Secret Alit

Message on Day 40

I woke up feeling shocked this morning. In my dream, I met Mr. Melas, my school teacher who had died on the 40th day after he died.

I believe that dreams and reality have a fine line. Moreover, it is said that the spirit of someone who has died can still communicate with people he knows until the 40th day after death. Maybe before he died, there are things that have not been completed or not delivered.

***

You could say, I'm pretty close to Mr. Melas. During his life, I often helped him in school. Like for example entering grades into student lists, sharing books with other students, and some other school assignments. I am one of the smart students. Maybe that's why, Mr. Melas so happy to ask for my help.

Ahead of last vacation, Mr. Melas looks very busy, even though school hours are over. I also say goodbye to him.

"Sir, I want to go home first. Dad not coming home? Too busy, sir, it seems," I said seductively.

"I again put together teaching materials for the next semester. You see, during the week of school holidays, I will take training for teachers" replied Mr. Melas

I also gave words of encouragement to Mr. Melas. He also looked happy and smiled at me. Who would have thought that it was the last time I met Mr. Melas.

Friends at my school consider Mr. Melas a favorite teacher. Many consider Mr. Melas as a patient and inspiring person. There are also those who say that Mr. Melas is kind and helpful. He was never angry. Only good and wise words ever came out of his mouth.

***

The first day of school after the holidays, my friends and I did not see Mr. Melas. It was supposed to be that morning, Mr. Melas who taught us mathematics. But, he did not enter and was replaced by Bu Mirah.

"Children, please pray for Mr. Melas' recovery. He is being treated in hospital for a stroke" Ms Mirah said.

Suddenly, the class became crowded due to the news. I heard the sound of the students. My friends and I were shocked to hear that.

"You will be given time to visit Mr. Melas tomorrow, because today only his family is allowed to come there" said Ms. Mirah.

To the extent that is the stroke suffered by Mr Melas? I wondered in my heart. Then, Monet, Ara and I decided to call her home and ask her about Mr. Melas' situation.

At that time, the son of Mr. Melas received our call. According to his son, Mr. Melas suddenly fell while entering the house on Saturday afternoon two days ago, and was immediately rushed to the hospital.

The next day, my friends and I went to the hospital to visit. However, Mr. Melas was still unconscious. Three days later, Mr. Melas died.

***

On the 40th day of Mr. Melas' death, I dreamed I was in a rooftop of a multi-storey building. It looked like an old office building that was out of use. In the rooftop, there is a scattering of garbage that indicates that rarely anyone comes here.

In the corner of the rooftop where I was standing, there appeared a room like a warehouse measuring approximately 2x2 meters. The door made of iron opened slightly. I looked inside and saw that there was a ladder propped up against the wall, and the spare diesel for power was off. In front of the warehouse, there was an umbrella table with four chairs.

I stood still, the wind was blowing. Suddenly, on the previously empty umbrella table chair, there was a male figure in a long shirt and pants sitting there. He looked down and was dumb with his surroundings. After a while, two male figures came towards the umbrella table. The two men did not walk, but were carried away by a strong wind and pushed to the chair in front of the table.

Four seats that were originally empty now have three people. There was only one empty seat left. With a feeling of fear mixed with curiosity, I approached and sat down on the empty chair.

Suddenly Mr. Melas turned towards me. He looked at me as if he was saying without a sound.

"Alit, only today you can get out of the house," he said with a smile. Surprisingly, Mr. Melas did not open his mouth when saying that. His mouth remained closed with a smile, as if I could hear his heart.

After that, again a strong wind blew and brought the three figures flying flying out of nowhere. Suddenly they disappeared, and I woke up.

"It turns out I was dreaming" I said, looking out the window that was illuminated by the sunlight.

***

That morning, I woke up bad. My mom called me too.

"Alit, let's get up, have breakfast first," he shouted.

I got out of bed, rushed to breakfast and take a shower, ready to go to school. On the way to school, I still dreamt of my dreams. The dream felt very real.

Today, my mind is filled with the shadow of Mr. Melas. My friends and I lost him, our favorite teacher at school.

At recess, I saw Mr. Melas' wife come to school with a brown map sized folio paper. He seemed to be talking to a teacher. Apparently, Ms. Melas was looking for me.

"Are you Alit?" Ask Mrs Melas kindly. I also nodded.

"Sir Melas often told me about you. He said, you're a smart kid, he's so proud" Ms. Melas continued with a smile.

Then, Ms. Melas handed the chocolate map to me. I saw, on the cover, a name: "Alit". As soon as I opened, it turned out to be a book called 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear, as well as a letter.

To Alit, though,

One small habit will be formed into an identity if done consistently. No matter how small your good habits are, keep doing them, keep spreading them. Hope this book is useful.

From Mr. Melas

Those are the words written in the letter. I shed tears too. Ms. Melas then hugged me. Apparently, Mr. Melas came to my dream to tell me about this book that he did not have time to give.

"Sir Melas, I will not forget the services of the Father. I will continue to remember and pray for you from here with other friends" I said in my heart.

***

Three people I know close to have left this world in the last two years: Kinasih, Mr. Kidung, and now Mr. Melas. Actually, I feel really sad and devastated. But I feel like they're going to be sad to see me cry. For this reason, I am determined to keep smiling in the course of the day.

They also made me realize that 'time' is limited. Everyone will die in time, including me. I want to spend more time with the people closest to me and try to spread good things around me. Before it comes time to go and separate.