(Sequel article of "Miracles in Giri")
In less than two hours, the car launched to a dark forest area where Kendrick saw a huge parking space. Buses and private cars filled in the empty spaces.
So many vehicles! Kendrick thought. He followed his friend to the grave. The mystical aura was overwhelming the environment encouraging him to think whether he was getting near to God.
Kendrick saw Ahmed was extolling God and spelling the beads.
How serene his face is! he commented mentally. Suddenly, Kendrick saw a soft white light illuminated from Ahmed's face. God, is that the miracle I'm longing for? He was amazed.
As soon as it finished, Ahmed turned his head to his friend and saw Kendrick watching him mouth-opened. He smiled wisely. "Let's go outside, Kendrick."
They strode in silence.
"Let's eat first. I'm starving." Ahmed suggested.
"Oh, God, yes. Me, too. Just realized it." Kendrick finally remembered his body's calling. "Hey, there's Hamdan. Let's invite him to eat with us."
Ahmed waved his hand at his aide to follow them.
They tramped down the grass entering a bamboo veranda and then sitting crossing their legs in front of the rattan table.
"Ahà nice! What do they have here?" Kendrick remarked.
"Let me see." Ahmed tried to check the list.
Kendrick, not knowing the language, just sat still enjoying the atmosphere.
"What do you think, Hamdan?" Ahmed handed the food menu to him. "I used to have hot coffee and boiled noodles."
"Which one is that?"
Hamdan checked the menu. "This one, sir!" He pointed at the word kopi panas and mie kuah.
"Okay, I'll take that one. What about you?" He stared at Kendrick.
Kendrick squared his shoulders. "Make it double!"
"What about you Hamdan?" Ahmed turned to his aide.
"I'll order the same as you, sir." He bent his shoulders as a gesture of respect Kendrick had already got used to.
A fat woman came to approach them and asked the food they wanted.
While waiting, Kendrick asked, "So, what's the story of this Sunan?"
"Sunan Drajat? He was a man full of magic like the others and ?" Ahmed's eyebrows deepened. "If I'm not mistaken, he was also miraculously saved from the ocean's storm."
"When he was a baby?"
Ahmed grinned. "No, when he was sailing a fish-boat. He got some help from the fish but I forget what kind of fish they were."
"Fish?" Kendrick gave him an inquiring look.
"Yes. Then, he began teaching the denizens. At the same time, he developed this area." Ahmed glanced at his watch. "Hum, what about going to the grave of Sunan Bonang after this? It's around one and a half hour from this place. We can spend our night there instead."
Kendrick nodded. "Sure. Ah. Our dinner is coming right up." Kendrick rubbed his hands, seeing the fat lady approaching them with three bowls of steaming noodle soup and three glasses of coffee.
Author: Damien Dematra
He is a novelist, writer, painter, and photographer.
www.damiendematra.com
You are allowed to copy and to distribute this article with limitation only for non-commercial purposes and with credit to the author.