The other side was dark and only the light wall that spanned behind them gave out light. Betulee could hardly see anything as they moved forward and he began to speak. Toolong quickly palmed Betulee’s mouth, silencing him. They were not safe yet. Toolong pointed to something. There were black shapes in front of them, just a few feet away! They quickly skirted to the left along the light wall, creeping as quietly as possible, hoping that no one would spot the light they blocked.
The wall seemed to go on forever and they entered what seemed like a forest. Eventually, dawn broke and things started to take form. The forest around them was rather thin, and the trees were evenly spaced and of the same size. There was no undergrowth and the whole forest seemed unnatural. There was no wildlife in sight, only the sounds of insects.
Toolong led them on and on, following the light wall further and further. Unlike Mangkey who sat patiently on Toolong’s shoulder, Betulee could no longer take it. He felt exhausted and his muscles ached. He looked at Toolong and wondered how he could continue. His face was determined and his steps steady. Betulee needed a short break, just for a moment.
“Hold up,” Betulee called and slumped to the ground.
“Alright, a short break,” Toolong said. He planted his back against a tree and slid to the ground. “I’m exhausted.”
“Let me just close my eyes for a moment,” Betulee said. He shut his eyes and soon dozed off.
When he woke up, he found Mangkey sitting on his lap clutching a scrap of paper.
“I’ll be back shortly,” it read. Toolong was no where in sight although Toolong’s backpack was left beside Betulee. Betulee had no idea how long he had been asleep but he already felt refreshed. The suns rays seemed to come from the west, meaning he had slept for at least a few hours. Feeling hungry, he opened his backpack and took out some biscuits. He shared it with Mangkey who took the biscuit graciously. After eating his fill, he closed his eyes again and fell asleep.
When he awoke again, he was surrounded by darkness. Fear gripped him He whispered Toolong’s name but there was no reply. He could still feel Mangkey sitting on him. At least he was not alone. He called Mangkey’s name and the monkey chattered softly. Needing some comfort from the darkness, he reached out and cradled Mangkey to his chest. Mangkey responded by hugging him tightly. Betulee desperately wanted to light a torch but not knowing what attention he would attract, he did not dare. His tried to think about the place he was in, but his imagination was limited. He was unable to picture the new world he was in now. He wished Toolong would return soon. What had taken him so long? What if something had happened to him? Betulee desperately fought the urge to light a torch. Just a while longer and Toolong would return, he told himself. As fear coursed through him, He questioned his own stupidity and regretted his decision to explore the mist. It was all Toolong’s fault for dragging him along! And Langley’s fault too! He wondered what had happened to Langley. Probably caught by the black figures, maybe even dead. Betulee refused to admit that the same fate could be awaiting him.
Suddenly he heard soft footsteps. Mangkey chattered in delight and Betulee knew that Toolong had returned.
“What took you so long?” Betulee asked angrily.
“I got lost. Miscounted the steps. Had a good rest?” Toolong asked. “I’m exhausted.” He moved towards Betulee’s voice, felt around a bit and sat down beside him. Mangkey quickly jumped over and Toolong started petting him.
“What have you found?” Betulee asked.
“Nothing much.” Toolong answered.
“All that time and nothing much?” Betulee asked angrily. “Don’t you know I was waiting for you? How could you just take of like that without telling me?” He felt like he was about to burst.
“I’m sorry you needed a rest,” Toolong called back.
“I’m sorry I came with you!” Betulee said. He felt like crying and his voice felt like it was caught in his throat. There was a moment of silence.
“I’m sorry,” Toolong said softly. He reached over and gripped Betulee’s shoulder.
Betulee fought back his tears. “I’m sorry too,” he said.
“Thank you for coming with me,” Toolong said softly.
“Hey, not at all. I want to do this too,” Betulee said.
“Allright, I need some rest now,” Toolong said. “Don’t go exploring in case you get lost!”
Betulee could only smile as Toolong quickly dozed off. He was glad that his friend had returned safely.
