Baby Amber
The Little Figure in the Mirror

Radit was sleeping in his room. If I observe, his face is not much different from a baby in general. It's just that, the longer it is noticed the more visible the difference. Radit's face will gradually turn pale. Under the eyelids will look blackened and will even look hollow when observed from a distance. When touched, his skin felt cold and flaccid. But somehow Ratih can accept and even love him very much.

"What's up, Mom?" suddenly Ratih appeared from behind the door.

"Eh, it's okay, brother. Just wanted to see and be close to Radit." I said trying to neutralize my fear of Radit.

Ratih doesn't talk anymore. He sat down and lay down beside Radit. I chose to stand up and sit on Ratih's dressing chair. The chair he had not used since Radit's arrival.

"Busy taking care of Radit." That's the reason he always said when I asked him the reason why he never preened again. Radit is a quiet boy. Even he can get here and there himself without Ratih having to feel bothered and burdened when taking care of it. Plus, he is not a human child who needs to worry about thirst or hunger if not fed.

Ratih closed his eyes. Maybe he's really tired of all the work at home. But strangely, why his body is getting thinner and thinner. Is it possible that he was so tired that he didn't have time to eat?

"What else, Mom?" suddenly Ratih asked me in shock. I think he's asleep.

"T-no, Brother. I just miss you. It's been a long time since we've been chatting together." I hope Ratih wants to chat like before, spend the night watching TV or just eat instant noodles together. But now, it seems, everything has changed. Train looks cold. And if indeed he wants Radit to be our son, he should be happy because there is Radit here.

I tried to close my eyes and sleep. Ever since Radit, I've been sleeping in another room. It was also because Ratih asked. He was afraid I was disturbed he said. I gave up and stayed asleep in the next room. Only, the door of the room never closed. I always open wide to keep watch if only Ratih needed my help.

Srreeessee...

A shadow flashed right in front of the door. I who was trying to fall asleep again opened my eyes and made sure that someone was really passing in front of my room.

"Sir."

"Train."

Silent. No word from my wife. Slowly I walked to his room. I looked inside and saw that Ratih had fallen asleep with Radit next to her.

"Aaahhh .. maybe it's just my feeling." I turned around and was about to go back to the room. My steps came to a halt when I saw a small figure lying in the mirror reflection of the closet. The figure was sitting and smilingly facing towards me. I slowly turned my body back and confirmed what I had just seen.

There's nothing there. Even the Radit I saw in the mirror reflection just now he looks so good in his sleep. I went back and intended to get out of the room. This time a small hand felt like it was clutching my leg. I stopped my intention to step up. But I also did not dare to face down. By swallowing the saliva I tried to open my eyes slowly which of course I unconsciously closed when the small hand formed the skin of my foot which is currently only wearing a short boxer.

"Ja-don't disturb. Take off." I asked as I slightly tried to pull my foot to leave this room immediately. But it seems my efforts have not borne fruit. The hand was so firmly gripped, even the nails felt piercing and tearing the skin of my feet.

"Aaarrkkkhhh." I groaned while enduring severe pain in my right leg. I tried to stomp my feet on the floor hoping that the little clutches of the hand would come off and I would immediately run back to the room. But the more I tried to escape, the grip was even stronger.

I looked towards the mirror. There's only Ratih in the shadow there. That means, Radit is not with Ratih at the moment. I try to be brave. Look down and see what's there. But there's nothing under my feet. Only, the grip of the small hand was still felt.

"Ra-Radite. Let go of the legs, a-dad." I tried to call my name that. The call that Ratih used to mention to Radit while petting and inviting him to chat.

The grip is still felt. But it's not too strong. Gradually, the hand spread out and seemed to be holding on to the top. Like a child trying to stand up.

"Ra-radite. Take it off, son. I-dad was afraid." I said again hoping this time Radit would let go of his grip and let me go back to the room.

_________

*Cloonnection...

Wwwcutengg* ...

A loud noise came from the kitchen. I am the one who is in fact a coward became nervous and confused what to do. I wrote the clock I put on the wall. The clock is showing at one in the morning. Since when have I been asleep? I didn't realize I was sleeping for a few hours. Though what I remember earlier I was in the next room that only had Ratih and Radit.

Prraa...

The voice appeared again. This time it was coupled with a voice I had heard before. The sound of a child crawling. His palm touched the floor and made a noise." I tried to get out and look towards Ratih. Wishing to help her from this kind of magical disorder.

"Silver. Let's get up." I'm trying to wake up my wife and I'm going to ask her to find the source of the sound