Chapter 14: Searching for meaning in the midst of darkness

Alejandro and Mia lay in their small room, the dim light from the candles on the bedside table providing a warm glow that made the atmosphere even more comfortable. Alejandro stared at the ceiling, his mind still struggling with the words of the village chief, Lloyd.

"Angels? The cosmos of this world?" Alejandro muttered to himself. "I guess it's real... It's just that my brain capacity can't reach such an abstract existence." He chuckled softly, feeling a little absurd with his own thoughts.

Beside him, Mia slept with a calm and comfortable face. Alejandro turned his head, noticing her peaceful face. He felt grateful to have Mia by his side, someone he could always count on in any situation.

Alejandro gently touched Mia's hair, feeling more connected to her in moments like this. "What are you thinking, Mia?" he whispered softly, even though he knew she couldn't hear him. "Do you also believe in things beyond our reason?"

He took a deep breath, trying to make sense of everything they had experienced. This village, its people, and the stories that sounded like fairy tales. All of this made Alejandro feel like he was in a different world.

"We've been through a lot, Mia," he said softly, as if talking to himself. "And even though this all seems strange and irrational, maybe there's something we can learn from it. Something more than logic and reason."

He looked back up at the ceiling, letting his thoughts wander. That night, Alejandro felt as if he was on the verge of a greater understanding, something he had never felt before.

Alejandro said again, "And every event in this world seems to have been arranged by an unknown entity, it doesn't make sense at all. Every scenario seems to have been arranged. Am I fiction? Haha, what kind of logic is that." Alejandro chuckled again, but there was a faint uncertainty behind his laughter.

He looked at Mia who was still sleeping beside him, her face calm even as Alejandro wrestled with existential questions. "Mia, what would you say if you heard this?" he whispered softly, more to himself than to Mia.

"Could there be a force behind the scenes controlling all of this?" Alejandro continued his inner monologue. "Like a game of chess, every move is planned. But who are the players? And what is their goal?"

He took a deep breath, feeling a little burdened by his own thoughts. "Maybe Lloyd has a point," Alejandro thought. "Maybe there's something bigger than us, something that can't be explained by logic alone."

Alejandro smiled bitterly, feeling a little crazy at his thoughts. "Am I fiction? Like a character in a story? But if so, who wrote it? And what was the purpose?"

He chuckled again, but this time his laugh was softer, almost a whisper. "What kind of logic is that," he muttered, before finally letting his thoughts sink into exhaustion. Alejandro closed his eyes, letting himself fall asleep with the questions still swirling in his head.

That night, in the warm and cozy little room, Alejandro and Mia rest, while the world outside them continues to move, bringing mysteries and answers they may discover in the days to come.

Adam Faris stood in front of the class, a small smile on his face as he began to teach. Today, he was wearing a neat blue shirt and jeans, giving off a casual yet professional impression. The atmosphere in the classroom was calm, each student focused on listening to what Adam, their well-known and sweet college teacher, was teaching.

Adam began the lesson in a calm but confident voice. "Good morning, everyone. Today we will be discussing Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development," he said, glancing at the notes in his hand. "Erikson proposed that human development consists of eight stages, each of which brings its own challenges and potential conflicts."

One of the students raised his hand. "Mr. Adam, do these stages apply to everyone, or do they vary depending on the individual?"

Adam smiled warmly, pleased to see his student's participation. "That's a great question. According to Erikson, everyone goes through these stages, but how we deal with them can vary greatly. Every individual is unique, and life experiences and environments play a big role in how we deal with the challenges of each stage."

The students nodded, seemingly understanding Adam's explanation. He continued the lesson, explaining each stage of development with concrete examples that were relevant to everyday life. The class remained silent, all students immersed in the material being taught.

Adam glanced at the clock on the wall. "Okay, we'll take a short break. After that, we'll discuss more deeply about how these stages can affect our development as individuals."

The students began to move around, taking the opportunity to talk to each other or just stretch. Adam sat at the table in front of him, taking a sip of water from his bottle. He was pleased to see how his students were so engaged with the material he was teaching.

