Sons & Daughters

Memories

A vast expanse of grassland that is dry and empty. The wind is like music of tranquility that adds a haunted impression in this place. Plus a lot of weeds and wildflowers that seem to not intend to grow. This is my place of memories.

Reyhan took my arm and led me into the middle of this meadow. I see there are a lot of rocks that have mossed. As well as wooden boards that have been weathered in age.

"How do you remember something?" ask Reyhan

"No, I don't remember anything" I said, shaking my head

"Let's take you further" without waiting for my answer, Reyhan immediately pulled my arm

In this seemingly empty place, there was still a tree standing upright. Although some of these trees have been burned, there are still some small plants that grow. Along with some small residents who make this tree as his home.

My head hurts, trying to remember something. Reyhan then propped me up so as not to fall. I slowly remembered this place. Inside my head I imagined seeing a huge blaze, the screams of people, as well as someone who threw me out.

"What, what is it?" I held my head dizzy

"Are you okay?" Reyhan propped me up and invited me to sit on the edge of the field.

I waited on the edge of the field while massaging my forehead. Reyhan took something from the car, then sat down next to me.

"Drink" Reyhan said as he handed me a bottle of mineral water

"Thank you" I replied as I took the bottle from Reyhan's hand, then drank slowly.

"Reyhan is this where the fire is?" I then handed the newspaper to Reyhan. He then fell silent and said "Right is where it is".

Holding my head still slightly dizzy I asked again "Actually what has happened to me"

"Before I tell you everything, promise me one thing" Reyhan's voice sounded very serious

"What promise Reyhan?"

"Don't blame yourself. Because this isn't entirely your fault" Reyhan's words made me link my eyebrows

"Do you know him?" Reyhan handed me another photo. A photo of a woman with 2 small children whom she had embraced. One boy and one girl.

"It... Me?" sahutku asked. Reyhan then nodded. "And the other kid?"

"That's me, and this woman who's hugging us is my mother" Reyhan tried to toughen up, hiding her grief.

"I'm sorry Reyhan I didn't mean....

"It's okay, I've let him go"

Reyhan then continued his story.

***

It was in this place where Reyhan's father's company first stood. Together with his wife, Ibu Winda, he started his business from scratch. Reyhan and I used to play here.

"Riri, let's go up!" Reyhan extended his hand to me that was under the tree

"Uh, wait for me Rey" I immediately went upstairs together with Rey.

Reyhan and I turned out to be so familiar as kids. We even have a secret place here. A simple tree house this is our playhouse. Looking at the beautiful view from up here, so fun.

"Reyhan, Princess, let's eat first. This aunt there bawain y'all Bakpau loh" cried someone from below. She's Aunt Winda, Reyhan's mother.

"Alright aunt" I said from above. Rey and I went down and then immediately devoured the mangroves brought by Aunt Winda.

"Thank you ma" Reyhan said as well

Aunt Willa is a very nice person. Because my parents used to be busy working, after school, I used to come back here with Reyhan. The gentle, beautiful and loving figure of Aunt Winda began to reappear in my memory. She was like a second mother to me.