Through The Srouded Past

Arya's head suddenly throbbed, her vision blurred, and a sharp tightness gripped her chest. She reached for the alley wall, struggling to steady herself. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her thoughts spiraling into chaos.

Then, in an instant, her body gave out. She collapsed, her hand desperately grasping for support.

As her fingers brushed against the corner of the wall, she felt something small beneath them. Instinctively, she picked it up. A necklace—strung with blue beads and adorned with a tiny white flower, now cracked.

Arya stared at it. A fresh wave of pain surged through her head, her chest tightened further, and her vision swam. But then, like a door unlocking in her mind, she saw it—the necklace, once worn by little Nadia.

And just like that, his memory slipped away again.

Faint. Shadowed.

Arya gasped, forcing himself to focus. He clenched the blue necklace in his hand before slipping it into his pocket. The night wind whispered through the alley, carrying an eerie, distant sound. The air felt colder now, seeping into his bones.

He pushed himself up.

Then… BRAK!

A sudden, jarring noise erupted behind him. Arya's body tensed. He whipped his head around, scanning the empty alley. Nothing. No one. His breath came fast and uneven.

"I'm not imagining things... am I?"

His heart pounded in his chest as he forced himself to move. His head still ached, but he pressed on. Stepping out of the alley, he found the streets nearly deserted. The dim glow of the streetlights cast long shadows over the damp asphalt, glistening with the night's lingering dew.

Arya kept walking, his hand slipping into his pocket. His fingers brushed against the smooth beads, and he stared at the blue glint. In that instant, his breath hitched. His grip loosened, nearly dropping the object. His eyes widened as the necklace shimmered under the dim streetlight.

"Is this… Nadia's necklace?" he muttered.

"But… why was it there?"

A strange feeling crept over him something just beyond his reach. Something about that alley, about him and Nadia being there, about this blue necklace. It had to mean something. It had to be connected.

Arya swallowed hard. His fingers curled tighter around the necklace, as if letting go would erase some vital clue.

He kept walking, his mind a tangled mess of questions. But for now, there were no answers. With a long, weary sigh, he slipped the necklace back into his pocket and continued toward home.

***

The alarm blared, shattering the silence of the room. Arya groaned, blindly reaching for his phone and silencing it without even opening his eyes. With a heavy sigh, he sat up, his gaze darting around the room searching for something.

Something he found last night in the alley.

The necklace.

But… where was it?

He searched again and again, but it was nowhere to be found. It was as if it had vanished into thin air. His chest tightened, it wasn't a dream.

Last night, he had found it in that alley. He had brought it home. But now, it was gone. A sudden, loud knock on the door made him jump.

"Arya! Stop stalling! You're going to be late!"

His mother's voice rang from the other side of the door. Arya sighed, running both hands down his face. His mind was a tangled mess.

The alley, Nadia, the blue necklace everything was connected. And he had to find out why.

The atmosphere at school that morning was the same as usual. The roar of motorcycles and the ringing of bicycle bells echoed through the parking lot. Some students clustered near the gate, chatting or simply waiting for their friends.

But for Arya, it all felt distant. His steps felt heavy as he passed through the gate. The sun was already high, yet the cold from last night still clung to his body. His gaze was empty, his mind wandering. He kept trying to remember where had he put the blue necklace?

"Oi, Arya!"

A loud shout, followed by a hard pat on his back, jolted him from his thoughts. Ridho stood beside him, a mischievous grin on his face.

"What's up with you today?"

Arya shook his head, trying to act normal. "Nothing, Do. Just didn't get enough sleep."

Ridho squinted, eyeing him suspiciously. "You sure?"

"Yeah, sure." Arya quickly stepped toward the classroom before Ridho could press further.

Ridho walked beside him, still wearing a curious, questioning expression. As they reached the front of the classroom, a sudden commotion erupted from inside. Several students had gathered around Nadia and Sinta's desks.

"What's going on?" Ridho peered in curiously.

Arya glanced inside and froze.

Nadia was standing by her desk, holding something in her hand. Her expression was one of confusion. And in her hand… was the same blue necklace he had found last night in the alley.

A chill ran down Arya's spine.

"That necklace… why does Nadia have it now?" he muttered under his breath.

"Where did she get that?"

As if sensing his gaze, Nadia lifted her head and met Arya's eyes. For a moment, time seemed to stop. In her expression, Arya saw the same confusion, the same curiosity that had consumed him since last night.

Nadia remained frozen in place, staring blankly at the necklace in her hand.