During the break, several students came to Adam's desk to ask further questions. Adam patiently answered each question, provided additional explanations, and encouraged his students to think critically.

When the bell rang, signaling the end of the break, Adam stood back in front of the class. "Alright, let's get started. Any questions before we move on?" he asked, looking at his students who seemed eager to continue the lesson.

"Okay, let's move on to the next stage in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage is called 'Initiative vs. Guilt,' which typically occurs in children ages 3 to 6."

Adam drew a diagram on the board to help his students visualize. "At this stage, children begin to take initiative in play and other activities. They learn to plan and carry out tasks. However, if they are punished or criticized too often, they can develop excessive guilt."

A student, Sarah, raised her hand. "Mr. Adam, what if someone doesn't overcome this guilt at that age? Does it affect them in adulthood?"

Adam nodded, appreciating the depth of the question. "Yes, Sarah. If someone experiences too much guilt at this stage, they may have difficulty taking initiative and feel worthless later in life. This can affect their self-confidence and ability to lead or take risks."

He then moves on to the next stage. "The next stage is 'Industry vs. Inferiority,' which occurs around the ages of 6 to 12. Here, children begin to develop a sense of competence and ability through school and other activities. If they feel inadequate or fail compared to their peers, they may feel inferior."

During this explanation, Adam noticed some students looking pensive, perhaps reflecting on their own personal experiences. He knew that this lesson was not just theory, but also a reflection of the real lives his students were experiencing.

"For the next assignment," Adam said with a smile, "I want you to write a short essay about how you've seen one of these stages play out in your own life or in your community. How did you overcome those challenges, or how did you see others overcome them?"

The class was soon busy with writing activities, the atmosphere quiet but full of concentration. Adam walked between the rows of desks, occasionally offering encouragement or brief answers to small questions.

After some time, Adam returned to the front of the class and said, "Okay, let's wrap up our lesson for today. I hope you all gained some new insights into psychosocial development and how it is relevant to our everyday lives."

When the bell rang, signaling the end of class, the students began packing up their belongings. Many came to Adam's desk to talk or say thank you for the day's lesson. Adam smiled broadly, pleased and proud of his students' progress and interest.

"See you next week," he said, waving as his students left. Adam felt grateful for the opportunity to teach and impact his students' lives, helping them learn not only about psychology but also about themselves.

Adam walked out of college, walking slowly towards the bus stop. Dusk was beginning to fall, coloring the sky with stunning shades of orange and purple. The afternoon wind blew softly, as if trying to comfort his restless heart.

"See you next week," he whispered to himself, remembering the cheerful faces of his students. They were the reflection of his hopes, the successors of all the dreams and knowledge he shared. Teaching for Adam was not just a profession; it was his calling.

"What am I teaching them, really?" Adam thought as he waited for the bus. "Is it just about psychology or is it more than that? About themselves, about facing the world with courage and integrity."

When the bus arrived, Adam got on and sat on a window seat. He stared out, watching the hustle and bustle of city life that continued to move. Behind his sincere smile and sincerity in helping others, hid a sense of guilt that never went away. Sins from the past that continued to haunt him, like a shadow that could not be erased.

"This world, is so complex," he said to himself, as if talking to himself. "Every action we make, no matter how small, has an impact. I have spent my life trying to atone for one great mistake. My dark side, which once took over, made me do unforgivable things."

Adam remembers that dark night, when his dark side took over, causing the death of a girl and her two daughters. The guilt is a burden he always carries, no matter how much good he has done since then.

"But maybe," he continued to himself, "the good I'm doing now is my way of overcoming that guilt. To show the world, and myself, that I'm not just someone who makes mistakes. I'm someone who can learn, change, and give my best."

The bus stopped near his boarding house. Adam got off and walked to the door, opening it and entering the simple but comfortable room. Inside, he sat on his favorite chair, taking a deep breath.

Detective Rozman sat in a dark room lit only by a dim desk lamp. In front of him, various case files and photos of victims were spread out on the table. His face showed a blank expression, but in his mind, he was working hard to put together the pieces of the puzzle that would bring him closer to the perpetrator.

