Jeritan Malam

The names of the characters are fictional, to protect the privacy of the writer, family, friends,

and colleagues who were involved in this story.

I can't believe this place.

We have to line up just to get a bowl of noodles.

It doesn't even taste that good. I wonder why?

Why do we keep coming back here?

Do you know?

My friend said this place uses some kind of magic.

That's why even if it doesn't taste good...

It would suddenly taste good.

A lot of people come here.

And they make a lot of money.

Seriously? Your friend must be nuts.

I don't know.

But my friend has the sixth sense.

And can see what other people cannot see.

You still believe in those stuff?

I'm not sure, but she never wants to eat here.

- Never? - Never.

Not even once.

That's interesting.

Well yeah, the noodles don't even taste good.

Have you ever had goosebumps in a place before?

Have you ever felt the presence of something that you used to think was just a figment of your imagination?

Until one day...

You are blessed with a gift.

And then you realize...

That your life has changed, forever.

A gift that gives you the chance to see with your own eyes and realize...

...that this realm does not only belong to humans.

That in this universe, we share the place with other entities surrounding us.

Entities who are close to us.

That painting illustrates Suluk.

It's a ritual where a person goes through a supernatural path to become a higher being.

You see that man up there?

People are worshipping him because he has finished his path.

When will you let me teach you about the history of our culture?

You shouldn't just get a degree on education.

You need to master your culture too.

It's not about that, it's just the logic, Dad.

Everything must have a logical explanation.

Stuff like that would make us think that blackouts happen because of ghosts.

Honey!

The show is starting.

Alright.

Let me tell you a story about a painful loss.

When you listen to this story and start to question if it is true...

...it all comes back to your own judgment.

Do you think this is just fiction...

...or a true story?

For the first time in my life,

there was one thing that made me feel that beauty...

Dad said wearing this amulet can protect us.

...can turn into fear.

Hey! Watch it!

See, this thing protects us.

Ever since that happened,

I began to hate everything related to the other world, devils, and freaking amulets.

My name is Reza.

I graduated from one of the best universities in this country.

A university that is located just outside Jakarta.

A campus surrounded with greenery and big trees.

A campus in the middle of the city's forest.

This story begins at this place.

Why?

Because it's where I met the woman who means a lot to me, even until now.

Wulan.

A woman who loves me very much.

And I love her just as much.

A woman who has made each and every day of my life beautiful.

Wulan.

She was not my first love.

But I'm sure that one day, she will be my last.

Wulan and I completed our studies at the same time.

Our GPAs weren't that bad either.

After graduating, my plan was to quickly get a job so I can marry the love of my life.

Hello?

Yes, this is he.

But it turns out that looking for a job isn't as easy as it sounds.

I understand.

Thank you.

After months and a lot of interviews...

I began to appreciate jobs better.

I also thought that people who have steady jobs must be very grateful.

And finally, after applying to countless places and going through countless interviews...

I got a call and I had to make the biggest decision in life.

I had to move away from Bogor.

Leaving my family.

Leaving Wulan.

Reza Maheswara?

Yes, Ma'am.

I've got something for both of you.

Thank you, dear.

This is for you.

Thank you.

You will love it.

Oh, what could it be?

Mom, Dad.

Yes?

I got a job.

Thank God!

But I have to move away to East Java.

That's so far away!

Can't you ask for a position in Jakarta?

But I feel good about this position.

If they can't place you in Jakarta...

Why don't you just continue your father's business?

If you're certain about it, you can go.

It's so far away.

I've been unemployed for more than half a year.

I feel like I'm being a burden for others.

You saw for yourself how many interviews I went to. This was the only one that called me back.

I know.

I know you've been working hard.

So, what's holding you back?

Nothing, really.

I'm gonna take it.

Mom and Dad said it's okay anyway.

So?

It's you.

If you're okay with it, I will go.

I have always prayed for you to get a job.

Now that my prayers have been answered, why would I say no?

I don't want to be away from you.

But what can I do?

Just like I always do.

I will keep praying for you.

Dad, Mom.

I'll see you in a bit.

Please keep me in your prayers.

Take care, Reza.

Reza.

We got you something.

I'm giving it to you now...

...to make sure that you take it with you. Okay?

Here.

Dad.

Take it. Keep it.

It's for your protection.

No need to, I don't use amulets like this.

This is not an amulet.

You're going to an unknown place.

Take this for protection.

If this is really for protection, my little brother wouldn't have...

I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to.

It's alright.

Whether you believe it or not...

Take it.

Just consider it a gift from me.

Okay, Dad.

You take care, okay?

You should take care.

I have to go.

Don't go.

I will miss you terribly.

Never stop praying for me.

I will come back to marry you so I can take you there with me.

Bye.

Everything was so perfect.

But all the beauty in life was about to change drastically.

As I boarded the train that would take me to a city in East Java...

...the journey marks the beginning.

The beginning of a set of events that changed my life forever.

Enjoy this story.

But I ask you one thing.

Never do what I did in this story.

12 hours later

Hello?

Good evening.

Mr. Indra.

This is Mr. Reza, the new employee.

- You can call me Indra. - Reza.

If you would excuse me.

- Yes, thank you. - You're welcome.

- Thanks. - You're welcome.

It seems we're the same age. Are you from Jakarta?

I took the train from Jakarta, but I'm from Bogor.

Oh, I'm from Jakarta.

Oh.

To?

Minto?

This is Minto.

- I'm Minto. - Reza.

There you are.

This is Mr. Dikin, he's the one who helps around here.

- My name is Dikin. - I'm Reza.

- Let me take you to your room. - Okay.

This is your room.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

Reza, do you practice magic?

I'm sorry?

Please be careful with sacred items like that.

You might offend someone.

Excuse me.

Mr. Reza?

I'm sorry, the door was open.

Are you alright?

Yeah. We should leave, I'm running late.

Yes, Sir.