What We See, What We Forget

Part 2

Husni is very much still familiar with the streets of Malang, having just finished his bachelor's degree just over a year ago in this city. The panorama of Malang hasn't changed since his time as a student. His short time in Jakarta after graduation felt like a brief break until he was placed back in this city.

"Is it destiny?" Husni pondered in his head.

Inspectors have very little say in where they will be stationed, but Husni found it rather uncanny that he is placed back where he has been studying. The police car reaches the turn to Kayutangan Street, but instead of heading straight for the station, the officer makes a turn and heads elsewhere. This turn leads to the housing complex for officers, his work residence in Malang. After a few blocks, they arrived at Husni's designated house, which was small for a family but more than enough for one person. The house showed signs of age with chipped paint, dusty walls, and worn furniture. The two saving graces of this house are the existence of furniture, to begin with, Husni thought that he must supply his furniture, the second being that the toilet and bathroom are surprisingly clean, and it's a seat toilet, unlike the crouch toilets that Husni had in mind when he first took a glance at the house. Husni then unloaded his luggage with the help of the officer.

"Not too bad, eh?" asks the officer.

"Not bad at all. This is very good."

"Now go change into your uniform; you must report to the head of the criminal investigation division."

"Right away."

Before changing into his uniform, he called his parents to notify them of his well-being. Both of them responded positively to it. After a short conversation, Husni changed into his uniform and told the officer to start the car. Husni sat still throughout the ride, clearly showing signs of nervousness. Husni closed his eyes for what he thought was for a second when suddenly he felt a hard tap on his shoulders.

"We've arrived! Must've been one hell of a train ride, huh?" Joked the officer.

Husni stumbled as he exited the car and tried to fix his now-jumbled hair because he had slept the entire car ride. Husni thanked the officer for his time and asked him to pray for him, something customary to ask elders. The officer sent Husni a pat on the back and wished him good luck. Husni entered the station looking for the criminal investigation division, and a policewoman pointed the way for him, where he found a closed door with the label:

AKP. Hendra Rimanto Putrawan – Head of the Criminal Investigation Division

Husni knocked on the door until a voice welcomed him inside. Who greeted him was a grey-haired man standing tall by a desk. Husni stood still and gave the man a salute.

"At ease, son, have a seat right there."

"Yes, sir."

The man glanced at Husni when they heard another knock on the door; the door was opened, revealing the same policewoman now bringing a folder to the man. The man thanked the policewoman, who was now asked to leave. The man reviewed the insides of the folder before beginning to canvas Husni.

"Husni Cakra, right?" asked the man.

"Yes, Sir"

"How's the beat in Jakarta?"

"Well, it- "

"Never mind that question. You will be stationed here to do more than walk the beat inspector. Though this city isn't as big as Jakarta, you will find that its complications are quite similar to those of an urbanizing city."

"Right, sir."

"Look to your left; it's a café; to your right, a nightclub. Nowadays, nights are longer than days in this city. With that, I only ask one thing from you."