A Few Months Ago

The Walter Mine Factory area appeared bustling, even though it was well past 8 p.m. The night shift workers were already making their way into the factory's foyer. A vibrant blue vehicle labelled "Workers Bus" continuously arrived and departed, dropping off the workers who were about to commence their shift at 9 PM.

As soon as their shift concluded, Irna and Yati swiftly gathered their belongings and exited the factory. Yati let out a sigh of relief. "I can't wait to go home and take a refreshing shower," she exclaimed, wriggling her body and stretching. Her mind wandered to the comforting image of her own bathroom.

"Have you forgotten that we promised to visit Embak Limah's house tonight? The dresses are all prepared," Irna reminded Yati.

"Oh, yes! I completely forgot about that."

"Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's hurry up! Once we're done, we can head straight back home," Irna urged eagerly. The noisy atmosphere of the factory had become unbearable for her, and she yearned to escape its clutches.

"Alright, let's go!" Exclaimed Yati. They walked together until they finally reached a bus stop.

"Now, where's the taxi?" Complained Yati after waiting for some time.

"At this hour, are you surprised?" Irna replied.

"Should we call a taxi?" suggested Yati.

Irna took out her mobile phone and attempted to call the taxi service centre, but she couldn't connect. She checked her credit balance and realized that her phone credit had expired.

"My credit has expired, Yati. Can you use your phone first?" Irna asked.

Yati reached into his denim pocket and checked his mobile phone.

"Damn! No battery," Yati exclaimed.

"Why today, out of all days, Yati?" Irna said with a wry smile.

"Look! There's a taxi," Yati exclaimed, waving his hand as soon as he spotted a red taxi approaching them.

As soon as the taxi stopped at the bus stop, the driver asked, "Where are you going?"

"Can you take us to Kampung Lalang?" Irna asked.

"Yes," replied the taxi driver.

"Thank you..." said Yati and Irna as they were getting into the taxi. After making sure everything was okay, the taxi driver immediately took the two to their destination.

"I don't think I can enter this road. What if I wait for you two here?" Asked the taxi driver as soon as they reached the entrance of the road leading down into the village.

"Yes, of course. But please wait for us, okay? We can't bear waiting for another taxi," answered Yati.

"Okay! Hurry up."

They quickly made their way to Embak Limah's house, which was located 500 meters away from their drop-off point. After collecting the dresses, they hurried towards the waiting taxi. Carefully navigating the dark road, they tried to increase their pace. Suddenly, Irna halted in her tracks upon hearing a loud grunt.

"Did you hear that, Yati? Or is there something wrong with my ears?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Yes, I heard it too. The sound of breathing. But it doesn't sound normal. It's too loud," Yati replied, her voice tinged with unease.

"I agree. It's louder than any normal breathing sounds," Irna added, her brows furrowing in worry.

"Perhaps it's the sound of..." Yati began, but Irda interrupted her abruptly.

"No! I don't think so. Stop that thought," Irda said firmly, recognizing the fear in Yati's eyes.

With a sense of foreboding hanging in the air, they continued their journey, their hearts pounding with anticipation.

"Irna, I'm scared! Let's hurry!"
"Irna! Wha... what..."
"Run! Run, Yati!" urged Irna.

They were filled with terror and sprinted towards Embak Limah's house with all their might. However, Irna's legs suddenly began convulsing, rendering her immobile. Before long, she collapsed to the ground, letting out a painful scream.

"Ouch!" Irna cried out in agony. Yati attempted to assist, but Irna stopped her.

"Run, Yati! Seek help from anyone!" Irna pleaded.

Yati obediently followed Irna's command and exerted all her strength as she sprinted away, leaving Irna behind to find aid. However, shortly after, just like Irna, Yati also crumpled to the ground, letting out a piercing scream.

"Ouch!" Yati exclaimed in pain.

"Why?" Irna shouted to her friend.

"My legs are cramping, Irna!" Yati responded, clutching her legs tightly.

The mysterious man slowly approached Yati and Irna, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as they stood before him.

"Please, please, don't hurt us," Yati pleaded. Irna was so terrified that she couldn't utter a single word.

The man disregarded Yati's pleas, placing his right hand on her head and his left hand on Irna's. The red light emanating from his eyes transformed into a haunting blue hue. Less than a minute later, Yati and Irna both lost consciousness simultaneously.