Anisa opened the front door early that morning after hearing the doorbell ring repeatedly. Standing outside were her mother-in-law (Zayan's mother) , and his elder sister. For a brief second, Anisa froze. š
She had planned to go to the studio later in the afternoon and had not expected visitors so early. As a result, she stood there with sleepy eyes, her hair loosely tied, still dressed in her nightwear.
Gathering herself, she greeted them politely and invited them inside. Zayan's mother slowly scanned Anisa from head to toe, her gaze sharp and observant. The sister did the same, her expression unmistakably judgmental, before finally breaking the silence. šš
"I really wonder how my brother managed to live with her back then," she said aloud to their mother. "Just look at her, this is the time she wakes up."
So her sharp tongue hasn't changed at all, Anisa thought quietly, keeping her expression neutral.
"That's enough," Zayan's mother interrupted calmly. "It must be her day off today." š£
Anisa was surprised by the gentle tone in her mother-in-law's voice. The sudden change in her behavior felt unfamiliar, almost unsettling. Still, Anisa found herself liking this softer side, even if she wasn't entirely convinced it was genuine.
She then led them to the room she had prepared for them, showing where everything was kept. While Zayan's mother observed quietly, the sister continued to find faults in everything.
"No hot water shower? No air conditioning? Not even fresh milk?" she complained endlessly. š
Despite it all, Anisa responded with patience, addressing her respectfully and explaining each limitation calmly. Zayan's mother, on the other hand, spoke to Anisa with unusual affection, so much so that at times it felt rehearsed, almost artificial.
Anisa sensed that this peace was fragile. Whatever lay ahead, she knew one thing for certain, she would have to face it with strength, no matter what came next. š