Light 1: Sandekala

The Missing Hints

"Danny? Are you all right?"

I can see the face of a girl.

Blonde wavy shoulder.

Is this a dream?

Or real?

I can't tell the difference.

It was definitely Iza. But, my brain won't wake up so I'm kind of stranded between two dimensions. One pulled me into the real world and the other told me to keep exploring in my subconscious.

"Hey, handsome! You okay?" ian whispered into my ear.

I tried to open my eyes wider. Trying to wake up from my fantasy.

I watched all my brothers in the room.

Winny Dzatso and Iza were on the left side of my bed. He's holding the cake setoples.

Ian lay sideways on my right. His palm kept touching my forehead. Maybe make sure I'm not sick.

Siman and her sister Winny—Sudra Dzatso—sitting in the corner of the room chatting.

While in front of my bed is Ricky Rhamdan who continuously makes his brother—Khyun Yunishi—up.

Soon my mother with Ronny and Rhinna Angeran—kakak Iza— entered my room.

"How are you doing?" ask Mother.

"Okay, ma'am," I replied slowly.

I immediately got up and straightened my body that felt weak.

"alright. Then I'll make you some warm tea. Ron, help your brother. Maybe he wants to change his clothes" she said as she exited the room.

"Are you not in school?" my many.

"We're home" replied Siman.

"So, don't you go to work?" my eyes shifted to Ronny who was standing by the door.

"I got a half-day work permit this month. I'll be married in two weeks."

"Kids, let's get out! Give Danny time alone. You didn't think to see her naked, did you?" joked Siman while forcibly leading our other brothers out of the room.

He was always cheerful and full of laughter.

"Wait on! You ... Thank you for coming to see me. I'm sorry if I trouble you and make you worry" I said.

"It's okay, Dane. We are family. We should care about each other" Rhinna said.

"Danny, this is for you."

Iza gave me the jar of cake.

"Thank you, Za. Just put it on the table."

"Dane, we're waiting for you downstairs" said Siman in the doorway.

I just nodded.

"Ron, let me help Danny" said Ian.

"alright. You're okay, aren't you, Dane?" ask Ronny. Maybe a little worried about me.

"Yes. Let Ian go. You go, "I'm more comfortable near Ian than my own brother. Ian always seemed to care more about me than his brother.

"Alright then" he said as he exited the room.

"Now what do you want first? Shower first? Or just wash your face? Let me help you," said Ian.

I rolled my eyeballs. "Did I look that weak that I should be bathed by you?"

"No, no. I was just kidding. I know you're not that bad. I just saved you from your brother. He would have misbehaved near you" he said.

I reply with a thin smile.

"You just wait here" I asked.

I went straight to the bathroom, washed my face, and then I changed my clothes.

"Ian ... there's something I want to talk to you about," I said seriously—a little doubtful actually.

"With my birthday 5 months ago, I used to dream a lot. About a creature called Sandekala. Lately I have often seen her form. I don't know what this all means?

"I've always been scared and agitated. I was scared every time I was alone. Because whenever I am alone or when no one else is watching me, I always see the appearance of the creature. As if he wanted to kill me.

"That creature seemed to want to tell me something. And my dreams seemed to signal that I had to get something done. But I don't know what it is."

"Sandekalah? Hmm .. I don't understand your problem. But what do you want to do? Maybe with you looking for a clue, you'll find the answers to all your questions."

After changing clothes, I sat down next to Ian who was lying down.

"In every dream I see a girl. Do I have to look for him? But I don't know where the girl is. What I saw in my dream was a village I didn't know. Yesterday's incident scared me. That thing is getting close to me. Hugged me tight. Don't want to let go of her again."

Ian came closer and hugged my shoulder.

"Danny, relax! You don't have to be afraid. Someday you will find the answer. You don't have to insist on exposing all your problems. Let the time determine. Let the lost clues bring themselves to you. We, especially I'll always be around you when you need help" he said softly in my ear. Makes me a little awkward.

"Thank you."

"Well, now, let's go with them! This afternoon we're going to have a barbeque party" he asked as he patted me on the shoulder.

"Hey, Dane! Hows it? Already lightened?" siman asked as we went down the stairs.

"Yes. I'm fine."

"Rhin, bring the groceries. We're the party!" sahut Ian is excited.

"okay!"

We all went to the backyard. If you look carefully my house is unique from most Indo houses. My house is American style minimalist. The combination of wood and concrete and has a backyard that is exactly the same as the state of American homes.

I sat on the wall next to the back door. Lean on the white wooden wall with books while enjoying a cup of warm tea made by Mother. While they were busy poking various vegetables and meat, preparing drinks, grills, tables, and chairs.

I wore warm clothes and long skate pants to cover my feet. Sitting while hugging my knees from the cold even though the sun was shining on the west.

All this time I felt that they—except Ian and Siman—not this close to me. Just this time I felt lucky to have a brother like them.

Always kidding.

Always entertaining.

Always care about his other brother.

I can't be like them.

"Dane! Comehere! The meat is ripe!" call Ian flipping meat on the grill.

I approached them.

Iza was putting the glasses on the recreation table and pouring the cola into it.

Winny put the plates next to him.

Rhinna raised the roasted meat and pricked the cooked vegetables on the plates.

Siman and Sudra repeatedly tasted the meat they were roasting. It even runs out before it is put on the plate.

We sat together ten. Start enjoying the roast meat covered in barbeque sauce.

Mom came out of the kitchen and joined us. Today it is so fun to hear them one by one telling funny stories they experienced in their respective schools as well as at work.

I see Khyun keeps pranking his sister. But Ricky always hit back. They could not get along and snatch each other's meat punctures on the table.

We end this event as the stars adorn the dark sky. Grill has been extinguished. My sisters are helping me wash the dishes. While the rest clean up the backyard that looks messy.

***

"Dane, we go home first!" said Ian.

I'm nodding. Smiling thinly.

"Om, Auntie, we're going home" Rhinna and the others said to Mom and Dad who just got home from work.

"Yes. Thank you, yes, for accompanying Danny today" Mother replied.

A car and a motorcycle parked in front of them were driven to their homes. Leaving a quiet atmosphere on the streets.

I'll close the door immediately. Afraid that the creature would suddenly appear across the dark-looking street.

"Mom, tomorrow I want to go to school. Don't let me not wake up again!" I said remind.

"Yes, Danny ...."

Before falling asleep I hope to find the missing clues in my dreams tonight.