Riri immediately responded, trying to clarify Romo's thinking with a more practical approach. "Mo, religion is certainly important, but in economic reality, if there are no clear rules and no evenly distributed welfare, people tend to take shortcuts. They feel like they have no other choice. Difficult economic conditions often trap people in these moral dilemmas."
Marlon, who also felt the need to respond, spoke calmly but meaningfully. "Indeed, Mo, on paper, religious teachings are clear. But in reality, many people feel there's no way out of poverty and fierce competition. And that's the problem. When people feel that dishonest and cunning ways can bring quick results, they prefer that path over the longer, more difficult one."
Romo nodded, still trying to digest all the information before him. "I understand, but why does it seem like religion loses its influence in real life? Doesn't this show a significant gap between teachings and real-life practice?"
"Because they feel that religious teachings don't provide practical solutions to their problems, Mo," Riri answered firmly. "Maybe life isn't as simple as the teachings say. But that doesn't mean religious teachings aren't important; we just need to relate them to real issues."
Marlon added, "And as we discussed earlier, without clear rules from the state, without legal certainty and economic stability, people become more pressured. They end up looking for any way to survive, even if it means breaking religious and moral norms."
Romo looked at the three of them, finally beginning to understand the problem they were facing. "Maybe there are indeed many things that need fixing. And it's not just about law or economics, but also in how we understand and practice religious teachings in our everyday lives."
After a long conversation filled with thoughts and questions about the condition of the market, the next day, the atmosphere returned to normal. Marlon, Riri, and Romo continued their activities, helping Bu Siti sell as usual. It felt like any other day—the bustling life at the market with its noise and crowds. But something started to change.
At first, everything went smoothly. Bu Siti was very grateful, seeing her sales increasing thanks to their help. The number of buyers seemed higher than usual. Bu Siti's smile grew wider, despite her fatigue, as she felt satisfied seeing the results of her hard work.
However, the next day, rumors began to spread among the market vendors. Some were talking about how Bu Siti's stall had become the center of attention, busier than usual. "Look at Bu Siti's stall. How can her goods be selling so well? There's nothing different. It's just because those kids are helping her," a voice was heard from a vendor passing by their stall.
Riri and Marlon exchanged glances. They could sense something was starting to change. Bu Siti herself didn't pay much attention to the gossip, but the three of them knew that this sudden closeness between them and Bu Siti could spark jealousy among the other vendors.
"Is there something wrong if Bu Siti's goods are selling well?" Marlon asked quietly, more to himself. "Why do some people feel unhappy when others succeed?"
But things started to get worse. Amid the market's hustle and bustle, some of the market thugs who had only appeared occasionally began to harass them. Some of them approached the stall, pretending to want to buy something, but doing so in a rude manner, or asking strange questions. Bu Siti began to feel frightened as these thugs started to approach with more obvious intentions: to intimidate.
"Hey, you guys need to be careful when you sell here," one of the thugs said threateningly. "This place isn't for newcomers like you. There are rules in this market. Don't cause trouble."
Riri tried to stay calm. "We're just helping Bu Siti sell. If there's a problem, talk directly to Bu Siti."
But it seemed that the problem wasn't just physical. Some vendors began using darker methods. Bu Siti started to worry when she heard from some vendors that others were using supernatural means to ruin her stall's fortune. Some even suggested "protecting the stall" with unusual methods.
"Bu Siti, be careful. Some people say they've started using charms or other strange things to make your stall empty. They're afraid of your success," a female vendor close to Bu Siti warned her.
Romo, who overheard this conversation, immediately reminded her, "Don't be afraid, Bu. If they're using such methods, we'll face them the right way. Don't believe in things like that."
However, the supernatural element in the market wasn't new for many. Some vendors even considered it a part of life that had to be dealt with. Bu Siti shook her head, not wanting to believe in these things. "But Romo, what if they don't stop? I don't know what to do."
Riri comforted Bu Siti, "We'll stay here, Bu. Don't worry. We'll help with whatever we can."
But this problem didn't resolve quickly. The atmosphere in the market began to change. Every day, there was a new piece of gossip—about sabotage by fellow vendors, about the thugs continuing to harass them, and about mystical rumors circulating regarding the use of charm-sellers and amulets.
Marlon, speaking with seriousness, said, "This is what happens when there's injustice. It's not just about economics, but also about how people view success. Those who feel defeated start looking for quick ways to catch up, even if it means sacrificing honesty and morality."