"What's wrong, Nadia?" Sinta's voice broke the silence as she arrived.

Nadia parted her lips, as if about to speak but no words came out. She just stood there, eyes locked on the necklace. It was as if her mind was trying to grasp something, something long forgotten.

On the other side, Arya stood frozen, his eyes locked on the same necklace he had found last night. A tightness crept into his chest again.

"I'm sure I found that necklace last night and brought it home. Did I drop it on the way?" he murmured.

"But that's impossible… I remember holding onto it the entire way."

"So why is it in Nadia's hands now?"

Beside him, Ridho gawked, just as confused.

Then, Nadia finally spoke. Her voice was low, barely above a whisper.

"I… found this in a desk drawer," she answered Sinta.

Another chill ran down Arya's spine.

A desk drawer? How did it end up there?

"I don't know who it belongs to or who put it there..." Nadia continued, her voice uncertain.

She bit her lip, her gaze flicking toward Arya.

In that instant, something stirred in Arya's chest an odd, unshakable feeling, like a force trying to drag forgotten memories to the surface. But the harder he tried to grasp them, the sharper the pain in his head grew.

Just like last night, Just like when he stood in that alley. Fragments of memories shattered, incomplete. Pieces of a puzzle he needed to find and fit together.

The alley...Nadia...Him...The blue necklace.

What does all this mean...?

Arya's mind swirled with questions, his confusion deepening.

BRAK!

A table slammed against the floor, snapping everyone's attention. Jaka stood abruptly, irritation etched across his face.

"What's with all the noise first thing in the morning?" he grumbled.

Sinta shot him a glare. "Shut up, Jaka."

Jaka scoffed and threw himself back into his chair.

"It's just a necklace. What's the big deal?" he said dismissively. "It was in Nadia's desk drawer, right? Maybe someone put it there on purpose. Who knows, maybe some secret admirer has a crush on her!"

Arya remained silent, his thoughts clouded with unease. His eyes never left the blue necklace in Nadia's hands.

Is this really just a coincidence...?

***

Lesson after lesson passed, but Arya's mind stayed stuck on one thing.

The blue necklace.

Nadia still kept it in the pocket of her skirt. Every now and then, Arya noticed her fingers tightening around it, as if she was searching for answers answers buried in something she couldn't quite remember.

Arya let out a slow sigh.

The bell rang, breaking the lingering silence. The classroom buzzed with movement as students filed out. Some stayed behind, including Arya.

"Arya, aren't you coming to the cafeteria?" Ridho tapped her shoulder.

He shook her head. "You go ahead, Do."

Ridho shrugged and left, tagging along with Jaka and a few others. Sinta had already gone, leaving only a handful of students behind. Among them Nadia.

Slowly, Arya stood up and made her way toward Nadia's desk.

Nadia, who had been staring at her lap, sensed Arya's presence and lifted her face. Her eyes held the same confusion as this morning.

"Nad, who do you think put that necklace in your desk drawer?" Arya asked, keeping his voice low.

Nadia hesitated.

"...I don't know either," she mumbled. "But when I saw this necklace, it felt... familiar. Like I've seen it before. I just don't remember when."

Arya sat on the bench in front of her, memories flickering in his mind. He saw it little Nadia, wearing that same necklace.

"Nad..." Arya started, then paused.

A thought formed in his mind, pressing against his lips.

"Is it possible... that you used to own this necklace?"

Nadia fell silent, confusion clouding her expression.

Suddenly, something felt off.

The noises outside didn't just grow quieter.

They felt distant.

Far away.

A chill crept through the classroom, sharp and unnatural. A dull ache bloomed in Arya's head, spreading like a wave.

And then...Thump!

His breath hitched. His heartbeat hammered in his ears.

This feeling… It's the same as before.

Nadia turned to him, concern flashing in her eyes.

"Arya, are you okay?"

He wanted to answer, but his head was too heavy. The world around him blurred, the voices melting into an eerie hush.

Then.....black.

For a moment, there was nothing.

Then....A voice.

Small. Soft. Almost a whisper.

"...Arya?"

And then, silence. Darkness swallowed him whole.

"...Arya..."

The voice called out again.

Arya struggled to open his eyes. His eyelids felt heavy, like they were weighed down by something unseen. His body drifted between consciousness and oblivion, suspended in a space that felt neither real nor imagined.

The air was strange cold, yet oddly familiar.

Then, a voice. Closer this time.

"...Wake up, Arya..."

