The River House

LV. The promise of two human children

The sound of gunfire broke the silence of the forest, driving away the herds of crows perched on acacia trees. The smell of gunpowder stings. A pair of glaring eyes stared at the dark black sky.

Mella with her partially broken face, was lying on the ground. Sweat the size of a corn seed drips through the pore of his wrinkled skin. His breathing sounds rough. He fumbled his head, hoping there was no hole in his forehead.

Bayu's gunfire hollowed the ground, a few decimeters from where Mella was lying. Bayu did not miss. Mak Ijah hit the man's hand just before he opened fire.

"What does this all mean, Mom?" asked Bayu, glaring at Mak Ijah who was standing before him.

"I've been taking care of it all this time. I don't understand why this body moves on its own. There is a feeling of unwillingness if this girl has to die before my eyes," Mak Ijah said looking at his own palms.

"Huh? Did I not hear wrong? I thought you had no conscience, it turns out that people like you still have affection in the corner of the heart," Bayu chuckled, laughing at Mak Ijah.

"I don't understand what love is. I also don't understand what is called love. My life has always been to serve. But still I cannot let him die" said Mak Ijah.

Bayu bobbing head saw the change in attitude Mak Ijah. Though Bayu is quite sure Hendra used to brainwash the old woman, in order to lose love. Human feelings are something that cannot be predicted. The seeds of love can still grow in the heart and brain that is barren though.

"Anj*ng always knows how to return the favor. Just give me a piece of bone, the animal will give me the service. But look what humans do. Don't know thank you!" Bayu sighed.

"Your job is to serve the one who gives you purpose for your life. When you dare to argue, it means that you have lost your reason for being in this world. It's time for you to catch up with Mr. Mardoyo and Hendra, "Bayu pointed his gun muzzle at Mak Ijah.

"Good Sir. If indeed my services are no longer needed," Mak Ijah gathered under Bayu. The woman gave her life to the man who became a partner of the Rich Man in composing a red-bound book manuscript.

Mella watched in front of her eyes, how Bayu pointed a gun at Mak Ijah's head. Within seconds, a flashback of life appeared in Mella's mind. Mak Ijah became one of the meritorious people, saving his life who was tied and grilled on the second floor of the Rich Man's house. It turns out that it is not only Mak Ijah who feels he has a bond with Mella, it is also the opposite.

Mella can't let Mak Ijah, the one who's been taking care of her for the past year die in vain. Mella does not want to be a criminal and a killer according to Bayu's wishes. But, he couldn't possibly let his helper just die. Mella grabbed her little knife, immediately stood up and jumped towards Bayu.

Realizing that there was a sudden movement, Bayu reflexively aimed the weapon in hand at the body floating in the air towards him.

Doorrrr

The shot once again resounded in the middle of the wilderness. A jet of red liquid gushed out like rain, coloring the darkness of the night sky. Mak Ijah could only glare at the body that jumped towards Bayu.

Before her breathing ended, Mella managed to hit and landed several attacks on Bayu's body. Finally Mella rolled and sprawled in the grass. The girl with burns on part of her face had to bury her desire to live a normal life like she used to. He breathed his last in the wilderness to protect the old woman who had treated his burns.

Bayu also collapsed. His body collapsed in the grass. But the man showed no fear at all. He even laughed out loud with some wounds on his gaping stomach.

"Humans are strange creatures. Taking his own revenge is not. But willing to kill to protect the people who feel meritorious in his life. I don't understand it at all" Bayu smiled.

"What's up, sir?" ask Mak Ijah. As usual, the old woman's expression remained flat. There is no emotion, sadness or anger.

"I'll catch up with my friend Zainul. Following Hendra Tuanmu, as well as other friends," whispered Bayu still with a smile on his lips.

"Because you are in this world to serve, then I will give you your last duty, Mommy" Bayu continued. His breath began to sting. His throat felt increasingly narrow.

"What Master?" tanya Mak Ijah.

"Stay alive. I have sown seeds that will gradually flourish. Wait for the fruits of my labor in this place. The forest is evidence of the existence of the Maestro Zainul Rich Man. Also tell the world, my greatness in handling cases at the riverside house. Let the world know, Bayu Khairil is a man who died with honor. As my friend Zainul wishes. We have both been bound by promises in this forest, our lives may be useless, but our deaths shake the world" Bayu said with a proud smile.

"Sendiko dhawuh Tuan" said Mak Ijah bowed.

Silent, deserted. No more answers from the Bayu. Along with the drizzle that flushed the forest area. It was as if the place was crying, letting off Bayu's departure.

Zainul and Bayu, two human children who live bitter lives. Composing the story of a red-bound book in a forest-centered hut, and in the end the same as ending life in the place where their promise was said.

Meanwhile, at the same time Andewi breathed his last in the recesses under the waterfall. After earlier he whispered a secret in Damar's ear. Andevi had told him where he had hidden a sack of money. Damar smiled meaningfully.

With a slight rush, the handsome young man stepped out from inside the cave. He went down the path, hoping to meet Bayu soon. Others who are waiting for others are coming. In the middle of an unexpected road, Damar instead meets Adi police.

"Sir Adi?" Damar was confused as to why Adi could get to that place.

"Damar, you're okay, right? What really happened in this place?" Adi asked while watching Damar from head to toe.

"Ah sorry in advance, we better immediately look for Mr. Bayu only. Let him explain later," said Damar berkilah.

"Where's Bayu?" ask Adi again.

"So we were separated sir" Damar replied quickly.

"A moment ago I heard a gunshot not far from here. Don't let anything happen" Adi said, looking worried. While Damar did not hear the sound of gunfire as Adi said. The sound of the waterfall makes the condition in the cave as if soundproof.

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