He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to visualize every step and action taken by the perpetrator. Rozman had studied the details of each case meticulously: how the perpetrator selected his victims, his modus operandi, and even the psychological signs he might have left at the scene. All of these were part of a pattern that he believed could help him better understand who the perpetrator really was.

In his mind, Rozman began to enter the mind of the perpetrator, imagining what it would be like to be him. He imagined the sense of superiority the perpetrator might have felt, how he might have enjoyed the control and fear he inflicted on his victims. Rozman tried to feel the tension and satisfaction the perpetrator might have felt each time he managed to escape the police, as well as the hidden motives that drove his actions.

"A person who is able to control and manipulate the emotions of others… What is he really looking for?" Rozman pondered. He knew that this perpetrator was not simply seeking power or control; there was something deeper, perhaps a strong personal drive or past trauma that shaped his behavior.

Rozman opened his eyes again and stared at the map hanging on the wall, dotted with crime scenes. "What connects all of this?" he thought. He began to draw imaginary lines between the dots, looking for patterns or clues he might have missed before.

He recalled all the interviews with witnesses and suspects, trying to dig into their every word and gesture. "Is there something they're not saying? Something hidden behind their words?" he thought again.

Slowly, the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place in his mind. Rozman realized that to catch the perpetrator, he would have to understand not just his actions, but his thoughts. "I have to think like him," he muttered under his breath. "I have to find a way to stay one step ahead."

In the silence of the dark room, Rozman continued to focus his mind, trying to feel every movement and decision that the perpetrator might take. "Where are you hiding?" he asked himself, hoping that tonight he could find the key to solving this case.

Detective Rozman stood up from his chair quickly as a police officer entered the room, "Detective! The old man said he would admit who did it! Come on!"

Without wasting any time, Rozman immediately followed the police out of the dark room. Rozman's mind was spinning fast, trying to prepare himself for whatever information he was about to hear. Bayu followed behind, his gaze full of alertness and hope.

When they reached the interrogation room, Rozman saw the old man sitting with a gloomy expression on his face. He knew that this time the man would talk.

Rozman sat down in the chair in front of the old man and looked at him sharply. "Okay, sir. We are ready to listen," he said in a firm but calm voice.

The old man was silent for a moment, then with a heavy sigh, he opened his mouth. "They were criminals, one of them told me to watch Ayato all the time. I didn't know their intentions, and it turns out I was just a scapegoat," he said in a tired tone.

Rozman nodded slowly. "Criminal members? Who are they? What can you tell me about them?" he asked, trying to get more information.

The old man shook his head. "I don't know much. They are very careful. But I know one thing, they are very dangerous. I only know that they use weak people to achieve their goals."

Rozman exchanged glances with Bayu, who nodded slightly. "Okay, that's a good start. We'll find out more about them. But we need more details. Names, locations, anything you can give us," Rozman said, his voice full of urgency but still gentle.

The old man hesitated for a moment, then he took a deep breath. "I only know the name of one of them, Chris. And there's a place they often use, an old warehouse on the outskirts of town. That's all I know."

Rozman stood up, satisfied with the information given. "Thank you. We will check this information. You have done the right thing," he said in a serious but calming tone.

Rozman and Bayu exited the room. Outside, Rozman paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. "Bayu, we have a new lead. Let's investigate the old warehouse. This might bring us closer to the real perpetrator," he said with determination burning in his eyes.

Bayu nodded in agreement. "Let's do it. This might be a big step in solving this case," he replied.

Chris and his gang were sitting around a worn table inside the abandoned building. This was their headquarters, an old warehouse on the outskirts of town that had long been abandoned. Amidst the smell of dust and cigarette smoke, they were playing cards, making fun of each other loudly.

"Chris, you really need to learn how to play cards properly," one of the gang members said with a sarcastic laugh. His name was Reza, a tall man with a sharp gaze. "You always lose to me."

Chris snorted as he threw the cards on the table. "Just your luck, Reza. We'll see who has the last laugh."

