Short Story

My Perfect Angel

The clatter of shoes kissing the marble floor was interrupted by the clamor of the class filled with cheerful faces who were very enthusiastic looking at the figure in the doorway. Awan just ignored the boisterous atmosphere that greeted him and casually sauntered towards an empty seat in the corner of the room. Awan had expected this to happen, the boy had heard rumors that the girls in this high school were very enthusiastic when they found out that a famous writer would transfer to their high school.

Minute after minute passed and for almost an hour the girls flocked to Awan's bench to ask for autographs and some even just wanted to admire Awan's face, the most handsome among the students at the high school. Awan, who was starting to get annoyed, decided to leave the class because it happened that today the teachers were having a meeting, so the students were freed to carry out learning activities as they wished.

Awan followed the school paving without any direction while enjoying the fresh air passing by at every step the boy took. Awan's steps took him to the quietest corner of the school, his eyes fixated on the figure of a pensive girl with a book in her lap. Awan wanted to say hello but half hesitated, the boy decided to interrupt with as abstract a sentence as he could "This high school is full enough huh, so a girl has to sit on a dusty bench in an abandoned yard."

The girl turned her head, looked at Awan with a flat face while saying "Students at this school are already blind, huh, so no one sees you here.". "Oh, wow. Then you are also blind, you are also a student at this school." Awan moved closer to the girl. " No." the girl stood staring at Awan completely "The clothes I wear are this school uniform and my identity at this school is indeed that of a student. But not with my identity."

A little taken aback by the girl's answer, Awan started arguing, but the girl had already left before Awan had the chance to argue. "Matahari. If you are a cloud then I am the sun." said the girl while continuing to walk away from Awan who was frozen without a word.

After the meeting with the girl and quite a tiring day with noise everywhere, Awan came home with a disheveled face. The boy's steps were interrupted when he looked at the figure of the girl he met smiling at him. The girl greeted him, waved and left without Awan having time to catch up. Awan's curiosity turned his wrinkled face into a look of intense curiosity. The boy took the initiative to ask the students he met about Matahari. It was strange, almost every student he met didn't know who Matahari was. Awan came home with a big question mark in his head about the girl.

The morning sun again greeted Awan at the school. Unlike yesterday, this time the place where Awan first went was a corner of the abandoned school yard. Ignoring all the eyes on him, Awan kept walking to meet the girl. Awan's guess was right, the girl was already there with a sweet smile welcoming Awan's arrival. "Would you write a story for me?" asked the girl. "Story? What's the story about?" Awan walked closer to Matahari. "You should already know, Awan. That story was written a long time ago. Waiting for you to remember and write it back." the girl's face turned somber before she chuckled "Ahh, forget it. I was just babbling." she continued. Awan scratched the back of his neck trying to understand Matahari's words until without him realizing it, Matahari's figure had already left, leaving him alone to sink into confusion.

Awan has been unable to focus on his studies all day. Every time he tried to focus, Matahari's shadow with his enigmatic words always managed to damage him. This made Awan spend his rest time looking for Matahari's figure. Abandoned yard corner, canteen, library, and even class after class he has gone through. However, he never found Matahari's figure. This is where Awan is now, on the roof of the school building. The boy was surprised when his eyes met Matahari's faint smile.

"Hey, Awan. Are you tired of looking for me?" Mataharii grinned "Even so I've been looking for you longer.". Awan felt stupid in translating Matahari's every word. So far he can easily flip through words with a specific purpose and his more than one work can also invite the mystery of many people. But facing Matahari, it was a different level for him.

"Can you talk to me without riddles? You confuse me with every word that comes out of you." Awan gripped Matahari's shoulder forcing him to look up into the Awan's sharp eyes as if cornering. The girl was silent trying to push Awan away from her. The girl's efforts were in vain, Awan's energy was stronger than her. Reluctantly, Matahari opened Awan's sleeve and revealed a scar. Awan was surprised but just kept quiet waiting for an explanation from Matahari. "I don't know, do you remember the story behind this scar." Matahari's statement made Awan speechless. So far, Awan only remembers that the stroke on his hand is a birthmark. "Awan, I really don't know your name. But do you remember every time we spent time in that corner of the abandoned yard."

"Remember when I repeated that statement, the first words that came out of my mouth when I saw you. Do you remember the saying if you are a cloud then I am the sun. "You're lying, if that really happened, why can't I remember anything." Awan refused. "Awan, listen. I don't know where you went and what exactly happened to you. But I remember that the wound appeared because you protected me from the broken glass of the window that was caused by a bad boy playing slingshot at that time." Slowly Awan remembered the chronology of the incident and also the reason why the 2nd floor window of a nearby building was broken. "Awan, you still remember the last time we met. When I ask you to promise that you will always remember me even if only for one second in your dreams. You promised you would always remember me so that we would not be able to meet again later."

For a moment, Awan's head spun without control before finally being hit by memories after memories of his past began to whack his head. The boy was limp, for a moment he couldn't use his legs to rest. "Matahari, is this you? The little girl who always chased away my loneliness before." Matahari nodded with her eyes starting to water, the girl grabbed Awan's muscular body in his warm embrace. Awan hugged the girl back crying "You know Matahari? After I left that day, my car had an accident my father and my mother were injured quite badly. And I, I lost my memory since that day." Matahari didn't answer, the girl let go of her arms and whispered "Tonight, this school will have a fireworks party. Meet me there, if you think I matter.".

Awan froze without answering, still with tears in his eyes he looked at Matahari's back who was running away. Occasionally the girl wiped her tears streaming down. The house she was looking for had returned but it seemed that the house was only used by her to stop by now before she finally disappeared into thin air.

The night was getting late, Awan was getting ready in his suit to meet Matahari. The fireworks event was very lively. The stages of the event went very smoothly until the climax of the event arrived. All the audience gathered to witness the magnificent flash of colors in the sky. Amid the crowds, Awan and Matahari sat hand in hand with each other. They spent quite some time, sharing stories about each other's lives.

The night was getting late, Awan dared to ask Matahari "You don't want to go home? It's already quite late for a girl like you." "I'm not tired yet, Awan. Oh yes, I'm Lauren." Matahari stretched out her hand to shake Awan's hand "From the first time we met, we didn't know each other's real names. So, my name is Lauren." Matahari handed Awan a piece of paper tucked into her dress.

