The Tomb Next to the House
15. He's Died

It's been a week, but I'm still lying in bed. Instead of improving, my health is getting worse.

"Jeekk!"

Right now I'm pulling my stomach out in the kitchen sink. Can't if you have to creep into the bathroom even though the distance is close. My stomach feels nauseous, even though I haven't had time to eat anything. All the food offered by Raihan I always refuse. I have not eaten enough, especially if my stomach is filled.

Of course Raihan won't give up on telling me to fill my stomach. I only reasoned if I wanted to eat alone, so that he would not continue to force. My appetite is really bad right now.

Mas Raihan was driving Althaf to school, making me have to creep up to get to the room.

Grep.

"Eh?"

"Let me help you," bargained Yati who came out of nowhere, immediately held my body that was almost unsteady because it was no longer strong to hold on to the wall.

He led me back to lying on the bed. Then pull the blanket to cover my frail body as a chest.

"Thank you" I told him.

"Together, Via." Yati smiled very sweetly.

"Sorry, always bother you."

"No problem. We're the neighbors. Should've helped each other."

We also continue the conversation here and there to eliminate loneliness. As usual, I will fall asleep ignoring Yati who is still engrossed in chirping.

It was Raihan who always woke me up to eat. After that I didn't see Yati anymore. Strange too. It was like he was avoiding my husband. I've never seen them both greet each other.

...----------------...

On the 13th day, my body was better. Although not fully healed. My appetite is starting to improve. Even now I want more food that comes to my mind.

Like this time. All of a sudden I really wanted a peanut-flavored sweet martabak. Whereas before I was very anti-peanut, because it could cause stubborn acne to grow on the surface of my skin smooth face, as smooth as newly polished porcelain.

I ate so voraciously, that even one box I spent alone with nothing left. Now I sit in front of the house and enjoy it.

The quiet atmosphere of this village has long been common to me. I lyrics Yati house whose doors and windows are still tightly closed. Tumben has been two days now my neighbor has not revealed the trunk of his nose.

Is she okay? Or did he get sick too?

Curiosity led me to visit his residence. No problem, this time I did not bring anything for him. I just wanted to check on her condition. My body isn't strong enough to stand up too long to cook food.

"Eh, Miss Via, huh? Where you going?" The sound from behind stopped my new steps about to enter the Yati mansion grounds.

I turned my head to the figure of the middle-aged woman. I don't think he remembers my name. We only met a few times at the market before I got sick. I know Ratih's mom lives near Mr. Kades' house.

"Yes, Mom. But now it's gone."

"Why not just rest? Lah, where are you going?"

"You go to Yati's house, Mom," I said.

The look on Ratih's face changed. His lips twitched as if he wanted to tell me something.

"What's up, Mom?"

"Mak Via doesn't know yet, does he?"

"Know what?"

Madam Ratih slightly leaned her body towards me. She whispered, "Yati and her husband died a week ago. Their bodies were found lying on the bed. There's a resident who reports that he smells a carcass out of this house."

Madam Ratih paused the story for a while to take a breather. I remained faithful listening with the roar of a heart that was no longer lost.

"Pak Kades and some residents took the initiative to check this house. Those who first saw, thought Yati and her husband were sleeping. But the smell of the stinging carcass turned out to come from both. They were probably dead three days before they were found. Both died mysteriously. Looks like they got a curse. Hih, serem," continued Ratih's mom, sniffing her shoulder a few times.

My head grew dizzy after hearing the story. Mrs Ratih is the culprit of gossip. Do I have to believe what he said just now?

"But, Mom. During my illness, Yati came every day to see me. So, I'm sorry, ma'am. If you want to make up about the death of someone is not good—"

"I don't believe it. Maybe what came to you was the spirit of Yati who wanted a part."

Deg.

H-really that?

The old woman's mouth was as easy as she spoke. Clearly the one who came to the room was Yati whom I had known all along. Not—

Uh, wait.

Mas Raihan is always evasive if I ask about Yati who is not saying goodbye to me if she will come home after visiting me.

Is it true that what Mrs Ratih said earlier there is a point as well?

So, Yati and her husband are dead?!

Instantly my body felt limp, then ....

Brugh!

"Eh, Miss Via!"