Episode 14

"This Place is Cold,"

Grandpa Fakih spoke in Javanese which meant, 'this house is cold'. Satrio and Dimas exchanged confused glances, not understanding the meaning behind Grandpa Fakih's words. Riko, who already understood, simply nodded in agreement.

"This house is not fit for human habitation if creatures other than humans inhabit it in large numbers. It won't be good for humans living inside," Grandpa Fakih said mysteriously.

For Dimas, he could grasp what Grandpa Fakih was saying. Indeed, from the moment he stepped into this house, he had experienced many strange and peculiar incidents. But for Satrio, he had only experienced one mystical event, as he was less inclined to believe in such things. However, after being directly enlightened by the entity, Satrio began to believe that these unseen beings do exist.

"After this, I would like to speak at length with you both," said Grandpa Fakih, walking back to the living room. The three young men could only follow Grandpa Fakih as if they were his subordinates.

They all sat in the living room, settling into the available sofa, Dimas, Riko, and Satrio waited for whatever Grandpa Fakih was about to say.

Grandpa Fakih appeared to take a weary breath and began, "This house has many unseen tenants. The cause is the guardian of the banyan tree in the yard," he said, pointing toward the banyan tree outside the house.

The three young men instinctively turned their gaze to where Grandpa Fakih was pointing. Dimas then spoke, "No wonder I've had this premonition that there are many mysteries associated with that banyan tree," he explained.

Riko also spoke up, "Grandpa, I can see them, but I can no longer see into the past to understand what befell these spirits," Riko revealed. His reason for inviting Grandpa Fakih was to find out why his sensitivity had diminished.

"That could happen, Rik. If those beings don't wish their past to be seen, they won't show it to you. They even have the choice to reveal themselves or not, despite your ability to see them," explained Grandpa Fakih.

The three young men listened intently to every explanation Grandpa Fakih provided. Then Grandpa Fakih continued, "Only certain individuals are privy to past information,"

Dimas was startled by Grandpa Fakih's statement. Could he be one of these selected individuals? Dimas wondered silently to himself. "What might be the reason for someone who doesn't have the ability from childhood but gains it when moving to a new house?" Dimas chose to ask rather than carry the weight of curiosity for life.

Grandpa Fakih smiled and answered, "It means the person is one of the chosen. The one trusted to help them, like you," he said, looking at Dimas with an unreadable gaze.

Dimas was silent, digesting Grandpa Fakih's words. Riko and Satrio also paid close attention to their conversation. "Is it going to be difficult, Grandpa?" asked Dimas, doubting his own abilities.

Grandpa Fakih turned his gaze to the banyan tree visible through the window glass. "Certainly not easy. But you've been chosen, and you will solve all the mysteries and puzzles," Grandpa Fakih continued enigmatically.

They all fell silent afterward. Including Dimas, whose mind was suddenly in turmoil. All this seemed impossible for him. How would he help the kebaya-clad female spirit? Wait, Dimas had to save the kebaya-clad lady, didn't he? Dimas's confusion only deepened.

"Well then, I'll excuse myself to clean up, Grandpa. I'll come back later to prepare dinner for us all," Dimas said politely. Grandpa Fakih nodded in permission. Riko also excused himself to bathe. Only Satrio stayed behind to accompany Grandpa Fakih.

After Dimas and Riko disappeared behind their respective doors, Grandpa Fakih began speaking to Satrio. "My boy, believe it or not, these unseen beings exist. Your task is to strengthen your faith to not be easily deceived," Grandpa Fakih advised.

Satrio looked at Grandpa Fakih, surprised, for he had not yet shared anything with him. Yet Grandpa Fakih already knew of his disbelief. "How did you know I don't believe in such things?" Satrio asked curiously.

Grandpa Fakih laughed heartily as if Satrio's question was a joke from a comedian.

"The being that disturbed you wants to reveal its presence, unrecognized," after saying this, Grandpa Fakih laughed again. Satrio felt confused whether he should laugh or feel scared. "It wants you to understand it's here on a mission," Grandpa Fakih continued, his expression turning grave.

Satrio then felt fear at Grandpa Fakih's swift change of demeanor. Indeed, the aura of an indigo person is different from others. Their horror vibe is strongly felt, Satrio internally praised.

*

Dimas stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel around his waist. He walked over to the wardrobe where he stored his clothes. Dimas picked a t-shirt and shorts to wear, not forgetting to put on his sarong. After getting dressed, Dimas opted to perform the Asr prayer first.

The clock showed five in the afternoon, but Dimas remained committed to fulfilling his obligations as a Muslim.

Dimas prayed devoutly. He performed the prayer movements with tranquility.

Thud.

At the salutation, when Dimas looked to the right, the corner of his eye caught a glimpse of a figure standing beside his desk.

At that moment, Dimas had his back to the desk. So, he saw only a glimpse of the figure at the edge of his desk. Whether it was his imagination or the figure indeed existed, he couldn't be sure.

After finishing his prayer, Dimas didn't turn back immediately; instead, he chose to offer prayers to Allah. He poured out his heart to the Creator.

The prayer ended, and Dimas braved a look behind him. His heart had been racing since the moment of the sighting, but Dimas calmed himself with the belief that Allah was with him.

There was no one beside his desk. Dimas stood and stepped toward his desk. He wanted to ensure whether anyone else was in the room besides himself.

As he reached the desk\, Dimas's attention focused on a butterfly-shaped hair clip. *I don't recall owning such a clip. Whose is it\, then?* Dimas wondered silently to himself.

Dimas hesitated to touch the butterfly-patterned hair clip. He felt a twinge of unease at its sight atop his desk.

It seemed that the figure beside his desk had indeed been real, even though it no longer appeared to Dimas.

Upon closer inspection, Dimas felt he had seen the hair clip before. But he couldn't remember its owner.

Whose hair clip could it possibly be?

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