THE STRANGENESS CONTINUES

For a while, Vero managed to forget what had happened the night before. The group was laughing and sharing a joyful meal. After eating, the six friends decided to take a walk to a scenic spot a bit farther from the villa.

They strolled together, soaking in the serenity, until they reached a high ridge with sweeping views of the valley below.

“Wow, this place is stunning…” said Ersa.

“I’ve never been here before. And the air… so refreshing,” Rachel added.

“Look! We can see the whole area from up here,” said Frans.

Andre and Reza gazed around, captivated by the breathtaking landscape.

“This is such a romantic place,” Reza murmured, drawing close to Vero.

“Babe, let’s take a selfie,” he said.

Vero smiled and embraced him gently. She held out the camera and snapped a few pictures of their quiet moment. Frans and Rachel followed suit, taking their own photos. Andre and Ersa sat side by side, watching the others with soft smiles. Andre wrapped an arm around Ersa’s shoulders, and she leaned her head against him.

“Babe, who do you think is the sweetest couple?” Ersa whispered.

“Frans and Rachel. They’re just... heartwarming,” Andre replied.

Ersa nodded thoughtfully, then said, “But you know what? Vero’s still in love with Frans.”

Andre’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”

“Mm-hmm. She told me once how jealous she felt of Rachel. She introduced Rachel to Frans, but he chose her instead,” Ersa explained.

Andre sighed. “Love can’t be forced. The heart wants what it wants.”

Ersa smiled warmly. Andre ran his fingers through her hair. “After this trip, I’m going to propose to you. I want us to be together. For life.”

“Oh, babe... Yes. I’m sure of us. Even when we argue, I see it as part of our closeness. I’m ready,” Ersa said, wrapping her arms around him as they gazed into the distance.

---session 1

As midday approached, the group went to a nearby café. They gathered around a big table. While waiting for their food, Andre struck up a conversation.

“What’s next for you, Frans?”

“I’m going to ask my parents for their blessing,” Frans replied, chuckling as he playfully pinched Rachel’s cheek. “Might take Rachel to meet them.”

“Ew, we’re not even official and he’s already acting like a husband,” Rachel teased, pinching him back.

Vero watched them with a glint of envy. Andre noticed. “Reza, what about you? Any plans?”

“Uhh... nothing yet,” Reza replied—just as the food arrived.

As they ate, Vero kept sneaking glances at Frans. He noticed and gave her a gentle smile. Vero smiled back, though her heart was heavy.

Reza, unaware, doted on Vero—feeding her and kissing her forehead. The others laughed. Frans chimed in, “Vero, I hope you and Reza end up together.”

“Yeah, Reza really cares for you,” Ersa added.

Vero forced a smile as jealousy twisted inside her. Reza took her hand. “Vero, I’m serious about you. I want to propose.”

Vero froze. She smiled weakly. “Reza... I’m not ready,” she said, still holding onto a sliver of hope for Frans.

“That’s okay. I’ll still talk to your mom—let her know I’m serious,” Reza said gently.

Vero stayed quiet, trying not to cry. They finished their meal and headed back to the villa.

---session 2

They arrived just before sunset. Bu Siti and Mang Ujang greeted them warmly. After the girls went to their rooms, Andre remembered the antique mirror and took it to Bu Siti.

“Ma’am, this belonged to Dewi—she left it in our room last night,” Andre said.

Bu Siti looked shocked. “Dewi? We don’t have anyone by that name. And I don’t recognize this mirror.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I only have one son, Asep. He helps Mang Ujang,” she said, pointing to a teenage boy nearby.

Andre was stunned. “So... who’s Dewi?”

“I honestly don’t know, son. Anyway, I need to prepare dinner now,” she said, walking toward the kitchen.

Andre sat with Reza and Frans in the living room.

“Who’s Dewi?” Reza asked, eyeing the mirror. “This thing looks ancient.”

Frans took it. “Strange... it’s in perfect condition for something so old.”

Andre hesitated. “She said she was Bu Siti’s daughter. She visited last night. Beautiful, soft-spoken. But Bu Siti says she doesn’t exist.”

Reza and Frans exchanged uneasy glances. “You serious?”

Andre nodded. “Dead serious.”

“We didn’t see anyone,” Frans muttered.

The three fell silent, unnerved.

---session 3

Night settled in. Bu Siti called them for dinner. Frans fetched Ersa and the others. Vero looked especially cheerful when Frans appeared. She sat beside him and couldn’t stop glancing in his direction.

After dinner, the whispers returned. Vero hurriedly finished her food and excused herself. Ersa noticed and followed.

“What’s wrong?” Ersa asked.

“I...” Vero hesitated. Across the room, Dewi appeared—her eyes filled with hatred.

Vero quickly stepped outside to the terrace. The breeze felt cold, unnatural. Then she heard it.

“Vero… Vero…”

It was a coarse voice. She looked around—no one.

As the sound grew louder, Rachel came out holding a drink. Vero panicked and bumped into her, spilling the drink.

“Vero! Watch it! Now my clothes are ruined,” Rachel snapped.

“I’m sorry… I’m just... scared,” Vero whispered.

“Scared of what?”

“I heard something... someone whispering my name.”

Rachel listened. “I don’t hear anything.”

“Rachel, I’m serious!”

“Come on, stop this. Don’t freak me out.”

“I’m not joking!” Vero yelled.

“Get inside,” Rachel ordered, grabbing Vero’s hand.

“No!!” Vero pulled away and ran into the forest. Rachel chased after her.

They ran deep into the woods. Eventually, the fog began to creep in.

“Fog during the day?” Rachel frowned.

“Vero! Where are you?!”

Elsewhere, Vero was crying—lost and terrified.

“Rachel… where are you?”

She wandered until she reached an old hut. She collapsed on the steps, sobbing.

A woman approached and gently touched her shoulder.

“Child, are you lost?” she asked.

“Y-yes... who are you?”

“My name is Eni. Come to my house.”

“But I want to find my friends…”

“It’s too dangerous. Trust me.”

Left with few options, Vero followed Eni.

Meanwhile, Rachel spotted Vero’s handkerchief outside a small hut.

“She was here…”

Fresh footprints trailed into the woods. Rachel followed them, calling out.

Vero stopped. She could hear Rachel’s faint cries. Eni tugged her hand.

“We need to go.”

“No... I hear my friend!”

“Forget it! Keep moving!” Eni snapped.

“No! I’m not leaving her!”

“That’s enough!! Your friend is probably DEAD in the forest!!”

Eni’s face twisted—her skin peeling, blood dripping, eyes hollow. Her beauty warped into horror. Vero screamed.

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