Creative Writing Final English Version

Lost Beyond the Guava Tree

Written by Ani Nasrun

The siblings sat at the dining table, each with an empty plate in front of them. They glanced at their parents, who were exchanging serious looks. The room was quiet, with only the soft ticking of the clock breaking the silence. The atmosphere felt a bit tense.

“Mika, Isa…” their dad started, his tone calm but firm. “We’ve got something important to tell you.”

Isabella, a curious 13 year old with shoulder-length hair, immediately squinted, her suspicion kicking in. “What is it? Don’t tell me we’re moving again! I just started liking my new school.”

Their mom gave a small smile and shook her head. “No, it’s not that, sweetheart. It’s just that your dad and I are going to be super busy with work for the next two weeks. We’ve got this big project, and we need to focus on it completely.”

“So… we’ll be home alone?” Mikael, who was 12, asked, his voice a mix of excitement and nervousness. The idea sounded both fun and a little scary.

Their dad chuckled lightly. “Not exactly. We’re taking you to Grandma’s house in the village while we work. You’ll spend the next couple of weeks there.”

“Grandma’s house?” Mikael blurted, looking surprised. “In that village way out there? But the signal’s terrible!”

Isabella sighed and crossed her arms. “Seriously, Dad, Mom? Two weeks there will feel like forever. There’s nothing to do except stare at hills and fields. We don’t even know anyone there!”

Their mom leaned forward, her gaze warm and understanding. “I know it’s not exactly what you had in mind for a holiday, but trust me, you’ll be fine. The village might be simple, but it’s beautiful and peaceful. Plus, there’s a festival coming up soon, you’ll probably enjoy it.”

“And hey,” their dad added, smiling, “you’re old enough to handle this now. Who knows? You might even find something fun or interesting while you’re there.”

Mikael sighed dramatically but eventually nodded. He couldn’t say no after seeing how much their parents wanted them to agree.

“Fine…” he muttered, half-heartedly. “But we can still call you if we need to, right?”

“Of course, kiddo,” their mom said, smiling as she patted his shoulder. “But I promise, you’ll be okay. Grandma will love having you two around.”

The day of their departure finally arrived. The journey to Grandma’s village took several hours by car, winding through roads flanked by rice fields and orchards. The village looked peaceful yet unfamiliar, as if time had stopped there. Grandma’s house stood at the edge of the village—a wooden home surrounded by a garden filled with flowers and tall trees that shaded the yard.

Grandma greeted them warmly in front of the house. “Isa! Mika! You’re finally here!” She hugged them both tightly, one after the other.

Although feeling a little awkward, Mikael and Isabella smiled and returned Grandma’s embrace. After unloading their luggage and chatting for a while, their parents got ready to leave.

“Take care of yourselves,” their mom said, kissing both of their foreheads. “Two weeks will fly by. And Isa, here, take this.” She handed Isabella a beautiful necklace with a round pendant adorned with a rose design.

“Out of the blue? What’s the occasion?” Isa asked curiously. As far as she remembered, her birthday was still months away.

“You won the Math Olympiad, sweetheart. This is your reward.” Hearing her mother’s explanation, Isabella’s face lit up. She eagerly put the necklace on, remembering to thank her mom with a wide smile.

“And don’t give Grandma too much trouble, okay?” their dad added with a chuckle, winking at them.

Mikael and Isabella laughed softly, trying to mask their unease with smiles. They waved as their parents’ car drove away, kicking up dust on the village’s dirt road. Now, it was just the three of them in the house. The siblings exchanged a glance before Isabella whispered, “Well, looks like we’re officially stuck here.”

Grandma, overhearing, chuckled gently. “Don’t worry, you’ll enjoy it here. This village may be small, but it’s full of interesting things. Who knows? You might discover something unexpected.”

Ignoring Grandma’s words for now, they decided to head inside and rest after the long journey.

────༻ ༺────

A bright morning marked the start of a new day in the village. The chirping of wild birds in the trees woke Mikael from his sleep. The cool morning air still carried the chill from the night before, but Mikael quickly got up and prepared himself, brushing the last bits of sleep off his face. After a quick shower, he chose a plaid long-sleeve shirt and shorts to wear, just as Grandma’s soft voice called out from the kitchen.

