The sun is shining in full force. The white clouds had no intention of blocking its rays from reaching the earth. I used my hands to shield my eyes. It was hot like stepping into a grill.
My feet walked slowly on the dry ground. If I'd known this, I wouldn't have left my school shoes there. I had already dug a hole for myself.
I looked around. It was a small courtyard with a few buildings. There is no well here.
"Thirsty," I complained as I wiped my sweat.
After the smoke escaped, I impulsively tried to return to my dwelling. However, it seemed that I was getting lost. This path I was on led to a garden.
I found a tree and decided to sit near it.
"So tired."
I fanned my face with my hands.
I still don't know why I'm here. If Roro Jonggrang gets the curse of becoming a temple later, nothing will happen to me. Could it be that my duty is to reconcile them? Like the job of a matchmaking agency?
A miserable sound came from my stomach. My ribs felt ripped out. I glanced around and found the tree above me bearing mangoes. It was quite tall.
I got up, then started to climb the tree. On the first try, I slipped. On the second try, a row of ants startled me. Finally, on the third try, I made it up.
These mangoes were big. I grabbed one in my hand and bit into the skin. Sweet and fresh flavors mingled in my mouth.
"It's delicious."
I ate one mango, but I wasn't full yet. So I took another one. Two weren't enough, so I ate another one.
***
The chatter of the birds disturbed me. I tried to ignore them, but they wouldn't stop making noise. Reluctantly, I left my cozy slumber.
The little birds sat in their nests, close to me. Meanwhile, the sky had taken on a reddish color, the golden rays penetrating the trees and dazzling the eyes.
"It's late afternoon .... "
I jumped down from the tree. It was getting darker. I'd better find a bright place. I stepped onto the path that brought me here, leaving the scattered mango seeds.
My aimless steps led me to the courtyard of a hall. It was the main hall with many guards walking around. I looked this way and that. It was the night of the temple's construction.
"Seer!"
My body turned backward. It was Aunt Sumi. Her hand carried a fruit basket. She walked toward me.
"Seer, Her Highness the Princess desires your presence," she informed me.
I replied, "Why?"
Aunt Sumi shook her head. She held my wrist. At first glance, she seemed wary of the two guards passing by.
"You'll find out later."
I sighed. My gaze fell on the fresh fruit she was carrying. "Give me one, then I'm coming with you," I asked.
Aunt Sumi picked up a mango, then held it out. Inwardly I was annoyed that I was eating mangoes again. However, gifts should not be refused. So, I took it.
We then walked along a narrower path. This was behind a large building. Even so, there were no soldiers passing by. Then, all of a sudden, we arrived at a grand complex. The buildings inside the compound were guarded by more soldiers.
At first, I thought we were going to enter through the front gate. As it turned out, there was a way at the back. The place was a bit dark because there was no lighting.
"I hope you can help the princess," Aunt Sumi said.
"The princess is old enough to help herself," I replied, "She is a strong woman."
She sighed and stopped walking. We stopped in front of the door. Aunt Sumi said, "The princess doesn't know the future as you do, Seer. But, you can know the future. You must help Her Highness."
"The future can change. It depends on the efforts made in the present."
Aunt Sumi shifted her gaze. She opened the door, telling me to come in.
***
My feet stepped into a luxurious room. Gold was everywhere. It was all glittering. I think I need sunglasses.
"You're here."
A soft voice caught my attention. Roro Jonggrang sat on a chair. Her gaze fell on the palm leaves containing the inscription. Then, she looked up.
"You once received a bracelet as a form of willingness. Now, I demand it," she spoke.
My body stood in the doorway. I had wanted to return the bracelet for a long time, but regretfully, I didn't have it with me right now.
"Tell me the prophecy. If I stay here until tomorrow morning, will I get married or dead?"
My eyes widened. She had a suicidal wish. I swallowed. I'd better watch my words. This unstable girl could explode or misunderstand at any time.
"Basically, the future happens because of the things we do in the present," I replied.
"If I agree, I'm still alive. If I refuse, I die. Is that so?"
I bit my lower lip. My hand scratched my head, which wasn't itchy. How do I answer her?
"Citra, if you were in my position, which one would you choose?"