For nearly a week, Gilang had spent his vacation doing nothing but staying in his rented room, going out only to buy household necessities. Then, out of nowhere, he received news from his village that forced him to return home.
The important news came from his childhood friend, Angga, who told him that his mother was seriously ill and wanted to see Gilang.
Angga was Bi Darsih's son. Bi Darsih had cared for Gilang since he was little and still worked taking care of Gilang's house in the village. Angga was also the same age as Gilang. They had spent nearly every day together as children because Bi Darsih often brought Angga along while looking after Gilang.
After hearing from Angga, Gilang decided to return to his village without a second thought. He packed his things and set off for the village on his motorcycle.
It was 11:35 a.m. Western Indonesian Time.
The trip from his rented room to the village was fairly long, covering around seventy kilometers and usually taking about three hours to get there.
At around 4:40 that afternoon, Gilang arrived in his village, Antaya.
The village still looked much the same. Most of the people still depended on farming to make a living. Some worked as seamstresses, while others still worked as porters.
As he traveled from the village toward his house, many residents greeted him. Gilang was fairly well-known in the village because of his family's influence. His family was one of the most respected in the village. It could be said that Gilang's parents had been the most prosperous people there.
Gilang's father had once been a major farmer who owned expansive gardens and fields. He also had a rice mill and bought up agricultural products such as coffee and other crops. In fact, many other farmers often sold their harvests to him, and nearly a third of the villagers worked for him.
Gilang's father was also known for his generosity and willingness to help residents who were struggling. Meanwhile, Gilang's mother was a homemaker known for being friendly and helpful. Even though they lived in great wealth, the family was never known for being arrogant. That was what made the villagers hold them in such high regard and respect their family.
When Gilang's parents eventually died, the villagers felt the loss of those generous figures deeply.
That was how great the influence of his family had been in Antajaya. Their passing had caused nearly everyone in the village to mourn.
At last, Gilang arrived at his house—a home that held only a few memories of his family, but far more memories of Bi Darsih and Angga, since Gilang had been left without his father and mother from the age of three.
The grand house looked a little dusty. Perhaps Bi Darsih, who usually took care of it, was too sick, leaving no one to look after the place.
At home, he only set down the bag containing his clothes before immediately leaving for Bi Darsih's house with a small bag of fruit and a few gifts for Bi Darsih and her family.
Gilang walked to Bi Darsih's house because it was only a few dozen meters from his own.
When he arrived, he knocked on the door, and Angga opened it.
"Ga, how is Bibi doing?" Gilang asked.
Without saying much, Angga immediately ushered him inside and then led him to the bedroom, where Bi Darsih could be seen lying sick in bed.