Chapter 33.5 – How We Got Together (Part 19)

Nighttime – Natalie’s House, Kitchen & Living Room

The stars are peeking out through the Arizona sky, and inside our house, the warm light of the dining room glows like the coziest memory.

Mom’s already bustling around like she’s hosting a world summit of food diplomacy.

Then—

“HEYY NAAAT~!!!”

Luna and Marina burst through the front door with energy only matched by cartoon sound effects.
I laugh. “Hey girls~!”

Marina’s already dropping her bag and diving into the hallway like she lives here.

“Girl—guess what?! Alex was jumping around your dad’s truck like a monkey again! He was literally climbing the trunk like some jungle gym!”

Luna nods furiously, tossing her shoes off.

“Yup! I saw it too when I was waiting for Marina! He did this weird ninja flip and almost knocked over the cooler.”

“Oh no…” I sigh, hand on my face.

Marina grips my shoulder like we’re in a telenovela.

“Don’t worry. The moment I said, ‘Nat’s watching,’ Alex froze like a deer in headlights. And then everyone started laughing.”

Geez… that idiot.

“Looks like Alex is on your leash, huh?” Marina smirks.

“Don’t say it like that!!” I flail.

Right then, Phylis waltzes in like a sitcom cameo, towel over her shoulder, hair tied up.

“Well, well, well~ Looks like we got a whole party here. Nice meeting y’all!”

Marina and Luna wave enthusiastically.

“Hey, Phylis!”

I nudge her. “Wanna join us tonight?”

She raises a brow.

“Sure… but y’all ain’t ready for what I bring to a girl’s night.”

“...Huh. What’s that supposed to mean?” I eye her suspiciously.

She just laughs like she’s plotting something.

Meanwhile, the dinner table becomes a battleground of cultures and flavor.

Mom went full MasterChef mode:

Even if I don’t like soda…
Alex drinks them like it’s holy water.

Then the guests add their flair:

✨ Luna brings:

✨ Marina drops in with a Malaysian feast:

“These are my childhood snacks!” she says proudly.

✨ Jennifer finally arrives in her Southern belle glory:

“Y’ALL, I’M SO DANG EXCITED!! We’re havin’ a big ol’ spread tonight! My taste buds are doin’ the Texas two-step just thinkin’ about it!”

She brings:

Even Alex’s mom joined in from afar, sending over a thermos of homemade teh tarik (Malaysian pulled tea) that’s still warm. The froth is perfect.

Mom claps her hands.

“Welcome, everyone! I’ll take care of the table—we’re about to have an international FEAST tonight!”

Phylis is already drooling.

“Omg… I am SO hungry right now I could eat the tablecloth.”

We all laugh.

We join hands and say a short prayer together.

Then…

We dig in.

Marina and Luna immediately go for the curry puffs.

“Mmm!!” Luna beams. “This is so good! It’s like a little pastry explosion!”

I bite into it—

And immediately feel like I licked the sun.

“TOO HOT!! 😖”

Jennifer fans me with a napkin.

“Aww shucks, Nat! It ain’t that hot, sugar! Even Luna and Marina could handle it—and they’re just a couple o’ sweet little things! Shoot, even your big sister Phylis could eat that and still have room for peach cobbler! So come on and give it another try, darlin’!”

“Mmmph… I think my tongue just filed for early retirement…”

Marina laughs.

“This is a classic Indian-inspired snack! It’s a big hit back home in Malaysia—spicy but super snackable.”

Jennifer points at her.

“Girl, you and me? We’re on the same wavelength. Same vibes, same love for food. We’re like soul sisters, y’all!”

“Soul sisters, huh?” Marina smirks. “You’re alright, Texas.”

“You too, Malaysia.”

They fist-bump over curry puffs.

Tonight… feels like magic.

No drama. No schoolwork. No scary futures.

Just the girls, gathered at my house.
The warmth of the food.
The laughter.
The clatter of plates and clinking of cocoa mugs.

And the distant sound of Alex and Faiz yelling outside about catching a fish bigger than the house.

Yeah.

This is one of those moments you lock away forever.

A memory wrapped in spice, laughter, and the scent of homemade stew.

The table is practically groaning under the weight of our international buffet. It smells like the United Nations had a potluck—and everyone actually brought their A-game.

Plates are half-empty.
Cups are full of lemonade, tea, or cocoa.
Laughter bounces off the kitchen walls.

I’m still nursing my tongue after taking on that spicy curry puff, when Marina leans toward me with that mischievous glint in her eyes.