Awan accepted the crumpled paper that Matahari gave enthusiastically. His enthusiastic expression turned sad when he learned that the contents of the paper were news about an accident tragedy two years ago that killed a first year high school student and his parents. He immediately hugged Matahari tightly, realizing that he would no longer be able to see her after this night. Awan burst into tears after learning that the high school girl referred to in the newspaper was Matahari.

"Awan, don't cry. I'm here just to see you. Waiting for you to write a story about us. I love you Awan. I'm always waiting for you to come. Unfortunately, I have to go first. Sorry, next time if I am given another life then I will never let you go. Thank you for being the most meaningful person in my life." Matahari smiled with tears in her eyes while wiping away the tears from Awan's eyes.

"Just accompany me for a moment, I beg my Sun. Let me spend that flash of light with you whom I will not be able to meet again later." Awan hugged Matahari's body tightly for the rest of the night. In the last second before Matahari's figure disappeared, Awan whispered softly in her ear "Anggy. Anggy Awandy is my real name. Lauren Arieny.".

After the last words were spoken, the figure of Lauren, the girl in the elegant and beautiful white dress, vanished, melting away with the wind leaving Anggy still crying hoping that he would be given a third chance to meet the angel he had been looking for. His lips softly whispered "See you later. Sorry and thanks for everything Lauren. You are an angel figure that I will not meet again in the thousands of angels who will come to me after this. Let me perpetuate your name forever my most perfect angel.

Elaborate

I came home quite late tonight, my mother even called up to four times. But unfortunately, I left my phone in class earlier so I had to go back to get it, luckily no one took my phone. The way from my home to school take 1 hour, far away. A neighbor suddenly ran towards me, I had just reached the end of the hall at that time but I already knew what he meant "Where have you been, Adel. Didn't your mother call you earlier?" several other people approached me "Adel, thank goodness you're okay." Haltingly I said "W-what's wrong sir, ma'am?". They didn't answer and pulled me towards the house.

The condition of the house was chaotic at that time, my mother was lying in a pool of blood, her life had been lost for some reason "Why so fast... mother..." I whined when other residents tried to calm me down. Several policemen then arrived and started setting up police lines, investigating, and even interrogating one resident. The police strongly suspect it was theft, all the windows were open and some items were missing, my mother's money was also missing. However, a mysterious person arrives, claiming to be a detective. The man in a robe with a hat and sunglasses adds to his mysterious impression. The police began to suspect him, but the man still didn't care. He circled around my mother's body for a while, around then smiled happily. "Your mother is stupid, right?" He said, I didn't answer just snorted softly.

He later confirmed the police's allegation "The mother was stupid because she was careless not to lock the windows properly at night, under the pretext of waiting for her child she neglected her own safety.". My heart muttered softly "My mother is stupid, but why is this detective more stupid.". After declaring the case closed, the detective had said "The poor woman who was waiting for her death." He is chuckle softly. I thought he knew something but I chose to ignore it. My focus was on my mother's body which had begun to be carried to the ambulance. And damn, sure enough he knows "Your mother stupidly called you, miss." The detective whispered in my ear. "She doesn't know, what she's calling is the killer, what she's waiting for is also the killer, right miss?" "What did you do that for, miss?" He pulled me away from the crowd of police and citizens for a moment. I looked down at his movements then "An unsolved crime deserves to end with a crime too." I bit my lip until it hurt "My father died in her hands, sir. But that's also her stupidity because she let eyewitnesses live." I laughed he realized what I meant "I don't want to be stupid like her or like you, so witnesses deserve to be killed too." And just like that I let a knife stab his heart area many times. Laughter started to get loud, unluckily no one heard the police because of the noise of the crowd.

I innocently stood again between them, witnessing the ghost of my mother and the detective staring viciously at me, father.... Ahhh he doesn't know how to benefit, I just relieved his heart's burden, but why is he the same. Staring at me annoyed, dammit but I don't care anyway, my burden has been released so far. It's time to go to heaven and gather with mom and dad. I snatched a gun from one of the policemen there and shot myself in the head right in front of everyone who was gaping in disbelief. No one knows what really happened, apart from Samy, my imaginary sister who I imagined was still alive at that time.

"Arghhh, it's already midnight. Time to prowl." I left a rusty old typewriter sitting in the corner of my mother's house which has not been maintained since our death. Only children are still alive, not as humans but as pseudo-figures begging for forgiveness from the Creator to allow me to go home. For years I also begged until I was tired and chose to ally myself with the devil, I helped them tempt all existing humans. I occasionally destroy those who do evil so that I can atone for my sins, and this redemption never ends. My intention to find prey failed, and chose to walk towards hell waiting for another dimension. Waiting, until heaven is willing to pick me up or at least my parents come back with me and accompany me here.

RESPECT, GABINO

Gabino left in a huff this morning. How could it not be, the boy was awakened by cold water mixed with ice from his mother, complete with a handful of lectures that beat the duration of the film. Gabino took it out by kicking the objects around him. Accidentally, the boy's foot hit a can that shot towards a girl.

"Aaarrghhh." She groaned as the can hit her head hard. "Damn it" Gabino cursed about to run away, unlucky before he could move his feet the girl had called him first.

"Hey, you!" Gabino turned to look at the girl's annoyed face while apologizing. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't do it on purpose. I also don't know if you'll get hit by the can earlier." Gabino apologized in a rather harsh tone.

"Yeah, I'm fine. But you can't speak politely, don't talk like that." The girl returned the can that Gabino had kicked at her. "You're an Aerospiece high school student, aren't you? My name is Gienka. What's your name?" Gabienka reached out to shake Gabino's hands.

"Uh, what the heck. I ask apologize from you, not a lecture. And don't be pushy about telling me. I don't like it. Remember, don't talk to me like that." Gabino brushed off Gabienka's hand and pointed at Gabienka's face and roughly pushed the girl away.

"I'm just suggesting not giving lectures. Sorry if that seems to order you and disturb you. it's very impolite to talk to you like that with women" Gabino immediately interrupted Gabienka's words "then what?" Gabino answered loudly.

"Sorry, let me finish my words first. So, I think you can use language that is more polite and subtle at least to women and it would be nice if to everyone at any time. Because then you will be able to respect other people." Obviously Gabienka felt tremble from Gabino's harsh tone earlier.

