The River House

54. Fires

Black smoke rises high. The sky that was blackish ash, looked increasingly dark. The red man was so terrible, burning and scorching all parts of the house by the river.

Adhan Maghrib roared, villagers who were about to go to the mosque were shocked by the appearance of plumes of smoke from the middle of the forest. The Rich Man area. Among the residents were two fathers who looked panicked and worried. They are the parents of Wignyo and Fadlan. They remember, his son from morning went to the house of the Rich Man but until now has not returned.

"Finished the congregational prayer, we immediately went to Mr. Zainul's house" said Mr. Kasun gave the order. All the residents agreed.

At about half-time at 7pm, the father who lives in the hamlet closest to the forest area had gathered in the field. They seem worried and tense. A whole life only this time there was a case of fire. The forest where they live is indeed a type of green forest that is shady and moist. Even in the dry season the flow of water remains swift and the air is always cool and cold.

"It is impossible if there is an accidental forest fire. This is the rainy season, especially in the middle of a very humid forest," said one resident.

"What if something happens at Mr. Zainul's house? Guests who visited a few days ago did not go home. Do not let them be a gang of criminals who want to seize the treasure of Mr. Zainul," the other citizens chimed in.

"yes too. We must save Mr. Zainul. He has a great impact on our village. Isn't that Father?" Shouted other citizens.

"True father. Our priority is to help Mr. Zainul" Kasun said.

"Sir Kasun, do not let the people we brought to the polindes this morning including the plotters who want to harm Mr Zainul?" A distended father asked.

"Don't suuzon. Summing up a bad thing without proof is called slander sir. Slander is more cruel than not slandering!" Father moustached thick chiming.

"It is, calm down. What is clear, the injured man was in the handling of a midwife, Dik Nurma. I also had a message to call the police immediately" Mr. Kasun calmed down.

"How do you keep going now, sir?" The moustache asked back.

"I called damkar. But since our village is quite remote it took 45 minutes to get here. Moreover, the fire engine can not enter the forest," Mr. Kasun sighed.

"Where is it going sir?" Ask other people.

"Mbah Lurah happened to see his daughter in the next town. He said he was sick again with DHF," Mr. Kasun seemed to think.

"We can't wait for DAMKAR without acting. Seeing such thick smoke, I was worried that the fire was spreading. If the whole forest burns we will be troubled. Our livelihood is from the forest products," Mr. Kasun was restless.

"How much does piye go, sir?"

"We all go to the forest, bring jerry cans, buckets or large water spots anyway. Later we take the water in the river we water and extinguish the fire," Mr. Kasun decided.

"For the wives of the fathers should be reminded, to be at home and to lock the door. How's it?" Mr. Kasun asked.

"Ready Sir!" Reply citizens simultaneously.

"Now disband, ten minutes away we go to Mr. Zainul's house!" Shouted Mr. Kasun.

 * * *

People flocked to the forest. Each person is equipped with a flashlight for lighting. When viewed from above, a flickering flashlight appears lined up between the dark atmosphere and the dense trees at night.

"Sir Kasun, there's someone sir!" Shouted one of the residents in the front row.

"Geezoooo!" Pekik Pak Kasun surprised.

Fadlan and Wignyo were drenched in blood and tied to the trunk of a sengon tree using a rope from bamboo. The parents of Fadlan and Wignyo who were in the group immediately ran down and shook the shoulders of his son who had become a corpse.

"What's really going on here, sir?" One of the people looked scared. The horrifying sight he saw was indeed beyond estimation.

"Everything is calm. Don't panic" Shouted Mr. Kasun trying to calm the residents who had been excited. In my heart, Mr. Kasun was frightened because he did not know what they were going to face.

"We are many. Don't panic! Stay united, we continue the journey to Mr. Zainul's house" ordered Mr. Kasun.

"What about Fadlan and Wignyo sir?" Ask the father-headed plontos.

"Four people live here. Meet Wignyo and Fadlan. Remove the bodies from the ties, clean and stretcher to the village. Until the village, call the police immediately. If you need someone to go straight to the police!" Pak Kasun's orders.

Everyone once again agreed and complied with Mr. Kasun. They go back on the journey. Mr. Kasun this time is in the front row. There was a bit of worry and fear in his heart. However, he was well aware that the citizens needed a leader this time.

Meanwhile, in front of the heavily burned Riverfront House, Hendra's figure stood looking at the flames. He clutched the red-coated book tightly. He held it in his arms, as if the piece of paper was the most precious thing.

"Zainul, this smoke must have reached your place up there. You must be proud, right? You are happy and content, right?" Hendra muttered to himself. A few tears dripped down his cheeks.

Hendra picked up the glasses that were in the pocket of his shirt full of bloodstains. He wore glasses, then sat cross-legged on the field in front of the fence.

The night air was supposed to be cold, this time it was warm. Hendra daydreamed, recalling memories of his time at school. Light a bonfire at night.

Hendra recalled, the time when he was with Zainul enjoying night cruising activities. Two students who are basically the same are timid, but can get through the challenge of helping each other. Hendra was crying this time. Without him noticing, a pair of legs walked slowly behind him.

"Every human being actually has good and bad traits. And every human being is given the choice to choose which side. The good side or the bad side. Those you have killed, in those days chose to be on the bad side. And this is the reward" said the figure behind Hendra. 

Hendra quickly looked over.

"Wood?" Hendra gasped in shock, finding the police officer standing behind him.

"Would you stand with your hands behind Hendra's head, or should I call him a fake Mr Zainul?" Bayu smiled as he pointed his small gun at Hendra.

"My goal has been reached. Catch and take me. I don't care what punishment awaits me" Hendra smiled.

"Why should I arrest you?" Bayu looked mocking.

"Isn't that your job in this story?" Hendra looked at Bayu questioningly.

"Ha ha ha. .you're wrong Hendra Asmara," Bayu grinned. His white teeth neatly lined up look scary exposed to the spotlight of yellowish red from the red hero.

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