The Dark Side of the Mentari

Telephone

Rania's hands were cold and trembling in Diah's grasp. Several police officers who had just arrived immediately checked on Reza.

"The victim is alive." Said one of them. Another policeman was scraping chalk or something on the floor around Reza's body.

"Ambulance is already on the way, maybe this guy can be helped."

A glimpse of hope rippled in Rania's heart. No matter how scared he was of Reza, he was more afraid that he would die now. The order will be long. His life could be a mess because I don't know how many years to spend in prison. The girl's blood rippled at the last thing she thought. The barred room was stinky, dirty and cold. Is that worth it for him? Unconsciously he shook his head. He patted her on the shoulder slowly without saying anything.

Mr. Fandi, the chairman of RT came shortly afterwards with Mr. Mansur, the owner of the boarding house. Both of them looked confused and wondered what exactly was going on.

"Help drink first." Ms. Sari held out a glass of warm water to Diah.

Rania tries to swallow the water in her mouth with the help of Diah. His hands are numb, unable to hold a glass.

Ambulance came a while later but remained on the highway because not enough into the narrow alley. Two nurses in blue uniforms carrying stretchers went straight into the house and checked on Reza. There were no injuries other than his head, so they immediately moved Reza's body onto a stretcher assisted by a policeman.

Two policemen followed the nurse who took Reza to the hospital. Three others remained at the scene.

Diah leads Rania into the room to change her clothes. Some items including Rania's clothes and cell phone were put in plastic to serve as evidence.

"Do you know that person?." One of the policemen sat in a chair in front of Rania and started asking questions.

"Yes sir."

"What's going on?." Another policeman pulled out a notebook and started writing.

"I'm going to take a nap because I can't sleep last night and there's going to be a lecture." Rania took a deep breath before continuing. "Suddenly he entered my room and locked the door from the inside."

Rania stopped again, her face pale and became frightened again when she recalled how Reza had entered her room. He recounted the incident with stammering and occasional sobbing. Everyone listened without daring to interrupt.

"May I contact my family sir?." Ask when you are finished telling the story.

"Please mbak."

The phone that was put in plastic containing evidence was issued again because only there was a phone number Rania family.

Rania pressed her father's number, several times the voice of the call was heard but not answered, usually at this hour the father was already in the rice field, could not hold a mobile phone. Several times I tried to keep no answer. Rania called her mother. But just the same, you must be busy in the market.

Rania began to worry because the police face was starting to be impatient. But how else. The only hope that can be contacted. Hopefully he is not busy and sees or hears his call. With trembling fingers Rania looks for the number of the Hero in contact. Fortunately, although he never got in touch, he kept his number. Several times it rang, Rania almost cheered when an answer came from across.

"Hello." Not a woman who answers, but a woman's voice.

"Hello, is wira here?." As powerful as Rania made her voice as clear as possible and did not shake.

"Mas Wira is out for a while."

"Please convey to Mas Wira to call back. It's important."

Call disconnected. Rania asked in her heart who it was. But his anxiety overcame his curiosity. Whoever she is, Rania hopes Wira will come home soon and call back.

After Rania calmed down, they left the house. A dark-black policeman walked beside Rania, looking alert. He thought his hands would be handcuffed, but they weren't. Perhaps he was considered harmless and impossible to escape. Diah followed from behind, while Sari's mom locked the door

go home.

...***...

They got into a police car. Rania's shadow about the prisoner vehicle in the form of an open-air pick-up car turned out to miss. Turns out the police were carrying strada cars, there was a passenger seat in the back.

Rania sat behind the bar, the dark-skinned policeman, the other one sitting in front. Mr. Fandi, Mr. Mansur and Diah followed from behind on their respective bikes.

Cars cut through crowded streets, police cars they rode mixed in with other vehicles. Rania glanced at the watch on the police wrist beside her. Not yet ten. A few hours ago he was a free man everywhere. But not anymore. I do not know when he will breathe freely and roam again as usual.

Rania's phone rings in plastic. The police next to Rania saw him. Rania also reflexively looks at the phone screen, hoping that Wira or her father calls back. Sure enough, the name of Wira appeared on the screen.

The policeman immediately pressed a picture of the green phone, speaking briefly asking who was calling, what it had to do with Rania and a few other questions. Rania didn't hear the answer from Wira, but from the voice of the police she knew the Hero would be here soon.

Rania quickly grabbed her phone when the police reached out to her.

"Mas, please." Rania was unable to continue her words. His cry stuck in his throat made his voice seem strangled.

"Calm down Ran. Nothing's gonna happen. Tell me slowly, what's wrong?."

"There are people who want to rape*me. I hit him with a hammer." No response from Wira. "I didn't know he was alive or dead."

"Now you calm down. I'll be there with you soon."

"Yes, um."

"Is your friend there?."

"Diah's coming to the police station."

"We'll be leaving soon. Don't be afraid." The connection was cut off without waiting for an answer, Rania nodded.

A trip to the police station was a century long. Moreover, the streets are increasingly crowded and pass people. Rania felt that everyone was looking towards them, even though she herself knew the reality was not like that. Those people don't even know what's going on.

It looks like Diah along with Fandi and Mr. Mansur followed at the back with their respective bikes. Rania took a deep breath.

Fortunately, there was Diah, and he came without me asking.. Mas Wira and I will need three more hours to get here. At least I'm not alone.

Rania threw her gaze out the window. Dust and vehicle fumes flew into one. Blow up anyone who passes by.