“You know what happened earlier?” she says with a smirk. “When I was carrying the food over, Alex and Faiz saw the mee goreng and lost their MINDS.”

She does her best impression of Alex and Faiz:

“‘HEY!!! THAT’S MEE GORENG!!!’”

“‘BRO!! LEMME HAVE SOME!! I CAN SMELL THE FRIED SHALLOTS FROM HERE!!’”

Then Marina throws her arms up in mock panic, mimicking Alex:

“MONKEY MODE ACTIVATED!! He literally started jumping around like some anime character sniffing a bento box!!”

I nearly choke on my cocoa.

“Wait… is he really that obsessed with mee goreng?”

“Apparently!” Marina laughs. “His mom told me he’s not picky at all. He eats everything. She called him a vacuum cleaner. Even if the food tastes like a car tire, he’d still eat it without complaining.”

Luna blinks, impressed.

“That’s kind of amazing. And scary.”

“Are you sure?” I ask, half-joking, half-worried for my kitchen’s safety.

“Girl. Dead sure. I’ve seen him eat cafeteria slop with a straight face.”

Jennifer leans in, wide-eyed.

“Good gravy, Nat! Alex is one fine fella, girl! He’s got more charm than a cowboy at a rodeo. A man who can cook, clean and eat like that? Whew!”

“Uh-huh…” I groan. “But he’s also a moron.”

Everyone laughs.

Jennifer turns her attention to Marina now, eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Now you, sugarplum—spill the beans. What do you really think about Faiz? Is he as sweet as sweet tea on the porch, or just another goofy firecracker?”

Marina rolls her eyes so hard, I swear I hear the sound effect.

“He’s a dumbass. But now that he hangs out with Alex? It’s like dumb and dumber, unleashed.”

I giggle, nodding along.

“I know that feeling, Marina.”

“I live that feeling,” she deadpans.

Jennifer giggles like a raccoon who found a stash of sweets.

Luna adds thoughtfully, twirling her spoon:

“Boys are just like that, y’know. Loud, clueless, dramatic—but then they randomly do something sweet and you don’t know whether to hug them or hit them with a pillow.”

“Amen to that, sister!” Jennifer clinks her cocoa cup with Luna’s.

Phylis, chilling nearby with her cup of French onion soup, chuckles.

“Well… boys, especially when they’re young, they’ve got too much energy. But hey, in the long run… at least they don’t grow up worse, right?”

All of us:

“NOPE!!! THEY STAY CLUELESS!!”

Even Mom peeks into the room, arms crossed with a smirk.

“Oho~ Gossip, huh? Now this is my kind of party.”

We all laugh like crazy.

Narration – Natalie

There’s something about sitting around a table, laughing over too-spicy curry puffs, and mocking the boys in our lives that makes everything feel… warm.

Like a time capsule of girlhood.
A moment so small, but so full.

In a world where everything’s about to change,
Tonight… we’re just girls being girls.

And somehow, that feels like the best magic of all.

Natalie’s House – Upstairs, Nighttime

After the dinner feast—aka "The International Buffet That Almost Put Us in a Food Coma"—we finally climb the stairs to my room. Full bellies, fuzzy socks, and the kind of excitement only a girls’ sleepover can deliver.

As soon as I push open the door...

“WHOA… Now that is something!!” Luna gasps.

Eyes wide. Mouth open.
It’s like they just stepped into a magical girl’s lair.

My room is decorated with soft fairy lights, a pastel-pink-and-teal color theme, and a blend of Channel and Victoria secret posters, vintage perfume bottles, plushies, and art boards filled with fashion sketches. My sketchbook’s lying on the desk, half-open, showing my latest dress design.

“She’s totally gonna be a fashion designer one day,” Luna whispers to Jennifer, reverent.

Jennifer spins around slowly, taking it all in like she’s on a catwalk.

“Nat, sweetheart, this room’s got more personality than a honky-tonk on a Saturday night! No wonder you're bringin' the drama, girl—this flair’s makin’ you shine like a star!”

“H-Haha… thanks…” I mumble, face heating up.

Then—Marina crosses her arms, squinting with that mischievous glint in her eye.

“Sooo… does Alex know about this room of yours?”

My heart skips.

“W-Wha!? Uh… no? I mean—maybe? He might have seen it when I was sick once but that was totally different I swear—!!” 😖

“Uh-huh,” Marina smirks. “Looks like the rumors were true.”

“Rumors?! What rumors?!”