A frown formed between his brows. That voice… it was warm, almost nostalgic. Like something pulled from a distant memory.

Then.....whoosh.

A sudden gust of wind brushed against his face. Light pressed against his closed eyelids, seeping in. He flinched, shutting his eyes tighter. Then, cautiously, he opened them.

And in that instant, his world shifted.

Not at his current school, and not in the class with Nadia. But in a place deeply familiar.

Yes… Arya was now standing in the middle of the alley. Somehow, he was back there. The walls were cleaner, untouched by the graffiti he had seen before. The street was slightly narrower.

The sky was overcast, and rain drizzled down.

And right in front of him, a little boy stood. A white shirt, short pants. His hair was slightly messy.

His face…

Arya held his breath.

It was him his younger self. He was looking at his own past. And beside that boy…

Little Nadia.

Trembling, Arya took a step forward. But as he tried to get closer,

"Arya."

A soft voice came from another direction. Arya turned his head, and suddenly, the world around him trembled. A surge of memories rushed into his mind. Blurry flashes of images Nadia running, something falling, someone calling his name...

But it was all too fast. Too unclear. His head spun, his balance wavered, and he collapsed. But just before everything faded into darkness again, he saw one thing.

A small blue necklace, lying there. Right at the corner of the alley where he had found it that night.

The rain kept falling. Arya could do nothing but stare helplessly.

Her eyes locked onto the two children in front of her, herself and little Nadia. Arya's chest pounded.

Was this real?

"Arya!"

Little Nadia's voice rang out, clearer this time. She was calling out to little Arya.

"Hurry up, Arya! You'll get caught!" she exclaimed, tugging at little Arya's hand.

Arya held her breath, her head spinning, her body still lying there helplessly. Old memories crept into her mind, like scattered puzzle pieces struggling to fit together.

Nadia pulled Arya deeper into the alley. Their steps were hurried. Adult Arya stood there as a mere spectator, able to do nothing but watch. Her heart grew more restless.

Why don't I remember this?

The two children finally stopped near the corner of the alley, gasping for air. Little Nadia clutched something to her chest the blue necklace she wore.

Adult Arya's gaze sharpened. Something was different. The necklace looked newer than the one she had found. The small white flower at its center was still intact, unblemished by cracks.

So… this is a memory I had forgotten.

She struggled to stand, her body trembling slightly. She knew she was just a spectator in this scene, yet the urge to remember everything gripped her like a vice.

Suddenly, a noise from the alley's entrance made little Arya and little Nadia jolt.

BRAK!

A barrel toppled over, rolling loudly.

Little Nadia's eyes widened. She hastily grabbed little Arya's hand.

"We have to hide!"

Without hesitation, the two ran behind a tall stack of cardboard boxes in the corner of the alley. Adult Arya frowned, turning her gaze toward the alley's entrance, trying to see what had terrified them.

Heavy footsteps echoed. A shadow emerged, a figure moving slowly, as if searching for something… or someone.

Arya stiffened. The figure was blurry, yet something about him felt off. Something filled with anger.

Little Nadia clutched her necklace tightly. Her breath was ragged, her face pale. She and little Arya remained hidden, holding their breath.

The figure drew closer, his footsteps heavy, burdened. He came to a stop.

Now, adult Arya could see him tall, his face faintly visible, but eerily indistinct.

He stood at the alley's entrance, staring blankly in the direction where the two children were hiding. The only sound left was the wind, howling stronger.

"Arya..."

The voice returned.

This time, it was deeper echoing from somewhere distant, detached from the scene unfolding before her.

Arya straightened, forcing herself to focus.

Suddenly, the man moved. He turned around, his steps light yet tense, heading straight for the place where little Arya and little Nadia were hiding.

"Arya, we have to go!" Little Nadia whispered frantically, tugging at little Arya's hand. Without hesitation, they bolted, trying to escape before the man could reach them.

Adult Arya could do nothing but watch, frozen in place. It felt as if he were trapped between the past and the present, unable to move.

Little Arya and little Nadia ran as fast as they could, their small feet pounding against the wet pavement. Behind them, the mysterious man gave chase, his presence looming closer with every step.

Pain suddenly shot through adult Arya's head. Her vision blurred. The world around her spun violently, and then,

He collapsed.

"Arya!"

"Arya... Wake up!"

The voice came again urgent, desperate. It wasn't little Nadia this time. It was… Nadia. The real Nadia.

Arya struggled to open her eyes, but,

"Don'tnnnnnnnn...!!!"

