ALPENIA (The Cruel Small Town)

Mysterious Writer

Salman walked into the silence. He saw there were some people in it. During this break, most students would go to the cafeteria, not like they had to read a book in the library in preparation for the remedial that he would pass in two days. Thanks to the value of the report card that was just shared a week ago because a lot of it was red. He is threatened not to go up class if the value continues below, repeating the 11th class for one year. What a nightmare.

After picking up several books from different corners of the shelf, he dropped them when he reached one of the tables. This time, he would study earnestly, his spirit burning with force. He began to read page by page from the book History.

"Hi!" Iswanti sat down near Salman without permission. The man looked at her a little confused.

Salman thought that Iswanti was still angry with him.

Just a greeting, they were both faced with a very awkward situation. Salman who usually curcol, this time did not show his attitude. Because he is trying to be serious.

While Iswanti as usual, always silent if not invited to speak first.

After a few minutes, Salman tore down his defenses. All of his efforts failed when he realized that no matter how hard he tried, Iswanti who usually filled his mind since that rejection, was now in front of him and seemed fine. He did not want to waste the opportunity to make things better between them.

"Still reading that book?" Salman asked as Iswanti was seen still reading his gift book, entitled "The Mystery of the Black City".

Iswanti blinked in shock. From now on, he waited for the young man in front of him to start a conversation, so that he felt relieved, and indicated that they were both fine. He replied kindly, "yes, I read this book for the second time, because I like the delivery of the author. The writing is like a real thing, let alone the background where the city is used. So, my imagination is in sync. Thank you, I want this book."

"Gue told you, it's for you. Besides, I do not have time to read fiction like that, read a textbook aja ogah-ogahan. And look at the results, my value almost fell all, forced to read for remedial materials." Cerocos Salman chuckled as he pointed at the books before him. In contrast to Iswanti who responded to the joke Salman is too serious.

"Oh sorry, I'm here to disturb your learning, huh?"

The man raised his eyebrows, "i'm the one who doesn't talk first." He laughed again, making Iswanti only smile confused.

Back in silence, the two human beings again pretend to be immersed in their respective affairs. Because in the heart, the two of them were harboring uncertain feelings.

***

This semester, Naya is busy preparing to participate in the national math Olympics. There is no time to relax, every day he intended his time only spent studying and working. Despite the fact, lately his mind has been confused by the presence of Annisa's father and the mystery of the city that is not yet over.

Resting this time, he walked towards the back of the school building. I want to concentrate more on the book. Because inside the school area, there was only noise and noise that disturbed his ears and mind.

The girl was sitting on a wooden bench that was shackled under a shady tree. Enjoying fresh air, shade and calmness, he guarantees his mind will be focused on the goal.

However, Naya's estimate was wrong. At a short distance, he saw a young man who was shouting at a cell phone that was facing his mouth.

A moment later, the young man's hand was raised to throw the thin object into the air. But his eyes were turned on the beauty of Naya who was sitting. This made him smile and misbehave.

With an inseparable look following Faisal's approaching steps, Naya did not return a smile from the sometimes annoying young man. He seemed to make Faisal like a madman, because he was smiling himself.

Faisal frowned, trying to joke, "who's angry?" that stupid word came out of his mouth.

Naya is not a child to be lied to. He clearly saw Faisal explode just now. It was only the first time Naya had seen the young man get out of control. Because usually Faisal is always cheerful with a handsome but stupid face that is funny simultaneously.

Naya tried not to care. But subconsciously, his mouth seemed to open itself to continue talking, "why? Let's story!" He blinked his eyes while reading a book, unaware that he had slipped.

Faisal smiled, and was enthusiastic to tell the girl. He took a seat next to Naya. Perhaps this was the first time they had a conversation without involving emotions from Naya.

"So I called my mom's stepdaughter. I'm really just the same treatment to my mama, so until I get emotional," Faisal said with a loss of smile when he ended the sentence.

Naya, who initially focused on reading, eventually lost her concentration. Faisal's words this time seem interesting, because it does not involve slovenly or reckless as usual. As a result, he closed the book, and began to give full attention to the young man.

***

Iswanti kicked the table, feeling annoyed after finishing reading the book for the second time. Spontaneously, everyone in the library looked at him strangely, and told him to be quiet and calm by sticking an index finger on their respective lips.

Salman who was in front of him even jumped in shock, and was astonished to decide to ask, "why?"

The girl smiled awkwardly. "Gue greg is the same ending of this book, hanging really," he said in a whisper.

"Hanging?" Salman looked into the girl's eyes with a difficult look.

Iswanti who felt strange, tried to remain normal.

"Yes. I want to make that sequel. I told you, the events in this book are exactly what we've been experiencing lately. Missing children, forests, kidnappings. That's why I'm waiting for her follow-up. But until now, the author has not continued this book, even though this book was published in 1990, you know!" cerocos Island.

"Gue searched the internet about when this book continued, but did not meet. Even strangely the author lost news after this book was published, there was not a single article about him after that," continued Iswanti more serious.

Salman picked up the book that Iswanti was holding. He reviewed the book cover for a moment, "Jatnika Wijayanti? In this small town, I've never heard that name."

"Maybe the author is not native to the Alps" Iswanti interrupted and took back the book from Salman's hands.

"But you said. He described the city as real. Meaning, it's most likely that he's the one here who already knows the ins and outs of the city." Salman issued his assumption. Suddenly, he became interested in this, because the possibility is related to the case that is trying to be solved.

"Maybe too. Maybe it's just the name of the questioner." Iswanti agreed with Salman's allegations.

In the midst of serious conversation, they stopped because the bell rang, indicating the break was over. As a result, they had to get into the class, "we'll continue!" Said Salman while walking hand in hand with Iswanti.