“Mika, breakfast is ready!”

Mikael walked toward the kitchen and found Isabella already there, helping Grandma prepare the meal. Grandma was cooking a simple yet flavorful dish that captured the essence of rural life. On the table, there was a plate of liwet rice served with ikan asin, sayur asem, and sambal terasi, a traditional dish Mikael had never tasted before.

“Come on, try it dear,” Grandma said with a warm smile. “This is traditional cooking, I’m sure you’ll like it.”

Mikael hesitated for a moment, then took a small portion of rice and the side dishes, tasting it slowly. The savory and spicy flavors immediately warmed his body, and he smiled with delight.

“It’s delicious, Grandma! The taste is so different from what I usually eat at home,” he said, taking another bite eagerly. Grandma responded with a soft laugh, continuing to fill his plate.

After breakfast, Mikael and Isabella wandered around the house, unsure of what to do. With no television and no phone signal, the day felt both peaceful and lonely. Noticing their confusion, Grandma came over. “If you're bored, come with me to the rice fields. We can plant rice together,” she said with an enthusiastic smile.

“Didn't we just have the harvest season, Grandma? Why are we planting again?” Isabella asked, since she remembered her mom telling her just three days ago that Grandma had just finished harvesting.

“Soon, there’ll be a Seren taun festival, and in this village, the fields need to be planted again before the harvest celebration begins,” Grandma explained, which Isabella nodded to in understanding.

Mikael furrowed his brows, tilting his head slightly. “What’s Seren taun, Grandma?”

Grandma chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with warmth. “It’s a traditional Sundanese festival, Mika. A time when people give thanks for the harvest and pray for a good one next year. There’s music, food, rituals, and everyone comes together to celebrate.”

Mikael nodded slowly, the corners of his lips curving into a faint smile. “Sounds amazing. So, we’re planting the fields as part of the preparation?”

“Exactly,” Grandma said, beaming. “The festival is only as meaningful as the work and prayers we pour into the land. You’ll see Mika, it’s not just a festival, it’s a way of life.”

At the edge of the village hill, a vast rice field awaited planting. Mikael and Isabella stood awkwardly at the edge of the field, watching Grandma step onto the dike and begin planting, moving backward. Curious, Mikael finally asked, “Grandma, why do we have to go backward? Wouldn’t it be easier to walk forward?”

Grandma smiled and explained, “We plant while walking backward so we don’t step on the seeds we’ve already planted, dear. If you walk forward, you might accidentally crush them.”

After hearing Grandma’s explanation, Mikael and Isabella tried to mimic the way she planted the rice. Step by step, they got more comfortable, though they occasionally lost their balance due to the slippery mud. The hot sun slowly wore them out, and after a while, they both sat down at the edge of the field, sipping the water Grandma had prepared.

“You two can rest for a bit,” Grandma said gently, still planting swiftly. "I will end the rest.”

Mikael and Isabella exchanged glances and smiled, gradually starting to realize that this village held many interesting things they hadn’t imagined before. As they rested in a small hut at the edge of the rice field, Mikael almost dozed off when he heard his sister’s voice.

“Look, Mika, that hill is so beautiful,” Isabella said, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at the green hills stretching in the distance.

Mikael, half asleep, mumbled lazily, “Hmm… yeah, it’s beautiful…” and almost drifted off again.

But suddenly, Isabella eagerly pulled him up. “Let’s go there! I’m curious.”

Mikael groaned, muttering, “Later, Isa. I’m tired…”

Isabella wasn’t giving up. She turned to ask Grandma, who was still planting rice. “Grandma, can we go to that hill for a bit?”

Grandma looked over, smiling, and gave a reassuring nod. “Sure, dear, but be careful and come back before the sun sets."

Without waiting for an answer, Isabella immediately grabbed Mikael’s hand, who was still lazily lying in the shelter. “Come on, Mika, don’t be lazy! The hill will be awesome!”

Mikael groaned louder as his sister pulled him up, “Isa, I’m so sleepy…”

But Isabella didn’t care, pulling her brother to his feet. Despite his heavy steps, Mikael finally gave in and followed her. The journey to the hill turned out to be more challenging than Mikael had imagined. The narrow path they took was filled with thick bushes and sharp branches that occasionally brushed against his skin. Each step felt hard, and several times Mikael had to dodge branches that nearly poked his face. He began to regret following his sister’s invitation.

