Mak Inah slowly rose from her chair, her steps faltering as she headed to the corner of the room. She pulled a small chest from behind an old cupboard. The chest was made of teak wood, full of flower carvings that had now almost faded with time.
"This belongs to Salsabila," said Mak Inah as she handed the box to Arlan. "She asked me to keep this in case she never got to meet the sailor again."
Arlan held the box carefully, as if afraid of breaking it. He felt a great burden in the small object, as if all the hopes, sadness, and love from the past were stored inside.
"Please open it," said Mak Inah.
Arlan opened the box slowly. Inside, he found several simple but meaningful items.
First, a neatly folded letter, its black ink starting to fade. Arlan opened the letter with trembling hands, reading the beautiful handwriting, filled with such real emotions.
---
To My Beloved Sailor,
If you are reading this, it means that I have left before I could see your face again. However, let me say this one more time, even though you may be tired of hearing it: I love you.
Every night I stare at the sea, hoping that you will return as you promised. But I know, the sea is a cruel place, and maybe I expected too much.
I do not regret waiting for you. The time I spent in hope is more valuable than a thousand years without love. I believe, wherever you are, you are also thinking of me.
If you meet someone who brings this letter, it means that I want you to know that my love is never gone. I may be gone, but our memories remain eternal.
Forever yours,
Salsabila
---
Arlan held his breath as he finished reading the letter. Every word seemed to express the feelings hidden in his own heart. He looked back into the box and found another object—a silver pendant with the initials "S&A" engraved on the back.
"The pendant was given to you by your father," Mak Inah said softly. "She made it herself when she stopped by this village. They said it was a promise to return."
Arlan held the pendant, feeling as if he were holding a piece of his father's soul. However, he also felt that there was something unanswered.
"Mak Inah, did Salsabila leave something else? Something that could give me more clues?"
Mak Inah was silent for a moment, her eyes narrowed as if trying to remember something. "There's one more thing," she said finally. "Salsabila always talked about a place on the edge of the village, the place where she first met your father. She called it 'Bukit Janji.' Maybe you can find something there."