A Piece Of Memory

Storia 4 : Rock And Waterfall

I don't know what could possibly be worse than this. But like I said, my life suddenly feels like it's just spinning out of control. Almost all of my friends started to keep their distance, and often talked about me when I was behind them, even it's just for fun, their fun of course, not mine, which made me have to avoid them every day. While dealing our time with Sarah quietly, and of course, while maintaining her feelings. I still hate this place. And always hope to get out of there. Even now I can only imagine it.Sometimes I wish for a sudden disaster to happen for that place. I think it would be better if the meteor did it. Because there are no volcanoes or earthquakes or anything like that. In fact, I can almost imagine how it had happened where the place being blown to pieces. Which also fills the news in the local newspaper. I mean, then we wouldn't have any reason to stay, would we? But I don't think any God will ever answer my prayer for that one. Just like our prayer that wishing Otto for dying quickly. After all, Welmina would forever be a secluded place. Which even if the world had already greatly developed, its place would always be far behind. But there's still an exotic side to the place that for some reason can be enjoyed some times. Especially for those who are too tired of living in the city with all the hustle and bustle.So, I heard from my friends about another scene behind the village. Which is probably about half a day's walk away. Which is also still included in the national forest area. Previously, the local government had also paid special attention to the place, considering the large number of wild animals that had to be protected. But lately, the treatment seems to be just more of an omission. Although the location can be used as a tourist spot that is quite interesting. Sarah had told me that she wanted to go there, and she had told me many times when she came to my house again. I know she never really mentioned me going there with her. But I think that's what I get from her words.So that's where we went in the middle of that month.Actually, the idea did not come from us alone. But from my friends who suggested it first. Even though this time they didn't openly want to invite me. In fact, this is the first time I feel no longer be part of them. Which makes the plan seem sudden. But the problem is that I don't have a vehicle or one that could possibly be borrowed. Before Sarah again became the savior. And when she then handed over the vehicle to me, I guess everyone couldn't help but think all kinds of thing again. Luckily, maybe to prevent something worse from happening, he chose to ride with Randy. Which instantly made Randy even more excited.Almost everyone is with their partner. Franky is with Cici. Erik and Melia. Meanwhile Eddie chose his time with Susie. So, I'm the only one who drive alone. Which made me for being a loner. We passed through a narrow road, steep ravines on several sides. And I have to admit, the trip there did feel very tiring. But all our tiredness soon paid off once we got there.Far from human hands, green trees stood as far as the eye could see. Some of which may be hundreds of years old. Not even two people could hug it until their hands met. The radiating sunlight can also be stuck on it. Which makes the place we stand a little dark.The air there is still cool. Even more refreshing than the morning air in Welmina. There was only the sound of birds, and herd of monkey voices. Until then only heard the rustle of water. From my position, I can see the clear white water, which flows through the gaps in the very large rocks. From there, we continued our walk for a few more meters. Before the show we were looking for we found.And the view really looks amazing."There he is," Erik called out, as he turned his head towards us. He is in the front position. So, he was the first one who see it.It was a waterfall, rising to a height of almost fifty meters or more, and consisting of three levels. As if nature and time suddenly conspired for this place, making it a beauty that spoils the eyes.I immediately felt the air mixed with water droplets all over my body. Even from certain angles, you can see the rainbow at a very low altitude. The sunlight that comes makes its beauty well arranged. My friends, they didn't even take a little longer to throw themselves in the water. I rubbed water all over my face, wetting it all over my hair, until my freshness slowly returned. From my position, I can keep an eye on my friends from afar. I could even faintly hear their conversations, their smiles and laughter, or their screams in the distance. Before my attention suddenly started to turn away.Actually, the incident also didn't go as awkwardly as I had previously imagined, but because Sarah, and again now Sarah, who had been passing by in front of me for a long time, I couldn't help but focus my attention on her, could i? Just like me, he also separated herself from the others. And this time busy taking photos there. I could see his face smiling peacefully, as her feet kept moving from place to place, then taking some more photos. But what I realized too late was that she suddenly looked around, before catching me who was unconsciously staring at her. I couldn't help but avert my eyes automatically. But Sarah knew what I was doing. She smiled softly then, then walked towards me. For a moment, I didn't even know how to act. Before she started the conversation. "You didn't shower? The water is fresh." Instantly she said."Not,""Why?""