It was a sunny morning in Junior High School 1. Sun shone brightly. In the school yard, there were some students talking about their plan. They were Arya, Indra, Fikri, and Rizky. They had a plan to go camping to a forest near their city. It was a mysterious forest. People believed there was a hope spring in the middle of forest. But it was an unspoiled area. Nobody wanted to go there because they believed there was a monster who kept the spring. But the kids saw this as a challenge.
“When will we go there?” Fikri asked.
“How about next week? We have long holiday,” said Arya.
“It’s OK. It will be a fantastic holiday,” said Rizky.
Although they were still kids, they already had a pretty good camping skill. Because they had join Boy scout at their school. They had often gone camping alone, without a guide. The gang agreed that Arya was the leader of the camp this time.
Finally, the awaited day arrived. They prepared all of the things that they need to carry. Arya brought a tent. Indra brought some cooking stuffs, like pan and kettle. And the other brought the foods. They went there by train. It took a minute because the location was not too far. Then they arrived at the forest edge.
“Hmm, how fresh air here!” said Rizky.
“You’re right, Ky. It’s the freshest air I’ve ever breath,” Indra replied.
“OK, Guys. Let’s find a place to camp!” Arya said.
Then they went into the forest. They looked for a suitable location which they would stay. And they decided to build their tent in the middle of the forest.
“Fikri, let’s find some fire woods!” said Arya.
“Wait me,” Fikri replied.
“And you two, find some water at that river!” Arya continued.
“OK Sir.” Indra and Rizky answered.
At the night, they made bonfire. They sat in a log around the bonfire. When they were talking, suddenly Indra wanted to pee.
“Hey, I gotta pee. Can you accompany me, Guys?”
”Oh, please. You’re a boy. Go alone and bring this flashlight!” said Rizky.
Then he went to a bush. After a while, he didn’t come back. Arya and the gang were worried. Then they looked for him. They went around the forest, but they couldn’t find him.
“Indra, where are you?” Arya shouted.
“Hey, it’s not funny, Dra!” Rizky said.
Suddenly, “Arya, I found this scarf near that cave!” Fikri shouted.
“It’s Indra’s scarf, right? Let’s go inside that cave!” Arya said.
“Let’s!” said the gang.
They went inside the cave. It was so dark and wet, fortunately they brought flashlights. They shouted, calling Indra’s name. But there was no answer. They were almost despaired. But when they wanted to go back, they heard somebody’s laugh. It was man’s voice. The voice was from the end of the cave. They were a little bit afraid, but they were also so curious. So they continued to walk toward the sound source. What a surprise. There was a spring at the end of the cave.
“Wow, am I dreaming? It’s really a beautiful spring,” Rizky said.
“Hey, this spring is guarded by monster. Isn’t it?” Fikri asked worriedly.
“Haha, do you really believe it? C’mon, it’s just nonsense,” Rizky replied.
Then the laugh sound came again. It was louder. It made the kids frightened. They ran away to the outside of the cave as fast as they could. They went back to their tent and closed it tightly.
The next day, they thought about how to find Indra. They had to go back to the cave and the spring. So, they made some plans. They brought any sharp things that they have. And they also brought some woods. Then they went to the cave.
“Do you think it’s a good idea, Arya?” Fikri asked.
“I know you afraid, but we must find Indra, right? He is our best friend,” said Arya.
“OK. I see,” Fikri replied with nodding his head.
Then they went into the cave, toward the spring. They looked around the spring, searched their friend, Indra. But nobody was there.
“Hey, it’s a hope spring, right? Why we don’t wish to Indra’s come back?” said Fikri.
“I don’t know if it will work. But it never hurts to try,” said Arya.
Then they wished to the spring, that they wanted Indra come back. Suddenly, the laugh sound came again and a big dark creature appeared. He looked like a genie. He had big eyes. His hair was so long. The kids were shocked. But they couldn’t run. Then the big creature talked.
“Hahaha, you are so brave to come to this spring. What do you want, Kids?”
“We want you to turn back our friend,” said Arya.
“Oh, you mean your insolent friend?” said the creature.
“Ehm, what do you mean?” Arya looked astonished.
“He has littered the forest. And I will punish him,” said the creature with anger.
“He is our friend. Please give him back to us!” Arya replied.
“I don’t care. He makes my forest dirty, and I don’t like it!” the creature shouted.
“Oh, please forgive him. He is only a kid that doesn’t know anything,” begged Arya.
“Hmm, OK. I’ll forgive him as long as he promises not to do it anymore… And you all have to clean my forest!”
“Thank you very much,” said the kids together.
And suddenly Indra appeared in front of them. He looked so tired and messed. His clothes were ragged and muddy. The kids were so happy to see him. They hugged him tightly.
“Oh, we really worry about you,” said Fikri.
“Yeah, are you okay? You look so tired,” Arya asked.
“I’m fine. I just afraid I can’t see you anymore. I really miss you, Guys.” Indra replied.
Then they came back to their tent and cleared it up. They promised never littered the forest again.
At the afternoon, they went back to their home happily. They told their family about their experience. Although their family couldn’t believe their story but it was an unforgettable experience for them.