Yet, despite knowing this was a problem they had to face, the atmosphere in the market—full of intense competition, thug harassment, and mystical speculation—caused the three of them to reflect. How could they maintain Bu Siti's business, and how could they solve the issues that had started to seep into every aspect of market life?
That evening, after the market began to quiet down and the vendors started to close their stalls, Bu Siti invited them back to her house. The journey to Bu Siti's house felt lighter, as if the burden they had been carrying was slightly lifted. Upon arriving, the atmosphere felt warmer, and Bu Siti immediately invited them to sit in the living room.
Bu Siti began the conversation with enthusiasm. "Kids, you need to start influencing the vendors you know at the market. Encourage them to bring their younger children to sell, encourage their younger relatives to learn the right way. Even if not everyone follows, at least some improvement will happen. We need more people who think like you, who don't just care about profit but also prioritize honesty and mutual respect."
Marlon, who usually leaned toward seriousness, now responded with a smile, though still looking a little tired. "That's true, Bu Siti. We'll keep trying to share this, even if not all the vendors will change right away. The important thing is that they start thinking about the impact of their actions. If we can gradually build better understanding, eventually they'll realize."
Riri, who understood more about economics, added, "Yes, Bu. Even if the change is slow, what matters is that change is happening. If everyone starts thinking about building better relationships with customers and other vendors, the market will become more prosperous. The more people sell in the right way and encourage the younger generation to join in, the change will surely be felt."
Romo, who had mostly been listening, now nodded while smiling. "Bu Siti is right. Sometimes, change starts with small steps, and we can be part of it. We must believe that what we do, even if it doesn't seem significant yet, will make an impact in the future. Every good deed, no matter how small, will bring blessings."
Marlon responded lightly, "We'll definitely do it, Bu Siti. And who knows, if more and more traders start changing the way they do things, this market could become an example for others."
That day, despite their conversation feeling long and filled with deep thoughts, there was a sense of optimism that had taken root. Even though they knew that big changes couldn't happen overnight, the small steps they had taken were already showing results. The traders, who had once only focused on quick profits, were beginning to see the importance of maintaining good relationships with one another, and more of them were opening up to selling in a more honest way.
On that quiet evening, with a warm cup of tea in her hands, Bu Siti leaned back in her chair, looking at the three of them, who had become like family to her. She knew that even though the road ahead was full of challenges, they would never walk alone.
The atmosphere at the market grew tenser over time. Despite some disturbances from traders who felt envious and tried to sabotage Bu Siti's stall in unfair ways, there were also those showing a different attitude. Amidst the fierce competition and sabotage efforts, a few traders began to adopt more positive approaches in their rivalry.
Next to Bu Siti's stall, there was a vendor who had just opened a small shop selling various foods. His name was Pak Joko. He was known for his friendly demeanor and often invited young people or his relatives to sell with him, just like Bu Siti, who was helped by Romo, Marlon, and Riri. Every time a customer passed by, he always greeted them with a smile, sometimes even engaging in light conversation.
"Come on, Pak, try this delicious fried rice. No need to go far to your house," said Pak Joko with a friendly tone to a passing customer.
Pak Joko didn't just sell his goods, but also taught his younger relatives how to interact with customers. "You guys need to understand, customers are not just there to buy goods, they need to be treated with care. If they feel appreciated, they'll definitely come back," he said, offering advice to his nephew who was helping.
Riri, who overheard the conversation, smiled. "There you go. See, Pak Joko is teaching something simple but very important. Success doesn't just come from selling a lot, but from building good relationships with customers. Maybe we should start teaching the same thing here at the market."
Marlon chimed in, "That's right. We need to be able to seize opportunities, but none of it will work if we don't have strong relationships with fellow traders and customers. Honesty in selling is what matters most."
Romo, who also overheard, nodded. "I agree. If we can maintain good relationships, both with fellow traders and customers, that's already part of religious teaching. In Islam, we're taught to always maintain ukhuwah, good relationships, with everyone, not just fellow Muslims, but with anyone."
On the other side of the market, there was a female vendor named Bu Ana, who, in recent weeks, had started inviting young people from the neighborhood to learn how to sell. Bu Ana always emphasized the importance of being friendly and respecting customers, hoping that they could develop their businesses in a proper and fair way.
"You need to understand, kids, if we maintain good relationships with customers, the blessings will come. Don't let the desire to get rich quickly make us lose their trust. That's far more valuable," Bu Ana said while smiling at the young people learning near her stall.
Seeing this, Bu Siti felt a bit relieved. Even though there were many traders using dishonest methods to achieve success, there were still others who cared about doing things the right way and were trying to share their knowledge with the younger generation.