...I just don't want to." I tried to smile.She looked the other way for a moment before sitting down to my right. Even I was feeling anxious imagining what would happen."Oh..." she said, without seriously answering. "You can't swim, can you?" Then she asked again. I was even a little surprised when she said that. Don't know where it come from."No... of course I can.""Is that so...? You mean if the water is shallow right?" This time she laughed again."I'm serious... I just don't want to. And you? Why don't you swim too?""I'm a girl. We need more privacy you know."Then I muttered. "You mean in the wild like this?" I said and I laughed. "I think I can give you some privacy if you want." I meant it, in a joking tone. I think Sarah gets what I mean too."No way! You can't believe it. You look naughty!" But she replied. Laughing."And you are stinky too!" Of course, I still meant it as a joke. Even I was still showing my non-seriousness with my laughter. But I guess Sarah did respond to me differently. As she questioned the direction of my words. She even tried to inhale her own scent. "It smells good! You know?" She said curtly. And I just responded again with my laughter.I think I've already said that Sarah can always be a good friend when we talk. Where she can always liven up the conversation between us. But after that, the silence suddenly returned. We sat in silence for a few minutes. With eyes pointing in the same direction. This time the silence contained more peace."You don't mind if we go out for a while?" I replied, I didn't even realize that I had just invited her."Where to?" Now, I can hear the enthusiasm in her words."Who knows. Just go have a look!"She smiled briefly before answering. "Okay," she said again.I know Sarah is fully aware that this will only involve the two of us. I guess she was also waiting for something interesting. Something called... um... adventure maybe? In fact, it's the first time we've ever sneaked in secretly together. But I don't want to think about it for a moment. And just want to enjoy my time this time. And I don't think there's anything wrong if I do it with Sarah.We started from the river bank. This time walking away from the waterfall. Before crossing a path that I don't know where it ends. Sometimes, I have to get rid of the sharp branches that get in our way. I just don't want it to hurt her. I think as a man, I've done my job well. But something just seemed to worry me. This place looks even more confusing than I thought."You sure you know the way?" She asked as we paused on the uphill. "I mean the way back?""I think so?""I guess you say? That means you don't remember!" She replied, a million questions were drawn on her face.But I tried to laugh. "It's fine, as long as we're near the river, we're still safe right?" Then I said, and forced myself to steady myself.I hope she doesn't know how I feel."Now you're acting smart!""Yeah, I'm really smart right!" I said, and I laughed again.I led her back down another small hill there. But unlike before, the savana there were starting to look less and less. And only filled with dense trees. Even the sun's rays would not be able to penetrate the branches below. But fifty meters away, the atmosphere immediately changed.I could immediately feel the rays of the sun rising from the forest around us. The two places were only separated by a line of light and dark due to the surrounding situation. Even the grass there stood taller than the adults. We set foot again following the path in front of us. Which now directs us towards the riverbank. Before the place we were headed appear in front of my eyes. And the scenery is just as amazing."Wow..., this is the place we just saw above right?" This time it was Sarah who returned to answer. While my memory returned to the scene we saw on the hill. As we went through the trail before finding the waterfall we were looking for. I don't think my efforts were in vain.A large collection of rocks lay wide in that place. Which is almost the same area as half a football field. Meanwhile the river water continued to erode it since it first flowed over it."You like it, don't you?" I said, and Sarah nodded."Too bad the others didn't come here." And then she laughed to herself.We had to sink our feet a little more to get to the top of the largest rock in the place. Because the place is in the middle of the river. And I again let Sarah capture some more photos there. Some of which even involved the two of us. I know I still feel awkward when she tries to take pictures of me, but I try to enjoy it. We then sat next to each other again, then remained silent for a few more minutes, let the nature turn around watching us for a moment. Even the atmosphere felt much calmer now.The she began to ask. "So, Ryan..., why do you always avoid friends lately?" I was a little surprised when he asked that, and knew right away where it was headed. And I guess the way I looked at her showed my expression clearly. I didn't even think that it would bring her curiosity.Then I muttered. "I don't know. I just... I think you know, they said... we're close?" I said, and I shrugged my shoulders.Hearing my answer, Sarah even laughed. She then took another photo of me before answering. Makes me turn the other way. I'd rather not look at the camera when she does that. And don't ask me why."We are really close, right? As a friend after all. And you don't have to be swayed by what they say, do you? I think that's what made things worse."I know what she said was true. But almost at the same time, for some reason, I suddenly felt as if something was missing when she said that. Although I didn't notice it immediately when it happened. But I know exactly if it's coming from my heart. Then for a slightest moment, we did nothing else. Before realizing that I was the one who should have asked her something again. "Seems like you really like photography?" I said, trying to pass the time."Um... Just love it.""You're not interested in learning it? I mean there are a lot of courses, right?"This time she laughed again, lightly. "What's for?" she said then. "I'm just sharing my fun. Just make it a memory.""Yeah..., I mean looking at the exhibition too, right? Maybe that can give you some inspiration?""I don't know. And you yourself, you don't seem to like being in front of the camera, do you?"I looked the other way for a moment. I think the answer is obvious for reasons of confidence or something. But I don't think that's a good answer."Umm... I guess I just don't like acting.""Yeah..., but you just need to stare at the camera, right? And smile too!" She replied, which made me smile too.We were there long enough. At least an hour or so I think. And the fact that we could be alone with her there was not too disappointing. I could tell Sarah was silently thinking about the world around us. Imagine the beauty of all this. I can see it, if it seems like to bring a peacefull to herBut I also didn't want to disturb her thoughts during those moments. But time suddenly made me realize that we had to go back soon. In the western sky, the black clouds slowly thickened. And it's true that it wouldn't rain just now, but the late afternoon breeze would slowly carry the clouds overhead. This time it was still me who led Sarah in front of her. With a faster pace and slightly different from the previous one. While under the waterfall, my friends were waiting with annoyed looks etched on their faces.