The three youths residing under the same roof had united in their mission to unravel the enigma of the kebaya-clad woman dwelling in the banyan tree. They were ready to execute various carefully-crafted plans.
If indeed Clarissa and her family were responsible for the disappearance of the kebaya-clad woman, then where was her body? And why were they allowed to live freely instead of being confined behind iron bars? Could it be that the spirit sought revenge for what had happened to her?
The trio had arrived at the government office and were seated at their respective desks, awaiting Clarissa's arrival to pose the questions troubling their minds.
"Why is she taking so long? Why hasn't she shown up yet?" Satrio complained, growing impatient at the lack of Clarissa's presence. Dimas and Riko tried to remain calm, not wanting to rush and risk spoiling the intricately devised plan.
"There, there! Clarissa's coming!" Satrio excitedly whispered. Riko and Dimas lethargically rolled their eyes at Satrio's behavior, which was slowly revealing his true nature. Initially, Satrio had presented himself as composed, but his real temperament was proving otherwise.
Once Clarissa reached her desk, she flashed a smile at Dimas, which he reciprocated. "Have you been here since earlier, Dim?" Clarissa asked with a friendly grin.
Dimas nodded, returning the smile as sweetly as he could. "Yeah, Ris. But not since too early," answered Dimas cordially, his friendly demeanor masking an ulterior motive. There was more to it than met the eye.
"Eh, who else lives with you in the official residence, Ris?" Dimas inquired, fishing for information. Clarissa hesitated, fixing an unreadable gaze on Dimas. "Why do you ask, Dim?" she retorted, probing.
Dimas swallowed hard when Clarissa exhibited suspicion at his question. He pretended to simply be making conversation, wanting to know Clarissa better. "Just curious. You can't possibly be living alone in such a big house," Dimas replied, forcing a wide smile.
Clarissa relaxed and answered, "I live with my dad and mom," a response that had Satrio and Riko whispering across the table.
Dimas glanced at his friends, signaling them to keep quiet. "So, it's just the three of you?" he probed, trying to get Clarissa to say more.
"No, not just..." Clarissa cut herself off, her eyes darting to her notepad and pen.
"What else?" Dimas pressed, driven by curiosity. Clarissa shook her head slightly, her smile thinning. "Also a banyan tree," she chuckled softly.
Dimas thought hard. Had Clarissa considered the banyan tree her companion? If so, she was indeed a rare kind of person, mused Dimas internally.
"What do you mean, Ris?" Dimas persisted, still seeking a definite answer. Clarissa shook her head again, smiling. "It's nothing. Let's get back to work," she said, sidestepping the conversation.
Dimas nodded and smiled. Pressing her too much might raise suspicions. It was best to put an end to his interrogation for now and try again another day.
*
The trio had reached the official residence, greeted cheerfully by an elderly man brimming with vigor and an upright gait.
Riko, recognizing his grandfather waiting at the gate, beamed widely before rushing to embrace him. This man was Kakek Fakih, Riko's grandparent.
After breaking away from the embrace, Kakek Fakih regarded Satrio and Dimas, who were both puzzled by the unfamiliar face. Sensing their confusion, Riko introduced them.
"Satrio, Dimas, this is my grandpa, Kakek Fakih. And Grandpa, these are my friends," Riko said, facilitating the introduction.
Following polite handshakes and traditional gestures of respect, they all entered the official residence. As Riko, Dimas, and Satrio neared the door, Kakek Fakih lingered in the courtyard, gazing intently at the sturdy banyan tree.
Kakek Fakih saw numerous creatures inhabiting the tree. Two beings stood out: one powerful and dominating, the other appearing fearful of the first. The dominant entity seemed to act as a barrier, preventing the other from wandering.
Unsure of the reason, Kakek Fakih contemplated a potential conversation with these entities. Pulled back to reality by Riko's voice, he was urged inside. "Grandpa, why not come in? You must be tired," Riko suggested, supported by Satrio and Dimas.
Obediently, Kakek Fakih entered the house. Though indoors, he heard the distressing cries of a kebaya-clad woman. The phantom, dressed in white with flowing hair, seemed to give him a piercing stare.
Kakek Fakih sensed an overwhelmingly negative aura in the courtyard. Once inside, as Riko closed the door, he wandered the residence, peering into its corners. Dimas and Satrio exchanged confused glances, unable to see what he saw—Riko included.
"Do you enjoy living here?" Kakek Fakih inquired, his focus unwavering. The youths, following his lead, murmured affirmatively. "Yes, Grandpa."
"Ever experienced anything paranormal?" he asked suddenly, stopping and turning to face them.
"Whoa!" they exclaimed in unison at his abrupt move. "Satrio and I have, Grandpa. Not sure about Riko," Dimas honestly replied.
Kakek Fakih's gaze shifted towards Riko. "Riko is untroubled because I have given him something to protect him from physical or mental disturbances," Kakek Fakih disclosed, stunning Dimas and Satrio.
No wonder Riko had been spared physical assaults from otherworldly beings. Kakek Fakih had given him an amulet, Dimas silently realized.
Then Kakek Fakih resumed his dialogue. "Without that protection, Riko would be vulnerable, as he can see them," he explained further, turning back to inspect the premises and its history.
Pausing by a locked door, Kakek Fakih placed his hand against it, eyes closed as if seeing through it. After a moment, he faced the three men behind him and declared,
"This house is tranquil."
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