“I should be napping in that little shelter now,” Mikael muttered, rubbing a small scratch on his arm.

Isabella just chuckled, continuing to march ahead with enthusiasm. “Come on, Mika, you won’t find anything like this in the city!”

Despite his irritation, Mikael kept following her. And as soon as they reached the top of the hill, all his complaints seemed to vanish. Before them stretched an incredible view. A vast green expanse of rice fields, towering trees, and small hills that stretched all the way to the horizon. The fresh air gently kissed their faces, bringing the calming scent of nature.

Suddenly, Mikael’s gaze was drawn to a small guava tree, heavy with fruit, standing near the edge of the cliff. Its branches hung low, laden with ripe, tempting guavas.

“Wow, Isa! Look! This guava tree is full of fruit!” Mikael exclaimed excitedly, his previously gloomy face lighting up instantly. Without a second thought, they approached the tree and picked a few nearby fruits. “Grandma will love this,” Isabella said with a happy smile.

Carefully, they neared the tree and began picking the guavas. Mikael grabbed one and took a bite; the sweet, fresh taste instantly refreshed him, washing away all his exhaustion and filled his pocket with guavas. However, Isabella’s attention was drawn to the largest guava, hanging at the end of the branch, right at the cliff’s edge.

"Isa, be careful!" Mikael warned, seeing his sister trying to reach the fruit that was almost hanging on the edge of the cliff.

"But this one is bigger and riper!" Isabella replied, ignoring the danger. Her eyes sparkled, determined to get the fruit.

Isabella continued to stretch for the large guava, crawling a little closer to the edge of the cliff. Seeing his sister struggling, Mikael sighed in resignation and finally decided to help. Carefully, he reached out to hold Isabella’s hand to steady her. However, just as Isabella was about to grab the fruit, the ground at the cliff’s edge suddenly cracked. Both of them froze, and before they could do anything, the earth beneath their feet collapsed, sending them tumbling into the void.

Mikael could only scream in shock as his body slid downward, while Isabella clung tightly to his hand. The world around them blurred, the shadows of trees and the sky blending together, along with Mikael’s echoing scream, until everything finally went dark.

────༻ ༺────

Mikael slowly opened his eyes, finding himself and Isabella in the middle of a strange meadow, with a bright blue sky and giant trees whose leaves shimmered like jewels. The atmosphere around them was quiet, only the soft rustling of the wind could be heard. They looked at each other, trying to comprehend what had just happened.

"Isa, where... are we?" Mikael whispered, his voice trembling between fear and wonder.

Suddenly, from behind the bushes, a small figure appeared, about knee-height to Mikael. Its shape was unusual, it had large eyes and a body that slanted like a leaf blown by the wind. The creature stared at them in surprise, then slowly backed away while whispering softly, "Impossible... humans? Here?"

"Who are you?" Isabella asked, curious.

The small creature hesitated, but finally introduced itself, "My name is Kedabuan. You shouldn't be here... it's very dangerous, especially because... because something big is about to happen. You need to leave before nightfall."

Mikael looked at Kedabuan with curiosity. "Why? What’s going to happen here? And where is this place?"

Kedabuan seemed uneasy, then explained, "Tonight there will be a great ceremony related to our world. Not all creatures here are friendly to humans. If you're caught, you may never return. Your village will soon have a harvest celebration, right? That’s also connected to our world."

Isabella appeared intrigued. "So, we're really in another world?" she asked, amazed.

Kedabuan nodded. "You must leave before night, or you could get lost here forever," he said seriously.

"But we need one important thing," Kedabuan added, casting a meaningful glance toward Mikael and Isabella. His small, wrinkled face looked burdened by thousands of years of knowledge, as if he were thinking hard and slightly worried. Those large eyes squinted, studying them, then he bowed his head in silence for a moment.

Mikael stared at him, curious. Kedabuan remained silent, but when he noticed the necklace hanging around Isabella’s neck, a gleam of metal reflecting the faint light in the air, his eyes immediately lit up. He smiled with relief, looking slightly more at ease.

“That’s it!” he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “That necklace could be the key!”

Mikael and Isabella exchanged confused glances. "What key? Why is this necklace so important?"

