Dwi Ratih Ramadhany, translated by Linda Lingard
Published as a part of Diverse Indonesia: Next Generation, Jan 16, 2016
First published in Pemilin Kematian as Biaju Direngkuh Rengas Sungai Kahayan.
If she had to choose, Biaju wished to die in the embrace of the rengas tree that was the cause of her grief. Now her heart was frozen, the son whom she loved with all her heart had returned home lifeless. She shut the doors and windows of her house, leaving a gap for the air to carry her bitter cries to the ears of those who had not shut their eyes. She wailed and howled loudly, till the night was drowned in her tears.
Read the full story here.
