The Forest Behind the House
4. Mind Memory

After seeing his son who seemed lifeless, mama also approached Pak Bujang.

"How is my son Bujang? What really happened to Budi? Why is he always possessed?"

"I can't tell you what really happened to your son. Because I also don't know what the real cause is. But don't worry, I'll try to figure out the cause."

"Please help us, Mr. Bujang. Please help our child to be free from the interference of these subtle creatures" said papa.

"I'm trying. You guys don't worry."

"Ma .. drink," said Budi limply.

"Ibud, are you conscious, son? You want a drink?"

"Yes ma."

"All right, wait a minute" said the mother as she rushed into the kitchen.

"How are you doing, Bud?" ask papa.

"It hurts, Pa."

"What's sick?"

"Everything."

"All?"

"Yes. My whole body hurts all."

"God, this is the water you asked for, son," said the mother, carrying a glass of water.

Gather all the remaining energy just to raise his hand. His hands were so trembling and looked so weak.

Mama who saw it, with all her might held back tears from falling. But still, the tears flowed by themselves.

"Let your mama help, son," said the mother as she wiped away tears.

"Gak papa ma. I'm still strong."

"Right .... "

Mama can't hold it anymore. He hugged Budi tightly.

"Ma .... "

"Why are you like this, son?"

"Ma, don't cry."

"What's my son's fault, God?"

"Mama, stop. Don't be like this. Let Budi rest. He must be very tired" said papa.

Mama nodded slowly. He just remembered that his embrace might add pain to Budi. With a heavy heart, my mother let go of the embrace.

"Honey, you're resting, son. Mama and papa are always there whenever you need," said mama as she gently stroked Budi's head.

He nodded while showing a smile to his mother. The smile from the pale face did not make the heart of the mother happy, but rather grew sad and agitated.

When papa opened the door to Budi's room, Irfan was already there. He stood straight right in front of the door.

"Pa .... "

"What's up, Fan?"

"Sir Bujang is waiting for papa in the living room."

"Oh," replied papa briefly.

"Hmm Ma .... "

"What?" ask mom with annoyance.

"May I accompany my brother?"

"Ma, let Irfan accompany his brother," said papa.

"But, pa .... "

"Mom, ma. Don't worry, I'm sure Irfan won't repeat the same mistake."

"Yes, you can be with your brother, but remember, don't mess around" said the mother with a threatening look.

"Yes ma," said Irfan in a tone of fear.

After the mother left Budi's room, Irfan went inside. Irfan's heart was so sad when he saw his brother who was lying limp.

Irfan wants to cancel his intention when he sees Budi sleeping. He did not want to disturb Budi with his arrival. Irfan decided to leave Budi.

"Fa."

The call with a heavy voice also prevented Irfan who was ready to move forward. Wiping away the tears, Irfan turned around and smiled sweetly at the brother.

"Where are you going?" ask Budi.

"Get out, Bang."

"Don't want to talk to me?"

"Don't want to bang, I just saw you were sleeping. That's why I decided not to bother you first."

Irfan tried his best to hide his anxious face. However, no matter how hard he tried to cover up his anxiety, Budi as a brother could still see the anxious look of his sister.

"here. Sit beside me" said Budi while pointing beside his bed.

Irfan followed what his brother said. Without many questions and words, he sat beside Budi who was still lying down.

"What are you worried about?" ask Budi.

"Tid-nothing," answered Irfan.

"Don't lie, I'm your brother, I know what you're feeling."

Irfan. "Is that sick?"

"Which one?"

"This one," said Irfan while touching the bluish red found in the legan Budi.

"No," said Budi lightly as without burden.

"Don't lie, Bang. I know it must hurt."

"Oh, don't talk about it again. I'm not papa."

"Oh yeah, I want to tell you a little story. Do you want to be a listener of my story?" ask again.

"Just tell me what you want to tell me, I'll be your listener with pleasure."

"I hope you won't tell me I'm crazy if you've listened to the story I'm about to tell you."

"I mean brother?"

"Hmm .. Before I tell you, I want to tell you one thing first. Irfan, your brother is still very sane. I will not make any covenant with a subtle creature just because of a calf. So I'm asking, get rid of your no-no thoughts about me."

Irfan was very surprised by what Budi said. How not? What Budi said just now Irfan never said at all. He just thought of a possibility, had not had time to say with words.

"W-how do you know about what I think?"

"Hmmm .... " But not answer. He just smiled sweetly at Irfan.

"Do you want to know what happened before I went missing?"

"Did you remember?" ask Irfan excited.

"Yes, I remember."

"Let's tell me what you remember."