Meanwhile, Dini, the only woman in the group, watched the game with a sneer. "You two are like children. Focus on the game and don't talk too much," she said as she lit her cigarette. "We can't let this fun distract us from our main business."

Another man, Bimo, shook his head. "Dini is right. We're not here just to play cards. Don't forget about our mission tonight. There's a shipment we have to pick up."

Chris looked at Bimo seriously. "I know, Bimo. Don't worry, everything has been arranged. We will retrieve the item and complete our task. But in the meantime, let us enjoy a little entertainment."

Reza nodded in agreement. "Right, there's no harm in relaxing for a while. Besides, we need a calm mind to face whatever comes."

Suddenly, the sound of a telephone ringing broke the silence. Chris reached into his jacket pocket and picked up the phone. "Yes, speak," he said firmly.

On the other end of the line, a worried male voice. "Chris, there's a problem. The police may be on our trail. We need to get out of here."

Chris paled, then hung up the phone and stood up. "We have to go now. The police probably know about this place. Take your stuff and make sure you don't leave anything behind."

Reza, Dini, and Bimo immediately moved, packing their things quickly. The previously relaxed atmosphere turned tense and full of alertness.

"Chris, what are your plans?" Dini asked worriedly.

"We're going to a safe place that we've set up beforehand," Chris replied firmly. "No one should panic. Just follow the plan, and we'll be fine."

---

Suddenly, the atmosphere inside the old warehouse changed drastically as the sound of police sirens was heard from a distance. Chris, Reza, Dini, and Bimo immediately tensed up, looking at each other with anxious expressions. A few seconds later, the warehouse door swung open, and a group of armed police officers entered the room with a stance ready to face the threat.

"Put your hands up!" an officer shouted loudly, gun pointed at them.

Chris and his friends obeyed the order quickly, raising both of their hands in the air. They smiled sarcastically, but the tension was evident in their every movement.

The police officers immediately secured them one by one, checking every corner of the warehouse to make sure no one could be a threat. After ensuring the situation was safe, they ordered Chris and his gang members out of the warehouse, arresting them one by one with their hands cuffed.

Outside, the cold night greeted them with bright police headlights. Police vehicles were on standby to take them to the nearest police station.

---

Inside the police interrogation room, Rozman sat across the table from Chris, who was placed on a hard chair with his hands still cuffed. Bayu, along with several other officers, stood next to Rozman, watching intently.

"Okay, Chris. We have information that you guys are operating out of this old warehouse on the outskirts of town," Rozman began in a calm but firm voice. "We want to know more about who's leading you. Who's your boss?"

Chris lifted his head, his sharp gaze meeting Rozman's. "We don't know who he is. He always wears a mask when we deal with him. It's rare for him to appear in front of us in person."

"So you guys don't have any information about who he is?" Bayu asked skeptically.

"Yes, that's right," said Reza, who was sitting next to Chris. "We only received messages from him, written instructions or by phone. He was always careful, never giving any clues about his identity."

Dini, who tends to be quieter, added, "He was a manipulative type of boss. Always ordering us to commit robberies, murders, threats to others. We followed because we were afraid of the consequences."

Rozman nodded, jotting the information down in his interrogation notes. "Can you give me any clues as to where he is right now? Or how to contact him?"

Chris shook his head in frustration. "We don't know. He has his own way of contacting us. Maybe through a middleman or an encrypted system."

Bayu looked at them with scrutiny. "You have to realize that this is serious. Your boss has committed serious crimes, including threatening the lives of others. You must cooperate with us to uncover his identity."

Reza stared at the floor, then nodded slowly. "We'll give you everything we know. But please, we need protection. He won't hesitate to get rid of us if he finds out we talked."

Rozman and Bayu exchanged glances. They know that gaining the cooperation of Chris and his gang is a crucial first step in putting the puzzle together to catch the cunning crime boss.

"We will protect you, Chris," Rozman said firmly. "But you must give us all the information you have. It is the only way to solve this case and ensure that justice is served."

Chris took a deep breath, thinking for a moment. "Okay," he said finally. "We'll tell you everything we know. Hopefully it'll help in catching our boss