Luna raises an eyebrow, leaning in suspiciously like a detective with too much sugar.

“Wait, wait—do I smell something here?”

Jennifer clasps her hands dramatically.

“Luna, darlin’, spill it! Did you crack the code? Is it juicy? Is it scandalous?!”

I backpedal toward my closet, panic rising.

“W-What are you all talking about?! Please don’t find the picture… Please don’t find that…”

And then.

Crash.

The door swings open—Phylis appears like a stage boss.

Wearing LINGERIE.

“YO, what’s good girls~? I’m joining the party!”

“PHYLIS!!!!” I scream, grabbing a pillow to cover my eyes. “WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?!”

“Like I told you,” she shrugs coolly. “Y’all aren’t ready for this level of sleepover, babes.”

The chaos begins.

Luna, bold beyond her 11 years, suddenly steps forward and—

WHAM—she’s wearing lace and pantyhose.

“Tadaaa~!”

“EHHHHHHHH?!?!?” I shriek. “LUNA WHAT THE HECK?!?!”

“What~? I like feeling stylish~!”

Marina follows, casually pulling off her hoodie.

...

The room stops.

She’s surprisingly... mature.

“Lord have mercy, Marina!” Jennifer blurts, jaw dropped. “You’re just 11, ain’t ya?! Girl, you’re growin’ up too fast!”

Marina just shrugs, totally chill, flipping her dark semi-curly hair over her shoulder.

“It’s genetics, I guess…”

She’s got an hourglass shape that completely betrays her innocent, quiet vibe.
The contrast is wild.

Jennifer, of course, is already fully transformed.

Lacy southern cowgirl nightwear, complete with tiny embroidered boots on her socks and sparkles in her hair.

“If y’all gonna bring the drama, best believe I’m bringin’ the flair~!”

Me?

I’m still in my cat pajama set.

Until.

“Hey girls, check this out—Nat's hiding the best set!” Phylis yells and suddenly yanks my shirt collar down.

“EYYYAAAA!!! PHYLIS YOU MENACE!!!”

Luna giggles. “Eh hehe~ You’re no different from us, Nat~!”

Marina hugs me out of nowhere.

“You’re our best pal now. All-in.”

Jennifer sniffs dramatically.

“Lord have mercy, I'm gonna be cryin' like a cowboy at a rodeo when we part ways, y'all! I’ll miss y’all more than biscuits and gravy on a Sunday mornin’!”

Just as I think we’ve survived the worst of it—

Marina spots something.

“Heeey~ what’s this?”

She picks up a photo frame near my bedside. My heart stops.

“Ohoho~ would you look at that… That’s Alex! And that’s you, Nat! You two are basically a couple already!!”

“NOOOOOOO—!!!!” I scream, diving across the bed with both hands over my face.

Jennifer fans herself.

“Whewww~ Nat, sweetheart!! You’re lookin’ like a million bucks in this pic, girl! And your boy’s got that ‘protective boyfriend’ aura goin’ on. You're killin’ the game, babe!”

My cheeks are full tomato mode.
I want to melt. Just disappear. Please.

And just as I think it couldn’t get worse—

Luna drops the bomb.

“You know what I smelled earlier...? It wasn’t food... it was a boy.”

Everyone slowly turns toward me.

Eyes sparkling.
Smirks growing.

Phylis just leans on the doorframe, grinning like the devil’s assistant.

Narration – Natalie

I am never going to survive this sleepover.
If the food didn’t knock me out, this embarrassment will.

But as I cover my face with my arms…
I realize—

They’re all laughing.
No one’s teasing to be mean.
It’s warm.
It’s chaotic.

It’s family.

Just when I think the teasing is over…
Phylis opens her mouth and drops a NUKE.

“Well… Alex did stay over here before. He looked after my little sister when she was sick. He even made porridge and fed her~.”

💥BOOM💥

Me:

"PHYLIIIIIIISSSSSSS!!!!!"
My whole body snaps into maximum in-denial overdrive. I’m practically glowing red like a toaster.

I grab the nearest pillow and swing it wildly. “YOU TRAITOR!!!”

Marina’s eyes narrow with deadly precision.

“Wait… wait just a sec… don’t tell me—”

“YUP~” Phylis grins, spinning around like she’s hosting a game show. “She was in her undies.”

EVERYONE:

“EEEEEEEEEHHHHHH?!?!?!?!”
“KYAAAAAA!!! ALEX SAW YOU BARE?!?!?!?”