"It's up to me." Gabino left Gabienka arrogantly. Gabienka could only shake her head and chose to follow Gabino from behind. Gabino started to cross the street and then turned to be aware of Gabienka following him. Gabino gasped when he realized the existence of a truck which would crash into Gabienka a split second later if he didn't pull Gabienka aside quickly.

Gabino's strong pull had to make him willing to be crushed by Gabienka's body as soon as the two of them fell down. "Arghhh." Gabino's groans made Gabienka get up and shout in panic at Gabino "Are you okay? Are you hurt?". Gabino shook his head asking Gabienka to go to school first. The boy tried his best to endure the pain in his sprained leg as soon as Gabienka had officially left and couldn't be seen at all. Gabino continued walking, struggling when someone came to embrace him and was willing to make her shoulder the foundation for Gabino to walk on. Gabino turned his head to find Gabienka who had not completely left. The two walked together, supporting each other.

"Gabino, my name is Gabino." Gabino whispered softly as they reached the school gates. "I already know your name. It's written on your shirt pocket." Gabienka smiled helping Gabino sit on a park bench not far from the gate. Then just like that Gabienka knelt down to see Gabino's injured leg.

"Why are you being nice to me?" Gabino asked as soon as Gabienka sat next to him. Gabienka looked up smiling "We're friends, Gabino. I am Gabienka, your childhood friend. I'm here to guide you slowly about the true meaning of respect." said the girl.

"respect for others? through sentences and words?" Gabino started to pay attention to Gabienka. "Yes, right." Gabienka nodded.

"Every word you say reflects your personality, Gabino. people can also see that as a sign of whether you value them or not. watch how you speak." Gabienka patted Gabino's shoulder softly "I just taught you one of many ways to respect others, Gabino."

Gabino was silent as he watched Gabienka leave. In between her steps, Gabienka took the time to turn around to stare at Gabino for a moment. Her sincere and beautiful face is more complete with her sweet smile, making her eyes almost form a perfect arc. "Gabino, I will help you to understand what love means." Gabienka shouted though not too loudly. "You should know, I've been watching over you all these years. But it seems I'm more dominant in your blind spot so you don't notice my existence."

Gabino still remained silent, but in his mind emerged a strong determination to be even better. A split second later, Gabino smiled as he left Gabienka still with his sincere smile. Gabino's smile didn't disappear even when Gabienka's disappeared into the distance. The figure of the man smiled, really smiling grateful to have met someone who can help him find his identity and love him sincerely.

LITTLE ANGEL

My hand swung violently and quickly slapped the man in front of me with great force. The man fell down with red cheeks and then angrily grabbed my shoulder and pushed me back so that I hit the wall behind me very hard. With a dazed stare I got up and pulled his collar "What do you mean, Galang? I never thought you were cowardly. You don't have the guts even a little." I shouted. The man was just silent, giving up when I pulled his collar so that almost the seam that formed a name, namely "Galang Fatih Cakrawira" was torn.

"You have heard my explanation. So it's clear that it's not my fault, Aira. It could be that you are secretly going out with Yasya behind my back." Galang forcibly released my grip and pushed me down to the floor. I groaned against the pain that shot through my stomach. Galang scared and ran away from me as soon as he found the blood running down my leg. While I was not strong enough to stand, I could only surrender to the pain. I don't know if it's a miracle or what, but luckily Yasya came. The guy immediately carried me to the school clinic. Before his feet touched the school clinic door, I begged him to take me to the hospital.

Yasya refused, but his heart felt compassion when he saw me in pain. The atmosphere at the school was quite quiet because it was during class hours. Galang and I deliberately went to the toilet to get out earlier. But I don't know with Yasya, I don't know what he did so that he could go out during class hours like now.

"Aira, hold on. The hospital is not far away. What has happened? you fell? Or what?" Yasya keeps worrying about me. while I remain silent. I leaned my head on Yasya's chest and my hand squeezed his hand while holding back the aches and pains that kept creeping up my stomach.

When I arrived at the hospital, the nurse immediately took me to the emergency room followed by Yasya who was waiting in the waiting room. I heard the doctor say that I'm fine and he asked me about what really happened. "Is he the father?" His question made me cry. Yasya was allowed to enter, he immediately hugged me. His face was filled with lines of worry. "Do your parents know about this?" The doctor asked again.

"About what, doctor? Did something happen to Aira?" Yasya now looked seriously at the doctor. I wanted to prevent the doctor from revealing what happened, but my efforts failed. The doctor had said about my pregnancy "she is pregnant. She is already two weeks pregnant. You are the father of the child she is carrying right?".

Yasya was shocked, he didn't know anything about this and then he was confronted with accusations that this was his child. "Doctor, you can leave us alone. I want to talk to my boyfriend for a minute." I asked the doctor who immediately complied. Now it's just me and Yasya in this room, I started telling stories "Yasya, you remember two weeks ago we went to Galang's birthday party. At that time, Galang's parents were not at home." I started to sob regretfully "As his girlfriend, I accompanied him to clean up the former party. After that, Galang gave me a ring. Beautiful ring.".

I showed the ring that Galang had given me to Yasya. "At that very moment, I thought that he was really serious about me. And stupidly I let him do that to me. I was stupid to let him take away the crown that my parents have been guarding so desperately." "Aira, so all this time... I really don't know anything about this. This is all beyond me." Yasya walked out with a muddled mind that still didn't believe my story.

I watched his back disappear behind the door. Really, this is something I never planned all this time. It's not that I don't know my limits, I know my limits are clear in relationships but I violate them. I could only cry and cry without knowing what to do. Until suddenly I was surprised by Yasya's arrival with dragging Galang in his arms. Both of their faces were covered in bruises from a fight that was quite intense. Behind him my parents followed, my mother in tears hugged me while my father stared blankly at Galang who was now made to kneel by Yasya.

"Galang, apologize now to Aira's parents and you also have to be responsible for what you did." Yasya snapped until Galang prostrated himself in front of my father and mother. I was silent still with tears flowing. I hugged Galang to help him stand up. "Galang enough." I rubbed the blood on Galang's temples and caused him pain. "Aira, I'm sorry if I can only let you down. I'm sorry, I really love and care for you. I shouldn't have hurt you." For a moment Galang's hug was tight enough to make me sure that he was serious with what he was saying.

My father wanted to argue with Galang, but my mother prevented him. Galang also promised my parents that he would bring his parents together with us tomorrow. Then the boy left me feeling a little relieved. I turned to look at Yasya who also immediately left. I can see the look of disappointment in his eyes. While I have to listen to the advice and outbursts of disappointment from my parents.

