This story begins with a poor mother trapped in poverty and despair who is willing to give her soul to a supernatural figure in order to save her life . their children from starvation , but is the price paid worth what is gained ?!!.
This is the story of Sumiyati, a mother who made a forbidden agreement with Buto Ijo and the final sacrifice that changed everything , Sumiyati stood at the threshold of her house that was starting to become fragile, the night wind blew softly carrying the scent of rain that was stuck at the edge of the sky , her eyes were puffy, her eyelids swollen from the tears that never stopped . S e n this morning her husband Rahmat's body was lying Stiff in the living room covered in a shabby batik cloth that still smelled of earth , soft cries were heard from the corner of the room. Roni, his eldest son, who was only 15 years old, sat kneeling near his father's body . Her face was full of tears mixed with sweat , Ayu, her 12-year-old sister, sat hugging her body that was shivering with fear on Sumiyati's lap while Wati, who was only 4 years old, fell asleep weakly, her breath gasping due to the fever that had not subsided since last night. " Mom, Dad, why don't you wake up? " Ayu asked in a trembling voice. Sumiyati bit her lip to hold back the sobs that wanted to burst out . She took a deep breath, trying to find strength amidst the blow of such a cruel reality. Her husband died suddenly from an illness that could not be explained by the doctor .
A week ago Rahmat started complaining of chest pain and difficulty breathing. Last night his body suddenly started shivering violently before he finally fell and didn't get up again. " Mom ," said Roni . " Father is no longer here, what should we do now ? " That question It slapped Sumiyati's heart, she knew that without Rahma their life would be even more difficult , Rahmat had been the backbone of the family since they got married . Rahmat worked odd jobs to meet their living needs , now the burden was on the shoulders of his own son Roni . Sumiyati rubbed her eldest son's head with trembling hands " Mom doesn't know , son ", Roni lowered his eyes, his eyes gleaming with anger and fear clashing in his heart .
Days after the funeral , Sumiyati's life became more difficult . Sumiyati started working as a washerwoman . in the neighbors' houses but the wages were not enough for food and the school needs of his children . Roni who was still a junior high school student began to think about quitting school to help Sumiyati earn a living " Mom, I can't see you tired, I just want to work " said Roni , one night when they were eating rice and salt on the cold floor of their house " No Roni, you have to keep going to school, mom can still earn money " Roni shook his head " Mom can't take care of everything alone forever , I want to help you " .
Sumiyati looked at the child's face his eldest with a heavy heart Roni is too young to carry this burden , but what can he do circumstances force them to survive by any means . The problem became more serious when Wati started to get seriously ill. Wati's small body became thinner, her eyes were sunken and her breathing was labored . Every night Sumiyati tried to take her to the health center, but the doctor said that Wati needed to be treated in hospital because her condition was critical and the cost of treatment was very high . Something that impossible to reach by Sumiyati , " Mom… " Wati's voice was soft as her body began to shiver in the middle of the night. " It hurts, Mom… " Sumiyati hugged Wati's hot body, her tears dripping down her pale cheeks . " Be patient, Mom, I'm here . "
In the midst of that despair that night a mysterious old woman came to Sumiyati's house. The woman was wearing a black cloth with a head covering that covered part of her face. Her face was pale and full of wrinkles but her eyes were sharp as she stared at Sumiyati, " Are you in big trouble?" Voice The old woman was hoarse and cold. Sumiyati was stunned standing in the doorway while hugging Wati who was limp on her lap. " Who are you ? " Asked her sister . " I can help you " said the old woman, walking slowly into the house. " I know what you are going through , I know how desperate you are and I can cure your child and help give you wealth, but you have to do one thing. " Sumiyati was silent, her heart was beating fast. " What should I do?! " asked Sumiyati.
