One evening, after finishing all her duties for the day, Anisa finally returned home, exhaustion clinging to her shoulders. She had barely placed her bag aside when her phone suddenly rang, breaking the silence of the room. The name glowing on the screen made her pause —"Mom (Zayan)". Her eyebrows knitted together in confusion. Why is she calling me? Anisa wondered. 🙄
After all, Zayan's mother had never shown her kindness, let alone reached out willingly.
Taking a slow breath, Anisa answered the call.
"Daughter… Anisa…" 🤗
The sorrowful, trembling voice on the other end instantly tightened Anisa's chest. Her eyes widened in alarm. Did something happen to her? Did she fall or hurt herself? a thousand thoughts rushed through her mind. Yet, masking her worry, Anisa responded gently, keeping her voice calm and respectful.
As the conversation unfolded, the reason for the call became painfully clear. Zayan's mother explained that she and her daughter were unable to pay the house rent. The landlord had given them a final warning, by the next day, they were to vacate the house and take their belongings with them. 🔊
Desperation had pushed her to do the unthinkable: call Anisa, the very person she had treated with open hostility for so long.
Swallowing her emotions, Anisa listened quietly as Zayan's mother hesitantly asked whether they could come and stay at Anisa's house for some time. There was shame in her voice, mixed with fear and helplessness.
After a moment of silence, Anisa made her decision. She calmly gave her home address and told her to come the following day. Ending the call, Anisa sat still, staring into nothingness. Life, she realized, was truly strange, how fate could bend pride, reverse roles, and bring people together in the most unexpected ways. 🌊