The night passed, and as Galang had promised yesterday my family and I were preparing to welcome his family. I was happy enough this morning knowing that Galang would be in charge. But as it turned out, I was wrong. Someone did come at that time, he was not Galang but Yasya with a piece of paper in his hand. "Yasya, what are you doing here?" I asked a little surprised to find the look on Yasya's face "What is that? What paper do you bring?".

"Aira, Galang won't come anytime." Yasya's words made me freeze. My parents who heard that were already preparing to go to Galang's house. But I prevented it, I grabbed the paper that Yasya was holding. I read the letter which read "Aira, Sorry. I beg you forget me from now on. Forget about us and everything that happened during these two years. Today, I will move to France to follow my parents. I'm sorry because it turns out that my fear of my parents is greater and defeats my love for you for the two years we have been walking. From Galang."

After reading the letter, my legs felt paralyzed. I fell to my knees crying sobbing. My father was really angry at Galang's behavior. When my father rushed to his car, suddenly the presence of Yasya's parents surprised us all. Yasya stretched out his hand to me asking me to stand up.

I really didn't expect it when shortly after that Yasya knelt down taking out a ring box and a rose. I didn't expect that he would propose to me and want to marry me in this condition. My father and mother finally reconciled even though they still hate Galang. While I accepted Yasya's proposal and we were married two days after that.

Yasya once said to me when we were little "I promise to always take care of you forever." And now he always accompanies me to the moments where I risked my life and death to give birth to a little angel whom I named Rasya. A son that I hope will represent Yasya's personality even though he is not his biological father.

THE ANGEL'S HOUSE

On the edge of a lake that reflects the sun. Diana sat up with tears flowing. The girl's sobs invited the presence of a man who had been watching her from a distance. The man knelt down looking for something inside his jacket. He took out a handkerchief and handed it to Diana.

Diana turned to find the man's hand stretched out with a handkerchief. The girl took the handkerchief and quickly wiped her tears. The man next to her smiled then sat down next to Diana. "I heard that the angel often cries. You are as beautiful as an angel. But somehow, now I can conclude that the statement is wrong. Because I don't think an angel like you deserves to cry." The man smiled sincerely at Diana.

Diana was silent for a moment turning her head "what do you know about angels, do you know that sometimes angels really have to cry because they can't go home, different from those who don't cry that means they are not angels." "I don't want to argue." Diana finally just walked away without ignoring the man who was still smiling at her from a distance.

Diana stopped for a moment, just looked back before finally choosing to continue walking away from the man earlier. Before her feet could go a little further, the girl realized that the man's handkerchief was still on her. Diana couldn't help but turn to face him. The girl gave her thanks in a slightly insincere tone while holding out the handkerchief earlier to the man.

The man immediately pulled Diana, forcing Diana to sit next to him. Diana groaned in pain but chose to comply. "Diana, is that really your name?" The man showed a subtle and gentle gaze that was able to make Diana feel a little comfortable. "How did you know my name?" asked Diana surprised. "I thought you would never notice my presence all this time. This isn't the first time you've sat crying here. But ever since you were little, I often see you always crying here, Diana." Diana blushed, the girl couldn't believe that all this time someone had been watching her. The girl didn't say a word, silent in her astonishment.

"I am the child that you once bumped into when you ran here, when you were a child. I want to get angry at you. But, seeing you weak and helpless with tears in your eyes makes me heartless." The man laughed softly "I wanted to greet you then, muffle your tears, and give you a little warm hug, Diana. I want to tell you that you always remind me of my mother. But I'm too embarrassed for that, I'm a crap man. I am sorry."

"Your mother?" Diana stammered. "Yeah, my mom used to spend her time crying here just like you. My father died when I was not born, my mother often waits for her angel. Waiting for the angel to pick her up. And in the end the angel actually picked her up when I was 12 years old, the day you bumped into me." A single tear fell from the man's eye. Instantly, Diana immediately grabbed the man in her warm embrace while trying to calm the man down.

"Diana, I know today is your happy day, right? I know today you are getting married. I also know that you can no longer carry on your marriage forever right. You won't be able to stay here much longer either." The man stretched out his hand "He is not your angel. The man you are going to marry is not your prince, nor is the king who will make you his queen."

"Your angel is here Diana, in front of you. I'm here to take you home." The man's smile slowly began to expand "An angel who has missed her home for a long time can go home now. Let's go home, it's time for you to return to a life full of happiness with me."

Diana took the man's hand, half whispering the man said "Arthur, that's my name.". Both of them began to spread their wings creating a roaring wind with every beat. The wind that blows everything around them, including a piece of paper bearing the news entitled "Arthur A Businessman Who Died Suicide Due to Depression". The paper flew to a coffin ready to be taken to the cemetery. Near the coffin, a woman was crying, regretting the arranged marriage she did to her daughter. The daughter who finally chose to end everything by cutting the veins in her white delicate hands.

SANCTIMONIOUS

The night crept towards late. Neighboring houses looked lifeless, leaving me still waiting for my husband to come home from work. Today is the beginning of winter, snow has started to fall since this afternoon. I checked my phone, there were several messages from my mother, our times were very different considering my mother was in Canada while I was in Russia. It's been 6 years since I lived here and married a Russian for 2 years.

I answered several of my mom's messages asking how I was, if I had eaten, and so on. I heard a car horn and quickly I approached the door of the house. I hugged my husband "Feliks, where have you been?" I said in Russian. He didn't answer and looked at me worried. I felt a very strong cold so I let go of my arms, I took Feliks in, led him to sit by the fireplace and rushed into the kitchen to make a cup of hot tea for him.

Suddenly Feliks gripped my hand tightly, his face filled with worried lines that I don't know why. "Naila, do you agree if we move house tonight?" his voice was gentle but there was a hint of fear in his tone. I haven't had time to comment, but our door was banged on so hard. I was about to curse, walked curtly towards the door of the house. My intention was to curse out loud, it turned out that my neighbor and his son came, they looked cold. Compassion overcame my anger, I asked them to sit down and I went to the kitchen to make two cups of tea again.

Brakkk!!!

