Several days after Grandfather Fakih recounted the tale of the wandering spirit in the house, the apparition seemed to have ceased its appearances, both in the physical realm and in Dimas’s dreams.
The whereabouts of the kebaya-clad figure and the long-haired woman with bulging eyes became a mystery. They vanished as if in tandem with Grandfather Fakih's arrival at the official residence.
"How goes it, Dim? Have you received any further clues, perhaps in your dreams?" Riko initiated the conversation. It was Sunday, a day of rest for the three young men, which they spent within the house's comfortable confines.
They were presently seated in the living room, ready to resume the discussion from the previous days with Grandfather Fakih.
Dimas shook his head feebly. "Nothing yet. I haven't been visited by them at all for several days now," Dimas replied, cradling his arms, equally puzzled as to why the apparitions had ceased to manifest.
"Everything has its time, and when that time comes, you all must be ready to face it," Grandfather Fakih said cryptically, his gaze piercing through to the outside world, obscured by the window's glass.
Dimas fell silent, contemplating Grandfather Fakih’s words. "Does that mean they will come back, Granddad?" Dimas asked, beginning to grasp the direction of Grandfather Fakih's thoughts.
Grandfather Fakih nodded in confirmation. "They will come when the time is right," he disclosed, leaving the trio immersed in their respective ponderings.
That afternoon, Grandfather Fakih bade farewell to the trio, as he had important duties awaiting him back in his village.
"Take care, Gramps. Dimas can only accompany you to the bus terminal," Riko said upon reaching the terminal. Indeed, all three youths had escorted Grandfather Fakih to the bus station, where he would embark on his onward journey.
"Yes, take care of yourselves. Remember this advice: strengthen your faith to easily confront them. In truth, the stature of humans is greater than that of the accursed devils and jinn. Always pray before embarking on any righteous endeavor,"
With his final words of wisdom imparted, Grandfather Fakih boarded the bus, and before long, the vehicle carrying him away departed.
The departure of Grandfather Fakih left Riko, Dimas, and Satrio feeling somewhat bereft. How would they oppose these malevolence? Were they equipped to face it? Deep down, Dimas had not anticipated that Grandfather Fakih would leave them with scant more than advice, the effectiveness of which was yet unproven.
Dimas began to trudge back toward his parked vehicle, with Riko and Satrio following behind, sharing the sentiment of reluctance at Grandfather Fakih’s departure.
Upon returning home, the three friends slumped into the living room sofa, each lost in thought. "Does Grandfather's departure signify the beginning of our struggle?" Riko looked up at the ceiling and wondered aloud. "Perhaps. Perhaps you are right that everything is about to begin," Dimas echoed, mirroring Riko's actions.
BANG!
The sound startled the trio from their reverie, leaving them bewildered and alarmed by the sudden noise.
"What was that sound?" Satrio inquired, instinctively pulling closer to his companions, his paranoia heightened by such unexpected auditory disturbances.
A tense atmosphere enveloped the living room; no one dared to investigate the source of the sound. Dimas and Riko scanned the room, hoping their eyes might capture any unseen presence.
BANG!
"Whoa!" The three friends gasped in shock as the sound echoed once again. Driven by curiosity overpowering their fear, Dimas mustered the courage to explore the kitchen and ascertain the true cause of the disturbance.
Dimas crept stealthily toward the kitchen, backed by Satrio and Riko.
Meow, meow.
Relief washed over the young men upon discovering a cat in the kitchen, rummaging through the trash, perhaps lured by the scent of fried fish from outdoors, seeking its favorite meal.
Dimas approached the feline and opted to offer it a piece of fish. It seemed cruel to let the poor creature settle for mere scraps. "Why would you feed it to the cat, Dim? What will we have for dinner now?" Satrio lamented, his expression sullen.
Riko grimaced in annoyance. "Don't be so stingy. It's easy for us to decide what to eat. We're not short of cash," Riko retorted irritably. Dimas concurred, "Exactly right. Giving alms doesn't always mean to humans. Animals too are deserving."
After the cat finished the fish graciously provided by Dimas, it exited via the window. Shortly afterward, Dimas excused himself to freshen up, as the evening and time for Asr prayer was drawing near.
Exiting the bathroom refreshed, Dimas coincided with the call to Asr prayer, broadcasting from the mosque. "Alhamdulillah," he whispered in gratitude for life and the opportunity for self-improvement.
Dimas dressed in his Koko shirt and sarong, unfurling his prayer rug to fulfill his duty to Allah SWT.
Post-prayer, Dimas offered a supplication, seeking forgiveness for his and his parents' sins. He also included prayers for divine guidance regarding the unsolved case of Bening's death.
Once his prayers were complete, Dimas rejoined his friends. Passing down the hallway, he noticed Mr. Wongso rushing out, his destination unknown.
Curiosity piqued, Dimas decided to trail Mr. Wongso. To his astonishment, he witnessed Mr. Wongso entering a typically locked room with ease.
Mr. Wongso scanned the area to ensure no prying eyes were upon him. Dimas concealed himself behind the wall to remain unseen.
Ensuring he was unobserved, Dimas inched closer to the slightly ajar door. Peeking through, he saw Mr. Wongso engaged in some ritual involving incense and offerings.
Dimas was taken aback but contained his surprise, less he alert Mr. Wongso to his presence. A thought struck Dimas - a closer examination of the room’s contents would be advantageous.
He quietly retrieved one of the keys dangling in the lock, confident it matched the one in the door.
Once in possession of the key, Dimas retreated from the vicinity to avoid detection.
CRASH!
But Dimas, in his haste to depart, brushed against a vase, the noise drawing Mr. Wongso's attention. "Who’s there?" exclaimed Mr. Wongso, startled.
"Meow, meow, meow."
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