The Shadow Of Love
Early on

Today is exactly one week back from the island sebrang–Sumatera. It has been a long time since I left the birthplace, to forget someone who was once a protective figure for me. 

Five years ago I decided to stay with my sister there. Opening a new page and hoping to shed light on the betrayal he committed. 

When my heart was more lewowo and accepted all of this reality, suddenly someone came looking for me. Mom said that many times the guy went back and forth to the house to meet me in brackets for two years. 

Finally, curiosity made me meet that person who had waited long enough in the living room. 

I was confused because I didn't know him at all. Especially when he gave me a gold box. However, when he mentioned someone's name, I was stunned as well. 

"He asked me to give you that item" he said in a flat tone. 

I stared at the box that was now in my hand. I really want to open that box. However, the pain of the betrayal she had committed came back, making me undo the intention to open it. 

"Just return this to him. I don't want to remember anything about him anymore" I replied, putting the box on the table, then pushing it in front of the stranger. 

I saw him smile faintly, then said, "I can't give it back, because he's gone." 

The words that came out from the foreign man before me made my two neutrals round instantly. My heart was suddenly empty after hearing his words. 

"You mean –"

"He was dead two years ago" the stranger cut him off quickly. 

Like being struck by lightning in the middle of a vast desert. I sat in place with a blank look. Is what the stranger said the truth, or is it a joke that I no longer hate him? I don't know, I don't know either. 

"Five years ago, he had kidney failure. That's the reason that keeps him away from you" he said in a serious-sounding tone. 

I turned my eyes towards the stranger. Trying to find lies from the look in his eyes. However, I did not find the gurat of lies through the look of those round eyes. 

The man in blue checkered shirt pushed the wooden box back in front of me. "My task is done. I say goodbye first" he said, then got up and left. 

With a heart that trembled violently, I reached for the golden-colored box she gave me, then opened it slowly. Inside was a red watch and a letter inside a pink envelope. 

The corner of my eye was already filled with a clear liquid that was about to escape. I ventured to get that letter. However, someone's voice made me undo my intentions. I rubbed the rough corners of my eyes that almost shed tears. 

"His guests are home, Tasya?" mother asked, her hand carrying a tray of two cups of tea. 

"Already, Mom." 

"Who is he, Sya? Why have you been back and forth here for the last two years?" ask the mother who looks curious. 

"He's a good friend of Rizqi's, Mom." 

Mother looked at the box on my lap, from the look in her eyes, I knew she was starting to get curious about the contents inside the box. 

"Rizqi's friend came back and forth because he wanted to love the box?" ask again. 

I forced these lips to smile, then nodded. "This is Risqi's sister, ma'am." 

Both of mom's eyebrows are linked, I know mom is getting confused by my answer. However, I have not wanted to tell you the truth about Rizqi, my protective figure eight years ago. 

"Yes already. Break there! But don't snack, Shay. It was late in the afternoon" said mother reminding me. 

"Yes, Mom, Tasya knows, Kok!" 

I walked into a room I hadn't been in in a long time. The room felt very cold even though there was no AC in this room. 

I dropped my butt on the simple cotton mattress in the room, then leaned against the wall and reached for the bolster pillow I had placed in my lap. I slowly opened the box given by the stranger, which he said took care of Rizqi. 

My hand picked up the red watch inside the box. My memory came back eight years ago at a night market during school holidays. That's where I saw this watch, and I wanted it so badly. It's just that I'm not a child of the people. Although working part-time after school, in fact my money is always running out to help the family living costs. 

I went with one of my best friends, Tika. He whose life is better than mine, of course, easily buys his target goods. Unlike me who had to think thousands of times to buy these items, which would definitely be considered a waste by the mother. 

"So you've been following me for a long time, brother. This watch is my target watch eight years ago." Unconsciously, the corner of my lips lifted up. I smiled after a long time always crying when I remembered it. 

I went back in time, when I had just met him. Quite a unique introduction and not easily forgotten even though it has been many years. 

At that time, I was waiting for public transport after school hours, suddenly he came in front of me and offered me a ride. 

"Let me take you home!" invite him with confidence, even though we do not know each other at all. 

"Sorry, but I better wait for the angkot," I politely declined. 

He took his motorcycle out of front of me without saying a word. I assume he's just a prankster. 

Not long after a public transport passed by, then stopped as I waved my hand. The public transport stopped, and then I got inside and the public vehicle drove back across the street. 

"Left, Mas" I cried out softly, for I was sitting in the back seat. 

The public transport stopped right in front of a small alley to the house. I got off, paid the fare and the public transport went back, getting away from me. 

I took a deep breath, then took it out violently. My body was already quite tired, but my mind had already drifted to work. I forced the actual leg to walk to the house. 

The sound of a motor horn came from behind, followed by someone riding a motorcycle slowly tracking me. I glanced at him briefly. 

"The prankster again," I murmured softly. 

"I'm not a prankster, you know!" He replied after hearing my murmur. 

"If not a fad, why not follow people who are not known?" ask me, without stopping the move. 

"In that case, we are acquaintances!" 

I immediately glanced at him sharply. She simply invited me to meet on a road like this, I thought. 

My glance was only responded to with a horse's grin by him. I looked back at the road ahead, not wanting to stumble if I didn't notice the way. 

"Don't want to, yeah, acquaintance with my rich ugly guy?" ask when I refuse to respond.