I heard the sound of something falling from the living room but I chose to ignore it, because my husband and my neighbors were also there so maybe they accidentally dropped something. After finishing making tea, I immediately turned towards the living room, but I was really taken aback when my husband suddenly stood behind me. Feliks pulled my hand forcibly making the tray containing the tea in my hand fall to the ground.

I kept asking Feliks about where we were going, but Felix didn't answer. I rebelled "It's cold outside, Felix." My objection screamed a little. Feliks didn't even look at me but he replied "I'll keep you warm.". I don't know what kind of demon possessed him, earlier he was scared and now he is too cold compared to the 12 door refrigerator.

Arriving at the yard, I was shocked and my knees went limp instantly, I saw blood strewn in my yard. Among the blood lay 5 bodies of my neighbors who were no longer alive, 2 of them were my neighbors who had visited my house earlier.

I immediately struggled uncontrollably trying to get away from my husband's hands. My suspicions and fears were thick that he was the culprit and he wanted to make me his victim. He looked at me flat as if without feeling. Realizing that I could no longer use my knees to stand up, he forcibly carried me in his arms. I can only continue to struggle surrendering that my life will end today. Suddenly

Duarr!!

My neighbor shot my husband and hit him in the shoulder. It's strange, my husband doesn't seem to be in pain, he still has a flat and cold gaze. My neighbor once again shot him, and... the bullet almost hit me but swiftly my husband caught it and threw it back towards my neighbor.

Argghh!!

the bullet managed to make him no longer able to walk properly. I was really helpless when I saw Feliks take my neighbor's breath away with just one slam on the asphalt. "Feliksss....." I begged softly to be released. His expression remained unchanged but I'm sure there was a drop of tears flowing from his flat face at that time. Unfinished my suffering, one of my neighbors who works as a soldier came out carrying a rifle, he shot Feliks down with several shots. Feliks turned his body to make his back a shield so the bullets would not hit me.

I wonder why he doesn't kill me now, or he wants to torture me by seeing the tragic death of my neighbor. I was helpless, in his arms I watched him kill nearly 50 lives. Feliks put me in the car, he ran into my 2 neighbors who were ready to beat him with a knife and some pretty big firewood. I realized the opportunity to escape, this is no longer about the husband and wife relationship or anything, but my own life. I mustered up the last of my strength to open the car door. "Succeed." My heart trembled a little running as fast as possible away from that place. Unfortunately I wasn't carrying my phone, I ran trying to reach the nearest police post or public phone to ask for help. My steps were blind, while Felix was still focused on shedding the blood of my two neighbours.

Not far enough I ran suddenly someone grabbed my hand, I screamed thinking it was Feliks. But my guess was wrong, it was my neighbor. What I don't understand is why now he makes me feel like a prisoner with the knife he prepared at my neck. I struggled trying to explain that I was also a victim who didn't know anything, I thought maybe he thought I had something to do with Feliks' actions. "Don't come any closer or he dies." Threatening my neighbor when Feliks approached us.

"Demon." Feliks snapped "Dare you make one drop of her blood flow, I'll make sure there won't be any blood left in your body.". He ignored Felix's bluff, he fiercely slashed my neck. I can only close my eyes, resigned that my life will end. And... one second, two seconds, three seconds... I didn't feel any pain at all, I thought I was dead, I opened my eyes. The sight that first greeted me really made me no longer able to move my body at all. Felix turned into a different figure, a pair of black wings protruded from his back, in front of him my neighbor turned into a demonic figure, his face was covered in blisters and blood also filled his face, two horns appeared on his head, his clothes were torn in several places due to his growing body size. Felix and the demon were parrying blows at that time. I really could only blink in fear when Felix easily ripped out my neighbor's heart, his blood spurted to hit me.

I was completely paralyzed when Feliks approached me "Naila, don't be afraid... don't be afraid..." He slowly caressed me trying to calm me down while I was powerless just to move my hand and even brushed his hand away from my cheek. "Naila.." his tone softened as he embraced me in his arms "Sorry, it seems our story has to end here. I'm sorry to invite you to live in this housing, sorry I never knew that everyone was a member of a devil worshiping sect." His tears started to fall while my gaze was still empty, shivering abysmally "Naila, I love you and in order to save you I made a promise to Lucifer so that I can live again until I can finish off all the followers of that sect, Naila. Including their descendants."

"I can't tell you that this evening they trapped my car with mines, then they brutally shot me until I died. And for you, I do everything... I know you are pregnant with my child. If you don't believe it, you can see in the forest near here, my body is still lying there." This time I believed him, I buried my head in his arms crying uncontrollably "Naila, I'm sorry.. I'm sorry if I failed to fulfill my promise to be able to accompany you until your hair is no longer black, I'm sorry Nay.". I didn't answer, the cold that I felt with the sadness that was engraved in my heart "Take good care of yourself, Nay." He said before he disappeared.

Several years have passed, now I have one child, even my husband Feliks has also lived with me all this time. Yep, the child in my womb is not his child but my neighbour's child, that way my husband will always have a reason to live until he is able to finish him off, hahah unfortunately that's impossible because ironically she is his daughter now and he will never know that fact forever.

NO OVER WORDS FOR YOU

I'm Ana, I'm only 21 years old today, and it's also today that I have to leave my house. Left my parents to start a new life with my husband. His name is Rafli, our love story is full of twists and turns. Including about him, Iqbal.

A few years ago...

Rafli and I are lovers, it's not uncommon for us to have quarrels. That night, was a pretty stressful night for me. Our Aniversary Night.

I blow out the number 3 candle which signifies that our relationship has been going on for 3 years. I blew out the candles together with Rafli, all the events were very lively. Until one day Rafli whispered to me "Can I ask something?". I nodded in the affirmative and without any suspicion I complied with his request, he led me to his room.

At first I didn't have the slightest suspicion, until he pushed me hard onto the white mattress that was as soft as a cloud, he didn't say anything but the boy unbuttoned his shirt one by one. The sudden flash of realization that hit me gave me a little fright. "R-Raf, what are you doing?" I asked, shaking. He didn't answer just smirked. I trembled more and more, cold sweat running down my whole body. Once again I asked "Rafli, what do you want, Raf.".

Rafli didn't answer he instead held my hand to the bed, making me unable to move. I struggled realizing what he was going to do. He ignored me busy kissing my neck. "RAFLI, DON'T BE CRAZY... REVERSE ME, RAF!!!!" I shouted with tears in my eyes, I began to surrender to exhaustion. My hands hurt even more from his grip. I repeatedly asked to be released, but he did not heed it.

