They're Here

Chapter 3: The Unusual Journey

Various events that are difficult to digest reason haunt me during this one week. Also, the voices asking for help from Hamid, Moses, and Rusman did not stop lurking at my hearing.

Inevitably, I must go to Citiis immediately. Perhaps there was an important clue directed at me to find the whereabouts of my childhood friends.

I went to Robi's office to tell a story between lunchtime. Without much opening, I told again about the various strange events I met at home.

This time, he looked ordinary - not as enthusiastic as yesterday. But I continued my point.

“Bi, I am going to Citiis yes,” I asked him.

“When do you want to go there?” he asked while sipping coffee.

“Tomorrow,” I replied firmly. “Gue feels constantly called out to them. I can't wait for this too long. The problem is, my parents do not know if I go alone. Even so, I use alesan to do a thesis there. So, maybe if it were you, my parents wouldn't be disallowing me.”

“Lu didn't tell me about the one you experienced with your parents?”

I put on a hopeful face. “The story is long, Bi. The point is, I think I should follow their call as soon as possible. Meanwhile, my parents were worried mentally I would go back down if I went there. Right now, only you can help me, Bi.”

“But the day after work to Lampung, Yan,” bright Robi while playing a small spoon on top of his coffee cup. “In my opinion, you better forget your desire to go there. It could be, it's just part of the jinn disorder or your imaginary mind, because you harbor trauma and guilt towards them,” he explained.

My hope is unpretentious. But why in his last sentence did he change his doubts with my story? Whereas, yesterday, he gave me the impetus to finish this senseless thing – based on his father's story.

I'm a little disappointed. I thought it would be easy to take her on my journey.

Nevermind! My problem. I can't push and hang on to someone else to help me. After all, everyone has their own interests.

I went home with a repel that tried to creep into the chest. Let me think of another way to get permission to go to Citiis.

Once home, I was greeted with a dark atmosphere. Very unusual thing. The window blinds were closed and none of the lights were on.

Abi has definitely not come home from work. Nana's still at school at this hour. So where is Umi?

It is strange if Umi leaves by not letting the slightest light decorate the house. In fact, it's a little gripping.

I tried to turn on the lights before opening the way for the sun to enter. A few times the switch was pressed, there was still no change. Maybe it was out of power, I thought.

I walked to the window. Then, there were the sounds of footsteps running up the stairs.

“Umi! Nana!” my shakes erode fear.

No answers are on the air. Little laughs echoed.

“Yan, we don't have much time left. Help us, Yan! We do not want to forever stand supporting the road,” said the voice of a child. Between Hamid, Moses, or Rusman speaking, I can't clearly identify it. I've been goosebumps first.

Then I ran back to the porch. Unfortunately, I hit the couch to the ground.

In the faint of light, there were three little children standing before me as I tried to get up. They wear red and white uniforms. Then they put their hands on me.

Rigid mouth. In my heart I tried to recite the prayer while closing my eyes.

Puk!!! Picked shoulder.

“Bang Yana again what?”

I opened my eyes, looked around. The atmosphere is bright like a bright day. I was also very surprised by this transition of scenery.

“Na…. Nana, how come you're home at this hour?” tanyaku while tidying up the sparks of the face.

“Bang, Brother don't follow their calls." Nana's 6th sense is indeed quite sensitive. "They were just...”.

I cut off Nana's words, “Who are they, Na? Come on, brother's going to the room. Want to rest first.”

“Nana knows a story about the childhood of Brother from Umi. Anyway, if Abang wants to go there, Nana is coming,” he shouted.

I didn't respond to his words. I don't want to involve him. Let the advantages he has become provision for himself in passing time. Even in the depths of my heart, I would love to share my story deeply with him, ask for his opinion, and digest his advice. It's just that, he will definitely complain about everything I told Umi or Abi.

***

I had to lie to Abi and Umi. I said I'd go to Lampung with Robi for a week. In fact, I was going to Citiis myself.

In support of my lies, I bought a plane ticket I wouldn't have. Robi also I have told you about my plan this – beware if Umi or Abi call him to make sure I say.

I realized that it is not good to do something without the blessing of both parents. But they worry too much about me. In the meantime, perhaps I was indeed asked by nature to solve the mystery of the disappearance of Hamid, Moses, and Rusman.