Me:
💢 internal screaming 😭💀

Jennifer clasps her chest like she’s about to faint from romance overload.

“Aww shucks, Nat babe!! Alex is lookin’ after you like a true Southern gentleman! Bless his big ol’ heart! Givin’ you porridge, feedin’ you like you’re the queen of the dang rodeo! You lucky, lucky girl!”

I’m dying. I’m melting. I am evaporating into a puff of shame.

Luna, that little devil, adds more fuel to the fire.

“Ohhh~ so that’s why I heard you always stay overnight at Alex’s house… helping with his adorable baby sister, huh?”

I shoot her a glare that could incinerate the moon.

Marina suddenly lights up.

“OMG, Hana!!! She’s so cute! She doesn’t even need to say anything—we all just get her, you know?”

Jennifer:

“Aww, I’m dyin’ to meet her! What's she like, sugar? Is she as cute as a button in a baby bonnet?!”

And just when I think it can’t get worse—

Phylis pulls out a POLAROID.
A real. Physical. Polaroid.

“Wanna see something sweet~?”

I freeze in horror.
No. No no no no—

She flips it around.

It’s a picture of Alex, carrying Hana in a baby sling.
His hair’s a little messy, his sleeves are rolled up, and he’s got that awkward-but-soft big brother expression on his face.

He’s smiling. Holding Hana gently like she’s made of glass.

AND GUESS WHO ELSE IS IN THAT PHOTO?!

“YEP~ That’s from the time we went to that ancient altar, remember? When we got stuck in that creepy, abandoned place—”
“And Alex saved you, Nat.” 😏

Me (screaming internally):

“PHYLIS!!! DON’T—SHOW—THAT—PHOTO!!!”

I lunge at her with a full-body tackle, face redder than a chili pepper, while the rest of the girls are already losing it.

Luna flops on the bed.

“This is better than a telenovela…”

Marina fans herself dramatically.

“Confirmed. You two are childhood lovers.”

Jennifer wipes a fake tear.

“I'mma need tissues and sweet tea! This is true romance, y’all!”

Narration – Natalie (internal monologue)

This was supposed to be a fun, wholesome sleepover.
And now it’s turned into the Alex Embarrassment Olympics.

But somewhere between the teasing, the laughter, and the chaos,
I feel this strange warmth in my chest.

He did take care of me.
He did save me.
And I… might’ve smiled in that photo.
Just a little.

...But I’ll never tell them that.

Not until I can finally admit it to myself.

The room quiets down a little—just the sound of blankets rustling and fizzy drinks bubbling.

Then—

Luna, still twirling a lock of her hair and munching on nachos, suddenly pipes up with a grin:

“You know what, Phylis?!”

Phylis, half-lounging near the dresser, lazily glances over.

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“Remember that time we all went to the hospital…?”

Phylis sits up.

“Haaah yeah! That was a wild one.”

“I still remember this crystal clear—Alex’s mom just straight-up handed Hana to Nat, like—‘here ya go!’”
“And you—you actually stepped up and helped like a total pro!”

I freeze.

Heart skips.

Face. Full. Crimson.

“W-Wait a sec—Luna stop!!”

Too late.

Everyone else:

“KYYYYYAAAAAA!!!!”
“NAT IS TOTALLY WIFE MATERIAL!!!”
“YOU’RE LIKE… A MOM ALREADY??!!”

“SHUT UUUUUUP!!!”
I grab the nearest blanket and hide inside it like a turtle.

Then I burst out:

“F-FINE! I LIKE ALEX, OKAY?!”

Silence.
You could hear a pin drop.

...

“Yeah, we all knew that.” Luna casually sips her lemonade. “Like, since forever.”

“So don’t worry about it,” Marina smiles gently.

I blink.

“But… but what if Alex… doesn’t feel the same way?”

A terrible silence creeps into the air, pressing on my chest.

And then—

Marina grips my shoulder, eyes burning with fire.

“If that idiot doesn’t realize how lucky he is, I’ll knock him into next week. I’ll karate chop some sense into him, and make sure he says it out loud.”

“YES!!!” Luna pumps her fist. “If that dumbass rejects you, I swear—I’ll beat him so bad he’ll forget his own! Just ‘BOOM’—reset his whole system!”

Me:

“P-Please don’t do that… we need him functional…”

Then—

The door creaks open.

Mom enters.
Casually. Calmly. Holding a tray of cocoa and snacks like a fairy in a fairy tale story.

“Hmm… I thought I heard something interesting.” She smirks. “Alex, huh?”