Rafli almost stripped me of my clothes if only someone didn't suddenly break down the door of the room. "RAFLI, DON'T YOU BE CRAZY, YOU BASTARD!!!!" the figure of the man loudly entered and hit Rafli many times until fresh blood flowed from the corners of his lips. I'm just silent with teary eyes do not know what to do. I grabbed the blanket that was not far from me, hugging it scared.

"DON'T MEET IN MY BALANCES, BAL." Rafli hit the man back, slamming him to the floor.

BRAK!!!!

This time I could only mutter "Iqbal." I whispered. "YOU'RE CRAZY. RAFLI, I NEVER WANTED TO MEET IN YOUR BUSINESS BUT IF THIS RELATED ANA, I DEFINITELY WON'T STAY SILENT." Iqbal snapped, pushing Rafli's body so hard that he hit the wall hard. "WHAT BUSINESS WITH YOU, ANA IS MY GIRL. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!! . SO DON'T NEED TO TAKE CARE OF MY GIRL, YOU'D BETTER MIND YOUR BUSINESS, YOU UNDERSTAND." Rafli pulled Iqbal's shirt collar back, he pushed him hard to the floor.

"CLEARLY THAT'S MY BUSINESS, FLI. ANYTHING ABOUT PEOPLE I LOVE, THAT'S MY PROBLEM." Iqbal stood up, preparing to throw his fists at Rafli's face. But I quickly interrupted his attack "What, Bal? Love?" I asked hesitantly, my tone already quite calm than before. Iqbal was silent as well as Rafli who looked impatient to hear his explanation. Slowly, the boy looked at me, his eyes were faint as if he was preparing to express his sorrow.

"Yes Na." "What does that mean, Bal?" this time I got up to walk in front of Iqbal and stared more closely and closer to his brown pupils. Rafli just stood there holding his fist until Iqbal finished explaining. "Ana, sorry. Sorry I was never honest with you. I've never been honest about my feelings for you. From the first time I know you, I like you. And I don't know the reason. I'm not even in the same class as you, not even in the same grade. But yes, maybe my status as your senior makes me reluctant to express these feelings to you. Days have passed, seeing you from a distance even though at a glance it feels like it's enough to make me happy, Na. Then I thought that true love doesn't always have to have each other. I'm always there without you knowing it when you need help." Iqbal's eyes started to water, I also couldn't hold back my tears "Ana, the day you and Rafli started a relationship was the worst day I've ever experienced. I blame myself because I let you be taken by someone else, but as soon as I saw you happy with him, I began to understand that seeing you happy is far better than thinking about my broken heart. Even though I wish I was someone who was in Rafli's position at that time. I watch you from afar, occasionally there is jealousy in my heart, but I endure it because I realize I am nobody to you. I can stand it Na. I can stand it all even though the tightness is infinite. It turns out that this is how painful it is to love someone in silence. In short, I'm sure if I confess my feelings to you at that time you will surely disappear, and if I endure this feeling, you are owned by someone else."

I was speechless, feeling that I was happy above the suffering of others. I took both hands of Iqbal who was downcast with tears "Na, I love you, really. I just want you to be happy.". "Bal...." I wiped his tears. "Ana, I hope that I will never be broken and hurt again, I hope that my way of loving you is not wrong, and I also hope that I can be happy every time I see your beautiful smile, no matter who you are with."

"Bal, open your eyes.... The world is wide, Bal. And I'm sure there will be many people who will be present in your life later. Better people for you, Bal." I raised Iqbal's head to look into his eyes closely, I didn't pay attention to Rafli's presence at that time. "I'm trying to move on without you, Na. However, this feeling will remain the same forever. The door of my heart will always be open to you." I hugged Iqbal at that second, making his tears wet my shoulders and my tears wet his shoulders too.

Our hug didn't last long, because Rafli immediately separated us, hitting Iqbal so hard on the cheek that he almost fell down. "Bal, you're a bastard, you know. How dare you hug a girl in front of her boyfriend." Rafli pulled Iqbal's shirt collar forcibly. "Fli, I can't lie about that feeling. Maybe for the world she is just one person, but for me she is the world, Fli. My world." Rafli didn't fight back, just loosened his grip a little. "Fli, take care of her... love her. I beg you, don't spoil her, I will go after this, very far and will not come back again.

"Bal, thank you... you're willing to sacrifice your feelings for me." I just couldn't say anything. And since that day Iqbal went somewhere, no news and no sign of where he was. The last word I ever said was "Bal, I hope that one day we can meet again, wherever and whenever, and I hope that at that time, you are the one who accompanies me, Bal. Thanks for the never ending feeling." My smile widened at that time accompanied by tears, whether this type of water was happy or sad.

It's been years ago, now it's my wedding day and even my invitation doesn't reach him. Just a book sitting on my wedding chair. Surprised, I tried to look at the book "No Over Words for You" by Iqbal Albani.

The White Snow of Moscow At That Time

Last night was quite quiet, everyone was asleep except for me who was raising my hand. The verses of my request were thrown one by one until my eyes also spoke. Now, morning has started, I walk with a red hoodie heading to my campus. I accidentally met Hilma, my best friend. "Hey Leyla. How are you this morning?" he said.

"Hey, Hilma. Good. how about you?" I smiled at Hilma.

Hilma was about to give an answer but Ershad's presence interrupted her. "Hey girls." The man smiled kindly greeted us.

Hi Ershad. Hilma and I answered in unison.

"Hilma, can I talk to Leyla for a minute?" Ershad said, which made Hilma decide to go to class first.

"What's wrong Ershad?" I asked softly. "I didn't mean to startle you. But I have asked permission from your parents to propose to you." Ershad's words left me speechless. While I was still drowning in my shock, the man had knelt down taking out the ring and from behind me appeared our parents which surprised me even more.

"Will you let me be your husband someday?" This time, I was completely mute by him. My tongue went numb in an instant. No one knows my little secret, the little secret I've been keeping since 5 years ago. A little secret covered in cold snow Moscow, Russia.

It was a very cold day, it just snowed last night. I also walked with my thick clothes enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings. Slowly my steps lead me to a beautiful building that can be known as "Red Square". I took out my phone to take a little beautiful video at that time.

"Leyla." Suddenly someone called me and made me turn around only to find a well-built and strong man standing not far behind me.