Kedabuan nodded slowly, speaking in a low voice, careful and deliberate. “That necklace, it’s what triggered you to be thrown here. Likewise, it can open a gateway for you to return. Metal is very precious here.”

Isabella and Mikael, hearing this, felt a sense of relief. Finally, there was hope for them to return to their world.

"Then, take off the necklace and hand it to me for a moment," Kedabuan said, extending his small hand.

Isabella removed the necklace and handed it to Kedabuan. But before he could continue, Mikael asked, "What did you mean about the metal and the gateway? How does all of this work?"

Kedabuan sighed deeply before answering, “You must have already realized that this world is different from yours. The guava tree you found is the connecting key. One of its fruits is no ordinary fruit; it’s a portkey, a magical object that can transport you across dimensions.”

“Portkey?” Mikael repeated, sounding confused.

“Yes,” Kedabuan continued, “That guava brought you here, but a portkey doesn’t work just by itself. It needs a trigger to activate, and that trigger is metal. Without the metal worn by someone, the portkey won’t react. Even if you pick the fruit, you’ll only see it as an ordinary fruit, and nothing will happen.”

Mikael turned to Kedabuan, his curiosity piqued but his patience waning. “So… it’s all because of that necklace?” he asked with an annoyed tone, pointing towards Isabella's necklace.

Kedabuan, unfazed by Mikael’s sharpness, merely nodded and let out a weary sigh. He rubbed his temples with his tiny, gnarled fingers before gesturing for them to follow. “Just come with me,” he said curtly, turning on his heel and starting down the narrow, winding path.

Mikael stood frozen for a moment, his fists clenched at his sides. As the weight of Kedabuan’s words sank in, anger bubbled up within him. He turned sharply toward Isabella, his face a mix of disbelief and irritation. “This is your fault, Isa!” he snapped.

Isabella blinked, startled by the sudden accusation. “What? How is this my fault?” she shot back, her voice rising defensively.

“If it weren’t for that necklace, if you hadn’t worn it, we wouldn’t be stuck in this place!” Mikael’s voice grew louder, fueled by his growing frustration. He pointed at the thin chain glinting in Kedabuan's hand, as if the object were a curse.

Isabella’s brows furrowed, her cheeks flushing with a mix of anger and hurt. “Are you serious right now? You think I knew this would happen? I just wore it because it’s a gift from Mom!”

Mikael threw up his hands, pacing a few steps away before turning back to her. “And if you hadn’t insisted on picking that stupid guava on the edge of the cliff, we wouldn’t have fallen into this mess in the first place!” His voice cracked with the weight of his emotions.

Isabella gasped, her own frustration boiling over. “Oh, so now it’s my fault for wanting to bring back something nice for Grandma? You’re unbelievable, Mika!”

Their argument echoed through the otherwise silent meadow, each blaming the other for their predicament. Mikael glared at Isabella, who glared right back, neither willing to back down.

“Enough!” Kedabuan’s voice cut through their bickering, sharp and commanding despite its small source. The siblings fell silent, glancing guiltily at the tiny figure who now stood watching them with narrowed, impatient eyes. “If you’re done arguing,” Kedabuan snapped, “you might want to start worrying about how to survive here. The longer you stand here shouting, the closer you are to trouble.”

Mikael and Isabella exchanged one last glare before begrudgingly following Kedabuan, their unresolved tension simmering in the air between them. The path they followed was unlike anything they had seen before. The dark forest, once shrouded in towering trees and heavy shadows, gradually gave way to a bright and open meadow. The field was filled with wildflowers of every imaginable color, some shimmering faintly as sunlight kissed their delicate petals.

In the center of the meadow stood a massive tree, unlike any other. Its trunk was wide and sturdy, adorned with natural carvings that formed intricate, otherworldly patterns. Its sprawling branches reached skyward, while enormous roots twisted and curled like fingers gripping the earth. Kedabuan stopped in front of the tree and turned to the siblings, pointing at a small opening in its trunk. “This is the gateway,” he said.

He held up Isabella’s necklace, examining it with care before carefully sliding it into the narrow crevice in the tree. The moment the necklace slipped into place, the patterns on the bark began to glow softly, emitting a warm golden light.

