Secret Alit

Trees in Complex Park

That night, it was hard for me to close my eyes. Time was long as I waited for the dawn. I looked towards the exit of the room from the door - the top half of which was made of wire gauze - to see the large clock attached to the wall. Well, it turns out it's four in the morning, soon enough, the house people will wake up. I threw myself back into bed waiting for the sun to rise. Not feeling, I fell asleep again, to the point that grandma woke me up.

"All right?" ask grandma.

"Ngga, Grandma, just last night Alit had a hard time sleeping, until bad luck woke up. Oh yes, later Alit wants to go home a little night Grandma, Alit and Ara want to take part in the staging exercise for the 3rd grader farewell," I replied.

As a result of staying up that night, I still felt sleepy. But I also have to go to school to practice.

After saying goodbye, I went to school. On the way this time, I walked more leisurely because the group task was done. So I was free from the first lesson.

I walked down the complex road past the park, enjoying the fresh air. In fact, every morning I pass the same streets, but only this time I feel the beauty. This housing complex is indeed comfortable for living.

I just realized, it turns out this complex is quite beautiful. There are several parks close by. However, I heard from some neighbors, they were afraid to be near the banyan tree in the park. The tree is very strong. Its wind roots dangled down, swaying in the wind.

I stopped for a moment and looked at the banyan tree. So shady. I imagined how shady it would be to take refuge under this tree when the sun was blazing. It must be comfortable! The banyan tree is very tall, there may be about 7 or 8 meters. Its height almost exceeded that of the nearby level house.

***

At about 7pm, my friends and I had just finished training in the hall. The mood that afternoon was not as usual. Many teachers were present to encourage the students. After the training, I didn't go home. I enjoyed dinner prepared by the school with my teachers and other friends.

Around 19:30, I took Ara home. Incidentally, our house is indeed unidirectional. After saying goodbye, Ara and I walked to the bus stop to take public transportation. Ara got off the public transport right in front of her house, while I had to walk about 400 meters.

I arrived in front of my grandmother's compound at 19:45. Once down from the vehicle and step foot into the complex, a quiet atmosphere immediately enveloped. The farther it goes, the less the sound of car traffic on the highway is heard.

Usually, the complex of the grandmother's house is already quiet after sunset. I rarely go outside at this hour. This lonely state of affairs scared me a bit. I also started to speed up my steps.

I passed through the first park and continued walking down the asphalt road beside this park. In the park there was no one to see either. Usually, there are two or three people who just sit and sing with a guitar.

"When will the lamp be repaired? Make the atmosphere not so good," I thought inwardly.

While walking, I was still busy with my feelings of annoyance due to the death of this street light. I think these dead street lights could endanger people passing by. There could be bad people lurking their prey out of the darkness.

My daydream was gone because I heard the sound of a 'kraak' coming from the banyan tree that I was going through. I immediately looked towards the source of the sound and thought there might be a broken branch. However, this darkness made me unable to see clearly. I also began to step into the middle of the asphalt road for fear of falling tree branches.

When I looked up at the top of the tree again to check things out, I suddenly saw a woman in white clothes hanging on the branch like an orangutan. When I first saw this, my brain had not digested it. I was still staring at him with my eyes fixed to clarify my vision.

As soon as I woke up, my steps froze, while my gaze remained fixed on the woman. My hair stood up instantly. In the midst of that fear, for some reason, I immediately reflected on Grandma's face. I want to run and hug Grandma!

"Mr, please pick up Alit. Alit was afraid," I said inwardly.

I closed my eyes, but my feet were still heavy. A few seconds later, I ventured to open my eyes. But I didn't dare to look up. My eyes were fixed on the front, wanting to make an effort to step home. About 50 meters in front of me, there was a cornering street. My house is on the left after turning on the street.

My eyes kept on the road towards the corner. I want to feel like coming home soon. I'm still trying to step up, but it's hard. Suddenly, from the direction of the turn, there was a small black shadow running towards me...

"Ireng!!!" I said half-screaming with teary eyes.

It was Ireng! Ireng came to pick me up! My fear disappeared the moment Ireng met. I can also step back and walk with Ireng. I sped up my pace, almost half running, for fear of being chased by the creature. Before I turned towards Grandma's house, I took a look at the tree. That woman no longer exists. The road was empty again. I continued my journey home while running.

"Ireng, wait!" My screams are chasing Ireng.

Up in front of Grandma's house, my breath was almost gone. My heart is still beating hard. I took off my shoes and immediately went inside the house. As soon as I opened the door, I saw Grandma sitting by the dining table smiling at me. I was also relieved to feel the warmth of that smile. My heart no longer beat fast, and I also greeted my grandmother with a smile.