"Thank you, Mo, Riri, Marlon, for teaching me so much. I've realized, not everything at this market is bad. There are still those who care about doing things the right way," said Bu Siti with a smile.
"That's true, Bu," replied Riri. "This market may be tough, but we can choose to continue trading in the right way. We mustn't fall into dishonest practices just because we're afraid of losing."
Marlon added, "We won't be able to change everything at once. But at least, if we can change one small thing, like maintaining good relationships, that's already a big impact."
Romo smiled wisely, "The important thing is that we keep trying to be better individuals, not just in the market, but in everyday life. Every good deed we do will bring blessings, even though sometimes it's not immediately visible."
As the market grew quieter, the three of them continued their work, helping Bu Siti organize her goods and interacting with other traders who chose the right path. Although challenges still remained, they felt a little lighter, knowing they were doing the right thing, even if it wasn't easy.
Over time, the atmosphere in the market started to shift. What was once a market full of sharp competition, where unfair methods were often used to gain profit, now felt somewhat different. Many traders began to follow Bu Siti's example, encouraging young people to learn how to sell, speaking kindly to customers, and maintaining good relationships with fellow traders.
These small steps started to make an impact. Customers, who once hesitated or preferred shopping at stalls considered "more successful" or "busier," now began to spread more evenly across various stalls, including Bu Siti's. There was a kind of atmosphere change that made the market feel warmer and more welcoming. The bargaining sounds, which were usually harsh and tense, now had a friendlier tone. Customers felt appreciated, and traders started showing a more open attitude toward one another.
The supernatural disturbances that once haunted Bu Siti's stall began to lessen. In the past, the night air in the market felt heavy and tense, filled with uneasy feelings lurking. But now, with more traders shifting to a friendlier and more positive approach, the sense of suspicion and tension began to ease. While there were still a few traders using old methods to gain profit, their numbers were dwindling.
Romo, who had previously felt a great deal of tension and even experienced unexplained physical pain, now felt a little relief. At first, he had felt a heavy pressure in this market, a burden that was bothersome both physically and mentally. However, when he saw more traders trying to sell in a good, friendly, and honest manner, little by little, that pressure started to disappear. Romo sensed a positive change, one that might not be fully visible yet, but was enough to offer hope.
His body, which had previously felt stiff and painful due to tension, now felt a little lighter. It wasn't completely healed, but there was a sense of peace beginning to replace the anxiety that once existed. "It turns out, change starts with small steps," Romo murmured softly.
The now friendlier atmosphere in the market also affected the three of them. Marlon and Riri, who had often felt pressured by the challenges in the market, now began to feel hope. There was a change, though small, that was enough to bring new energy. While they couldn't yet change the entire market, they knew they were moving in the right direction.
As they walked with Bu Siti to her stall to continue selling, Bu Siti also felt lighter. Her smile, which had once faded because of life's burdens and the intense market competition, now bloomed once more. "Alhamdulillah, Mo. Maybe this is what I needed—not just for my business, but for my heart too," said Bu Siti with a cheerier voice.
Romo nodded. "Sometimes, we really have to start with ourselves first, Bu. If we maintain goodness and try to share with others, it will come back to us, even though it might take time."
Marlon added with a faint smile, "That's right, Mo. We've started making small changes. Who knows, this could be the turning point, not just for the market, but for everyone here."
And although the market was still far from perfect, the small steps they had taken were starting to show results. The market's increasingly warm atmosphere, filled with good relationships among traders, and the reduction of the supernatural disturbances that once haunted, were proof that goodness can still prevail, even if slowly.
Amidst the changes starting to be felt, there was a worry that slowly crept into their minds. Everything they had done—helping Bu Siti and conducting research—started with good intentions, but over time, more and more obstacles emerged. From market thugs causing trouble, to supernatural elements affecting them, the calm they had hoped for was being disturbed. They began to feel that their good intentions could turn against them, not only for Bu Siti but for themselves as well.
Marlon sensed something strange. After several instances of physical disturbances, he began to think that this wasn't just about the market or business competition. There was another force at play, and not just in the form of direct threats. The actions they had taken seemed to be stirring up darker forces, things that couldn't be explained rationally.
One night, after dealing with increasingly disturbing disruptions, Marlon invited Riri and Romo to meet. They agreed to go to a familiar place, one that made them feel safe to talk: Pak Herman's house. Marlon felt that, although they didn't know for sure, maybe Pak Herman could offer them a different perspective or, at the very least, listen to their concerns.