We all stiffen.

Mom walks over to me, places a gentle hand on my head.

“Nat… I’ve talked to his mom before.”

“Wait… what?”

Mom smiles, nostalgic.

“Back during one of the festivals. She told me something... about Alex.”

“That boy… he’s got a kind heart. But inside, there’s something heavy. A wall. Something deep that even he won’t talk about.”

I look up at her, eyes wide.

“His mom said… ‘It’s a trauma. A scar so deep, he won’t ever admit it easily. Not even to himself.’”

Everyone goes quiet.

Even Luna lowers her head.

Even Jennifer’s usual sparkle dims a bit.

Marina puts her arm around me.

“That explains it…”

“The way he switches. One minute goofy, the next minute quiet. Stoic. Distant…”

Narration – Natalie (internal)
That wall…

I’ve felt it.
The way he hides behind jokes.
The way he changes the subject.
Even when I’m close… he builds that wall back up.

But now…
I finally get it.

“Alex…” I whisper under my breath.

No one says anything.

The cocoa tray sits between us now, steaming softly.

Mom ruffles my hair again.

“You’re already special to him, Nat. Just… give him time.”

Narration – Natalie (continued)

And I will.

I’ll wait for him.

Even if it means breaking that wall down piece by piece.

Because if there’s anyone stubborn enough to wait for a clueless like Alex to open up…

It’s me.

The room’s warm and glowing, filled with the smell of cocoa, leftovers, and way too much hairspray from Jennifer’s bangs.

We’re all still giggling from the earlier chaos when I finally let it slip.

“You know what, Mom…”

She pauses while folding a pillowcase.

“Hm? What is it, sweetie?”

I hug my knees, staring at the floor.

“I really like Alex… not because of how he is now. It’s… because of what he’s always been, deep down.”

Mom doesn’t even flinch. She just smiles gently and says:

“I thought so. Well then, go for it, girl.”

“H-Huh!?”

I blink in confusion.

That’s when Phylis leans over with the biggest smirk on her face.

“Looks like the plan worked, huh?”

“Wait… PLAN?! What are you talking about?!”

Phylis grins like a fox.

“You seriously didn’t know? Mom and Alex’s mom have been planning this for ages. Since you two were little! But since both of you are stubborn as bricks and dense as doorknobs, nothing ever happened!”

“W-WHAAAAT!?”

“Even Dad knows,” she says like it’s the most normal thing in the world.

My brain explodes.

Marina wraps me in a sudden hug.

“Congrats, Nat!! You’re the bride-to-be!”

“W-Wait! I don’t even know what’s going on!”

Luna pats my back and laughs.

“Looks like you’ve already got the blessing of both families. You're practically married!”

Jennifer throws her arms in the air like she’s watching a fireworks show.

“YEEEE-HAW! Nat, honey, this is your time! I’m rootin’ for you like it’s the championship round!”

“M-Mom!!!” I turn to her in horror. “You too?!”

She just shrugs calmly, like she’s stirring soup on the stove.

“Don’t worry. Alex doesn’t know anything. We’ll just wait until you both finish high school. That’s the plan.”

“PLAN?!?”

The girls all burst out laughing.

Luna: “Guess your destiny's been written already!”

Phylis: “I call dibs on being your maid of honor, by the way.”

Jennifer: “I’ll bring the cake and my banjo!”

Marina: “I’m doing your makeup!”

Narration – Natalie (internal monologue)

This is a disaster.

An actual disaster.

It was just supposed to be a fun sleepover.

Now it turns out… my family’s been shipping me and Alex since forever.

Even his mom is in on it!?

And yet…

A small part of me...

Can’t stop smiling.

Alex’s Side – Midnight Fishing Trip

The sky’s as black as ink.

No moon tonight. Just a blanket of stars glittering above the river, like someone spilled silver dust across the heavens.
We're out here, drifting in a narrow wooden boat that creaks with every ripple, somewhere deep in the backwaters of the kampung.

You wouldn’t even know where the water ends and the jungle begins.

The air is cool, but not cold. Damp with the scent of river moss, mud, and faint smoke from distant bonfires.

I sit cross-legged at the front, holding a bamboo rod, listening to the water slosh softly against the boat.

With me are:

– Mr. Muzaffar, the old-timer community elder
– Mr. Hawk, Nat’s dad, with that serious face but calm tone
– Faiz, my partner-in-crime (and chaos)
– Adinor, our laid-back, always-hungry buddy

We’re all staring into the dark waters like hunters waiting for ghosts to surface.