"Hey Zion." I smiled letting him come to me.

"You are alone?"

"Haha, yes. You already know I live here alone Zion. After all, mom and dad will only come for graduation."

"Yes. Wow, it's already the end of the semester, I'm sure it will be difficult for me to meet you again soon."

"Why? Why do you say that? Even if we don't meet, we can still facetime maybe."

He didn't answer and then took me around Red Square and along the shores of the beautiful lake at that time. Occasionally he would tell me about the history of several places, and maybe his experiences when he was in the places we visited, while I just listened and occasionally agreed when he asked me some opinions about the natural beauty that existed.

"Zion..." I called trying to get his attention.

"Hmm?" He turned to me, his head slightly bowed considering my height which was only his shoulder.

"If I come home later, will you chase me or not? If I say I love you."

He was surprised, a bit surprised but still replied "There's no reason to let someone who loves us go, so yes... of course yes."

As fast as lightning I said "I love you." Zion stuttered unable to speak, while I repeated once again "I have loved you since the first day we met".

"At first we met online, Ley.....So you..." I nodded, biting my lips.

"8 years? During the? Are you hiding your love?" I turned away holding back my tears, a little in disbelief I succeeded in something that had been stuck in the deepest side of my heart.

"Ley, I already know... I've known that for a long time, and I'm sorry I haven't been able to convey that to you too..." I silently raised my head just to stare at his smile "I have a same feeling like you, I love you ."

"So..." He didn't answer and instead hugged me, my tears getting louder while he kept trying to calm me down.

"I would marry you. Wait for me to come. I'll swear, I'll meet you in New York, Leyla.... Promise." I just nodded burying my head in his wide chest. His warm clothes even started to get wet with my tears, but he still held me.

That night had to end because a blizzard began to fall. He walked me to the apartment and then back to his own apartment which coincidentally our apartment building was next door.

In short, graduation day came, I returned to New York, while he returned to France and then returned to Russia to work while continuing his studies for his Master's degree. Not much different from me who started a business and continued my studies.

8 months have passed, we still visit each other even though it's only virtual but I can feel his presence by my side. Until today, it was impossible for me to tell mom and dad about him until he met them himself. I was silent for a long time staring at the ring in front of me.

"I Would Marry You, Wait For Me To Come, I'll swear, I'll meet you in New York, Laila.... Promise." I was stunned as if De ja vu that sound echoed in my mind a flashback that I couldn't avoid. I turned around only to find that figure was now standing behind me with a bouquet of roses in his hand. The figure stretched out its arms ready to hug me.

For quite a long time I stared silently at Ershad and Zion. However, a promise is still a promise. Zion was disappointed to find Ershad's figure, but before the man actually left, I ran and hugged him. "Where have you been?" I whispered.

Zion forcibly released my hug "Ley.... Maybe the guy over there is more perfect for you than me. I'm going okay... sorry for making you wait so long."

"Do you want to make me wait a little longer?" I looked down and started crying.

Seeing me cry, he walked towards me again, muffling my tears with the hoodie he was wearing. Again I buried my head in his arms. Hilma, who had been watching from a distance, was just silent watching the scenes of our dramas. But I asked both Ershad and Zion to come to my house and meet my parents. Zion started to tell them about our relationship.

My parents were able to understand the condition of the relationship between me and Zion so they returned everything to me. My decision was certain. In the end, I married Zion and we decided to live in Russia, yep, just like the place where we first met.

Love Her For Me

I'm Laura, this is my 10th year serving as a soldier, I never thought my profession would bring me to meet him, the American soldier. It was the first joint training I participated in which unexpected disaster occurred in it. The attack by a group of mafia just when everyone was asleep caused almost all the participants and trainers at that time to die. Me and some survivors, we managed to hide and escape. Unfortunately, the practice which was right in the middle of the wilderness made it difficult for us to find a way out and escape. All communications were cut off, no signal asking for help was conveyed to the military headquarters, the mafia had already hacked all our communication devices.

Just me, him and three other American men. That day....

"Wait... You have been shot." I said holding the man's arm while staring painfully at the wound that kept bleeding.

"Oh no, this isn't the result of a shot, just a slight scratch when I dodged the attack earlier."

One of the other men replied "Guys, What if we take a break first, I don't think any of us know the way out of this forest." we said yes and sat in a circle armed with moonlight which happened to be quite bright at that time even though it was blocked by the thick leaves of the trees around us.

"After all, we don't know each other, how about we get acquainted?" Said the man who had asked to rest first.

He started "My name is Fred, and well 26 years old, from Texas." He said as he took off his hat, revealing black hair with slightly bangs that contrasted with his white skin.

someone with white skin, brown hair replied "And My name is Ethan, 24 years old, from LA."

Someone with blonde hair joins in, sitting not far from me makes me glimpse the blue color of his pupils, his skin is white not so pale, a few strands of his bangs fall to his forehead I can say he is... handsome "My name is Mike, 24 years old, from California."

I swallowed nervously "My name is Laura, 22 years old. From Indonesia."

"Beautiful name." Mike replied immediately in the affirmative by Ethan and Fred.

"My name is Max, 23 years old, from Washington."

"Hi Max, I think you should treat your wounds first, let me help you." Mike went over to Max who sat next to me.

Max just nodded taking off his uniform, revealing his muscular arms with scratches that kept flowing blood.

"Just use this." I reached into my trouser pocket to pull out a tiny tissue pocket complete with a band-aid.

"Alright." Mike immediately cleaned Max's wound with a tissue before then covering it with the band-aid I gave him earlier "Your wound isn't wide, just deep enough."

"Thank you, Mike." Mike just smiled patting his shoulder gently before returning to his original seat.

"Laura, tell us something about you... maybe... let us know about Indonesia." I gasped at Fred's words, hesitated a little before I finally decided to start telling the story "Well, I don't know what I should say... I don't know much about forests, and this is the first time I've jumped into a forest that I don't recognize at all."

"How long have you been in the military?"

"Two years." My answer made Mike nod as if he understood "I can guess, We are not that different"

"Why are you silent, what are you thinking about?" I asked hesitantly to find Mike who suddenly daydreamed looking up at the sky.

"You look like my sister." His sentence made me reluctant to continue the conversation decided to remain silent.

Satisfied running around in the woods and dodging every enemy attack makes me tired, slowly my eyes close and I fall asleep. My head almost hit the root of a large tree not too far behind where I was sitting if Mike didn't catch my head first.