At Pak Herman's house, they sat in the living room with a cup of warm tea in hand, but the atmosphere was far from comfortable. Pak Herman, noticing the worry on their faces, smiled faintly, though there was a hint of concern in his eyes. "What's wrong, kids? You all look worried."
Marlon started the conversation, trying to explain carefully, "Sir, we're starting to feel like something's off. Our original intention was just to help Bu Siti and conduct our research, but over time, it feels like there's been interference. Not just from the market thugs, but also... things that can't be explained by reason."
Riri, who is usually more rational, also began to speak, "We've also been noticing more and more things that don't make sense. Like unexpected physical disturbances, or even supernatural things that are starting to haunt us. We're confused. We're starting to feel like our good intentions are bringing disaster, and we've gotten caught up in a bigger problem."
Romo, who had mostly been listening and offering religious insights, now spoke with a more serious tone. "This isn't just about physical or supernatural things. It's about something bigger. When we intend to help, we sometimes forget that this world is full of energies we can't see. There are times when we may unintentionally draw the wrong kind of attention, and it could come back to us."
Pak Herman listened attentively, his eyes not as bright as usual, as if trying to process what they were saying. After a moment, he spoke in a gentle voice, "Sometimes, when we try to do good, we attract the attention of those who don't like change. Those who feel threatened will do anything to stop our efforts. But don't let that make you back down."
Marlon nodded, "But, sir, how can we know if we're on the right path? We feel like we're trapped in a situation that's getting harder, and there's no clear answer. The disturbances are getting worse, and we feel like we could become victims of all of this."
Pak Herman sighed deeply, then looked at each of them one by one. "Here's the thing, kids. What you're doing is valuable. It's not easy to change something that has been wrong for years. But, you need to be careful. This world is full of paradoxes. Sometimes, we fight for what's good, and end up attracting bad things. But that's not a reason to back down. If you believe your intentions are good, keep going, but make sure you have the right protection. Not just physical protection, but spiritual protection as well."
Romo added, "Nothing is easy in the struggle for goodness, kids. Religion teaches us that sometimes what we consider trials are actually processes to strengthen us. Don't hesitate to ask for protection and prayers, because the power of prayer can guide us through difficult paths."
Marlon paused for a moment, reflecting. "We'll continue, sir. But... what about the disturbances we're facing? What about the things we can't see, the ones that sometimes scare us?"
Pak Herman smiled wisely, "That's part of life's test, son. You'll discover who you really are through the challenges that come your way. There's no perfection, but you can learn from every obstacle. And for things that can't be seen, don't be afraid to seek help—whether it's from someone who knows more, or from a power greater than us."
Marlon nodded slowly, feeling a little more at ease, although there were still many questions lingering in his mind. That day, the three of them didn't get a definitive answer on how to deal with the disturbances they were facing, but at least they felt a little more directed. At least they knew that what they were doing wasn't without meaning, even though the path ahead was still full of mystery.
Pak Herman looked at them with full attention, then nodded slowly as if weighing what was best. After a moment of silence, he began speaking in a wise tone, "Here's the thing, kids. It seems like it's time for you to take a break for a while. There's nothing wrong with creating a bit of distance, especially from the situation you're facing. Maybe it's better if you tell Bu Siti not to come to the market for a few days. Let the atmosphere calm down a bit. Try to rest, after being directly involved with Bu Siti for over a week, these disturbances can affect you too. Your body and mind need time to reset."
Riri, who was usually very rational, responded in agreement, "Yeah, that might be true, sir. We got too caught up in trying to help Bu Siti, and forgot that we also need to take care of ourselves. Not just physically, but our minds need to stay strong to face all these disturbances."
Marlon nodded slowly, "That's right, Riri. And like Pak Herman said, we do need time to be alone and calm our thoughts. All of this has happened so quickly, and now we need a chance to think about the next steps without rushing."
Romo, who had been listening more, finally spoke, "I think that's a good step. There's no harm in creating some space for now. Sometimes, we need room to evaluate, to calm our hearts and minds. Let Bu Siti rest too, and we can try to better organize our steps going forward."
Pak Herman smiled wisely, "That's a wise decision. No need to rush. You've already done a lot of good things, but now it's time to calm down and see everything from a clearer perspective. After a few days, we'll see how things are and what you can do next."
Marlon sighed deeply, feeling somewhat relieved by the advice given. "Thank you, Pak Herman. We'll try to tell Bu Siti."
Riri also added, "We really do need a little time to think everything through. Maybe now is the right time to take a short break, for both our bodies and minds."