The morning sun cast a warm glow through the curtains, gently illuminating the room where Tenuk lay sound asleep. Iyaan stood by the bed, watching his friend with a mixture of fondness and concern. With a gentle shake, he tried to rouse Tenuk from his slumber, but instead found himself pulled down onto the bed as Tenuk grabbed his arms.

"Hey, wake up," Iyaan chuckled, trying to disentangle himself from Tenuk's grasp.

Tenuk's sleepy smile widened as he held onto Iyaan. "Quitting the job makes you this happy, is it?" he teased.

Iyaan sighed, looking down at the content expression on Tenuk's face. "Of course, boy," Tenuk replied, embracing Iyaan.

"Listen to me, Tenuk," Iyaan began, his tone more serious now.

"I'm listening," Tenuk nodded, though his eyes remained closed in sleep.

"No, you're in your own trance," Iyaan teased lightly, gently pushing Tenuk's hands away and pinning them down on either side of his head.

Tenuk opened his eyes, finding himself face to face with Iyaan. "Did I do something wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion.

"I want to say that, but no," Iyaan replied softly.

"Then what is it?" Tenuk inquired, his brow furrowing in concern.

"Your mother is visiting today," Iyaan revealed, watching Tenuk's reaction closely.

"Eh? What? Why?" Tenuk's eyes widened in surprise.

"You're the son, Tenuk. You should know," Iyaan replied, his tone gentle but firm.

"Probably to see if things are alright," Tenuk muttered, a hint of resignation in his voice.

"You don't seem quite happy with that," Iyaan observed, noting Tenuk's subdued demeanor.

"I'm good, Iyaan," Tenuk assured him, though his tone belied a hint of apprehension.

"You're so timid for someone physically so strong," Iyaan remarked, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Yeah, you keep running your mouth like that and we'll know just how timid I am," Tenuk retorted, though his smile betrayed his amusement.

"Whoa, whoa," Iyaan chuckled, sitting up and moving off the bed to kneel beside Tenuk. "Way to get violent."

"Not," Tenuk grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Whatever you prefer," Iyaan replied, shaking his head affectionately at his friend's antics.

***

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the living room where Tenuk sat, dressed in a formal black suit. Meanwhile, Iyaan bustled about in the kitchen, unpacking food and arranging dishes neatly on the dining table.

"Stop doing that," Iyaan chided gently as he turned to face Tenuk, noticing the nervous tapping of his legs.

"Yeah, no," Tenuk replied, his feet continuing to tap vigorously on the tiles.

Suddenly, the sound of the doorbell echoed through the house, prompting Tenuk to spring up from the couch and rush towards the door. With a quick adjustment of his tie, he swung the door open to reveal his mother standing on the doorstep.

"Mother," Tenuk greeted her, a mix of surprise and anticipation in his voice.

His mother, Hawani Megat, didn't waste any time in entering the house. She cast a brief glance at Tenuk before stepping inside, her presence commanding attention. As she removed her white heels and hung her coat on the rack, her demeanor exuded an air of authority.

Once settled on the couch, Hawani scanned the room with a critical eye, taking in every detail as if conducting an inspection. Her gaze then landed on Iyaan, who rose from his seat at the dining table and approached with a warm smile.

"Mother, what was so important for you to visit here?" Tenuk inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Can't I visit my son?" Hawani replied curtly, her tone hinting at her true intentions.

"Yes, you can," Tenuk responded, though there was a slight edge to his voice.

Hawani's name, a testament to her authority, hung in the air as she surveyed the room. Her eyes settled on Iyaan, and he rose from his seat, a polite smile gracing his lips as he approached her.

"Tenuk Megat. You are living in this scrawny little place with Iyaan Wan?" His mother's voice, sharp and scrutinizing, sliced through the air, causing Tenuk to flinch.

"...mom," Tenuk began, but he was swiftly interrupted.

"Mother. I have taught you that, right?" Hawani's tone was tinged with irritation as she corrected him, her expression expectant.

Tenuk nodded hurriedly, a sheepish look crossing his face as he moved closer to Iyaan. "I do live with Iyaan, mother," he affirmed, standing by his decision.

"I can see that very well, child. Iyaan Wan. How is Mistress Wan doing?" Hawani's attention shifted to Iyaan, her inquiry laced with concern.

"Ah, my mother is fine. She is still in the hospital though," Iyaan replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

"My condolences. And how about Mister Wan?" Hawani inquired further, her eyes flicking between the boys.

"Dad is fine too," Iyaan responded, offering a small smile to reassure her.

Hawani's gaze then wandered to the dining table, where the aroma of food wafted through the air. With graceful steps, she tiptoed towards the table, her movements elegant and deliberate. "Seems to me like food's ready," she observed, turning to address the boys.

"I'll serve. Have a seat, you both," she instructed, her tone firm yet gentle as she took charge of the situation.

"But mother—" Tenuk attempted to interject, only to be swiftly cut off by Hawani.

"Moms can serve their children food, darling. Have a seat," she insisted, her maternal authority leaving no room for argument.

Tenuk had always known his mother as a strict businesswoman, and her presence now invoked a sense of nostalgia mixed with apprehension. As Hawani lifted the lids and began to serve the food, Tenuk and Iyaan exchanged a quick glance before plastering smiles on their faces in an attempt to appease her.

Seated opposite the boys, Hawani joined them in their prayers before the meal. However, even after the prayers ended, Tenuk remained in a state of slight denial, grappling with the unfamiliarity of his mother's newfound caring demeanor.

After the stressful dinner, Iyaan let out a deep sigh, relieved to have it behind him. Tossing his plate into the sink, he turned to find Tenuk diligently washing the utensils, his mind seemingly elsewhere. Casting a quick glance at Hawani, who was engrossed in the television, they exchanged a silent acknowledgment before returning to their task at hand.

"She will be staying the night," Tenuk whispered to Iyaan, his voice barely audible over the hum of the television.

"I know," Iyaan nodded, his expression resigned. He had anticipated that Hawani wouldn't leave immediately after dinner. As Hawani settled in, making herself at home in their modest abode, Tenuk and Iyaan exchanged awkward glances before mustering the courage to approach her.

"Mother—" Tenuk began tentatively, his voice hesitant.

"Darling, it's time I go home now," Hawani announced, rising gracefully from the couch.

"What? You are leaving? It's dark outside," Tenuk protested, a hint of concern creeping into his voice.

"Tenuk Megat, you should know how capable your mother is," Hawani replied, her tone firm yet reassuring.

"I'm well aware, mother," Tenuk conceded, his voice tinged with a mixture of admiration and resignation.

"So I thought. Well then, I'll be off," she declared, retrieving her coat and bag. With practiced ease, she draped her coat over her shoulders and secured her hat on her head. As she approached Tenuk, he braced himself for her departure, but to his surprise, she enveloped him in a tight embrace.

Caught off guard by her gesture, Tenuk hesitated for a moment before tentatively returning the embrace. Just as he began to relax into the hug, Hawani released him and turned her attention to Iyaan. Without missing a beat, she pulled him into a warm embrace, patting his back affectionately.

As Hawani bid them farewell and left the house, Tenuk and Iyaan stood in stunned silence, processing the unexpected display of affection from Tenuk's mother.

*1318 words*