The sky was still dark as Boni, Rio, and Lilis treaded the narrow path that cut through the Western Forest. A thin mist floated low, curling around the bushes and wrapping the tree roots like restless spirits reluctant to leave. The silence of the night seemed to hide something, as if they weren't just walking through a forest, but entering the edge of another unseen world.
Rio scratched his neck, irritated by insect bites, his expression annoyed. "I still can't believe we're actually crazy enough to go through this forest just to reach the city. Seriously, why didn't we just wait until morning?"
Lilis, walking beside him, slapped a mosquito on her arm and stayed calm. "If we waited until daylight, Mr. Rasyid might have realized we ran away with those documents. Tonight's our best chance, fewer risks of being chased or tracked."
Boni, a few steps ahead, suddenly stopped. He shone his flashlight at a large tree with a faded marking on its trunk. "This is the sign. According to the map, we have to turn right here."
They turned, leaving the main path and entering a narrow trail rarely used by humans. Tree roots crawled across the ground, rising like traps ready to trip unwary feet. The trees stood close together, their branches twisting like crooked hands trying to grasp anyone passing through. Faint sounds of nocturnal animals echoed in the distance, heightening the tension of their journey.
But none of them hesitated. Step by step, they pressed on driven not by fear, but by a hope far greater: the hope to uncover the truth and save Duren Village from a greedy leader's tyranny.
Hours passed. Their bodies ached, their breaths grew heavier. They stopped near a large boulder covered in thick moss. There, they rested and caught their breath.
Rio dropped to the ground with a relieved sigh. He took a sandwich from his bag and started eating while leaning back. "Hey!" he mumbled between bites, "why did you even come, Lis? You could've stayed in the village with Yuni, guarded the post, or helped from afar."
Lilis looked up at the sky, now fading into a pale blue. "Because I once failed." she said softly. "When my parents were evicted from our home by the village officials, I couldn't do anything. I just cried. Everything happened so fast. Since then, I promised I'd never stay silent again when injustice happens."
Boni, sitting nearby, turned to look at Lilis. In her voice, he could hear an old wound that hadn't fully healed. But from that wound had grown resolve. He saw in her eyes a new fire, a determination born from pain.
Rio lowered his head, feeling guilty. "...Sorry. I didn't know."
Lilis shrugged and smiled a calm, sincere smile. "It's okay. We're here now. That's what matters."
The forest, which had seemed terrifying before, now felt more welcoming. As if the trees themselves acknowledged their good intentions and offered them a space to rest.
After another hour of walking, they finally reached the edge of the forest. Tall grasses greeted their steps, and in the distance, vast green rice fields stretched out to the foothills. Small houses appeared between the morning mist, and narrow roads linked the modest buildings that made up the small town.
Boni exhaled, his breath visible in the morning chill. "There it is… We're almost there."
Rio stretched and groaned softly. "So, where's that NGO office, Bon?"
"At the end of the main road." Boni replied, quickening his pace. "I saw them before when they helped residents in the neighboring district."
They entered the town cautiously. The morning market was beginning to buzz. The scent of fried snacks, fresh vegetables, and the calls of vendors filled the air. For a moment, everything felt normal, as if they weren't carrying evidence that could change their entire village's future.
The NGO office stood modestly by the roadside, a two-story building with peeling white paint. A slightly tilted signboard hung above the entrance. But behind that simplicity lay their last hope.
A middle-aged woman opened the door. She wore a light blue blouse, her gaze warm yet firm. "Can I help you?" she asked.
Boni nodded and pulled a thick folder from his backpack. "We're from Duren Village. We brought this… evidence of embezzlement by our village chief, Mr. Rasyid."
The woman, who later introduced herself as Mrs. Sinta, nodded slowly. She invited them in and started going through the documents, one by one. As her eyes traced the numbers, signatures, and forged reports, her expression grew serious.
"This… This is very strong evidence." she said quietly. "You know this could expose your entire village's leadership system, right? This is no small matter."
Boni looked at her with firm resolve. "We know. But if we stay silent, our village will be destroyed. The durian orchards will be replaced with palm oil, and the village funds will be drained for Mr. Rasyid's personal gain."
Mrs. Sinta sighed, then gave a small smile. "You're brave, Very brave. We'll take this to the legal team and report it to the district office. But this process will take time. You need to stay alert, especially if they find out you were the ones who leaked this."
Lilis leaned forward. "We're ready, ma'am."
Mrs. Sinta stood and patted Boni's shoulder. "You've taken the right path. But remember, corruption doesn't fall easily. This is just the beginning."
After everything was done, they stepped out of the NGO office. The sun had risen higher, warmly illuminating the rooftops of the town. The three of them stood on the sidewalk, quietly savoring a moment of relief.
Rio stretched his arms and smiled. "Honestly, I thought it'd be a lot more intense."
Boni smiled too, but a shadow of worry lingered on his face. Suddenly, Lilis's phone buzzed. She grabbed it and read the message, her face turning tense.
"It's from Yuni." she said quickly. "Mr. Rasyid is getting suspicious. He's sending people to track us down and monitor all exits from the village."
Rio stiffened. "Okay... now it's starting to feel real."
Boni clenched his fists. "We can't go back through the forest trail. Too risky."
Lilis pointed east. "There's a small river path. It's farther, but it cuts through the back fields. We can avoid the main routes."
Rio groaned. "So the adventure's not over yet, huh?"
Boni chuckled softly, tired, but relieved. "Not yet. But we're getting close to the end."
With renewed steps, they headed east, following the quiet, hidden stream. Each step carried them closer to a new hope, that change could come, if only someone was brave enough to start it.
Meanwhile, far back in Duren Village, Yuni stood at the Durian Post. Her eyes scanned every corner of the village with sharp vigilance.
She whispered softly, "Hold on just a little longer, friends. We're almost there."