Three Cross - Time Youths

The Torturing Miss

In the middle of the sprawling city park, Jayak, Mado, and Kunta sit lined up on long brown benches. The park seemed quiet, there were only a few old people walking around and children playing in the play area. The leaves that fall in the wind, dancing as if giving the impression of nostalgia. White clouds rose in the blue sky, like floating cotton, while the sunlight provided the perfect warmth for the day.

Jayak, with his long black hair unraveling, closed his eyes, breathing fresh air. "Do you? The smell of this air is almost similar to our hometown, but there is less," he said, staring far away.

Mado, in her blue robe dancing as the wind blew, closed her eyes and said, "Wind... I miss the sound of the wind blowing gently between the leaves. Here, his voice is covered by the noise of the city."

Kunta, who was fuller than her two best friends, rubbed her hungry stomach and said, "What I miss is the smell of mother's cooking. Nothing can beat that." The look of his face was sad, the puffy eyes signified a deep longing.

Taking a deep breath, Jayak said, "How about we try to make our traditional dishes with ingredients from here? Maybe it can ease our longing for a bit."

Mado and Kunta exchanged glances, then with a wry smile, Mado said, "That's a good idea! But... Do you know how to cook it, Jayak?"

Jayak smiled broadly, "There is a saying in our village, 'There is no harm in trying.' We can find the recipe on this magic device." He pulled the phone out of his pocket.

After a while of searching at a nearby supermarket, Jayak returned with a few bags of groceries. He vigorously brought out vegetables, spices, and meat. "Here we go! I think this is pretty close to our original material."

They started the cooking process in a picnic area. Kayak, with a face full of concentration, cuts the vegetables with deft hand movements. His face looked solemn, but the sun shining down on his face added a golden aura, giving the impression as if he was performing a sacred ritual.

After a while, the aroma of cooking began to spread. However, when Jayak tried to concoct the spices, something seemed wrong. When all the ingredients are mixed, what is created is not the cuisine they are familiar with, but a slimy black porridge.

Kunta, with a face of disbelief, asked, "Jayak, what is this?" He tried to hold back the laughter, but failed.

Mado, who was initially trying to maintain courtesy, ended up laughing out loud, "It looks like we'll have to wait a little longer to get a taste of the hometown's cuisine, huh?"

Jayak, though a little embarrassed, laughed along. "At least I've tried" he said, shrugging his shoulders.

The three laughed together, filling the garden with a heartfelt laugh. Although they are away from home, their friendship makes things feel warmer.

The sun had shifted west, giving off a golden glow that reflected the long shadows of the three as they walked through the bustling city streets. Old buildings with modern architecture stand majestically on the side of the street, while the aroma of coffee and toast mixes with the hustle and bustle of the horns and conversation of the pedestrians.

Kunta, with big eyes and always curious, saw something that caught his attention. A leaflet was placed on one of the walls of an old building with images of ancient artifacts. He stops suddenly, making Jayak and Mado almost stumble upon him.

"What do you see, Kunta?" jayak asked, adjusting his wind-blown robe.

With sparkling eyes, Kunta pointed at the leaflet. "Look! Our special food menu! They sell it here!" he shouted enthusiastically.

Mado approached and looked at the leaflet, then laughed softly. "Kunta, it's not a food menu. It's an exhibit about ancient civilizations in the museum."

Jayak approached, gently patting Kunta on the shoulder, laughing, "Ha! You're really starving, aren't you? To the extent that it sees the exhibition as a food menu."

Kunta looked embarrassed, her cheeks reddened. "I... I was just too excited" he said in a soft voice, but his smile remained.

Mado wrapped her hands around Kunta's shoulders, "It's okay. I understand your feelings. But this exhibition looks interesting. Maybe we can get a little information on how we can get back."

Jayak nodded in agreement, "Right. Maybe we can find a clue or someone who knows something."

After a short while of walking, they arrived in front of a magnificent museum. The building was white with huge pillars in front of it, giving off an aura of grandeur. Jayak, Mado, and Kunta enter the museum with high hopes.

When inside, they are fascinated by the collections. However, Kunta, who was always excited, seemed to have not been able to forget about the mistake earlier.

"Listen, I'm sorry," he said, looking down.

Jayak patted Kunta on the back, "It's okay. Every mistake teaches a lesson. Now, let's get a lead."

The three continue their search, hoping to find something that could bring them back to their times. However, the curiosity and humor that always accompanies them, makes every second in the present become valuable.

That afternoon, Jayak, Mado, and Kunta gathered at a small cafe located not far from the museum. The walls of the cafe are lined with dark red bricks, giving it a warm feel. Outside, the sky began to turn a purplish orange, signaling the sun would soon sink.

With a cup of hot coffee in front of him, Jayak said, "We need a perfect plan. The museum guards must be very strict, especially at night."

Mado, who was looking through her phone, chimed in, "I heard from one of my friends on social media that there was an advanced security system there. We have to be careful."

Kunta, with her distinctive spirit, clapped lightly, "I have an idea! How about we distract the guards with something interesting?"

Jayak nodded, "That's a good idea. But what can we use?"

Kunta quickly pointed out a small box containing a simple musical instrument, "I have this. We can do a music show in front of the museum. It will definitely attract a lot of people, including the guards."

Jayak laughed, "You always have a way to make things interesting, huh?"

Meanwhile, Mado seemed busy looking for something in her bag. With sparkling eyes, he took out an outfit that looked like a museum employee uniform, but with too flashy colors and strange accessories. "Look at this! I found it at a second-hand clothing store. We can disguise ourselves as museum employees."

Jayak and Kunta looked at Mado in awe, but after looking at the clothes carefully, Jayak said, "Mado... Are you sure about the clothes? You look like a clown."

Mado looked confused, "Right? I think it looks authentic."

Kunta, who was always trying to keep the mood, tried to calm Mado down, "It's okay, Mado. We can modify a little bit. But for now, how about you try it first?"

With a little hesitation, Mado put on the clothes and took a walk on the city street. However, the reaction of the people was not what he expected. Many laughed, some pointed, some even asked him for a photo together. Mado was embarrassed, but she tried to pretend to be confident.

When returning to the cafe, Jayak and Kunta tried to hold back their laughter. "I know, I know," Mado said as she took off her costume, "It's not a good idea."

Jayak patted Mado on the shoulder, "It's okay. At least we know now. We have to think of another plan."

The three refocused on their plans, charted their entry and exit routes, searched for security weak spots, and prepared everything carefully.

That night, with high spirits and hopeful hearts, they get ready to sneak into the museum, hoping to find clues that will take them home.