Am I not afraid to travel alone? Of course, fear exists. But I'm more afraid of being bullied by them every day. Trauma must be resisted, and guilt must be atoned for. At least I've fulfilled their call. As for what will happen, I can take care of myself.

So, what about the place to stay? There's still a mosque or I can hitchhike at the people's house.

It's a hot week. I arrived at Kalideres Terminal with Robi. It's a very important journey for me. It is estimated that I will arrive at around 5pm. I hope there are no obstacles on the way.

Across the city of Tangerang and Jakarta-Merak Toll Road, I feel the time is rolling fast. The shadow of childhood when playing with Hamid, Moses, and Rusman is increasingly sharp in the eye. Regret stirs the body, if I can go into the past to change their destiny.

There is nothing special about traveling on the bus, because the distance that must be taken is actually when riding public transportation elf cars.

Get off at Terminal Pakupatan Serang, I had lunch for a moment at a warteg. Then, I headed towards the elves who were about to board with Tamanjaya's final destination.

Only one seat remained in the back seat. I wish I could sit by the driver and talk. However, it is unlikely to change either because the conductor said this was the last public transport crossing Citiis.

Everything's still going well. Although I felt stuffy and sultry, but I tried to enjoy the trip.

Unfortunately, only about half an hour away, the car stopped at the edge of the forest. He said there was a tire rupture. Passengers are also asked to come down. Luckily, the driver quickly learned of the damage before causing an accident.

I twirled my muscles while breathing freshness. Dark clouds suddenly filled the sky. Don't rain before I get to my destination. My murmurs pleaded with the Earth Ruler.

A mother approached me. “Si Aa tea as it is from the city huh. Where are you going?” tanyanya invites to expel saturated.

“Mau to Citiis, Ma'am,” I replied.

“Citiis? There is a need for what Aa to get there,” again with a curious expression.

“Mau... want em.... look a friend, Mom,” my light is simple.

“Mending you home," tell him. "Or you can stop by my house first for the morning home. My home in Kampung Sumur, before Citiis.” Again, the mother showed me a face that made my resolve shaken.

“What's up there, Mom?” I'm trying to ask for an explanation. Then, I tell you my background. “I used to be that guy. I was born there. Only, when I was 10 years old, I moved to Jakarta.”

The mother shuddered while reciting something, whether prayer or what, I did not understand. It's just, I'm still vigilant and can't be quick to believe. He could have approached me for having a bad intention, like (maybe) wanting to hypnotize me. Today, do not easily get familiar with people who invite to talk in the streets.

The conductor told us to get back in the car. I can't wait to set foot on the ground that holds so many memories.

Tired of ambush, I fell asleep for a moment. It is impossible to miss, because the conductor has recorded the destination of the passengers.

“Aa, wake. Come quickly down!” Mother was patting my shoulder.

I looked up behind the window that it was night. Damnit damnit! My feeling was only a few minutes to close my eyes, but it seemed like it had already gone far. The conductor didn't wake me. The anger began to rise to the head.

“Don't mind being seen! We have to get off this elf immediately,” explained the Mother.

Prohibition is an implied order. I spread my eyes to see everything in front of me. The atmosphere is empty. The only passengers left were me, the mother, and the two people near the entrance.

“Where is this, Mom? Is this far from Citiis?” my many.

The mother did not answer. He pulled my hand. Meanwhile, the car was going pretty fast.

“Elf this is not pointing at our destination,” he said looking at me sharply. “I will jump first, then you also jump. One more thing, when you will jump from here, do not look back.”

“But..... What is this exactly?”

My mother kept pulling my hand. I was suspicious, but I did feel weirdness in the car. Then, I hooked my backpack on my back.

A fishy smell pierced the nose when it was near the two other passengers who were left. In front of the steering wheel, the driver is focused on pressing the gas pedal.

“Kiri, Sir. Stop!” my door half screamed as my eyes searched for the conductor's whereabouts. I repeat three times, the car just keeps going.

“Believe in me. A thousand times you ask to stop, the car will not stop,” said the mother before jumping. He was rolling on the side of the road overgrown with grass.

I chant the Verse of the Chair in my heart. The fishy smell also turned into the smell of jasmine and pandan. Yeah, I guess I should have followed that mother.

My left leg is out. However, someone pulled my backpack firmly. I also held on to the iron pole next to the door. Mom kept waving so I could get out of this car.

Nah! Why is my body suddenly paralyzed?