woman smiled thinly showing her yellow teeth " You must marry Buto Ijo ", Sumiyati's eyes widened and her breath caught " Buto Ijo ", the old woman answered " Yes Buto Ijo will give you wealth and safety for your children but of course you know there is a price to pay ". Sumiyati took a step back while saying " impossible, I can't " , the old woman stepped closer, her cold voice pierced Sumiyati's ear while whispering " think about it, Wati can recover, Roni doesn't have to drop out of school and you don't have to starve anymore " Sumiyati looked at Wati's pale face, her body was weak and her breath was getting shorter, tears began to pool in her eyes then Sumiyati asked " what should I do? " and the old woman answered " you have 3 days to decide ".
woman turned around and walked slowly towards the door while saying, " I will wait for you in the old forest, near the big rock under the banyan tree and don't be late ." Sumiyati watched the woman leave, her body shaking violently. She hugged Wati even tighter, feeling her child's body starting to feel cold. When the night got late, Sumiyati sat on the edge of the bed, looking at Wati's face as she lay weakly, " Mother is sick , I'm scared, " Wati whispered softly. Sumiyati heard those words while biting her lip to hold back the tears that were about to burst out. her hand gently stroked Wati's head in her heart Sumiyati knew that this choice was the last resort " but do I really have to give up my life to save my children ?" The old woman's voice rang in her ears " Buto Ijo is waiting and your time is almost up ", Sumiyati closed her eyes, her tears fell slowly, she knew her decision would change their lives forever, would Sumiyati choose to accept the offer to save her children, would Sumiyati surrendered himself to Buto Ijo !!!
Light rain wet the path leading to the old forest at the end of the village. The cloudy sky was seen hanging heavily as if enveloping the earth with deep sadness . Sumiyati walked slowly among the dark trees, her body wrapped in a shabby cloth, her face pale and his eyes were glazed, and his heart was in great turmoil . Since the old woman came, he couldn't stop thinking about the offer, was this a sin , was this the right path, but every time doubt clouded his mind, the image of Wati's weak face on the bed continued to haunt him, the gasping breath of his youngest child seemed to be calling him to immediately make a decision " I have no other choice, " he muttered softly . He arrived at a large rock under a towering banyan tree . the tall branches swayed slowly in the night wind creating a terrifying creaking sound , from behind the shadow of the tree the mysterious old woman appeared " you came " her voice was soft as if blending with the darkness , Sumiyati swallowed " I ... I ... want to know more about the agreement, " the old woman approached, her eyes staring at Sumiyati sharply. " If you agree, follow me, " she said briefly . Sumiyati was trembling , but her legs, heavy with doubt, kept following the old woman into the increasingly dark forest . After penetrating The towering bushes and old trees made it difficult for them to arrive at the mouth of a large cave .
Air gushed from inside the cave, carrying the scent of wet earth that pierced the nose. Dim light danced on the cave walls, glowing faintly as if something was moving inside. " Wait here, " said the old woman . The old woman went deeper into the cave. Her voice was heard faintly, speaking in a language that Sumiyati did not understand. Suddenly the atmosphere became quiet, then the sound of heavy footsteps was heard. from inside the cave . Sumiyati held her breath suddenly a large figure began to appear from the darkness , a tall, large body with mossy green skin, his eyes glowing red like a kang embers and long tangled hair hanging down to the ground, the figure was Buto Ijo . " You who want wealth ? " The voice of Buto Ijo thundered, making Sumiyati's chest tremble violently . Sumiyati tried to calm herself down, " I... "I just want my child to get well , I don't need luxury, just the safety of my children, " said Sumiyati. Buto Ijo grinned, showing his big black teeth . easy , but there is a price you have to pay, " said Buto Ijo, " What should I do ? " Sumiyati's voice was barely audible " you have to be my wife " the voice of Buto Ijo shaking as if shaking the cave walls , those words made Sumiyati's heart stop beating " be your wife ?! ". " Yes , you will live in luxury, your children will be healthy and safe, " he said, but Buto Ijo looked at Sumiyati with a frightening glare. " I will take the most valuable thing from you if you break the agreement ." Sumiyati was shaking . " What is the most valuable thing ? " Sumiyati answered.