Fred whispered "Don't move her body or she will wake up." Mike was a little confused about where to put his position while Max stretched out his right hand to gently pull my body to sleep on his injured left shoulder, I could guess how much the wound hurt when my head pressed against it.

Mike glanced occasionally to find Max in his thin shirt and me who started to shiver making him pity, the guy took off his uniform to feel the cold night with Max and wrapped his uniform on me. It was late at night, everyone fell asleep leaving Fred still awake trying to think of a way to get out of this forest.

"Laura, wake up... we have to get out of here." Slowly my eyes opened to feel a soft tap on my shoulder, it was Fred he was trying to wake me up.

I gasped immediately when I found myself padded with a band-aid of sturdy hands. I reflexively jumped away and hit Mike's body who had just woken up from his sleep "What the hell? Laura?"

"Sorry .." I replied no less surprised standing away from the two.

"Why do you react like that?" Fred responded as he leaned closer to Max to see if his wound had improved or worsened because of me. While I just kept my head down doubtful and nervous.

2 weeks passed, I don't even know if I can survive. On the other hand, Max the quiet man, he is the strongest person to defend me. Only he was the one who was able to bet on carrying me when my leg was injured, yep, I don't know if the steps that were too long and far made me feel like I didn't have the energy anymore so that I occasionally got injured. Just as our hopes were dashed, the relief team arrived... but that coincided with the arrival of our enemy. Max and Fred try to fight back. A fistfight occurred at that time, I, who was weak, was silent. Suddenly, the sound of a gun exploding was heard as red blood flowed down my face.

"Damn it" I thought softly after seeing Max standing with his chest pierced by a bullet. I cried propping up his unsteady body so it wouldn't hit the ground. All of our enemies managed to escape after that following Fred and all of my comrades who were running towards me. Mike tried to hold back the bleeding in Max's chest, but his efforts were to no avail.

"M... mike.." With great difficulty the word came out of Max's mouth which was bleeding. The man's hand waved weakly asking Mike to bring his ear closer to him. Without thinking, Mike listened carefully to all of Max's words.

I was still crying when Max turned his face slowly to me, I could feel him caressing my face slowly and then stroking my hand briefly before his eyes closed forever. I cried followed by hysterical screams from my other colleagues.

Well, 8 years on and today is my son, Max Wildeson's 6th birthday. I didn't understand why Mike named his son that, but I chose to agree until he told me what Max said 8 years ago.

"Laura, I would never be here if only Max was still by our side, because of course he will be your best man, your husband. Not me... I love you as well as Max, but I realize you love Max not me... if fate wasn't so cruel to separate your true love stories. I'm grateful you're mine right now but one Max would love to tell you when the time is right. he said 'Only you can give her love like me, don't leave her, and live with her, forever' and since then I decided to bring him in our lives, that's why our son's name is Max"

My tears fell, I lifted my son's face and I found Max in him, the same facial lines and the same eyes as if Max had been reborn within him.

YOU ARE HOME, BRAH

A sunny morning is enough to make me excited to return to my duties as a doctor. I hurriedly walked to my car of course in a white coat and black pants, not forgetting the black heels covering my feet. The journey from the house to the hospital takes 15 minutes, not far enough. After parking the car, I ran to my room realizing I was late and there was an emergency patient I had to attend to. Suddenly my steps stopped, the patient had been treated and even he was conscious. I stood still for a long time staring at the patient. One of the nurses greeted me and explained how the patient had been treated, then she asked me to come in to check on his condition.

I do not know what gaze at that time I showed. What is clear, all my attention focused on the boy who became my patient. "Hello." I greeted while approaching him. "Hi." The boy answered with a sweet smile on his face. "I'm Doctor Lilia, what's your name?" I said then checked the wound bandage on his hand. "Deviant." he replied.

"Your arm will heal soon, but it looks like you will have to stay here for the next 1 or 2 days."

"How old are you, Deviant?"

"I'm 15 years old." He answered, suddenly he fell silent. His eyes fixed on me, then his unharmed right hand gently stroked my brown hair, not much different from his brown hair.

"Sorry, doctor." He immediately withdrew his hand and looked down afraid if I was angry.

"It's okay, just relax." I lifted his nose and smiled "Get well soon, I'll be here again later."

I headed to my room. I contacted Doctor Nia and asked her to take over all my patients today. I just want to focus on taking care of Deviant. After contacting doctor Nia, I opened my notebook and tore a piece of paper from the book. I was busy writing a few words. After I finished, I went to the bathroom and washed my face with water many times, hoping that my reddened eyes would subside and return to normal soon.

I returned to my desk, then opened a drawer and took out a book called "Keeper from Heaven" and a blue jacket, still nice and not too shabby. I walked back to Deviant's room. he was sitting staring out the window. The scene really touched my heart too, there was an older sister hugging her newly recovered little brother outside the window,

"There is no love like the love for a brother and there is no love like the love of a brother." I walked closer to him. It seems that my words bothered him a little, the boy in front of me was now shedding tears.

"At a summer party, while everyone was cheering over delicious sodas and ice cream, I saw my brother go to heaven right in front of me. And I couldn't do anything to save him."

"I've never felt the love of a sister. I'm an only one child and I envy those who can get that love."

"You... don't need to be jealous, maybe you have an older sister. In your other life."

"Maybe yes." I really didn't expect that he hugged me, so tightly for quite a long time.

"Promise me you'll still have the zest to live." I whispered in his arms.

"I never had the desire for that. My parents died in the accident earlier. I don't know what to do now."

"Your other family?" I asked.

"I have no one but them." Deviant buried his head in my shoulder, the boy was crying.

"Hallelujah, You're home." I whispered in his ear before letting go of our hug and leaving him confused.

I watched him from behind the window, saw him open the book that I had given him before I left. He opened the first page of the book and took out a photo that was inside. His face was shocked when he saw the photo, well, it was a photo of me and my brother and of course he was shocked when he found that his face was the same as Steven's who died 15 years ago. Deviant flipped over the photo and read a name engraved on it "Steven John William. New York, 6^th August 2016. San Diego, 6^th June 2027.".

Deviant then opened the paper tucked not far from the page where he found the photo, he read it and his tears were unstoppable. The paper was written "My brother died right on his 11^th birthday, Deviant. I've read the information about you. So welcome, little brother. I will take care of you from now on."