They're Here

Chapter 5: Home Without a Village

The breeze of the wind fondled my tribe affectionately. Cheerful play from children who play also evokes memories. But as far as the eye could see, I was in a different place. There is no impression of the beautiful and shady that shaded the village like in my childhood.

The trees that once loomed on almost every side of the house now seemed quite distant. The road is also beautiful with paving blocks. Yes, everything seems to be turning 180 degrees.

Arriving at the home of her sister, I was greeted with a very friendly. He said he was waiting for me.

Familiarity is created quickly. The mother's sister who he said used to be called Mang Dendi was so warm to me. From him I also knew that the beautiful girl who drove me was named Aisah.

One thing that makes me wonder. I don't know what the mother said to her sister until I appeared like someone who really came with a noble purpose. In fact, Mang Dendi only asked my name, the origin of the campus, and the city where I live. He did not validate me by asking for a permit or a letter of recommendation. In fact, I had already thought of the reason that the legality of my permission to conduct research was left behind, and would be taken or sent via expedition by my friend the day after.

Thank goodness! There's a sense of relief. In fact, there is a feeling of wonder.

“Mas Yana is deliberately coming all the way to do research here? What can I help you with? I happen to be here acting as the head of RT. In addition, I am also the principal at SDN Cibatu,” explained Mang Dendi.

I developed a smile to lead the way. “First, I beg permission to stay here for a week or two. Second, I actually used to live...”.

Aisah cut my sentence. “Mang, A Yana wants to do research as well as help develop the potential that exists in this village. Although it may only be a moment here, but who knows A Yana can move residents to play an active role in building the village.”

I was stunned to hear the exposure from Aisah. We just met today. Not many words said. However, he was able to paraphrase the statement that was still lingering in my head.

“Wah, then I am very grateful that there is Mas Yana who is willing to come to our place. We do need role models to explore the potential of young people in this village," said Mang Dendi. He showed a face so enthusiastic. "Let's tell us a little bit about the research before we talk more! Sorry, another 5 minutes Mamang had to go to the subdistrict office. There's a meeting there.”

“Em.... em...” My thesis is not directly related to community empowerment. I'm a Linguistic major. My purpose here is to fulfill the call of Hamid, Moses, and Rusman. Indeed there is a desire to write a thesis, but more on the search for mood.

Aisah helped me enough. Only, he should have invited me to discuss first before positioning himself as my spokesperson.

Mang Dendi looked patient and serious waiting for my explanation. Meanwhile, my brain is dead-end to dig up ideas. Huh! Messed up.

“Chat later, Mang. Let A Yana rest first,” said Aisah saved my clumsiness.

Mang Dendi also agreed with Aisah's words. He then showed me the room that would be where I would dive into my dreams.

The room I was staying in was located next to the main house, a kind of pavilion. The facilities are quite complete. There are bathrooms, mattresses, cabinets, televisions, and fans. It is like a low budget hotel or guesthouse.

After Mang Dendi, Aisah looked at me sharply. I did not understand at all the meaning of his change of attitude from gentle to fierce.

“Why do you see me like that?” I can't stand puzzles.

“A, the Mamah already ngingetin same Aa to not tell the main purpose of Aa to here. So please do that! Don't ever mention that Aa has lived in this village before!” the answer is full of affirmation.

However, the answer that Aisah gave actually raised more questions and curiosity in my mind. “Why? Is there something wrong with me being here? I'm here to visit my neighbors as well.”

Aisah breathed. “All the residents here there is not a single neighbor Aa who used to. Please just do the Mamah's orders. Si Mamah also expressed her trust so that Aa does not visit the bridge.”

Whahuh? There were no neighbors before. So, where are they going?

“You mean the people who used to live in this village have already moved, and replaced all new citizens? Where are they now? And how do you know this? Please explain to me!” My mind is hard to digest. Is there a relocation? Or is it that Aisah is making things up?

Huh! When I read her eyes, there is no implied lie in her words.

Aisah walked out of the house. I pulled her hand to ask for an explanation that would calm me down.

“One more, let's just say Aa is here for a vacation, not to reminisce about the past. Once again, I want to act as if Aa had just set foot in this village for the first time!" Aisah rebuked my hand. "Sorry, I have to go home soon,” he concluded.

Aisah passed by riding her bike. I was glued to silence, trying to string together a common ground for the growing mystery. Is it possible that I came to the wrong village?

***

Dark roll up space. The atmosphere of the village was suddenly silent in an instant. I heard I looked at the Maghrib, but like not from the mouthpiece of the mushola speaker here.

Uh! Maybe the muezzin is still getting ready, I thought.

Once out of the room for congregational prayer, Mang Dendi stood before me. He said he wanted to take me to dinner. I said I wanted to fulfill the obligation first.

“Mushola here is being renovated, Mas Yana. So, residents temporarily perform prayers in their respective homes,” said Mang Dendi.

Feels awkward. Why is there no substitute place that accommodates the need to worship in groups if the mosque is not being used?!

Unfortunately, I can't do the interrogation. My presence here hasn't been in 24 hours. So, inevitably I also obey Mang Dendi's statement.

After fulfilling my duty to God and fulfilling my body, I returned to my room. The absence of any signs of activity outside made me drowned out by boredom.

Last afternoon, I actually wanted to go around the village, but tired of being strong enough to suck energy.

Hem! I can't wait to prove Aisah's statement.

“Yan, let's meet us now on the bridge! We have been waiting for you for a long time,” Hamid said.

“Come, Yan!” the voice of Moses and Rusman.

I was so surprised to hear that. Then I went out of the room to check.

Afraid? Yeah, even my body is goosebumps. But I'm sure they won't hurt me.

On the body of the road, it appeared that the three of them were lined up looking towards me. The posture that should have grown with me, was held back by fate. Instantly the novelty hummed wistfully. There was no horror that ambushed, it was compassion that so quickly crept into my mind.

I stepped foot to get to them. However, they walked as if to lead me to the bridge.

After a few steps, someone suddenly pulled my hand. I turned my body. “Mas Yana where you going?” asked Mang Dendi.

I tried to hide the surprised look. “Mmm…. This Mang... what. His intention wanted to go around looking at the atmosphere of the village. But really quiet ya.”

Mang Dendi raised both his eyebrows. “Oh. Here if it is dark, people have no activity outside the house. His name is also in the village, Nothing interesting if the night, mending sleep, right?! Hehe..”.

I caught something strange from Mang Dendi's description. Because, this village suddenly died when the sunlight set. In fact, many people used to teach ba’da Maghrib. After Isya, there are still young people who chant clothes.

Times may have shifted a little. Even so, it feels too odd if the lost tradition is unfrozen. What is really going on here?

“Mas Yana why? How do you feel to be dumb? Does Mas Yana feel strange because life in the village is very much different from in Jakarta that is never quiet?” Mang Dendi was observing my face.

“Ti. I was carried away with curiosity all you want to breathe the freshness of the night,” kilahku.

I was ready to go back to my room. Hopefully tomorrow there will be a clue that can solve the enigma that is floating in my homeland.