Mikael held his breath as he watched, while Isabella instinctively clutched his arm. The tree emitted a low, resonant hum, like a gentle purr, and the glow extended outward, forming a radiant circle at the center of the trunk. Within moments, the circle transformed into a swirling portal, its surface rippling like liquid glass reflecting another world.

“This is your way home,” Kedabuan said, stepping aside with a knowing smile. “You must hurry before the light fades.”

Without hesitation, Isabella stepped forward, her face filled with awe. She reached out and entered the portal, disappearing into its shimmering depths. Mikael lingered for a moment, turning to Kedabuan with a mix of gratitude and determination. “Thank you, Kedabuan. We couldn’t have done this without you.”

Kedabuan nodded, his small face softening into a gentle smile. Mikael turned toward the portal, ready to step through and finally leave this strange world behind.

But just as his foot lifted to cross the threshold, a small, furry creature darted out from behind the tree. Its long, nimble hands moved with alarming speed, and its tiny, glinting eyes gleamed with mischief. Before anyone could react, the creature snatched Isabella’s necklace from the crevice in the tree and bolted.

“No!” Mikael shouted, his voice raw with panic. He reached out to the fading portal, but it was too late. Within seconds, the golden light dissolved, leaving nothing but the rough bark of the tree behind.

The portal closed right in front of him, leaving behind silence and the faint image of another world. He still can hear Isabella's voice screams calling his name from behind the portal, but it was too late.

Mikael stared at the spot where the portal had been moments ago. Now, only emptiness and a faint shadow of the other world remained. Without Isa by his side, fear began to creep in. Usually, Isabella was there to calm him and encourage him whenever they got lost or faced something frightening. Now, for the first time, he had to face this situation alone.

“Oh no…” Mikael murmured, biting his lip as he summoned every ounce of courage he had. He turned toward Kedabuan, his face filled with worry.

“Kedabuan, something took the necklace! What do I do? How can I get home?” His voice trembled, reflecting his fear.

Kedabuan looked confused and equally uneasy. His large eyes gazed at Mikael with sympathy. “Calm down, calm down, Mikael. I know the creature that took it. It must be Lunit! That sly creature loves jewelry and shiny things. But… it’s not an easy one to chase.”

“Can I… can I get it back?” Mikael asked, trying to suppress his panic.

Kedabuan nodded slowly. “It’s possible, but it won’t be easy. Lunit always hides in the Red Canopy Forest, under the roots of a giant banyan tree. That forest… is not a safe place for humans.”

Mikael took a deep breath, clasping his hands tightly to steady himself. “I have to get that necklace back, Kedabuan. Isa is waiting on the other side. If I fail, I might never be able to return.”

Kedabuan looked at him with deep sympathy, then patted Mikael’s shoulder. “Alright. I’ll guide you to the forest’s edge. After that, you’ll have to be careful on your own. Remember, Mikael, you must find it and return here before sunset.”

Mikael swallowed hard, cold sweat forming on his brow as he nodded slowly. His resolve was firm—he would track down the creature and reclaim Isabella’s necklace. But the sight of the dense forest looming ahead made his chest tighten even more.

After walking for a while, they arrived at a swiftly flowing river that served as the boundary between the ground they stood on and the dangerous Red Canopy Forest. The river was calm in some areas, but its powerful currents were evident elsewhere, creating a roaring sound that was both intimidating and unwelcoming.

“This is the boundary, Mikael,” Kedabuan said in a serious tone. “Beyond this river, I cannot follow. Be careful, and remember—don’t stop for unnecessary things.”

Mikael glanced at Kedabuan, then turned his gaze toward the forest ahead. Dense foliage blocked the sunlight, casting dark, shifting shadows that seemed to move with his every glance. He crossed the river cautiously, feeling the cool water soak his feet.

When he reached the other side, Kedabuan was nowhere to be seen. He was now alone, surrounded by towering trees with massive trunks and roots jutting out of the ground like hands gripping the earth. The sunlight grew dimmer, obstructed by the thick canopy of leaves above, and a chilly air enveloped his surroundings.

────༻ ༺────

Mikael took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Yet, with every step he took, the feeling of alienation deepened. It was overwhelming, especially since Isa had always been by his side during challenging moments like this. Now, without his sister, he felt so small amidst the vast and unfamiliar forest.

