Followed by the Chaotic Creature
Angker Forest

"Sorry, Dek." he said breaking the silence, "The last train was at 10. After that no train passed by again."

"Are there any buses or public transport still passing by, sir?" ask again.

He shook his head, "This is a small village on the outskirts of town. Rarely do people want to go through here. So only a few vehicles passed by and last 9 o'clock."

The clerk looked at me concerned, "If you don't mind, you can stay at my house just by chance not far from here. And you're just alone with your wife." The father offered.

I think it's better than staying at the station. I agreed. After that, I walked following him out of the station.

"Aren't you afraid of being alone?" but while watching the old man was locking the station's iron gate.

"Father has been working here for years. I have experienced many events. At first I was afraid to stop working. But for a long time you got used to it." said the father, recalling.

We walked out of the station. While I was following behind him, the father continued the conversation.

"Sometimes 'they' like to take guests from far away to stop by." The father said as he glanced at me from behind his shoulder.

It seems that the father knows what happened to me. And it's definitely not the first time that's happened.

"They have no evil intent. Sometimes they are lonely in this place. So don't take their hearts for a joke." The father laughed.

'father didn't know I almost fainted inside.' I grumbled irritably in my heart.

"Father spoke like this like I've known 'they' sir." Sindirku.

Old man laughed. "Sometimes sometimes, Dek. They like to accompany you if you take care of yourself." I chuckled along.

We crossed a large area on the side of the road covered with lush trees lined up into the far end like a forest. But what concerns me is not the forest itself, but something that is right in the middle of a towering height.

'What's that? It doesn't make sense if it's a tree. Then what?' I wondered in my heart. Whatever it is, it's not a good thing I think. Anyone who sees will shudder in fear.

"What do you see?" ask the old man to turn. "The tree, he said, only appears at night. Some people can see it. But most of them don't."

"I don't see anything sir." I lie.

"The forest is famously haunted, Dek. There are often single accidents, until people are lost and never found." The father explained again.

We quietly ended the conversation until we arrived at Mr. Dodo's house, that's how he introduced himself.

A simple house painted white with iron fence blue color. There was a tree decorating the small courtyard. Two rattan chairs and a glass table decorate the terrace. A home decor that reminds me of the houses in the village.

Mr. Dodo introduced his wife. A gentle and friendly woman. He welcomed me warmly. The woman took me to a room that belonged to her son.

"Guild can use this room first. Son of a working mother away from here, once a week just come home" said Ms. Dodo.

The room is not big but feels clean and tidy. A plain dark-colored bed was located near the window of the room. A wooden wardrobe on the other side. And a small table with a few books on it neatly laid out.

"Have you eaten?"

"Already, Mom.Thank you. I just need a place to stay overnight. Sorry, it's been a hassle." My answer.

"It's okay deck. I'm glad to help." Dodo ma'am then left.

I lay down on a comfortable bed to release stress and sleep in a dream.

I immediately sent word to the office asking permission not to enter today because I was not feeling well.

I had intended to give a little money as a thank you, but Ms. Dodo refused. So I took the initiative to accompany him shopping. After paying for the groceries and helping him make breakfast, I left.

They are a kind and friendly couple. They want to accept strangers like me warmly. In this day and age, people like them are very rare.

I decided to stop by somewhere before I went home. On the way to the bus stop I observed the surrounding houses. There is a distance between one house and another.

Some housewives were huddling in the greengrocer's cart, gossiping. I slightly lowered my head to greet them as I passed by. They smiled and then gossiped again.

The bus stop was not far from the forest I passed last night. I stared blankly into the forest. Then the boy showed up.

He waved at me from across the street standing among the trees. Unknowingly I followed him, into the forest. High and lush trees surround and dense bushes all around.

"Come here! In here!" call out to him while continuing to keep some distance in front of me.

I knew there were other kids there. Hiding behind a tree watching me.

"Ouch!" Cried one of the children hiding in the bushes. "Sister of my hand got stuck" he whispered almost crying.

"Shhh! Don't be noisy!" Said the next child. From his voice it seemed like he was a year or two older than the child earlier.

"But sister." whine the boy again.

"Duh! His hands were taken off! Nyusahin. It will be installed again."

Huh uh?? Can his hand be removed?? I thought shuddering in horror at the amused meddling. When I realized I noticed they were ducking in hiding again.

They think they can hide that bad? I let out a breath. Looking to the other side. A child hides behind a tree trunk while occasionally peeking. Who are the real kids? Are they the inhabitants of this forest?

While the boy who had called me looked a little far ahead.

"Here brother ! Come on over here!"

I followed. But the longer my steps get heavier. The atmosphere of the forest is getting darker with the grove of trees getting thicker. I'm also getting further along the highway.

This isn't good. No one knows I came here. And there's no guarantee I can get out safely. I don't know what's waiting for me in there. And if I can face it alone. If I suddenly disappeared, my family would be anxious. This is not a place I can go alone without a plan

"A little more brother! Come on over here!" call again.

"You want me to cut you?" my many. He's nodding.

"Can you guarantee that I can get out of that place safely?" He nodded again.

"You want me to help you?" The boy stuttered with spirit.

"After bothering me all day and making me hard, you still wish I could help you? " my words are cold. The boy was silent. There was a little mix of emotions in my voice.

I know he's bothering me to ask for my help. But the way is not fun at all.

"I have to go back. It seems dangerous in there. And I'm also not sure if you'll keep your word if I help you this time. Because most of you break promises more often than keep them." I said. Before turning around I looked at him again. He looks disappointed. His eyes were down sad. Then turn away.

why did I arrive feeling sad. Heart hurts. I feel guilty. Even though he's nobody.