The Musafir

The Survival Plan

WHAT the next Mantingan and Bidadari Sungai Utara will do tonight. Must. When heavy rain cools the already cold air, they have to think about many things. Tonight we have to make a deal together. Must.

Behind the table they looked at each other, guessing what the interlocutor was thinking. The two cups of tea that had been ordered had cooled down.

“I'm up to you, Mantingan.” The North River Angel let out a weak sigh. His body shivered slightly, he accidentally left his robe in the room.

“I cannot be alone, Sister of the North River. It's about your life too, Sister has the right to take part."

Quiet again. Lightning snatched once. His lightning appeared first, only his voice boomed.

The North River Angel said slowly, “This is my decision, I leave my life to you. At least until the east monsoon winds come. I'm yours, what you say I'll take as a dead price order, whatever that order is.”

Manten. “Saudari North River, life belongs only to Gusti. You say like that will keep me trapped in sin.”

“Then I have to how?” The North River Angel said weakly. “I can't take big decisions, I never get used to it. In Champa, the one who made the decision on my life was my lover. He's my leader. Now he doesn't exist. What do I have to do? Say, Manten? What should I do?”

Mantingan took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. He let the night and rain take over, so the atmosphere felt lonely. Other than the speck of rain and the sound of gusts of wind, almost nothing was heard. The east monsoon is near, but it is still raining tonight.

Tonight. Fortunately, the damage was in the cold air. Cold air that makes them able to think calm, cold air also that makes them feel not strong for long there.

The mantans knew they could not stay here forever. Staring in the mute. The Northern River Angel looked at him, full of hope that gaze. The girl expected a firm decision from Mantingan, a decision that made her feel safe, and a decision that she considered the best.

“North River sister, I can't have you. Considering you have a lover in the land of Champa. But I can be a leader for you, maybe that's all I can do.”

The North River Angel was silent for a while. His words were bound by common sense. Want him to say in front of Mantingan's head, how he wants to forget his lover in Champa, as long as he can be with Mantingan. Forever. But it couldn't, he still had common sense. The North River Angel could only take a long breath, having to be satisfied even though Mantingan did not want to have it. That's a sad reality.

Who wants to understand his feelings? If people say they are unfaithful, then it is undeniable. But his feelings after getting Mantingan, no one else wants to ask for. Does anyone understand his feelings a little? And appreciate it as a natural feeling?

Duhais. The Angel of the North River is still a human being. If it is not perfect, let it be said so. His love for Mantingan was much greater than his feelings for the lover in Champa. His heart was sliced reality—the fact that Mantingan would not be his.

Who's Mantingan? That man could not be said to be a cold man. The coat is a warm man. Loving and affectionate. But he was loyal. Not all women get their love. Just the regret. To whom love Mantingan rests, will not be known the Angel of the North River.

Did you know that if it was known to the North River Angel, things would get worse?

“So what's your plan, Mantingan? I want to hear.”

“I think the advice of the merchant should be more considered.”

“Yes, that is the safest thing. But still have risks.”

“What risk? Wild animal?”

“Not that. The dangerous risk. And the danger comes from myself.”

The Northern River Angel tilted her head and narrowed her eyes.

“Saudari Sungai Utara, please note that we live on one small island in the same. Unlike the big island, where we can travel everywhere, the island we will live on is a small island. We can't go anywhere, and there are only the two of us as humans living on the island. Angel of the North River, you know where the danger lies.”

The Northern River Angel laughed. I don't know what he was laughing at. What is his fate, or the answer Mantingan funny. “Mantingan, why can't you trust yourself? Look at the dinner yesterday, the merchant seemed to be trying hard not to look me in the face. As for you, staring or not staring, as if it makes no difference. You remain mediocre, Mantingan.”

“North River sister, situation can be different in other place ...”

“Not going. Anyway if it happens, and if you dare to do that, I will definitely understand and not take it as a problem.”

The mantle choked on his breath. He stared in disbelief at the North River Angel. What was he thinking about that dare to say that gray thing? In fact, look at his gaze! The gaze that Mantingan almost never saw from the young woman. Mantingan cleared his throat several times to turn the bad atmosphere into a better atmosphere.

“Sister, I'll be back in a minute.” Mantingan rose from his chair, signaling the North River Angel not to go anywhere.

The footsteps brought themselves up. Second floor. Precisely in his room. He took a small reed roof, carried it back down.

“Saudari, this is poison from the strange blend of flowers I accidentally created. The impact of being exposed to this poison is to lift the soul. Sister please take care of this roof well, and use it on me if I act like.”

The Northern River Angel stared at Mantingan in disbelief. His hand did not move an inch to take the reed roof in the hands of Mantingan. The Mantingan had proven its kindness and sacrifice, but the Northern River Angel felt this was too much.

“Mantingan, you didn't mean ..”

“Save only.” The mantle still continued to extend his hand. “Sometimes Sisters will regret not receiving it. It can also be used to attack opponents in times of urgency.”

The Northern River Angel felt the first reason Mantingan was still too excessive, but the reason for both could be considered not excessive. With a heavy heart the Angel of the North River received a reed roof full of the poison. The woman gave a sad smile; the Mantingan smiled widely.

“I'm sure there is no need to use this poison.”

“Save only.” The real mantan was still on his initial grounds, but he knew the North River Angel must have denied, so he said to keep it.