As he ventured deeper, a faint, soft laugh echoed behind him. It was barely audible, like the whisper of the wind, but enough to send shivers down his spine. Mikael turned quickly, but there was nothing there. He quickened his pace, hoping it was just his imagination. But the laughter grew clearer and closer, surrounding him like an unseen presence.

When he turned around again, from behind a massive tree emerged a figure with long, dull hair, a pale face, and dark, menacing eyes staring directly at him. It was a Kunti—a supernatural being he had only ever heard about in ghost stories. The figure floated slightly above the ground, its tattered white gown brushing against the earth, and its long hair trailing all the way down.

“Human child…” the voice sang softly, filling the air with an eerie vibration. Mikael held his breath, hoping the figure was just a shadow of his imagination. But the voice grew clearer, more tangible.

“You’re… looking for a necklace, aren’t you?” Kunti continued, her lips stretching into a wide, unsettling grin.

Mikael’s eyes widened in shock and confusion. How did this creature know about the necklace?

Kunti extended a hand, pointing toward a massive tree with a hollow, pitch-black opening at its center. “I took it from the little thief. If you want your necklace back, come to my home and claim it.”

Mikael hesitated. Although his instincts warned him to be cautious, he thought this might be the quickest way to retrieve the necklace. Taking careful steps, he approached the tree, placing one hand against the massive trunk. The cold, damp air wrapped around him as he neared the hollow. Just as he was about to step inside, a strange sound came from above.

Perched on a branch was a small black bird with piercing eyes. Its beak opened, and a loud, urgent cry erupted, “Run! Run! Run!”

Mikael froze. The bird’s cries were frantic, as if it knew the danger awaiting him. In that moment, realization struck—this could be a trap. Without wasting another second, Mikael quickly stepped back and turned, fleeing as fast as he could.

Behind him, Kunti let out a furious shriek, her voice echoing through the forest like a wailing storm. She floated after him with unnerving speed, leaves and branches scattering in her wake. Her dark, ghostly figure surged forward like a shadow in the wind, closing the distance between them.

Mikael ran with all his strength, his breath ragged and his heart pounding wildly. He weaved through the trees, desperately searching for a place to hide. But Kunti continued to close in, her sinister grin appearing and disappearing through the gaps in the trees as she pursued him relentlessly.

In his panic, Mikael suddenly spotted a large flower towering ahead—a corpse flower in full bloom, emitting a pungent, foul odor. Without thinking twice, he quickly hid behind the flower, hoping its stench would mask his presence.

Kunti floated closer, but when she reached the vicinity of the corpse flower, her expression changed. She seemed to be in pain, her anger transforming into fear and disgust. The unbearable stench of the flower seemed to overwhelm her, making her stagger. She covered her nose with her hands, her body trembling as if burned by the foul smell.

“Argh… the stench!” Kunti hissed, her face growing paler, filled with terror.

The rotting odor of the corpse flower felt like poison to her, burning her from within. She was forced to retreat, staggering away from the flower, grimacing in agony. Finally, with an ear-piercing scream of rage, Kunti vanished, disappearing into the mist of the forest.

Mikael let out a sigh of relief, trying to calm himself after the terrifying encounter. The foul stench of the flower still lingered in his nostrils, but at least he had escaped Kunti’s pursuit. Once he was sure she was truly gone, he continued his journey, now more cautious with each step. His heart was still pounding, but his resolve to retrieve Isa’s necklace was stronger than ever.

────༻ ༺────

Hours later, after walking past giant trees and small streams, Mikael finally arrived at what seemed to be the den of the creature that had stolen the necklace. It was a small cave, covered with large leaves and thick green moss, hidden among the roots of massive trees, almost invisible if not for the small footprints leading inside.

Carefully, Mikael peeked into the cave, his small frame allowing him to slip in easily. Inside, he saw a small creature with grayish fur and large eyes, its gaze fixed on something in its hands. It was Isa’s necklace—the gleaming necklace that seemed too large for the little creature’s tiny hands. The creature sat atop a pile of leaves, completely absorbed in the necklace, spinning it and muttering softly, as if the object were a treasure of immense value to it.

Feeling frustrated, Mikael stepped into the cave. “Hey, that’s my sister’s necklace! Give it back right now!” he shouted with a firm voice, though his heart was pounding in his chest.

