Prologue

After traveling 18 kilometers, we arrived at the slopes of Merapi. Jack parked his motorcycle in front of a shop. Without hesitation, his hand took me, inviting me to enter the shop.

"Let's eat first, honey," he said.

I looked into his eyes. This time, I saw him in a different light than before.

I think Jack is fine, not what I thought the other day. He's also gentle, especially in treating me as a woman.

"Ah, I finally got to ask you out," Jack said, jokingly. I smiled shyly.

A waiter came to ask what menu we would order.

"Beef steak and a glass of lemon tea!" we exclaimed together. We laughed, the servant girl was no exception.

"Can be compact, yes! That means we are of one heart," said Jack, pinching my nose.

"Jack, watch yourself! We are not in a closed room where it is possible for us to do anything without anyone knowing."

"All right, we'll be there later."

My eyes widened. "Where?"

"You said earlier, to a closed place that allows us to do anything without anyone knowing."

I punched Jack's strong arm.

"How, willing?"

"Jack ... ah, you are so naughty."

"If I'm not naughty, I must be able to ask you out, without your husband knowing."

I was speechless hearing the word 'your husband'. In my heart, a thousand regrets were created as well as a prayer asking for forgiveness from God for all my deeds.

But, this is all already done. The man in front of me had managed to get me out even though in a limited time. I've been out of the house that has been my golden cage for 20 years.

"Jack, what we're doing is wrong. You're married while I'm already married. Why don't we just stick to the normal friendship zone?"

"But I've been in love with you since we first met."

             I took a short breath. The man in front of me reached out, grasped me tightly. I felt warmth flowing through his two large palms.

The waitress came back with the tray of food and drinks we ordered. Jack didn't grab his hand even though I asked him to.

"Are you embarrassed? Ashamed to be with me?"

I shook my head. "No, Jack. Quite the opposite. You are the first man to treat me like a girl and are willing to wait for my love in return for years."

"We should get married."

"And we should have met twenty years earlier so that there would only be you and me before my husband.”

I saw Jack's eyes sparkle. He's not as rude as I thought he was. And from those eyes I found a light of love that was so beautiful.

"Let's eat first, honey. Afterward, then we'll see the bunker."

"What's a bunker? I've never seen one in my life."

"Later you will find out for yourself."

Jack started his first mouthful of me.

"Jack, people see," I whispered.

"Let it go. They must also have felt loved and loved by their chosen one."

"You are very romantic."

"And hot, for sure."

Jack chuckled. I pinched his arm spoiled.

After eating, we walked to the bunker that Jack had meant. I was flabbergasted with amazement and sadness.

As it turned out, the bunker Jack meant was a place made of thick concrete, located a few kilometers from the top of Mount Merapi. The bunker was built by the Indonesian government with the intention of bringing refugees in when the volcano erupted.

"It's so dark, Jack," I said, shivering with horror.

Jack embraced me. My height which is only limited to his shoulders sank into his arms.

"Are you scared?"

I nodded. Jack increasingly tightened his arms.

"None of the refugees who entered here survived the eruption of Mount Merapi. This bunker is leaking. Lava and hot clouds can easily enter and roast people, including those trying to hide in the bathtub," he explained.

I shudder. "Poor them, Jack. I can't imagine how painful it would be when death came for it."

"Everything has become destiny."

I burst into tears. "Let's go, Jack. I can't stand it anymore."

Jack carried me out. It's quite hot outside. She puts on the gray scarf that was wrapped around her neck which is sturdy to my head.

"Wear this, beautiful ...."

"You?"

"I'm wearing this hat, look! Am I handsome?"

I smile. "You are handsome, Jack." I thought.

Jack took several photos of me in various poses, but he was reluctant to be photographed himself.

"Why?"

"My face is too expensive to immortalize in a portrait."

***

We met three years ago, under circumstances and conditions that I do not understand. He comes from a world that I cannot see with my eyes, and I can only feel with my heart. Jack is the most perfect man I've ever met. But alas, I found her in my helplessness as the wife of a loser like Kevin.

Yes, Kevin. He is the second person I hate the most after my father who left my mother for another woman. Since becoming his wife, I received all physical and spiritual torture. He has eaten away the happiness as well as the material that I have worked so hard to build with my strength.

Jack is like a god of help. He came on a lonely night that made me languish. He gave me love and treatment like a woman. I loved him from the first time his lips touched mine. Ah, maybe this feeling is wrong, but please, God, don't let this peace pass from me.

As for Kevin, and the fetus in my womb, well, I'll explain later to them that I don't like this marriage. I just want Jack, complete with all the proof of his love.

Maybe I'll leave Kevin, later, when the time is right. I will file for divorce and choose to marry Jack, even though I have to leave my mortal world and unite with Jack in the underworld.

"Are you ready?" asked Jack trying to reassure me. I nodded firmly.

“Wherever you go, I will go with you,” I replied.

Jack touched me again and again, with his mighty kiss full of deadly poison.

"You know what, Jack? My heart died for Kevin, and you brought him back to life."