Suddenly, Mr. Hawk speaks—his voice smooth, like a story being told beside a fire.

“Boys… remember—this river’s under protection. You don’t just fish whatever you want. Everything’s got its rule.”

His tone is gentle but firm. Like a teacher… or maybe a soldier.

We all nod in unison, like we’re soldiers ourselves.

Faiz, holding his rod like a spear, grins.

“Bro, I’m telling you… the second I catch one, it’s over! We’re eating like kings tonight!!”

Adinor leans back with both hands behind his head.

“And I'm eatin’ first, no matter who catches it!”

Mr. Muzaffar lets out a short laugh, shaking his head.

“Bunch of budak kampung. No discipline. No patience.”

Mr. Hawk smiles, eyes on the river, his voice turning nostalgic.

“When I was your age, my grand-uncle used to bring me out here too… We’d catch a fish or two, build a fire on the rocks, and cook it right there.”

...

GROOOOWL—!!

My stomach betrays me with a loud growl.

Everyone hears it.

Faiz bursts out laughing.

“BWAHAHA! Alex!! You seriously hungry already?!”

Adinor joins in.

“Bro can smell the fish even before it’s caught!”

Mr. Hawk chuckles.

“Heh… you’re just like me back then. Couldn’t focus when hungry.”

I scratch my head and try to save face.

“W-Well… I didn’t eat much earlier, alright?”

But inside…

Man… just imagining fresh-grilled river fish, crackling over fire with salt and sambal on top… I might pass out.

Suddenly, the boat jolts slightly.

Everyone stiffens.

Mr. Muzaffar holds up a hand.

“Shh… did you feel that?”

We all freeze.

Then…

TUG—TUG—!!!

My line pulls!!

“WHOA!! I GOT ONE!!”

Chaos erupts on the boat.

Faiz: “DON’T LOSE IT!!”

Adinor: “IT’S HUGE!!”

Mr. Hawk: “Keep your hands firm, but don’t jerk too hard!”

Mr. Muzaffar: “Balance the boat, boys! No rocking!”

The rod bends like it’s about to snap. My heart’s pounding. This thing’s strong. Like a beast in the water.

I brace my feet. Grit my teeth.

“Come on… come on…”

And just when I think I’ve lost it—

SPLASH!!!

A fish leaps out of the river, glistening silver under the starlight.

THWACK!!

It lands in the boat with a dramatic flop.

Everyone cheers.

Faiz: “YESSSSS!!! DINNER IS SAVED!!”

Adinor: “FIRE UP THE GRILL!!!”

Mr. Hawk pats my shoulder, approving.

“Good job, son.”

“Son…”

That word hits different.

I blink, caught off guard.

But I nod.

“Thanks… sir.”

Mr. Muzaffar gives a rare smile.

“Let’s cook.”

Narration – Alex (internal monologue)

It’s funny.
I never had a real dad around for long…
But tonight?

Under the stars, on a quiet river, listening to old stories and catching fish with people who actually care…

It kind of feels like I’m home.

The air starts changing color. The velvet black of the night sky gives way to streaks of violet and burning orange. It’s sunrise.
We’ve been out here all night—but nobody’s tired. If anything, we’re just getting started.

Mr. Hawk stretches his back and looks toward the light fog drifting over the water.

“Alright boys, once the sun's fully up, there’s one more method I want to teach you.”

Mr. Muzaffar narrows his eyes. The way elders do when they’re skeptical but intrigued.

“And that would be…?”

Mr. Hawk grins like he’s about to drop a boss move in an RPG.

“Noodling.”

Everyone goes silent.

Faiz blinks, confused.

“Noodling? Sounds tasty! Are we gonna slurp the fish like ramen!?”

I facepalm instantly.

“No, you dummy. It means catching fish with your bare hands.”

“BARE HANDS?!”

Faiz recoils like he just got shocked.

Mr. Hawk laughs, crossing his arms.

“Yeah, it’s the oldest method there is. You don’t need a rod, just guts and a good grip.”

Adinor gulps.

“Sounds more like a boss fight than fishing…”

We paddle to a shallower part of the river. Mist hangs low, the water crystal clear around the ankles. Fish scatter like shadows under the surface.
Time feels like it’s stopped.

We step off the boat barefoot, feeling the squish of soft riverbed between our toes.

Mr. Hawk turns and looks at us, serious but smirking.

“Alright. Who wants to try first?”

My hand shoots up before anyone else.

“ME! I’m in!”

