THE MYSTERY OF THE FOREST
#12
Mr. Sumarep was stunned among the crowd watching Farhan's burnt-out hut. The cold forest air turned hot because the wood from Farhan's burning hut still left burning embers. Wati himself was still unconscious after several times falling unconscious. Several times he screamed to call Farhan's name when he realized. Mr. Sumarep was seen to be unceasingly blaming himself for his delay in visiting Farhan. Wati had reminded him several times about the situation that now befell Farhan. Wati deserved to blame him. He had to wait for the flames to burn to make sure Farhan survived or caught fire in the hut. Some people are still seen hauling water in wells near the fields to put out the fire. Others began to dismantle some of the wooden blocks that had piled up because of the collapse.
"I'm sure Farhan is still alive and managed to save himself, there's no sign of his being here" said someone as he finished inspecting the ruins. Mr. Sumarep went to check, wanting to ascertain what the person next to him said.
Mr. Sumarep sighed and looked at the person beside him.
"I think so too, Thank God, he survived the fire. But we can't confirm yet whether he escaped or was abducted by the burners of this hut. This is very similar to the burning of his father's house a few years ago" said Mr. Sumarep as he stared at the forest in front of him.
"Sumarep sir, here for a moment" shouted someone from the field. Mr. Sumarep and a few people approached. Mr. Sumarep directed his flashlight towards the traces of blood in the grass and the wild garden. Increasingly into the depths of the forest, he still saw blood spills even though the distance was far apart.
"I'm sure Mr. Sumarep, Nak Farhan escaped into the forest. We pray that the man who burned his hut does not pursue him" said another man.
"Something went in there, sir," asked Mr. Sumarep, this time he set his sights on everyone in front of him. They look at each other.
"I used to be Mr. Sumarep, but only a few meters away. I dare not fear further. The forest and the bushes were very dense" said a black-squeed man who sat at the very back. "The forest is very broad and dense even though it ends at the edge of the sea. Steep and scary," he continued.
*
*
It didn't feel like the morning was turning. Fog began to be seen covering the towering trunks of pine trees. People began to be seen coming back, wanting to watch Farhan's burning hut.
Mr. Sumarep was no longer visible at the scene. Early in the morning he had entered the forest with traces of blood seen in the bushes near the fields. There are traces of bushes that are cut. But Mr. Sumarep couldn't confirm it. Too many traces. He believes there has been a chase by some people.
Mr. Sumarep was silent. He was in a completely untouched forest. Let alone running, to move the legs is very difficult. The meeting of trees that grow towered with a very large size, coupled with bushes that are like deadly traps. Like being at the beginning of the night. Dark with strange and frightening sounds.
Mr. Sumarep thought for a moment. After feeling his body unable to continue the journey, he decided to return home.
