MAMA MY HOME

It was noon, but the sky outside seemed unsure of itself — a soft gray haze covering the sun, making the world look quiet and a little shy. Inside the house, however, light spilled into every corner, warm and steady, painting the walls with a golden glow. The house felt alive in a way that nothing outside could match. Ayan sat cross-legged on the floor, a book open in her hands. She read softly, her voice gentle, almost like a lullaby. Hanuel sat close beside her, eyes fixed on the words, leaning forward as if the story itself could pull her in. After a long moment, Hanuel looked up, tilting her head curiously. Hanuel: “And… what does that mean? The part you just read?” Ayan paused, biting her lip thoughtfully, her eyes tracing the words on the page. Ayan: “I don’t really know… but maybe it means that light — or happiness — isn’t just about the world outside. It’s about what you feel inside. Like… even if things seem dark, you can still find light if you believe it’s there. Or… it’s kind of like motivation. Something that keeps you going when everything feels heavy.” Hanuel’s lips curved into a small, amused smile. Hanuel: “Wow… scholars would be proud. You always find a way to give meaning to everything.” Ayan chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling. Ayan (grinning): “See who’s talking! You’re one of the smartest people I know. Don’t pretend like you don’t overthink every little thing.” They both laughed, and for a moment, the room felt like it belonged only to them — the quiet, the soft light, and the warmth of their friendship. Suddenly, Hanuel’s phone buzzed on the floor. She grabbed it immediately, glancing at the screen. Hanuel: “Hello? Mom?” Mom (through the phone): “Hi, my baby! How are you?” Hanuel: “I’m good, Mom. And you?” Mom: “I’m fine, alhamdulillah. How are your studies… and how’s Ayan?” Hanuel’s eyes flicked at Ayan, who gave her a small reassuring smile. Hanuel: “Ayan’s good, Mom. And we’re surviving the studies. Actually, me and Ayan are graduating next week. Just one more week, and we’ll officially be graduates.” There was a pause, and Hanuel could hear the smile in her mother’s voice. Mom: “Yes, my girls! My babies — officially the latest graduates in town! Mashallah, I’m so proud of you.” Hanuel (grinning nervously): “Thanks, Mom… it feels like time is moving too slowly. I just want to graduate already. My head hurts from all these exams.” Mom: “You’re almost there, my baby. One week is nothing. Just make sure you girls don’t have to sit any of them again.” Hanuel: “Exactly! That’s why Ayan and I have been reading non-stop. Night and day, trying to memorize everything. We pray God helps us.” Mom: “Allah will guide you, my baby… and my future daughter-in-law.” Hanuel froze, her eyes widening. Hanuel: “Wait—what? Mom! Are you serious? Did Ayan or my brother tell you? Mom, stopppp!” Ayan leaned closer, her face flushed just slightly, and whispered softly. Ayan (whispering): “Leave her alone. She’s just playing, I think.” Hanuel bit back a laugh, half embarrassed, half amused by the conversation. Mom (still through the phone, laughing): “No, really… I just want Ayan to be part of this family. She’s so good to me, and such a kind girl. I would love for her to be my daughter-in-law.” Hanuel couldn’t help but laugh nervously, rubbing her forehead. Hanuel: “Okay, Mom. Goodnight before we talk ourselves into trouble.” The call ended, and the room fell back into the soft quiet of noon. Ayan shifted closer, her voice barely above a whisper. Ayan: “You know… your mom was just teasing. She probably didn’t mean it seriously.” Hanuel: “No… she wasn’t. I could hear it. Mom really likes you. She actually wants you for Euntak.” Hanuel leaned closer, her tone softer, serious now, eyes searching Ayan’s. Hanuel: “Babe… let’s be honest here. Could you… ever… date my brother?” Ayan’s heart skipped a beat. Her eyes widened as the words hung in the air, and for a moment, the soft light of the room seemed to fade, leaving only the thrum of their hearts and the unspoken possibilities between them.