A scream piercing, terrified rang out. Little Nadia's voice.

Then, as if being pulled through an invisible force, Arya gasped and finally regained consciousness.

He found herself back in the classroom, slumped over the desk where she had been sitting with Nadia earlier. Around her, worried faces stared. Nadia. Sinta. Ridho. And several other classmates.

Nadia was kneeling beside her, concern written all over her face. Sinta hovered nearby, holding a small bottle of medicated oil. Ridho's brows were furrowed, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by unease.

"You suddenly fainted, Arya," Nadia said softly.

"Bro, are you sick again?" Ridho asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Sinta gently dabbed the cool oil onto Arya's forehead. But Arya barely reacted. She sat there, staring blankly at her friends, her mind still tangled in confusion.

Was that… a dream? Or was it something else? A hallucination?

But it felt real, too real. I could see it, Feel it. I was there.

Her pulse quickened. The memory of that alley, the blue necklace, little Nadia's desperate voice all of it lingered as if burned into her soul.

What the hell was happening?

Was this a forgotten memory trying to surface? A fragment of the past forcing its way back into her mind?

But if that were true…Why didn't Nadia remember any of it? Why was she the only one experiencing this?

The questions swirled in her mind, unanswered. But one thing was certain.

He needed to find out the truth.

***

That morning at school, Arya couldn't shake off the strange events he had experienced. Like a magnet, his mind was drawn to memories he didn't fully understand.

In class, he sat silently, staring at the desk in front of him…

Nadia.

Her figure suddenly flashed in his mind her bright face, warm smile, and the sound of her laughter that always had a way of calming him. There was something about her that made him feel connected, even though his memories were starting to blur.

"Arya, aren't you listening? Answer!"

Jaka's voice jolted him from his thoughts. Arya turned, seeing Jaka sitting with his arms crossed, an annoyed expression on his face.

"Huh? What?" Arya blinked, completely caught off guard.

Jaka raised an eyebrow. "I said, answer the question. You're smart, aren't you? Stop daydreaming."

Arya quickly nodded, pretending to focus, but his mind was already drifting again.

Outside the window, dark clouds began to gather, mirroring the unease in his chest. Unfinished memories. A hand reaching out, trying to tell him something. But what?

The school bell rang, signaling the start of the break. Arya returned to his seat, but his thoughts remained tangled.

"What's wrong with you, Arya?"

Nadia's voice startled him. He turned to see her sitting beside him, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"You've been acting strange. Why are you so quiet lately?"

Arya hesitated. Then, taking a deep breath, he decided to ask.

"Nadia… do you really not remember that alley? And the necklace you found in your desk drawer?" His voice wavered slightly.

Nadia frowned.

"I really don't remember, Arya. Why are you suddenly asking me this? Do you know something about that alley? About the necklace?"

Arya fell silent. He recalled what he had seen, what he had felt.

"Why doesn't she remember?" he muttered under his breath.

He clenched his fists. "That necklace… that alley… I feel like there are memories from our past tied to them. But I don't remember everything."

Nadia was quiet for a moment before shaking her head.

"The past? Arya, I swear, I don't remember anything."

Arya studied her face. There was something off. A strangeness that only made his unease grow.

Then, he made up his mind.

"I have to go there," he whispered to himself.

***

That night, Arya returned to the alley alone, this time with stronger determination. He had to know what really happened and what all these events meant.

Standing at the end of the alley, he felt the atmosphere shift. The scenery around him seemed different, almost surreal. In the middle of the deserted alley, he finally stopped. Near a graffiti-covered wall, a faint image of Nadia, just like in his memories began to appear.

A strange force surrounded him, as if the alley itself was calling out, trying to remind him of something lost in time.

"Why did we forget about this, Nadia?" Arya whispered, his voice barely audible, as if speaking both to himself and to the shadow of Nadia that lingered in the air.

This alley wasn't just an ordinary place. It held something deeper mysteries about them, pieces of a past that refused to stay buried. It was here that he kept experiencing visions that linked him to the past.

Then, his eyes caught something, a faint inscription on another wall, words that seemed to emerge just so he could read them.

"Erased memories can be triggered again by certain things. Memories that once existed will slowly resurface over time."

Arya read the message over and over again, trying to grasp its meaning. What did this writing mean? Was it a clue? A warning?

Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself. He was ready to uncover the buried memories, to understand what had truly happened between him and Nadia in the past.

There was no turning back.

"I will remember everything… and I will find the answer."