- (W) Second Protagonist's Point of View
When Someone Has Lost Everything, don't expect them to smile again. Don't hope for anything, don't trust anyone. I will definitely find out the truth with my own hands, and whatever happens next, so be it.
But the only thing I hope, maybe it's not the time yet, maybe someday. I hope we can meet...
"SPREAD!!!"
"When Someone Has Lost Everything, don't expect them to smile again. Don't hope for anything, don't trust anyone. I will definitely find out the truth with my own hands, and whatever happens next, so be it.
But the only thing I hope, maybe it's not the time yet, maybe someday. I hope we can meet...
"SPREAD!!!" I screamed as everything went to shit. When the arrest plan I had been thinking about for three months suddenly fell apart.
"DRRR !!....DRRRR!!!" The sound of a warning shot.
"STOP… STOP DAMN IT…! "Anggi, he took the elevator to the top floor," I said to the team via Walkie Talkie.
"Okay," answered Anggi.
"I'll take the fire escape," I said.
With my body still sweating from the chase, I reached the top floor in the hope that the other team members had managed to catch the suspect. But when I arrived at the top floor of the apartment, I heard someone calling."
"Ma'am... Ma'am... Miss Iswara."
"Hahh, Anggi, what's wrong? Have you caught him?" I asked seriously.
"Ughhh...Well Mom, we are in a critical situation." Anggi spoke with a tense expression.
"WHAT!!!" I exclaimed, shocked by what Anggi had just said.
"DAMN IT, THIS WAS NOT JUST A FAILURE, IT WAS REALLY BAD!!!" I'm annoyed.
"There's no other way, we have to get there immediately to stabilize the situation and instruct the team to be alert. But don't do anything suspicious; I don't want any stupid mistakes to happen." I gave strict orders.
"Ready, ma'am..." said Anggi.
"I'm still not used to that title..." I whispered.
For now, I don't care how the original plan got ruined, by whom, and why. The most important thing is not to cause further casualties. BUT FOR GOD'S SAKE, IF I KNEW THAT MAN WOULD DIE!!! Because whoever is at fault, I am the one responsible.
"Mr Riki put your weapon, don't be careless, sir," said an officer.
"YOU ALL NEED TO PUT YOUR WEAPONS DOWN, OR I WILL SHOOT THIS MAN IN THE HEAD THEN JUMP!!!" the suspect exclaimed.
"Don't worry, sir, everything will be fine," said Denny.
"SHUT UP, YOU BASTARD, YOU'RE NOT THE ONE IN DANGER HERE." Shouted the suspect. A 45-year-old man with a tall, muscular build and slightly dark skin, pointing his gun at Denny's head.
"WHERE IS YOUR LEADER, BRING HIM HERE!!!"
"Everyone, retreat...!" I ordered.
Seeing Denny's injured arm, I tried to negotiate with the suspect.
"How are you, Den?" Anggi asked.
"Happy, a bit numb, and there is red liquid coming out of my body. The rest, you can see for yourself," mocked Denny, his long hair now disheveled, trying to remain calm in this situation.
"It's me... Detective and Captain Iswara in this operation. I'm in charge here, may I speak informally? Listen, I'm going to get you out of this situation, so I ask you to remain calm and not act carelessly."
"I know you're in a high-pressure situation, Lieutenant, but you have to trust me and let me help you," I said, trying to persuade him.
Pointing his gun at us, he replied, "SHUT UP! I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP. I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, EITHER NOW OR WHEN I KILL THAT PROSECUTOR!!!" He said while pointing his gun back at Denny.
"NO ONE CAN HELP ME. ALL I WANT IS FOR THIS TO STOP...I...WANT IT TO STOP!!!"
In this increasingly volatile situation, a desperate suspect could do something unexpected, especially since he has military training. Damn, I'm definitely going to get in trouble with my boss because of this. But I had to do something to defuse the situation, even though I didn't like doing it.
"PUT THE WEAPON DOWN" I ordered.
"But, Sis," said Anggi.
"GET DOWN NOW, THIS IS AN ORDER..!" I screamed. Finally all personnel lowered their weapons.
"Okay...everyone is safe now, we can talk." Placing my gun on the floor, I saw their expressions become more tense than before.
"I didn't want all of this to happen. I AM TOO A VICTIM OF THIS SITUATION!"
"I don't know the full extent of the situation at that time, but by doing this, you are just putting everyone, including yourself, in danger."
