What just happened?" I ask aloud, shaking my head to dispel the fog
clouding it.
"Pa?" "Honey!" I called out for my husband. "Paaaa!" I shouted, my voice slicing through the stillness, desperation lacing each syllable.
Silence hung in the air, a hea...
It was on this exceptional visit that Ayu Indah met and fell in love with the Pedagang Keliling's attractive son; to her, he was worldly, and she was captivated.
Deep down, she knew he was her higayon, her chance to leave and become free.
So she devised a plan and told him about her dreams.
He told her about the secret pathways the merchants took, the dangers of other routes they avoided, and the most secure destinations to visit.
She requested that he meet her in the woods on the final night of their visit, and he consented.
Throughout the festivities, Ayu Indah demonstrated her passion for the peddler's son; she even agreed to perform the palo-palo dance, mimicking the exquisite movement of a butterfly from flower to flower, to hold his attention throughout the night.
She also told everyone that the merchant's son was in love with her and urged her to go away with him.
"Ug basin muuban ko." And I might come along. I overheard her insult. Tokoh, whom she knew was listening intently, acted outraged, not by jealousy but by shame, at the threat of losing what was properly his.
She didn't seem to care, and she appeared to be having fun.
Her remarks humiliated Tokoh. I saw the color drain from his intoxicated face. After harboring many years of animosity, it has swiftly turned to disdain.
He smirked at her with a cruel smile before standing up and leaving the gathering.
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That night, I followed Ayu Indah home.
As we made our way through, the dense forest was entirely black, with only the dappled glow of dancing fireflies illuminating our path.
Even with her eyes closed, Ayu knew where she was going and walked with ease; familiarity guided her every step.
I trailed closely behind her.
She had a great time and appeared to be in a playful mood, giggling gently to herself as we moved deeper into the trees.
Even in broad daylight, these worn-out footpaths, bordered by untamed and overgrown vegetation that scratched my knees in the dark, were unsettling to me. I imagined sharp nails. Chills ran down my spine as I stumbled behind.
The whispering noises of midnight insects and piercing bird cries eerily filled the quiet as we went. Struggling to keep up with her pace, I could hear my rugged breathing.
The unexpected sound of a trodding limb brought us both to a standstill. It wasn't a scurrying animal, but a larger one.
I noticed Ayu stop and then turn, her gaze drawn to the commotion.
And my heart started pounding.
Then I became clammy.
All I could remember was her suddenly laughing openly; she sounded quite amused, but her tone was mocking, even contemptuous.
I tried to peek past her shoulders to see who or what it was, but a terrible, sickening blackness overtook me.
