MARANTI (FOOD OF THE DEAD)
EPISODE 36: COMPETITION

That afternoon Bu Dewi prepared tahlilan event at his home in accordance with the agreement with the community leaders that tahlilan at his house was advanced in the afternoon while tahlilan at night was held at Pak Hartono's house. Unlike the previous days, that afternoon the residents who came to Bu Dewi's house were a little more than the previous days. Until Bu Dewi asked Mr. Salihun and Mr. Ratno to buy additional pastries at Bu Yana's house. Not only the guests of the fathers who came that afternoon, the guests of the mothers were also quite a lot until Bu Dewi was overwhelmed to welcome him. It seems like the neighbors long feel bad too if not takziah to the house of Miss Dewi because Mr. Herman's wife is famous for actively visiting every event held by her neighbors. Madam Dewi welcomed the visit of her neighbor. It seems that the event of tahlilan in the afternoon brings benefits also for the residents of Pomegranate hamlet because the fear of going to the house of Bu Dewi is slightly reduced in the afternoon.

Although residents have come to the house of Bu Dewi does not mean they have stopped talking about Laras. So by gathering like that they are more enthusiastic to talk about Panji's mother. Of course with a deliberately belated voice. Talks began from the topic around the accident that befell Mr. Ade continued with their discussion about Laras. Of course, when talking about Laras they keep their voices from being heard by the Goddess Mother. There was only one of the residents who deliberately invited to chat with Bu Dewi to distract other residents who were gossiping about Laras. The Goddess is not a fool. He understood very well what his neighbors were doing, but he could not do much because he realized the character of his neighbors was like that. And also at this time he has also begun to believe a little that the spirit of Laras is behind all the events.

At five quarters, the event at Bu Dewi's house was over. Many of the mothers went home half an hour ago. The Fathers also hurriedly left the house of Miss Dewi because they were afraid of the night rush. They have begun to feel uncomfortable with the afternoon conditions that will soon change twilight tesebut. The one who came home the most recent is of course Mr. Salihun and Mr. Ratno for having to help Ms. Dewi clean up the rest of the mineral water and fold the seat.

“Hun, wait for me dong!” shouted Mr. Ratno while calling his close friend.

This time Mr. Salihun did not really care about the call of his friend. He was still upset by Mr. Ratno's actions that broke into his conversation with Jamila this morning.

“Hun! Wait!” shouted Mr. Ratno back because he felt afraid if he had to pass in front of the house Laras far from Mr. Salihun.

Mr. Salihun remained unmoved and further accelerated his pace. Mr. Ratno also tried to pursue his friend by accelerating his footsteps. Unfortunately, the rope broke.

“Wait, Hun! Sandalk rope broke!” yelled Mr. Ratno again.

Hearing the words of Mr. Ratno Pak Salihun also looked back. It turns out that's right, his friend's sandal rope broke. However, Mr. Salihun resumed his steps more quickly. Mr. Ratno who saw his friend was also irritated with Mr. Salihun because he did not care about himself who was being subjected to disaster. Not thinking for long finally the man left his sandals in that place and he ran after Mr. Salihun without using footwear.

“Ouch! My leg pain!” pekik Pak Ratno while reducing the speed of his footsteps because he could not afford to walk fast in the condition of the rocky road like that.

Mr. Salihun was quite good at leaving Mr. Ratno behind while dusk had started to struggle. Mr. Salihun was actually still a little minded with his friend, afraid of anything happening with Mr. Ratno, but remembering what Mr. Ratno did this morning made his feelings again irritated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ratno who was left behind this time had arrived right in front of the Laras house. He continued to walk through the rocky path while grimacing in pain because his old age had begun not to be friendly with the sharpness of the stones. By reflex Mr. Ratno also turned his head towards the house of Laras whose lights always die even though it has been replaced with a new one by Bu Dewi. The feeling was even more unpleasant when he turned to look towards the house of Laras. Seoah-olah Laras was in the house like the stories he heard from the villagers of another Pomegranate. Finally, he who was already feeling bad with his feet was trying to endure the pain and stepped faster than before.

“Hun, how nice you left me, Hun! Are you jealous of me, Hun? You yourself are the one who said the same to me if you want to compete healthily with me to fight over Jamila's heart? Ah, nevermind! I'd better hurry up and get out of here scared of going in the middle of the barrel!” said Mr. Ratno while continuing to walk away from the translucent road. Blowing twilight winds add to the tension felt by Mr. Ratno when having to walk the very quiet road. There was no one else at all in the place but him alone. So, if it is true he will be blocked by Laras in that place, I don't know what will happen with Mr. Ratno. Every second of that moment was just a sense of fear. It was very different that felt by the old man between walking alone and walking with his friend.

“Hun, I'm kapok! I'd rather lose Jamila than lose you!” said Mr. Ratno while continuing to walk with trembling legs.

The man was surprised that suddenly someone was blocking his footsteps. Mr. Ratno held his breath while focusing his gaze on the figure that was confronting him. Guts Mr. Ratno ciut for a moment. His heart stopped beating.

“You really gave up Jamila for me, Rat?” said the mysterious figure that made Mr. Ratno's heart beat slightly just now.

Mr. Ratno glared at that moment.

“K-you, Hun!” shouted Mr. Ratno at that time.

“Yes, it's me your friend, Rat! Thanks yes, you are willing to give up with me,” replied Mr. Salihun.

“Loh, you just yourself said that it is better to lose Jamila than me,” protest Mr. Salihun.

“Why are you back, Hun? Not all of you let me die of fear,” umpat Mr. Ratno.

“Sorry, Rat. I was still upset with you,” replied Ratno.

“You're not coming back for me, are you? You came back because of Jamila, right?” pa Ratno said with regret.

“No, Rat. I came back because I thought of you,” replied Mr. Salihun.

“Already. I can go home by myself!” mr. Ratno replied as he walked away from his friend.

Currently they have arrived on the road that many of the inhabitants of the house. That's why Mr. Ratno is no longer afraid.

“Wait, Rat. Let me drive you home!” shouted Mr. Salihun while chasing his best friend.

“No need, Hun! You go after your Jamil that's it! Don't mind me!” mr. Ratno replied with annoyance.

“OK, if you're still angry, let me walk behind you. After all, we're in line, right?” said Mr. Salihun relented.

Mr. Ratno stopped his steps, then he said.

“You go home first! I'm going to musalla. Please, I want to be alone, Hun!” mister Ratno replied with a disappointed expression.

Mr. Salihun looked at his friend's angry waah and it seemed like he had to stay away from his friend first. Can run if he keeps forcing her.

“Alright, Hun! But, you're on the hunt home, huh? Poor Jamila said she wanted to go home you returned the tightness.

Mr. Ratno did not answer. He just smiled wryly at Mr. Salihun and stepped with emotion towards Ustad Andi musalla. Mr. Salihun stared at the departure of his friend with regret.

SERIATE

Where would Readers choose, then? What friend is a lover?