Devan sprinted with all his strength, chasing after his biological mother—whose body was still possessed by a vengeful ghost. Childhood memories flashed through his mind like a series of haunting photographs. He remembered waving goodbye to his mother through the window when he was only two years old. That moment had marked the last time he ever saw her face.
And now, two decades later, she stood before him once again. But this time, she was old—and no longer among the living.
Devan reached Tama, Kirana, and the Grim Reaper, who was holding the spirit of Liem Soetjipto in one hand and the spirit of Devan's biological mother in the other.
"Mother… are you… are you dead?" Devan asked, stunned by the sight of her translucent form.
"It's good to see you again, son. I've missed you dearly," her spirit replied softly, her eyes filled with tears that didn't fall.
"Grim Reaper… may I speak to her for a moment?" Devan pleaded.
"Of course," the Reaper said. "I'll take Liem first and return for your mother once the funeral rites are complete."
He gently released Devan's mother's hand and vanished with Liem's spirit, leaving mother and son alone for their long-overdue reunion.
Devan reached forward, trying to hug her. But his arms passed through her, as though grasping at air. He stood frozen, heart aching.
Kirana quietly tugged Tama's sleeve, motioning for them to give the two space.
"Why did you leave me, Mother?" Devan asked, his voice barely audible.
"Twenty years ago… things were very difficult for me, my son," she said, her expression heavy with sorrow.
Then she began to tell the story—one she had held in her heart for two decades.
Twenty Years Ago
The marriage between Devan's biological mother and father had been filled with conflict from the very beginning. The chief of Garuda Village strongly opposed marriages between different tribes. According to the village's ancient customs, any resident who married outside the tribe would be banished and stripped of all social and familial ties.
But her love for Devan's father was stronger than fear or tradition. She chose to leave the village—along with her family, her identity, and everything she had ever known—to be with the man she loved.
Tragedy struck soon after.
Just a day after the wedding, Devan's grandfather was killed in a traffic accident on his way back from the city. The grief was too much for Devan's grandmother to bear; she suffered a fatal heart attack just days later.
With both parents gone, and as an only child, she was left completely alone.
On the first anniversary of their passing, she returned to the village—alone—to pay her respects. While there, she begged the tribal chief for forgiveness for violating tradition.
Surprisingly, the chief showed her kindness.
"If you ever wish to return, this village will always be open to you," he had said. "Your parents' home remains untouched."
"Thank you, Chief. I'll never forget your mercy," she replied before leaving.
A year later, Devan was born. For a while, the family was happy. Her husband loved her and their child deeply. But everything changed when he met another woman—the woman who would later become Devan's stepmother.
Refusing to be in a polygamous marriage, she chose to leave. However, due to her unstable income and lack of support, custody of Devan was awarded to her husband.
She had no choice but to let go of her son.
And with a shattered heart, she returned to Garuda Village… where she would live out the rest of her life in solitude.
Back in the present, Devan could no longer hold back his tears.
"I can't believe they lied to me," he said, his voice trembling. "I never knew how much you went through."
"It's alright, my son," she said gently. "Seeing you here—strong and grown—it's enough to heal every scar I've carried."
"Sob… sob… but I just found you again. And now I have to lose you?"
"It's time, son. Take my body to my house. Let the chief begin the death ceremony."
Moved by their emotional exchange, Tama stepped forward to help lift her body—but Devan stopped him.
"No, bro. Let me carry her. I want to take her to her final resting place."
With determination, Devan carried his mother's body back to her small bamboo house. Meanwhile, Kirana and Tama hurried to the tribal chief's home to inform him of the death.
The chief listened silently, then walked outside and struck the ceremonial gong—a deep, echoing sound that announced a soul had left the village.
The once quiet Garuda Village burst into life. Villagers emerged from their homes, holding torches and gathering around. Some began preparing firewood for the cremation, while others arranged offerings for the sacred ritual.
"So that's why the ghost targeted Devan's mom," Tama said quietly. "She held a grudge for years."
"Yes," Kirana replied. "Vengeful spirits only attach to humans with unresolved pain that mirrors their own."
"But at least today… we gave both of them peace," Tama added.
"You've done well," Kirana said with a gentle smile.
Tama blushed. "H-hey… why does my heart beat faster when you smile like that?"
Kirana, hearing Tama's inner thoughts, smacked him on the back.
BUK!
"Ow! That hurt!" Tama winced.
"You playboy spirit!"
"I'm not a playboy—I'm a sadboy!"
Soon after, the chief began the funeral ceremony. Devan's mother's body was placed on a pyre of fragrant wood. The villagers formed a circle, and the chief began chanting sacred prayers. Then the fire was lit.
Tears streamed down Devan's face as the flames engulfed her body. Her spirit stood beside him, invisible to others, gently whispering words of comfort.
When the ceremony ended and the villagers returned to their homes, the Grim Reaper appeared once more. Tama and Kirana greeted him as he approached.
"I'd like to return the powers you gave me," Tama said respectfully.
The Grim Reaper raised a hand. "No need. Keep them. Use them for good. From now on, you can turn into a human again—but only at night."
"Really? Thank you, Uncle! If you ever need help again, just call me," Tama grinned.
The Reaper nodded before taking Devan's mother's spirit away into the light.
Morning came.
It was Monday—Devan's first official day working at the production house. Despite the emotional whirlwind he had just gone through, he insisted on going to work.
Tama suggested he rest and even offered for Kirana to use magic to disguise herself and go in his place. But Devan refused.
"I'll be fine. I want to start fresh," he said.
With that, they all went their separate ways. Kirana and Tama returned to the villa, while Devan went home to get ready for his job.
Tama stood by the villa window, watching the sky lighten. He thought about Devan and how easily he had accepted letting go of his mother.
Should I also start letting go of Nadia? Tama wondered. But if not for her… would I even still be here?
His eyes narrowed in determination.
"I'll meet Nadia tonight," he said aloud. "And I'll finally make my decision."