The sea breeze blew gently as Arlan left the small harbor. With only a few supplies, he boarded a fishing boat to the beach that was the closest point to reach the remote village that Mr. Daman had mentioned. The village, according to the fishermen, was hidden behind a mangrove forest that was difficult to reach.
"When you get there, don't expect to find many people," said one of the fishermen. "The village is like it's been erased from the map. Only a few know the way."
Arlan nodded, although he felt a little afraid. But his curiosity was stronger than his fear. He knew that his journey was not just to find traces of Salsabila, but also to understand a part of his father that had been hidden all this time.
After several hours on the boat, Arlan finally arrived at a quiet beach. The mangrove forest towered before him, its roots intertwined like a giant web. He followed the directions given by Mr. Daman—following a path that was almost covered by leaves and tree roots.
His steps felt heavy. The humid air in the forest made his breath short, and he began to doubt his decision. However, when he was about to give up, the sound of a small bell was heard in the distance. The sound guided him out of the darkness of the forest, until he finally saw an unexpected sight.
The village, although small and isolated, looked beautiful in its simplicity. Wooden houses stood on tall poles, surrounded by swaying coconut trees. The residents, most of whom were elderly, looked at Arlan with curiosity. He felt like a stranger who had arrived in another world.
"Who are you, son?" asked an old man who was sitting in front of his house, looking at Arlan from head to toe.
"I'm looking for someone," Arlan replied while showing a photo of Salsabila. "I was told that there is someone named Mak Inah in this village. Do you know her?"
The old man frowned. "Mak Inah? She's in the house at the very end, near the river. But why are you looking for her?"
Arlan hesitated for a moment before answering, "I want to know about someone named Salsabila. I think Mak Inah might know something about her."
Hearing that name, the old man's face changed. He looked surprised, as if the name Salsabila was something that was rarely spoken in the village. Without saying much, he just pointed in the direction in question, letting Arlan continue his steps.