"I DON'T NEED YOUR SYMPATHY, IF I HAVE TO DIE, I WILL DIE NOW...!!!" he exclaimed.
"What about Sarah?" I ask. Angrily, he answered.
"YOU DARE INVOLVE SARAH IN THIS SITUATION. YOU INVOLVE MY DAUGHTER, SO WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE FOR YOU WITH TH...." He suddenly fell silent, not continuing his words. The partial response made me suspicious.
"With who 'THEM...?' Isn't this because of your will? Are you being pressured or threatened by someone? " I asked.
"NO! I DID IT OF MY OWN WILL. I WAS ANGRY AGAINST JUSTICE IN THIS COUNTRY. THAT'S WHY I KILLED THAT MAN," he said.
"But just now you?" I asked, which was promptly ignored.
CORRUPTION, ABUSE, ACTION, EVEN PROTECTING HIGH OFFICIALS FROM THE SAME DEPRAVE. LISTEN, I'M ALSO PART OF THE SYSTEM LIKE YOU, BUT I REALIZED, I NO LONGER BELIEVE IN JUSTICE. I THINK IT'S JUST A MYTH, A FAIRY TALK, A CHILDREN'S STORY...!!!" He said in a raised voice.
"So, what are you going to do now? Look down, Sarah and your wife are there. Seeing their father and husband, someone they love. Being a murderer holding someone hostage will definitely break their hearts." At this time, I hope he will soften and cooperate.
Not long after, a voice came from downstairs, the voice of a child calling his father.
"Come on Dad, let's go home. Dad, come on down. Sarah wants Dad to come home and play with me at home," said the innocent little girl.
"Honey, I hope you come down, listen to what Sarah said. She just wants you to come home. Don't do that again, don't make bad memories with our child."
Seeing and hearing that, a man, father and husband, shed tears and his voice softened. With tears streaming down her face, she said,
"My father once said, 'When you have children one day, you are no longer yourself. You only think about what is best for them - seeing them happy, seeing them grow, wishing you well. Still have time to see them walk down the aisle with someone they love. Their joy, frustration, disappointment and happiness will become a part of you.' I never thought his words were so true. I can't run anymore; I guess I'll face it and accept the consequences of all my sins."
He let Denny go by pushing him away, but now he turns the gun on himself. In an instant, the situation became unclear again.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW...!!!" My face turned gloomy in an instant.
In a calmer tone than before, he answered.
"Listen, I can only say this once. This is a question for you, Detective. My position will definitely be filled by people like me, and in this situation, only he benefits. Lastly, Are you sure I'm the real culprit?" His finger was on the trigger, ready to pull. Panicking, I said,
"DON'T DO IT..! Look Sarah, you still have time to be with him. Let me help you...!!!"
"You've helped Detective a lot, but this is the result. But if you insist, I want you to tell Sarah, I'm sorry I can't come home tonight," he said with a resigned expression.
STOP! THIS IS STUPID..! "Meet your child and tell them yourself," I said loudly.
"That's my last request, Detective. I'll leave the rest to you. Find him, because only he can answer it. Maybe you'll find out the truth from there and stop those desperate individuals from committing their stupid actions. Because this is all I can do. " ... "
BANG!!!
The sound of the trigger from the gun that I couldn't stop. Immediately there were screams from everyone calling for paramedics. But everyone knows that saving a person shot in the head is futile.
I covered his lifeless gaze with my jacket and walked towards his wife and child to convey his message to his family. When they were done, I looked at them. A mother cries while hugging her child who doesn't understand anything. Truly a tragic incident that could have been avoided. If only we could have caught him sooner, if only there hadn't been an information leak, if only I could have convinced him more. This incident could have been prevented, DAMN IT, IT WAS ALL MY FAULT TOO. A few moments later, Anggi came.
"Sorry to bother you ma'am, I have something to report."
"Please," he whispered. He answered,
"We better not discuss it here, it would be inappropriate for Lieutenant Riki's family to hear about it. "Or we can go straight there ma'am, because suddenly the Anti-Terrorism Division has arrived," said Anggi worriedly.
"WHAT...! How is that possible?" I exclaimed.
After hearing Anggi's words, I immediately went to Lieutenant Riki's apartment which was the crime scene. And to my surprise, I saw my team members just standing quietly outside the police line.
"WHY ARE YOU STANDING HERE...!!!" I screamed.
"Okay ma'am, we were about to go in but..." Denny's response was quickly interrupted by someone.
"Don't blame them Swara, they are just subordinates who can't do anything if told to step down by their superiors," said the person.
