The Monster In Me

Transaction

“You sure you want a transaction here? Don't want to find a quiet place first, Fik?”

Fikram chuckled at the question of his friend who had long been a regular customer. “Quiet aja, Don. Everyone is focused on having fun. No one will notice us,” he said while removing a small package wrapped in black plastic from the pocket. “At first I offered to be an introduction, I never thought that this business would progress very rapidly. Apparently true, if this item is very good to the interest of many people.”

Doni, the thick-moustached man who had just received the package from Fikram then exhaled his breath which still smelled of cigarette smoke. Slowly, he leaned against the outer wall of the nearby restroom building. “Since the first time I wore it, I already knew that I would never be able to stop. Compared to the others, the effects of this item arose so quickly. If I swallow it now, in less than five minutes I will feel the excitement beyond measure,” he said with a lethargic face. “What a pity, the effect does not last long. I want to think I bought a lot for stock, but my savings are not enough.”

Fikram who was busy pulling his hat, glasses, and mask all black then nodded. “If the effect lasts a long time, the business will not run so smoothly as it is today.” He chuckled as he watched his friend glare at him. “Sorry. Right now I'm not your friend, but a businessman.”

“Iya, I know. You even continue to refrain from consuming the item for yourself in order to continue transacting in a conscious state.”

“Good if you understand.” Fikram straightened up while rubbing the bottom of his black shirt that looked tangled. Slightly frowned when hearing the screams of the visitors who were riding the extreme rides not far from where they were. “So, do I have to go now or do you want to give me a free show?”

“If I do, will you give a discount for your next purchase?”

“Depends on how satisfied I watched it.” Fikram raised his head, as if challenging the man in front of him.

Fikram can clearly hear heavy breaths from his loyal friends and customers. The challenge Fikram gave was not at all difficult, but maybe his words hurt Doni enough.

Despite that, Fikram knew, that not many people were able to refuse his request.

Quickly, Doni opened the package he had just received. Slightly tearing it at the end to remove the contents. A small grain that looks like a pebble-shaped crystal stone he places slightly on one of the palms. For a moment, he stopped moving and looked at the clingy Fikram. “You are a bitch, I hate you enough to not want to see you if there is no need. However, I hope you stick to your stance.”

Fikram only nodded his head without saying a single word. He moved one of his hands, telling his friend to continue the action.

“Never consume this thing. No matter how much your curiosity will be, stick to your current stance.” After saying that, the customer devoured the entire granule in his hand in an instant. He then closed his eyes, wanting to feel how the contents of the object began to be absorbed by his body. His mind imagined how each grain was attached to each piece of his blood cell and embarked on a journey of exploring the entire point in his body. Even though he knew very well, that what happened was actually completely different from what he had imagined.

After a while, Doni began to feel his body becoming much fresher. All of his muscles that usually feel sore and weak are now many times more energized. His mood also felt much better, as if he had just won a lottery worth billions of dollars and guaranteed a happy life with a family that is intact for life. He could feel his lips start to pull to the side. When his eyes were opened, he smiled very broadly.

Fikram chuckled as he saw his friend start prancing to a rhythm that ran loudly through the speakers of the Cakrabuana Playground. Carefully he approached, blocking Doni's figure from drawing too much attention. Although their existence has both been drowned by the number of visitors around.

More or less the expression that Doni showed was not much different from many other visitors. Everyone will definitely not stop smiling or laughing in a very pleasant Playground. Only, Doni's expression was a little exaggerated compared to others.

Doni's breath is also heard hunting, even though he has not moved much at all. And although his face looked so happy, but his hands did not stop touching the back of his neck and hugged himself tightly. He also began to fumble a lot, and complained how his eyes, nose, and ears caught each stimulus too strongly, making him nauseous. Even so, he still moved to and fro happily.

Fikram took a deep breath before holding onto both of Doni's shoulders. He directed his friend to focus on him again. “OK. I've seen enough. For the next purchase, I will give you a discount,” he said in a loud enough voice. Hope Doni's remaining consciousness is enough to make him understand each word well. “I have to go. A lot of my customers are asking to meet at this place. Even it looks like I will get more new buyers here.”

Doni looked frowned. “Here? Why?” He wondered as he moved his head to the right and left.

Fikram smiled faintly. “This Playground is not at all like we all think.”

After saying that, Fikram let go of Doni's shoulder and started walking backwards. Slowly away from Doni who was now waving her hands while chuckling at him. Lazily, Fikram returned the wave of his friend's hand before turning around. Without turning his head back he walked quickly towards the location of the next meeting.

Just now he was walking a few steps as his phone vibrated in his pocket. Before taking out the flat object, Fikram circulated his gaze to look for a place that was quite quiet. He eventually walked towards the back of several accessories booths located nearby.

Of course the situation was not quite as quiet as he needed to be, but at least he would be able to hear the voice of someone who was now calling him.

“Where to go this?” A man was heard asking right after Fikram pressed the button to receive the call.

“There, deh. Anyway the transaction this time is not boring at all.”

***