I walked slowly through the village street. Tough it was just ten minutes past five, the street was already crowded with the villagers who were going to their field, markets or nearby town.
Then I walked off the street onto the dikes where I could see some farmers working in the fields. I was so fascinated by everything around me
and by the village atmosphere. So, I didn't realized that I had already gone too far from my auntie's house, the place where I spent my holiday this semester.
I just kept walking and enjoying the scenery. Finally, I arrived at a place with a big white board in front of it. Written on the board was:
LAKE REMIS
Then I walked off the street onto the dikes where I could see some farmers working in the fields. I was so fascinated by everything around me
and by the village atmosphere. So, I didn't realized that I had already gone too far from my auntie's house, the place where I spent my holiday this semester.
I just kept walking and enjoying the scenery. Finally, I arrived at a place with a big white board in front of it. Written on the board was:
Tourist site
Open daily to public
from 09.00 to 16.00
I knew the place was not open yet, but I really wanted to see it. So, I approached the gate, which was already wide-open. However, as I was about to enter, a male voice yelled at me, "Hey, what are you doing?! The place is not open yet."
A little surprised, I looked around. I saw and old man standing with a broom in his hand. Obviously, he was cleaning the place.
"Oh, I know that, sir. But, do you ind if I go inside and look around for a while?' I asked.
He seemed to think for a moment. Then, "You are not from around here, are you?"
"No. sir. I am from Jakarta." I answered.
"Well, go ahead then but remember : don't swim in the lake. It's dangerous."
I smiled. " I'll keep that in mind, sir. Thank you."
Then I went inside. A big green board welcomed me. On it was written what the visitor may and may not do during their visit to the area, such as : do not swim in the lake, throw all garbage in the trash bins, etc.
Walking further inside, I saw a small swimming pool on my left side while on my right side, there was a small park with a swing and a seesaw. As I walked on, I saw an incredible view. There, right in the middle of everything, was a lake.
The lake was so big, but not so small either. It was lined along its edge with colorful flowers and surrounded by a path. The path itself was lined with many big trees, a lot of benches and some food stalls scattered among them.
Then I sat on the one of the benches, looking at the lake. The water was green and still. I wondered why it was dangerous to swim in it, just like the old man and the board at the lake said : Dangerous, do not swim in the lake , but maybe it was just like the saying : Still water runs deep.
The atmosphere around me was quiet and peaceful, drowning me in my daydream. But, suddenly a voice surprised me.
"Hello."
I saw a boy, about my age, standing in front of me. He was smiling. He wore a white T-shirt and faded jeans.
"Oh, hello. Sorry I didn't hear you coming."" I apologized.
"No wonder. You are daydreaming." Still smiling, he sat beside me.
I laughed. "Well, I guess you can't blame me. This place is so quiet, I can't help but daydream."
"You're right." He laughed too. "I believe you are not from here, are you?"
"Yup. I am from Jakarta. I am here on my school holiday," I answered. "How about you?"
"I am from a town near here, and I am on holiday as well."
Minutes later, we were both involved in a light conversation, talking about school, music, sport, and other teenagers' stuff. I found it so enjoyable to chat with the boy, whose name was Sonny Darmawan that I didn't realize that it was time to go back to my auntie's house. Fortunately, I had a chance to glance at my wristwatch when the sun was already shining brightly. I was almost eight. So, hurriedly I got up.
"Sorry, I guess I have to go now, my auntie made me promise to be back before eight as we will have breakfast together," I said.
"It's OK," Sonny smiled.
"You still want to sit here?"
"Yeah. Just for a little while."
"Well, see you later then," I smiled.
"Yeah. And nice to meet you, Prita."
"Nice to meet you too, Sonny."
Hurriedly, of course without forgetting to say thank you to the old man, I left the place. When I arrived at my auntie's house, everybody was already waiting for me.
"Where have you been? Since you don't know this village very well. I thought you were lost," Said my auntie, stroking my back.
"Sorry I am late, auntie," I apologized.
"It's OK. Let's eat." My uncle said, smiling.
Then we had breakfast together while chatting happily.
"Hey, Prita. How about going to Lake Remis this afternoon?" Suddenly Wini, my cousin, who was my age, suggested.
"Yes, you have to see it. It is very beautiful," Windi, Wini's older sister, added.
"I'd love to. But, I've already seen it today. It's indeed beautiful," I said.
"You've been there?" Wini's ayes widened. "Alone?"
"Not exactly," I answered. " I met an old man there."
"It might be Mr. Parjo, the guard." Windi said.
"And a boy Sonny Darmawan," I added.
"What?!" This time, everybody cried, followed by,"Oh, my God!"
I was stunned for a moment, not knowing what was going on.
"Somebody please tell me what's wrong, don't just say'Oh, my God'," I said.
Suddenly there was a silence.
Then, "Prita," My uncle's voice broke the silence. "Four years ago, when swimming in the lake was still allowed, there were four boys who came from a town nearby to spend their school holiday at Lake Remis. They were paling and swimming in the lake cheerfully. The water indeed was still but unfortunately one of them disappeared. He drowned. His family and his friends together with the villagers and the police tried hard to search for him, but his body was never found. So, after three days of searching, they finally gave up. The elder of this village thought that the boy was eaten by the white crocodile that was believed to be the lake guard." My uncle said.
"And?!" I asked impatiently.
"And," my auntie answered, "The boy, who was missing, was Sonny Darmawan."
"What?! Oh, my God!" Now it was my turn to cry out.
(You can find this story in Contact Magazine and LBPP LIA's student book for Level Intermediate four)