Even superiors can make mistakes. Dias, I already suspect that this is all your doing," I snapped.
"DIAZ NOT UHMMM..DIAS!! USING Z NOT S!! said the arrogant man with a snobbish air, a pointed nose, and dark red hair in front of me.
"Oh really? But that's not my problem now," I looked at him sharply.
"To be more precise, this is what the superior does. I only came here as soon as I received his orders," he said in a curt tone, holding back my annoyance while smiling faintly as he spoke.
"It doesn't seem like that, It seems like you came to block my way."
"I remind Detective Iswara, this is a serious accusation. "It looks like you are trying to defy a direct order from your superiors," he said as he approached and looked directly at me. I met his gaze and said,
"Maybe the threat applies to other people but not to me. I will prove to my superiors that they were wrong in assessing people for this case." When the situation started to heat up, screams were heard from inside the crime scene.
"WE FOUND IT...!!!" the officer exclaimed.
We rushed there. To our surprise, we found several heavy weapons, both homemade and professional bombs, and several coordinates. In a cold tone, Dias said,
"Let it be clear now, all of this is now outside the jurisdiction of the Criminal Division. So officially, I will take over your case this time." while smiling.
With my annoyed face that I can no longer hide. I rushed away because I couldn't stand the situation. As I headed for the exit, Dias said,
"Oh, I forgot. The boss said you have to meet them directly. If you're lucky, it looks like you'll be punished this time." With a frustrated expression, I rushed out of the crime scene without saying a word.
"Thank you, and be careful on the road," said Dias.
As we exited the lobby, I said, "You all have done well. Tomorrow, I will give you a day off to go home and rest. This time I will be the one to meet the boss."
"But Sis 'Ehh Ma'am," said Anggi.
"Just call me Sis. Besides, working hours ended three minutes ago," I answered, furrowing my eyebrows.
"That's why ma'am, we should all rest. It's not fair if you only get blamed," said Denny.
"How many times do I have to say, I'm only 32 years old, too young to be called 'Ma'am'. Even outside working hours. Do I look that old?" I said annoyed by the term.
"We didn't mean that Ma'am, eh Sis," answered Denny.
"That's enough. You're all tired, so you'd better go home. That's an order. Besides, I don't remember assigning patients to teams, you should just stay still while the ambulance takes you to the hospital," I said.
"You go home, you go home too, and you go to the hospital. The rest of you go home. That's an order," I said firmly, pointing at each of them.
"Stop staring at each other, GO HOME NOW..!" I screamed.
In panic, they scattered after hearing my explosion. Not long after, I went to my car to go home.
When I got home, a dark and empty room greeted me. I sat in the corner of my desk, lamenting today's failures while looking at a photo. Without realizing it, tears flowed down my face, and finally I cried uncontrollably while hugging the photo. The irony, I can't even point out to anyone else, not even to myself.
- (M) Main Protagonist's Point of View
Upon arriving there, I ran and immediately met the nurse who had just made the emergency call.
"How is she doing, ma'am?" I ask.
"Ah, Hari has arrived. Sorry, I panicked earlier because Grandma Anira went missing. But now she's safe. I was about to call you back, but you're already here," the nurse said.
"Ah, thank goodness. Where is Grandma now?" I asked, relieved, inquiring about her whereabouts.
"She's in her room, she's calmer now, but you still need to be careful not to trigger her again," the nurse cautioned.
Then I hurried to Grandma Anira's room to check on her. Upon entering the room, I saw Grandma Anira with her hair is full of gray and her frail, skinny body sitting quietly, lost in thought on her bed, with hopeful eyes, so I approached her.
"Ahhh, Lukman, you're here, dear. I've been looking for you," Grandma said with a smile. I immediately sat beside her and asked, "What's wrong? The nurse said you were angry with them earlier."
"It's their fault anyway. I just wanted to go out for a while," she said with a frustrated expression.
"Why is Grandma like this? They're here to take care of you," I said, worriedly, holding her hand. Grandma Anira quickly changed the subject.
"I don't want to talk about that, but earlier, I saw Saras."
"Saras, Grandma?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes, Saras, your daughter, my granddaughter who's still in high school," Grandma Anira said with enthusiasm in her eyes. I held her hand again and said,
"But, Grandma..."
No, that's true. I really saw Saras. Saras, who left the house because of the argument, saw you have an accident, and maybe... maybe, she thought you were dead," Suddenly, I noticed a rapid change in the emotional structure. Grandma Anira, who was initially panicking, turned into worry.
