Chapter 153: The Mother Arrives

Dusk had long faded, turning into night. The faint sound of the Isya call to prayer echoed just as I stepped out of the car.

“Are you sure you don’t want us to accompany you inside?” Dara asked, her voice sounding anxious as it broke the silence of the night.

I stopped my steps for a moment and turned toward the still-open car window. “No need. I just want to be alone for a while.”

Tomi sighed, clearly disagreeing with my decision. “This house feels too big for you to live in alone in a situation like this, Frel. At least let us make sure the living room lights are on.”

“I’m already used to the darkness, Tomi. You don’t need to worry,” I replied softly but firmly.

I then swept my gaze across every corner of the front yard. Everything felt silent.

Even though disappointment struck my chest, I still took the key and slowly opened the front door. The creaking sound immediately greeted my hearing. That sound reminded me of a few days ago, when I complained to Grandpa that it was very disturbing and annoying.

At that time, Grandpa only replied that the matter was easy to solve. Just apply cooking oil or lubricant, and it would be done. But look now. The creaking was still there. Grandpa really was stubborn.

I blinked, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled to calm myself. I turned toward the door before Dara, Tomi, and Kenn stepped into the house.

“You can go home now,” I said again, reaffirming my initial wish.

“But, Frel—” Dara tried to interrupt.

“I’m fine,” I cut in quickly before she could finish her sentence. I lowered my gaze, trying to strengthen my heart that had become fragile again. “You need rest, and so do I. Please, let me be at peace tonight."

“Are you really okay?” Tomi asked to make sure while holding both of my shoulders.

“I’m okay. I just need rest,” I replied after looking up at Tomi while giving a faint smile to reassure him.

“Alright, we’re going home now. If there’s anything or you need someone to talk to, you can contact us,” Tomi added, which was met with an enthusiastic nod from Dara.

“Of course,” I replied while nodding and smiling once again.

After seeing Dara and Tomi off, I turned to look at Kenn, who was still standing there. “Why aren’t you going home?”

“Because I know you’re not in a good condition.”

I snorted harshly. “Kenn, I really—”

My words stopped instantly. I saw someone whose presence I had never expected walking toward us.

Kenn turned around when he realized my gaze had sharpened. He then stood protectively beside me as the woman stopped right in front of me.

“What do you want coming here?” I asked flatly.

"I want to pick you up," she said with a trembling voice.

I clenched my fists tightly. I was still trying to stay calm even though it felt like the blood in my body was starting to boil.

"Who are you?" I asked coldly, staring at him without blinking.

The woman looked flustered and moistened her dry lips. “I am your mother, the one who gave birth to you into this world.” She let out a long breath. “I know I was wrong. But please, don’t judge me one-sidedly. I have strong reasons for everything I did.”

My mouth opened slightly. I shook my head in disbelief at her words.

“I want us to talk.” She squeezed her fingers together, showing clear anxiety on her face. “May I come in?”

I remained frozen in silence. But unexpectedly, Kenn suddenly stepped aside to let the woman pass.

"Kenn, what are you doing? Why are you letting him in?"

"I'm sorry, but you need to talk. I will stay here, waiting for you outside," Kenn whispered softly before walking away.

I groaned in frustration. Even though I was disappointed with Kenn’s action, I still walked inside. I just wanted to end all this mess as soon as possible.

I approached Claretta, who was now sitting on the living room sofa. I chose to stop and stand while leaning against the wall, keeping a distance of about two meters from her. She looked at me with an expression full of sadness.

I folded my arms across my chest. “Are you going to stay silent without saying anything?” I asked after silence had enveloped us for a while.

“First of all, I offer my condolences for the passing of—”

“Can you get straight to the point, ma’am?” I cut in, this time with a strongly emphasized tone.

She immediately closed her eyes, lowered her head, and wiped something from her cheek. Maybe she was crying, but I didn’t care.

“I was wrong, Frel. Mom was wrong. But please, don’t be this harsh.”

Even though a spark of guilt slipped into the depths of my heart, I immediately brushed it aside. My face remained flat as she began to look up at me.

“All this time, I have always watched over you. Even through intermediaries, I never missed a single moment of your growth.”

“Is that so?” I swallowed hard, my throat feeling tight. “Do you think that was the best for me?”

“Maybe yes, maybe no. I felt it was the best, but I’m sure you would answer otherwise. But at least, give me a chance to make up for everything now," he concluded in a pleading tone.

"Make up for it? Do you think all this time and these wounds can be paid for by your sudden presence?" I asked bluntly, making Claretta lower her head again in silence.

...................................