ALKISAH: Prayer for the World [1001 Indonesian Fantasy Stories]
STORY/Time of Miracle: At Night

Rei stopped paddling his bike for a moment, to observe the view of the purplish twilight sky that unfolded in space. Yes, the boy admitted that the scene was indeed beautiful, but that did not mean that everything would be that simple. He had already felt the bitterness of reality, and this kind of beauty, was not enough to quell his anger towards the world.

This narrow lane is the only road that connects the island of Sulawesi with a small island without a name that is not far ahead. The distance was only about three hundred meters, and every day, Rei had to cross that distance to return to his house in the village on the island.

“Mending I quit my job or how?” Rei asked his little heart. His work at the restaurant was his only reason for going back and forth from the island where he lived to the main island. Actually it was not too tiring, only, lately Rei began to feel that his work was a bit in vain.

However, this was his first time crossing this path at this hour, considering that all this time, he must have been at home before three in the afternoon because he was too tired after work.

Rei glanced at his watch, and found the clock hand pointing at the number five.

“Free, I really did not expect that the scenery here turned out to be this beautiful..“ Rei muttered as he looked back at the world around him. What a great afternoon view.

The sky emits a dark purple color that seems magical. Plus a gentle breeze, and the squealing sound of a seagull, could really make the world feel magical and mysterious. He wondered again, was it like this in the past? If that's true, somehow Rei even feels a bit lost now.

“The wind is really good again.” Rei closed his eyelids while enjoying the gift of the Creator. At that time, he felt very comfortable and calm, even though he actually knew very well that peace was not real.

However, he was curious, what if it was real? What if this kind of calmness and comfort could last forever? Is it worth calling it peace?

“Peace will never exist. Till anytime.” Said one female voice that came out of nowhere. The voice seemed to be carried away by the wind, and echoed in the air. “People like you should know about it more than anyone right?”

“Ya, I know.” Rei answered the no-man's voice.

An ominous shadow appeared in Rei's sight. An overview of the incident where Rei lost both his parents to severe illness years ago.

Inside the hut lit only by candlelight, Rei's parents were lying limp on the mat, while the little boy could only sit between them and pray to the Creator. That night Rei chanted his prayers incessantly, as both his parents continued to thrash in pain.

However, when the candle in the hut was extinguished, at that moment, Rei could hear the sound of the last breath from his parents.

What a cruel world, isn't it? It only takes one tragic story, and a boy's view of the reality of the world can change completely in the blink of an eye.

Rei actually wanted to blame God for the calamity he had experienced at that time, but unfortunately at that time he was still very faithful, so he was unable to realize such thoughts. So, the only thing he could blame was this world alone. But unfortunately, Rei also realized that he still owed a lot to this world.

So, his last choice was, revenge.

He gathered all his anger, kept it deep, and waited for the right moment to vent his anger. That's the only plan he has now. In fact, it might just be his only goal in life right now.

“Truly in vain.” Rei muttered again.

“Of course not. As long as you still decide to keep breathing and stepping, then nothing is wasted. After all, in the end, it was all just a choice, and the one who determined it was you. Keep believing and stay alive, that's all that matters.” It was clearly the voice that echoed it.

“Stay believe and stay alive huh? Hmm... In that case, I just need to step forward right?” Rei asked with a small smile. “OK. I'll go home first then. Drug, Wind Aunt!” Rei paddled his bike again, and glided down that path.

“At least for now, enjoy your life, Rei.”

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