40 Days

Chapter 19

Sugeni invites Arman and Syafa to go to the forest of red climbs, to ascertain their guesses if the spirit of Jeni trapped there. Sugeni carrying a plastic bag that is somehow the contents of the package, after before his he entered into his hut.

A thin drizzle began to descend soaking the originally dry earth. At present Arman, Syafa and Sugeni will enter the red climbing area, more precisely a forest that is beside the climb.

Silence began to envelop, occasionally only the sound of footsteps of those who stepped on some branches and leaves scattered along the road to the forest.

Various types of large and lush trees around, adding to the wingit impression of the forest. Arman who walked the very back was uncomfortable with the state of this place. Especially now that they had gone far enough into the forest.

The further they go the darker the situation, even though it is still daytime. Maybe because of the cloudy atmosphere in addition to the lush trees that make the lighting there less.

Sraaaakk

The sound of clattering steps rang out behind the bushes, as if only Arman had heard. Syafa and Sugeni remained focused on walking because they did not hear anything like Arman. Someone behind the bush seemed to be watching the three.

The man shuddered as he felt a gust of wind blowing his nape. Arman rubbed and rubbed the nape with the palm of the hand. He raised the neck of the jacket, and closed the full zipper.

The branches of the tree shrieked as if welcoming their arrival. Sugeni spread his arms holding the steps of the two young men behind him.

'' What's the cake? '' arman asked in surprise because the old man stopped their steps all of a sudden.

'' From now on we just go around in circles here, Sugeni replied without turning around.

Syafa had realized that, but he did not want to argue because he was worried that his estimate was wrong.

While Arman himself is not aware of it, this is the first time he stepped on the forest to any street his taste looks the same.

'' They do not want our present presence, so they make us dazed and just circling the same path, Sugeni explained.

He then sat down cross-legged, removing one by one from the plastic bag he was carrying.

Arman frowned looking at the foreign items that Sugeni had taken out.

Three incense sticks, one bowl-shaped container made of clay, one large cigar, and a small bottle of oil. He rolled out a white cloth about the size of a tablecloth, a kind of shroud, and stored it on top of the white cloth.

Sugeni seems to be performing a ritual. Syafa and Arman did not want to comment much, they just crouched to see what the old man named Sugeni was going to do.

Sugeni stuck incense on top of the container after he had previously burned the incense. He also lit a cigar and kept it in the same place. Smoke from the incense began to appear, its smell was out in the air. The wrinkled eyelids of the old man began to close, Sugeni's mouth said something but did not make a sound until it could not be heard by Syafa and Arman.

Suddenly, a strong wind hit the three of them. The large trees around seemed to move due to the wind, until the leaves and twigs fell. It was as if nature there was showing anger. The circumstances did not make Sugeni stop the ritual.

Arman is increasingly uncomfortable with this strange situation. Every now and then his eyes circled around as he felt certain that someone was constantly watching the three of them.

At the same time Sugeni's body bounced backwards. The old grandfather grimaced holding his waist. Syafa and Arman help her to wake up.

'' We better get out of here, Sugeni said as he re-cleaned the ritual equipment.

Syafa and Arman replied with a nod, they felt something was wrong so Sugeni invited them away from here.

After Sugeni packed his things, they immediately left the place. Blowing strong winds as if not to stop, the leaves fall following their every step.

Finally they reached the mouth of the forest, they managed to get out easily and quickly like before when entering into it.

Currently they are standing on the red incline, starting down the ramp to return to the settlement.

'' We were already halfway through the journey, but Sewu Ireng was angry and did not allow us to go any deeper, Sugeni said.

'' What made him angry? '' ask Syafa.

Sugeni thought for a while to answer Syafa's question. Then he stopped his steps and turned to face the two people behind him.

'' I have promised that I will no longer interfere with his existence and let sewu Ireng get whatever he wants including subverting humans in exchange for Vijaya's tribe. '' There was a regret on Sugeni's face for not being able to stop the evil deeds.

'' Returned or not my great-grandfather's tribe, still he will subvert many people. Didn't before that incident, there were already many casualties? " the word shafa is based on his logic.

'' I think it's just his wits, '' he continued. '' Or is there something else that Sugeni's grandfather promised him? '' Syafa feels there is still a riddle behind the past events.

'' It is late afternoon, you better go home, said Sugeni diverted the conversation, he was reluctant to answer Syafa's question.

'' Grandfather has not answered my question, refute Syafa.

'' There's nothing I need to answer, and you don't have to know more about it. '' Sugeni turned around and went back down the last footing of the red ramp.

'' Of course I need clarity, I am the grandson of Wijaya. '' Syafa continued to urge Sugeni.

'' It happened a long time ago and it doesn't need to be revealed. Now the problem you're facing isn't that. I'll try to get us back . It took me a few days to get you there again. '' The old grandfather crossed the road as fast as lightning. In his old age, he could not walk that fast.

'' We will be back in three days, Syafa said slightly shouting.

Sugeni turned his head for a moment and nodded his head and then walked back to disappear after passing through the village gate.

Arman had just been silent, his efforts this time did not produce results. He was desperate, but after hearing the words of Syafa if they will return for three more days to this place, he immediately returned to keep hope that his problems would soon be over that day.