ALKISAH: Prayer for the World [1001 Indonesian Fantasy Stories]
STORY: Sea

“Drowning. If you're sure it'll keep you alive, then come with me, and drown.”

It was actually dawn, but Ranti felt like she was burning.

Well, this is obviously very annoying. In fact, it had been half an hour Ranti paced on the beach and took pains to collect the large stones to fill her backpack, and two bags of cloth that she deliberately tied on both ankles. But, because the boy suddenly appeared above the sea and said something strange, Ranti's plan to drown herself was run aground.

The blue-haired and somewhat odd-looking child was actually standing on the water. He stood a bit far in front of Ranti, and said the thing that could somehow make Ranti rise in blood.

“A-what do you mean!? I wanted to drown to die! Not even alive! Stupid fool!” Ranti was angry. “A-I'm tired! I'm so tired! Swear!”

“Loh, if you are tired yes break dong.” Answer the blue-haired boy. “Do not even make the Sea so hassle.”

“Ta-but where should I rest!? How!?” Ranti screamed back. Cry melted. “My mom is dying in the hospital! My best friend is also dead and ashes! I just got fired too! I ran out of money and couldn't pay my rent! I don't have anything else, you know!”

“Wah... It seems like this world has been too evil to you huh? Too bad for your fate.” Said the boy while putting on an annoying smile.

Ranti, who could clearly see and hear the child, could only bow her head while clenching her jaw and hardening her fists. Rage flared. But anyway, he still can't do anything.

“In your opinion, who is to blame for all the misfortune that befell you?”

“Eh?” After hearing that short question, Ranti seemed to have been struck by thunder. He raised his head again, and put all his attention to the boy. “Ma-you mean..?”

“It's for sure, isn't it? Everything you've been through doesn't just happen. There must be a cause.” Evidently. “Perhaps the cause is people, or this world, or perhaps even the Creator? Well, you should know better. I don't know anything, you know. I'm just here to offer you help.”

“Help... You want to help me... ?” Ranti asked in disbelief. The only thing that was visible in his eyes at that time was a deep sense of despair.

“But you have to tell me first. Who is the real villain in your story?”

Then, all those memories began to revolve in Ranti's mind.

Ranti recalls her mother lying weakly in the hospital due to severe leukemia. He also remembered the ashes of his friend lying in the burning church, without anyone noticing.

However, Ranti was aware of one thing.

He also has great memories in his life, and that's a lot. He still remembers the sincere smile that was formed on his mother's lips, as well as the sound of the happy laughter of his best friend when they were joking together.

Come to think of it, it felt like it was all too beautiful to leave behind.

Well, the gift of life is certainly more magnificent than the gift of death.

“Maybe.. I'm here right now, because God hasn't called you. Perhaps, this is his will.” Said the boy. “So... who is really at fault, Ranti?”

The world was silent for a moment. The sound of the roar of waves, seagulls, and the sound of wind filled his ears. However, in the midst of the silence, there was one word that flashed through Ranti's heart and mind.

“World... The world is guilty of everything... “ Ranti said in a stifled voice trying to contain anger.

“Well... Then, come with me. I am the Voice of the Sea, and you are the Sea Wave. And with that, you can heal your mother, and make her life better.”

Ranti formed an evil smile on her lips. “Alright... I'll come with you.”.

“But, you have to remember... The ocean is a robber, Ranti. And what the Sea gives is absolute, so is what it snatches.”

“Bodo time with my teak. If the Sea wants to take it, then let it.”

“Heh... I did not expect that a change in reality as simple as this turned out to be able to change you up like that.”

Along with the words of the boy who vanished in the wind, Ranti also took off her jacket full of rocks, and her backpack, and two small bags on her ankles. Then with determination and burning anger, Ranti stepped forward towards the ocean.

His bare feet were above the surface of the water. It felt a bit cold, but he kept on advancing, and continued forward, until he arrived at the boy's side.

“Yah..the time of judgment has come. Run as you please, Ranti. Give punishment to those who are worthy, and slap the world.”