“Alright, Alex. Come here.”

I crouch low beside him in the shallows.

The water is freezing.

Mr. Hawk shows me how to slowly push my hand under the water, feeling around the hollowed bank like I'm defusing a bomb.

I reach deeper.

Something grabs me.

It clamps around my wrist—tight.

NOT PAINFUL, but it's like… wrestling a living spring!

“ARGH!! THAT THING’S STRONG!!” I yell, trying not to yank my arm back.

Mr. Hawk grabs my shoulder calmly.

“Don’t panic. You pull hard, it pulls harder. Stay still. Let it believe you’re not a threat.”

“But it’s crushing my pride!!” I grunt.

The fish twists around my arm like a wet sandbag with muscle. But I grip tighter.

I can hear Faiz and Adinor cheering like it’s the finals of a martial arts tournament.

“GO ALEX!! BEAT THAT FISH!!”

“SHOW THAT CATFISH WHO’S BOSS!!”

I take a deep breath.

Then in one smooth motion—

“YAAARGHHHH!!!”

I yank it out of the water.

A massive bullhead catfish flops into the air, water spraying everywhere.

SPLAAASH!!!

It hits the ground, flopping like mad, and everyone cheers like I just won the World Cup.

Mr. Muzaffar even lets out a rare, satisfied grunt.

“Not bad for a kampung boy.”

Mr. Hawk smiles and pats me on the back.

“Good form, Alex.”

My arms are soaked, but I feel like I just earned 500 XP.

“I-I did it…”

Faiz runs up.

“BRO!! You looked like a kung fu master out there!! We gotta do this every week!!”

Adinor grabs a bucket.

“Let’s cook this baby for breakfast!!”

The bullhead catfish flops one last time on the grassy riverbank before going still. It’s hefty—about as long as my arm—and kinda reminds me of those ikan patin my uncles back home used to bring in from muddy rivers.

Elder Muzaffar examines it with a knowing nod, squatting like a true veteran.

“Hah... reminds me of patin,” he mutters, wiping his knife clean. “Let me show you boys how we do it back home.”

He begins slicing into the belly of the fish with practiced ease.

Faiz, his eyes lighting up, bounces excitedly beside me.

“Bro! Ikan bakar!! I haven’t had that in forever! That stuff slaps!!”

Mr. Hawk, standing nearby in his rolled-up sleeves and army boots, gives us a grin while holding a metal canteen.

“I’m not much of a catfish fan, but I’ve had that dish before… real pungent, huh?”

Elder Muzaffar smirks. “The stronger, the better.”

“Well,” Mr. Hawk chuckles, “I’ll stick to grilling, but hey—when in Malaysia, right?”

He turns to us and claps his hands like a coach on a training field.

“Alright, fire crew. Chop-chop. You want fish, you build the fire. That’s the rule.”

We scramble.

Faiz grabs a bunch of half-damp twigs, looking absolutely lost.

“Bro, I’ve only lit a BBQ grill before! What do we even do?”

“Watch and learn.” I crouch, picking out two flat river stones.

Adinor stares. “You're gonna start a fire with rocks?!”

“Yeah,” I say with a grin. “It's either that or rubbing sticks like cavemen. Let’s level up.”

Clink. Clack. Clink.

Sparks jump.

A tiny flame curls up from the moss.

“DUUUDE IT’S WORKING!!” Faiz shouts like I just summoned a fire Pokémon.

We high-five like maniacs.

“WE’RE LEGIT!”
“REAL MEN!!”

Mr. Hawk glances over with a laugh, nudging Elder Muzaffar.

“Guess they’ve got some survival instinct after all.”

“Hm. Let’s see if they can cook without setting the jungle on fire.”

Soon, the fish is cleaned and wrapped in banana leaves with garlic, chili paste, and herbs Elder Muzaffar somehow pulls out of a battered old bag like a seasoned grandpa in a survival show.

Mr. Hawk takes over the grill setup.

“Okay, lay the stones in a circle, stack the firewood like a pyramid. Keep the heat steady—not blazing.”

He’s strict but fair, like a drill sergeant turned scout leader.

“Cooking over a campfire is all about control. One flare-up and you’ll be eating charcoal.”

Faiz, squatting close to the flame, fans it dramatically with his cap.

“Ooooh I feel like I'm in a Survival 101.”

Adinor snorts.

“More like ‘Burnt Catfish: The Final Meal’ if you mess it up.”

I never would’ve guessed it.

