LARA IS KARA
Grandpaat Sulaiman
Datuk Sulaiman lived a kara in his simple house in the corner of the village. After his wife died 30 years ago, he remained faithful and decided not to remarry despite having no children.
Every day, in addition to practicing simple medicine, Datuk Sulaiman also makes sugar from nira enau which he then entrusted to stalls in Padang Lahu.
He usually has the holiday to make sugar enau every Friday’at. That day he spent time coming to the grave of his late wife. Clean the grave, and not infrequently also sprinkle flowers and fragrances.
The magic stone that can suck can be a snake that was used to treat Lara, according to stories of people he got from a dream visited by his ancestors who told to dig the ground behind his house. When it was dug, it was true that there was a stone buried there.
Whether there was any content or what khodam was inside the stone, it was clear that the stone could actually suck the poison from wild beasts, especially snakes.
The magic stone is famous and legendary everywhere. Many people who come, not only from Padang Lahu but also outside the village until outside the area.
In addition to doing these two activities, not many know what Datuk Sulaiman does every day. People tend to be closed and rarely interact with villagers.
Because of its closed and mysterious nature, making it often a neighbor's conversation, there are more antiques and ancient items on display in his house. Some residents even often shake and charge that he converted to a cult because it is rarely seen worshiping in the village mosque.
However, the mystery of Datuk Sulaiman is not comparable to the chemistry of women who have just introduced themselves by the name of Lara.
There was not much he told about himself after mentioning his name earlier. He only told me that all this time he lived in the Senibung forest alone.
He only went down to the village once a month to buy necessities and sell the forest products he had collected, especially betel nut and vegetables he had grown.
But I try not to dispute it. For me, the most important thing right now is to help and make her feel safe. I believe that if we know too much then there will be a lot of disappointment and new problems that we will get.
A few moments later, the rain that had fallen since then finally stopped, leaving an impression of freshness in the silent night air.
However, that silence suddenly changed when Datuk Sulaiman again asked me seriously, saying,
"Actually, what is the purpose of Nak Usman going out these nights? Isn't it dangerous to wander around in the rain?"
The question instantly made me recall my original purpose of searching for Wo Sari. I panicked, but tried to remain calm so that neither Datuk Sulaiman nor Lara could be suspicious. Until now I am still reluctant to share the problems my family is facing with anyone.
"Cough, apologize in advance, but there seems to be some important business that I need to settle. I have to go home right now. If possible please allow Lara to rest here temporarily, until she is safe and her condition is completely restored. I promise I'll be back soon"
Grandfather Sulaiman looked at me with a puzzled look, as if he could read the unease within me. But wisely he did not ask any further and immediately let me go home.
Likewise Lara, when she let me go home, she just thanked me once again for helping her and bringing her to Datuk Sulaiman's house.
On the way home, the memory of the beautiful moments with Wo Sari kept coming to haunt. How he always protected me and became my savior when needed. I have two other sisters, Inghah Ani and Dang Ijal. But it feels like only Wo Sari understands my feelings the most. I love him even though he is not my brother.
Where is he now ? Is he okay out there or has he met Kukusan's Ghost ?
