ALKISAH: Prayer for the World [1001 Indonesian Fantasy Stories]
TALE/Time of Miracle: Singing From the World & For the World

Story By: Gamaliel I.M & Kevin E.S.P

In this world, there are one or two people who are born just to sing. Their voices were so beautiful, and they were heard all over the world without exception. They are referred to as, The Voice of the World, the person who is tasked to sing songs to everyone, and Afika is very fond of them, even though in fact she has never seen their form even though. Even so, he really liked the singing of the World Voice.

“So, you came again, huh?” Ask the little sunflower that stands alone among the green grass. His voice was buzzing inside Afika's head.

“Of course. As long as I am still capable, I will definitely come here.” Afika replied with a happy smile. The teenage girl's long hair was swayed by the wind that was blowing wildly all over the grass plains.

Every two o'clock in the afternoon, he must have come to the grass plains to take a break from all his activities. Because it was only in that place that he could feel calm, and coincidentally, the place was very quiet so it was indeed suitable as a place to relax.

“You seem to love it, yes, the Voice of the World. I'm surprised every time I see you coming.” The sunflower spoke up again.

“Well, how else, because if I hear their singing, I feel like I forgot all my problems.” Clearly Afika looked up at the blue sky decorated with white clouds. “I mean... At least I feel that this world is good.”

“This world... Ok? Pfft! Hahahahahaha!” The flower laughed very loudly, and the effect was irritating. “Omong empty what is it!? Gee whiz... I haven't laughed like that in a long time.”

“You asked to be stepped on, huh?” Ask Afika, annoyed.

“Hah..“ The flower acted as if she was trying to control her breath. “Look, son, if you feel that way, aren't you the same as lying to yourself? That's not good, you know. Pretending not to know is the highest form of ignorance. In a world like this, that kind of thing can get you killed instantly, you know.”

“Loh? Kan, I was just saying that I feel that way. I know, really, that this world is evil. I've also felt a lot of world cruelty.” Complaints Afika. “If I pretend to forget, it's ***** its name.”

“Yes, good if you're aware.” Said the flower, sok.

The sunflower was silent listening to Afika's story. Since meeting the girl a year ago, this was the first time she had told him about her past.

“Then, had I been given the choice to die, then I would have taken it without hesitation. I'll take it.” Afika said with a face full of steady confidence. “Better I die, than to enter that miserable battlefield.”

“Ah... Sorry, I didn't know you were a victim of war.” The flower that sounded guilty.

“Nothing, really. I never told you either, did I?” Afika.

“Eh, yes too, sih.”

“As you said, I am still conscious. I never tried to pretend to forget the harsh reality of the world. I will not pretend to forget my past. At least, for now I just want to live as I can.” Reveal Afika while closing her eyes tightly. The girl relaxed her body, and also calmed her mind.

Then, a split second later, Afika could hear a single voice in her mind. Not the sound of the sunflower, but the voice of a girl. Or, to be exact, the singing of the World Voice. His voice is very melodious, soft, and firm, accompanied by the sound of piano clanking that makes anyone goosebumps to hear it. And the song, it tells the story of people who have to mengikhlaskan their past.

“Yes, everything is always up to us. Whether we want to think of the past as a burden, or as a force. Because the most important thing is, live.” Afika's whisper to her little heart. “Just let our hearts determine whether this world is evil, or good.”

“Wah, this song is really good.” Ketus the sunflower.

SC Image: Google