Page 15 - Wabah (KUMPULAN CERPEN)

that literature need not be relevant to social life, such works
nonetheless reflect trends and phenomena that are evident
in everyday life. Such reflection may be critical, or it may
be dialectic. On the one hand, authors may write works to
shape reality; on the other hand, authors may creatively
reflect on their everyday experiences and observation. Works
of literature, thus, exist on the threshold of the dialogue
between authors’ experiences and reflections.
This anthology of short stories recognises that the
spectre of the pandemic has haunted humanity in the 21st
century. It is expected that life will continue to be trans-
formed for months, and perhaps even for years, and this
will fundamentally affect the human experience. Everyday
routines have been turned on their head. The existing order
has been challenged; for some, security feels like a distant
dream, while others who were ‘nobodies’ in the past have
gained prominence and power. Such a change may not
have occurred, or even been sought, had the pandemic
not occurred, and these changes (though driven by the
situation) have wrought anxiety, anger, and sorrow, and
even drawn protests.
The short stories in this anthology depict the everyday
lives of people who must persevere in trying times. Some
authors take a relaxed approach, seeing this “episode” as
nothing out of the ordinary. Others view it seriously, under-
standing it as a tragedy that has caused naught but difficulty.
Still others see the pandemic through the eyes of those who
have sought to persevere even as they are subjugated by an

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