Senja couldn't sleep that night. She kept thinking about her conversation with Arkan earlier that day.
She knew she couldn't change the system. But was staying silent enough? Was merely enjoying her privilege while sympathizing from afar really sufficient?
"Farah, what do you think I should do?" Senja asked over the phone.
"About what?"
"About… all this injustice. I feel guilty."
Farah sighed. "Senja, you don't need to feel guilty for being born lucky. It's not your fault. And you can't save everyone."
"But I can help, right?"
"You can. But until when? You help Arkan today, tomorrow there's another Arkan. The day after, another one. The system is broken, not you."
Senja knew Farah was right. But knowing didn't make it easier to sleep that night.
The next day, Senja approached Arkan in the library.
"Arkan, I know this might sound strange, but… I want to help you."
Arkan looked up from his book. "Help how?"
"Your tuition, or… anything you need."
Arkan closed his book slowly. "Why?"
"Because I feel it's the right thing to do."
"Senja," Arkan said with a bitter smile, "I don't need pity."
"This isn't pity—"
"Then what? You feel guilty because you were born rich and I was born poor? You think that by helping me, you've already 'done good'?"
Senja fell silent.
"Thank you, but no," Arkan continued. "I'll survive on my own terms."
He packed his book and walked away, leaving Senja standing alone, realizing that good intentions alone weren't enough—and sometimes, they could even hurt.