The small creature turned, its expression one of surprise, but quickly flashed a grin, showing its tiny sharp teeth. It hugged the necklace tightly, as though trying to protect its newfound treasure. “This necklace is mine now!” it retorted, its eyes glowing with possessiveness.

Mikael tried to calm his emotions and cautiously approached the creature. “Listen, I really need it. It’s my sister’s, and without it, I can’t return to my world,” he said, trying to sound calmer.

But the small creature shook its head vigorously, lovingly stroking the necklace and holding it even tighter. “No, no! This necklace... is so beautiful! So shiny! I won’t give it to you, human!” it squeaked.

Feeling desperate, Mikael quickly reached for the necklace. His hand moved toward it, but the creature nimbly dodged, jumping to the other side of the cave. Mikael growled and tried to get closer again, but each time he neared, the creature moved faster, evading him like a slippery little mouse.

“Stop playing around! I really need that necklace!” Mikael shouted, his frustration growing. He reached for the necklace again, but the creature didn’t give up so easily. It gripped the necklace tighter and began screaming, trying to pull it back into its grasp.

Mikael had no other choice. He grabbed the other end of the necklace, and they were soon locked in a fierce tug-of-war. The small creature put all its strength into holding onto it, even growling and scratching Mikael’s hands with its sharp claws. Though the wounds weren’t deep, the stinging pain made Mikael wince, but he refused to give up.

“Let go!” the creature screamed sharply, its grip tightening on the necklace. Mikael held firm, struggling to pull the necklace toward him as he pleaded, “I don’t want to hurt you, but I need this necklace! Please... let me take it back!”

But the creature seemed either deaf to his plea or indifferent. In its grasp of the necklace, panting heavily, its eyes were wide with determination and possessiveness. The struggle grew fiercer as they both pulled and tugged, pushing each other left and right, sending leaves and dirt flying around them.

Amid the battle, Mikael felt his strength starting to fade. Sweat poured down his forehead, and his hands began to tremble. But just as he was on the verge of losing hope, he noticed the creature’s gaze suddenly shift toward something in his pants pocket. The creature froze for a moment, loosening its grip, and stared hungrily at the guava tucked in Mikael’s pocket.

Mikael realized the shift and quickly pulled the guava from his pocket, holding it out toward the small creature. “You want this?” he asked, his voice deliberately teasing. “I can give it to you, if you trade me the necklace.”

The creature stood still, fixated on the fresh, ripe guava in Mikael’s hand. It glanced at the necklace in its grasp, hesitating for a moment. But its desire for the guava seemed too strong to resist. It nodded slightly and extended the necklace toward Mikael with one hand, while the other reached for the fruit.

Carefully, Mikael took the necklace and handed the guava to the small creature. It eagerly snatched the fruit and bit into it hungrily, clearly satisfied with the trade. Mikael breathed a sigh of relief, feeling as though a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders as the necklace returned to his possession.

Without wasting another moment, Mikael tucked the necklace into his pocket and ran as fast as he could out of the cave, leaving the creature engrossed in its guava. His heart was filled with relief and a strong resolve to reach the portal tree before the sun completely set.

However, despite the relief in his heart, Mikael couldn’t easily forget the threat he had just faced. Kunti, the evil being with powers he still couldn’t fully understand, could appear again and make his journey even more difficult. Mikael realized that if he took the same path, he might encounter Kunti once more. He needed to find another way to avoid the creature.

With stronger determination, Mikael turned around and decided to seek a different route. He entered a narrow path lined with creeping plants, looking as though no one had ever passed through it before. The surroundings grew even more unfamiliar, with the sounds of the forest growing louder, making the atmosphere more oppressive. Above him, the branches of large trees crossed each other, nearly blocking out the sky, leaving only a small amount of light to penetrate. The eerie calls of birds and distant creatures added to the mysterious ambiance.

Yet, he wasn’t afraid. His steps grew more confident, though a sense of unease still lingered. As he moved further, he began to feel something different in the air—something that suggested he was being followed. Mikael heard the sound of small footsteps, like running, and occasionally felt a cold breeze moving swiftly around his body.

