Episode 9

I dared not turn my head, yet the figure lingered by my side. Hopes flickered that it would vanish as sacred verses stumbled from my lips. But there it remained, invisible in the mirror's reflection.

Doubt seeped in; had I erred in my recitation, my fear substituting prayers for meals or sleep? Chills crept up my spine, a heaviness bearing down on my neck.

"Yuraaa."

A scream itched at my throat, my mouth struggling to open; my legs glued to the ground despite the urge to flee.

"Yuraaa."

Eyes shut tight, I mustered courage to speak. "Leave... leave me be. Please, we belong to different realms and I've done you no wrong."

"Yura, help me. Deliver my message that I may rest in peace."

My heart lurched.

Eyes snapping open, I processed the request. Was this presence like Sister Marni, seeking closure through me?

"Wh-what message?"

"To Refan, convey my words to Refan." With fear subsiding, my body responded, distancing me from the spectral figure. Sideways we stood; I avoided looking, feared engaging in social contact with it.

I listened intently, not to words spoken, but to the ethereal whispers felt.

"Help me, Yura. I long to depart from this world, bound by my own grudges."

A nod was all I could muster, overwhelmed by the soul's plight. Message received, I bolted from the bathroom, a scream trailing me. Even in the hallway, speed unabated, students' stares and muttered critiques couldn't slow me.

Panting, I paused at a building near the main gate, bending to catch my breath.

"Damn, Nana was supposed to wait," I grumbled, summoning a ride on my phone. Soon, a motorbike with a striking green jacket—a symbol of the trendy service—pulled up.

"Mbak Yura."

"Yes."

Helmet in hand, I geared up and mounted the bike. "Hurry, it's getting dark. I wish to avoid more strangeness, lest I seem mad," Yura directed.

"Strange how, Mbak?"

"Never mind—just go."

The delivery service halted at my gate as the evening prayer echoed. Post-ride formalities done, the security, recognizing the familiar sound, had already opened the gate. I hastened inside, feeling the vast silence of the abode. A brief greeting went unanswered.

...***...

The next morning brought a rested body, free from spectral disturbances or the concert of mosquitoes. A glance at the wall clock—time was plentiful before university duties called.

Sliding out of bed, I ensured my schedule was in order, my cracked phone a tangential concern.

"I'll buy a new one—this can still be fixed," I mumbled, planning a repair shop visit after classes.

None of my parents were at breakfast.

"Bik," I called out.

"Yes, Miss?"

"Where are Mom and Dad?"

"The master left early, possibly out of town. The madam just went out, something about a park. What will you have, Miss Yura?"

"This will do," pointing to the prepared meal.

The absence didn't surprise me; Dad's work and Mom's social affairs had always left the house to its silences.

Taking the car, since my schedule didn't stretch into evening, I passed through the gate, warming the engine of the vehicle Dad gave me.

Driving past a city park, I paused at the sight of my mother, seated and pensive. I unbuckled, intent on joining her, but she rose, departing the park.

"Why so glum, Mother? A quarrel with Father?"

Tracking her departure in my mirror, I resumed my journey, grateful for clear roads and an on-time campus arrival. During my corridor stroll, I kept an eye out for Refan.

Yes, Refan. It wasn't attraction nor longing driving me but the need to pass along a message. A shiver returned with the thought of the ethereal entity's requests.

"Ra," called Nana upon my entry into class.

Approaching both Nana and Mail, I expressed my condolences to Mail for their recent loss, though unaware of who had passed.

"Thanks Ra."

Conversation ceased as the lecturer arrived. I engaged fully in the day's lessons, absorbing the three courses I attended.

"Cafeteria?" Nana suggested afterward.

"Not for me; I have matters at a relative's," replied Mail, her grief still apparent.

With a collective nod, Nana and I acknowledged Mail's departure.

"Let's go, I'm starving."

Side by side, we headed to the cafeteria, my gaze still searching for the elusive playboy infamously repellent to women.

"Not here," I muttered.

"Who?" Nana inquired.

"Refan," I replied.

Nana halted, prompting me to turn.

"Why look for Refan?"

"Just something I need."

"This wouldn't relate to yesterday's cafeteria incident?" Nana pressed.

"No, it's more serious than that."

"What is it then?"

"Ignore it, let's head to the cafeteria," I urged, guiding Nana back on our path.

Not a trace of either Refan or Kaivan, likely with no classes today. Checking my messages while awaiting my order, a text from the very man occupying my thoughts appeared.

[Yura, where are you?]

"What should I respond? 'In your heart, perhaps?'" I whispered to myself.

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