The House 1937's
48. Seeking truth (2)

"Man, later the cave will go to the Temple.", Papa's words that he said suddenly immediately distract Om Herman.

"Klenteng?, the temple that is close to this Market?",

"Not Man, the cave wants to the Temple where Babah was once a manager there...",

"What?, in the Temple?, as far as the cave location of the Temple is far enough Jun.., what do you want there?",

"Gua wants to see the Babah Man, his name is Babah Hwan, someone wants the cave to ask him...",

"Ask?, I mean?",

"Gua remembers Babah Hwan was a 'smart man', he was the one who helped Babah when Ci Dewi "sick" as a child, sick in the sense of.., not a real pain, you understand?",

"Oh..iya, gua understand..indeed you want what, Jun?, to meet him all?",

"Yes Man.., this is about the house. And also between life and death...",

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Papa who was concentrating on driving at a glance remembered his conversation with Om Herman in the market yesterday. He glanced at his best friend who had begun to look half sleepy because of the length of their journey. Papa just stared exasperatedly at Om Herman, if only Papa's foot could kick his leg, maybe Papa would have done it right then and there. While remaining focused on looking towards the road in front of him, Papa reminded himself that later when they were about to make their way home, Papa reminded him, he will ask his best friend to change position so that he will drive this truck car. Inevitably he admitted the journey to the Temple his destination was indeed time consuming and draining his energy. Actually Om Herman had proposed to papa that they just stay for one night in the temple. Because he thought it would be very tiring and dangerous if they both forced themselves to travel and go home on the same day. Although Papa had refused, but in the end he agreed to stay there for one night. However, a fit and fit body condition is needed for driving safety and comfort.

After some time on the journey, they had finally both reached their destination. When his yellow truck entered the main access road to the Temple, Papa's sight was stunned along the road, as well as on the right and left of the road he was passing. According to him, a lot has changed from the last time he came here, the road they went through was already on the asphalt with a view of several houses on the right and left side of the road, because the last time he came, he said, the road is still very rocky here and there are still very few houses on either side of this road. He remembered that time when this temple was holding an annual celebration that invited the crowd to come here. The peak at night of the event was more and more people coming, and that was quite a while, perhaps a few years ago.

Papa parked his truck in the Klenteng parking lot which is quite spacious. In the right and left corners of the parking lot was overgrown with banyan trees that were quite large and shady. The tree did not change much, only a little part of the lower branch that looks deliberately cut. Papa spread his gaze around the courtyard of the Temple which he thought looked better. After Papa picked up the backpack that was behind the seat, then went down and closed the car door followed by Om Herman. Om Herman who was the first time to come to this place also looks amazed by the large Chinese-style building that is dominant in red and the yard around it.

"So this is where Babah you used to be Jin's caretaker?", Om Herman approached Papa after closing the car door.

"Yes, quite a long time anyway, only longer Babah Hwan, Babah Story to the cave.", They both began to walk down the parking lot to the main gate of the temple which is quite far from the parking lot.

"Indeed, since when did Babah you become a caretaker here?, how long?", Om Herman became curious about this because he had just learned about the grandfather who had been a caretaker in this temple.

Om Herman just nodded while muttering listening to a brief description from Papa. They continued their steps until they passed through the main gate of the temple which is large enough with small iron doors on the right and left sides. They walked past the altar of the Supreme Lord, with the view of Om Herman who still continued to look into this magnificent building,he himself did not expect that in an area far enough from this urban area there is a temple building as big and beautiful as this.

They began to take off the footwear, put it on the available footwear racks and walk to the hand wash that was on the front of the Temple. While washing their hands, they also washed the citrus fruits and apples they had bought on the way to the offerings in this temple. Papa and Om Herman then handed the dish with the washed Fruit to the guard who was waiting for them and brought the fruit plate inside. In ordinary days like this, the atmosphere of this temple is indeed quiet, at least there are only a few people who come to pray and even then do not come every day. Suddenly though.....

"Loh..., Jun huh?. It's Jun right?,",

One of the Temple guards who was there was seen to know and call Papa's name, approaching and greeting Papa kindly, while Papa only returned to greet the guard with a look of remembrance. He himself did not remember who the man whose hair was hard to whiten as a whole just this time he came to visit this temple again.

"Eh.., yeah, I am Jun. How does Ncek know me?", Papa scratched his non-itchy head.

"How not to know, Afung cave, you forgot huh?. Gua tau lu kan his son Babah An, surprised your cave today came here. How is Enah at home?, Healthy?", the white-haired man named Afung immediately flocked Papa with a question that was only answered briefly by Papa. While Om Herman instead take a short walk around the front of this temple which is quite spacious with many large red candles with beautiful paintings on the candle stem.

"It's healthy Ncek..., by the way if the usual day is quiet huh Ncek?", Papa tried to make small talk so as not to feel awkward.

" Well, that's how Jun is. At most a bit crowded on weekends or if more so yes. By the way tumben nih lu far people just came here again..." Ncek Agung half laughed, and inevitably in his heart he clucked in awe, because the son of his late best friend is quite handsome, and he thinks Papa is more handsome than my own grandfather.

"Yes, I'm here there's a need. I need to meet with Babah Hwan. All I know is Babah Hwan is still the manager here Ncek. Sorry I came suddenly because there was no contact number I could call. Can I meet Babah Hwan, Ncek?, Today or tomorrow is okay...., because I plan to stay here until tomorrow...", Papa explained at length to Ncek Afung whose face immediately turned pale when he heard Papa wanted to meet Babah Hwan.What is this?, was there something wrong he said to the point that this male expression before him instantly changed like that?.

"Why Ncek?, just shut up?, did I say the wrong thing?", Papa seemed to hold his breath a little.

"Ohh.., no, there is nothing wrong.", Ncek Afung immediately shook his head quickly with the same expression.

"Then?", Papa looked impatient because this white-haired man did not immediately answer his question.

"Sorry Jun, if this makes you disappointed. The cave just wanted to let you know that Babah Hwan died almost two years ago...",

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