Mikael held his breath, stopped for a moment, and peeked behind him. From the shadows of the trees, the figure appeared—Kunti. She stood there, only a few steps behind Mikael, grinning with her lips pulled back in a sinister smile.

"You think you can escape from me?" she said, her voice trembling yet filled with menace. "I won’t let you leave so easily."

Mikael felt his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he had to act quickly. Without thinking, he sprinted once more, racing through the narrow path, trying to outsmart Kunti. He made a sharp turn, running toward a darker area, pushing through thorny bushes and trying to quicken his pace. Each time he looked back, Kunti was getting closer, following him with determined steps, her tall, slender form floating through the air without a sound.

But as Mikael neared the edge of the forest, he saw something he had desperately hoped for—a wide river that separated the two forested areas.

Mikael reached the riverbank, panting heavily, his eyes filled with determination. When he glanced back, Kunti had stopped at the edge of the river, standing with her arms outstretched as if trying to reach him. Yet, she seemed restrained, her eyes brimming with fury and hatred, unable to cross the barrier of water.

Mikael smirked faintly, still catching his breath, though his anxiety hadn’t completely faded. He looked at Kunti, who appeared unable to move further. "Oh, can’t cross the river, huh?"

He spoke with a mocking tone, glancing at the creature. "So, you have your limits too, Kunti. I thought you could do anything."

Kunti responded with a glare full of hatred, but she said nothing. Mikael realized she couldn’t chase him any further, especially across the wide river. She could only stand there, seemingly trapped, and behind her dark eyes, Mikael could feel a fiery rage.

With a firm step, Mikael turned and continued his journey toward the large tree that served as the portal. Without looking back, he walked briskly, hopping over large stones protruding from the river’s surface. Once he reached the other side, he didn’t head straight for the tree. Instead, he paused for a moment, exhaling deeply with relief and chuckling softly as he glanced back at Kunti, who was now a diminishing figure in the distance.

From a distance, Mikael could see the large tree that served as the portal to another world, and beneath it, a small figure appeared to be anxiously waiting—it was Kedabuan. The expression on the little creature’s face immediately changed, as if a heavy burden had been lifted the moment he saw Mikael emerging on the other side of the river.

Kedabuan jumped with joy, his eyes sparkling brightly, clearly reflecting deep relief. "You... you made it!" he exclaimed, almost shouting with happiness, though tinged with a hint of worry as he noticed how little time was left.

"I was really worried, Mikael. The sun is almost setting."

Mikael approached with a broad smile, feeling a surge of joy within him. He stopped a few steps in front of Kedabuan, his eyes fixed on the large tree behind the small creature. Without saying much, Mikael simply nodded, though his smile remained, "I did it."

Kedabuan sighed in relief. "I knew you could. Hurry! We must open the portal before it's too late."

Mikael pulled the necklace from his pocket and held it high in front of Kedabuan. Without hesitation, Kedabuan gave a small hop and quickly moved closer. He touched the massive tree trunk with his tiny hands, then swiftly pressed the necklace against the smooth surface of the wood. A bright light burst forth from the tree, shooting out like flames, and formed a glowing portal right in front of them.

The portal trembled in sync with the growing intensity of the light, and as a rumbling sound echoed from within, Mikael felt a strong pull, reminding him of the adventures he had endured. Time was running out, and if he didn’t step forward now, the chance to return would be lost forever.

Kedabuan looked at Mikael with a serious expression, though his face still appeared bright. "Hurry, Mikael. Don’t hesitate. This is your chance to go back."

Mikael stared at the portal before him, feeling a mix of emotions—joy, relief, and a hint of fear.

"Thank you, Kedabuan," Mikael said sincerely, gently patting the small creature on the head. "Without your help, I wouldn’t have made it this far."

Kedabuan smiled and embraced Mikael warmly. "Take care, Mikael. This world will always remember you."

Mikael nodded, releasing the embrace, and stepped forward toward the wide-open portal. He didn’t look back, allowing himself to be enveloped by the light that would take him home, to the world he had long yearned to return to. With one final step, Mikael entered the portal, leaving behind a world full of wonders and strange creatures that had become a part of his journey.

───To be continue───

Note: the purpose of this short story is to finish the middle test for Creative Writing in English Literature from Muhammadiyah University of Sukabumi.

NIM: 2330911017