panting slightly. "The blue one… it feels better."
Safura nodded approvingly. "Sometimes the right choice isn't the one that shines the brightest, but the one that carries you safely."
Siti smiled, realizing Safura was right. She turned to the shopkeeper. "I'll take the blue one, please."
---
The payment was made with part of the money from her bank account. Siti stood proudly as the shopkeeper adjusted the seat and explained how to charge the battery. Safura listened carefully too, making sure Siti understood.
When it was finally ready, the shopkeeper wheeled the bicycle outside. The sunlight gleamed on its polished frame.
Siti placed her hands on the handlebars, heart pounding. It wasn't a BMW CE 04, but it was hers—a symbol of freedom, earned with her own decision.
"Thank you, Kak Safura," she whispered.
Safura squeezed her shoulder. "You deserve it. Just promise me you'll ride carefully, okay?"
"I promise," Siti said firmly.
---
The ride back to the orphanage was unforgettable. Safura drove slowly behind while Siti rode her new bicycle along the road. The motor hummed gently, carrying her forward with little effort. The wind brushed her cheeks, and for the first time, she felt like she was truly flying.
When she arrived at the orphanage gates, the children rushed out, cheering.
"Wah, Kak Siti has a new bike!" shouted Amir.
"Can we ride too?" Aina begged, eyes sparkling.
Siti laughed, her heart swelling with joy. "One at a time, okay? This is our new adventure together."
And as the children crowded around her, touching the shiny blue frame, Siti realized that this wasn't just about having something new. It was about moving forward, one step at a time, surrounded by people who cared.