"Grandma... Saras is already at home," I tried to calm her down.
"I DON'T BELIEVE IT... BRING SARAS HERE. WHERE'S SARAS, WHERE'S MY GIR...!!!" she shouted hysterically.
Not long after, the nurse came and held Grandma Anira's hand, wanting to take her back to her room. While being taken away, Grandma Anira shouted loudly,
"WHAT IS THIS? LET ME LET GO, LET ME GO, SARAS... SARAS WHERE ARE YOU, dear SARAS, grandma's granddaughter..." Then they took Grandma Anira back to her room.
You already know part of my story. What did you think first? Pity, sympathy. Hahh, that doesn't even compare to what that grandmother felt. The person he loved was taken from him, and the others were gone, disappearing somewhere, along with the rest of his sanity.
And all I can do is hope, that she who takes the step to leave, can find her way back. Even though I know the pain of her loss is more than just words.
She who lost everything. Love, dreams, even family. Then disappeared. Swept away in buried sorrows, leaving only hope for a reunion. She who gave me life, has lost everything in her life. And all I can do is protect what remains, even if she may not realize it.
Wherever you are, I hope you are okay...
The Next Morning, Wed, 06. 04. 2022 / 11:05
I'm leaving now, Mom," I said my farewell.
"Wait dear. Ca is giving you this medicine and the Tupperware bottle, it seems your brother forgot it again," my mom said as she walked towards me. Aca chimed in.
"Ugh... "Why do you hang it around your neck, forgetful," Aca said.
"Sorry, oh yeah, you didn't go to class today, Ca," I replied curtly.
"I've told you many times, that I have Wednesdays and Thursdays off," he said.
"Yes, sorry Ca, I forgot," I said.
"You're the one not paying attention," he commented.
"Yeah, yeah, Mom! I'm leaving now," I said my farewell.
"Yes, don't forget to take your medicine, dear," Mom replied.
I went to work as usual, living my days like any other writer. Because I had just finished his latest script, I couldn't wait to see Fajar's reaction. Why? Because it's time for a change in power. For the past few weeks, I've been working on the script and its story. But that jerk Fajar just lazed around, pressuring and forcing me to finish his script faster, acting as if he were the supervisor. And now I'm going to oust him from his position of power, because it's his turn to be the illustrator. I don't care what work system he's implementing, all I care about is Fajar's expression when he realizes his time of suffering has come. Ha-ha-ha, it's time to drag that arrogant king to the deepest pits of hell. As I was taking a sip of my drink, suddenly someone from the front collided with me.
"Oops... Ahh, are you okay? Sorry," I apologized.
"Be careful next time," said the person curtly
"Yes, but weren't you the one not paying attention to the road?" I replied politely.
"HEY MISTER... You're getting angry after causing the accident," the person said with a raised voice.
"I'm not angry, sir, I was just..." My response was quickly cut off.
"ENOUGH, YOU... Besides, I'm in a hurry, don't do it again, MOTHER FUCKER MEN!" he said as he walked away hastily as if nothing had happened.
"Damn, my shoes are wet. Why is that guy like that? He's in the wrong? But he's the one who's angry? The world is getting weirder by the day. The clothes look familiar, but is the guy injured? Shouldn't there be blood after the collision?" I muttered to myself.
Shortly after, I heard a voice from a distance. Someone shouting.
"STOP... STOP," the person said. A policewoman in uniform ran towards me as if it were a scene from an action movie. Because I was surprised, I said, looking left and right, then pointing my finger at myself.
"Me...?" I said innocently. As she ran, she answered with a high tone.
"YOU'RE STILL ASKING, YOU JERK!!!" said the policewoman.
With full speed, she finally reached me and then jumped, that pose...! an unexpected pose when someone approaches me.
"Wai..wait..." I whispered, seemingly ignored.
"STAY THERE AND DON'T RUN AWAY AGAIN, YOU BASTARD!!!" Just as I suspected, she jumped and did that. A technique (Dolke Chagi) kick that rotates 360 degrees.
PLACKKK!!!
The kick quickly hit my face, and I was thrown back. It was as if my soul and body had separated due to the speed. What I didn't understand was what I did wrong. As my consciousness began to fade, I tried to stay upright and maintain my consciousness, and said nervously.
"Why..." Then everything went dark instantly. I lost consciousness because of that kick.
"Daring to pickpocket while I'm serving my sentence," said the policewoman, before I completely lost consciousness.