Elder Muzaffar, for all his stoic silence and slow movements, handles a parang like a professional chef and knows exactly how to season catfish with jungle herbs like he’s part forest druid.
And Mr. Hawk?

For someone who always looked serious back in town, he’s actually… kinda fun to hang out with. He tells good stories, keeps the fire just right, and lets us laugh without shutting us down. There’s a sense of peace out here. Like we’re not kids anymore, just… boys learning to be men.

We sit cross-legged around the fire, chewing on grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves, the skin crispy and the flesh tender with spice. The smoke curls upward like a blessing. My belly’s full. My fingers are sticky with sambal and garlic.

Even Faiz is quiet for once. Probably trying not to cry from the heat.

“Mmmmm… that hits different,” he says, fanning his mouth. “Best. Fish. Ever.”

Then—
RATTLING.

A sharp rustling in the grass behind Elder Muzaffar.

Something’s wrong.

I spring up before anyone reacts.

And there it is—
A snake, coiled like a spring behind Elder Muzaffar, tongue flicking.

Without thinking—
I move.

My hand darts forward, and in one motion, I grab it by the back of the head—firm, steady, just behind the jaws.

“Son!! Masha’Allah! That’s dangerous!” Elder Muzaffar cries, turning fast.

Mr. Hawk steps up, alarmed.

“Kid! You alright?!”

“Yeah…” I say calmly, eyes locked on the snake. “I’m good.”

Faiz backs up three steps.

“BRO!! THAT IS A SNAKE!! A REAL, SLITHERING SNAKE!!”

Adinor’s jaw drops.

“No way… That schoolyard legend about you calming wild animals—that was real?!”

The snake struggles for a moment, hissing, tense.

But I lock eyes with it.

I don’t blink.

I breathe.

Slowly…

Its body relaxes.

The hiss fades into silence.

I gently loosen my grip just enough to hold it steady, not threaten it.

Even the snake seems to understand. Like it knows I'm not trying to harm it.

“Unbelievable…” Mr. Hawk mutters. “Your mom told me you were good with animals, but not like this.”

Elder Muzaffar steps closer, impressed.

“You have a gift, son.”

I nod quietly.

“It’s nothing… My late grandfather taught me a lot about handling animals. And my uncle used to recite a verse from Surah An-Naml, Chapter 27. I guess I just… got used to it.”

Elder Muzaffar squints.

“Wait… did you say Shariful Ahmad?”

I blink.

“Yeah. That’s from my dad’s side. He’s Tausug.”

The elder raises a brow.

“That explains it… I heard of a ritual—one with the waters.”

“Ah… yeah. Kinda. I barely remember it, but… my dad told me once that when I was little, my uncle literally threw me into the sea. Said it was to make me ‘one with it’. My mom was horrified, but she still let him teach me things. Animals, spirits… stuff like that.”

Mr. Hawk chuckles under his breath, crossing his arms.

“Your uncle sounds like a real character.”

Alex – Present Day Narration

I only found out later that Mr. Hawk and Uncle Usman—yeah, that Uncle Usman—were actually old friends.
How? Why? No clue.
But that connection runs deep, deeper than I ever imagined back then.

Back to the riverbank – Morning still

Faiz scratches his head, still shaken.

“Bro… I knew you were weird, but that was next-level. Snake-whisperer level!”

Adinor nods slowly.

“I’ve heard the stories, but… seeing it firsthand is wild.”

“Tch.” I shrug. “Mom hated it. Said it gave her heart attacks. But even she got used to it in the end.”

Faiz points dramatically.

“That’s why you’ve got that no-care-in-the-world aura. You’ve seen things, man. Weird things.”

I grin slightly, letting the snake slither free into the bushes.

It disappears without a sound.

Narration – Alex (inner thoughts)
I don’t do it to show off.
It’s not magic. It’s not power.
It’s just… a connection. Something deeper.
Passed down by the ones who believed in the old ways.
Maybe it’s crazy. Maybe I’m crazy.

But out here, under the light of the rising sun, I feel calm.

And for once…

I feel understood.

We roll back just as the sky begins to turn that soft indigo hue—river mist fading behind us, cooler full of fish in the back. The mission? A success.
5 largemouth bass.
3 bullhead catfish.
All within regulation, cleanly prepped, and ready for the grill.

Mr. Hawk pulls up into the driveway.

“Alright, boys. I’ll take it from here. Need to store these babies before they spoil.”

He steps out, adjusting his flannel, then turns to me.

“Alex, mind helpin’ me with the garage?”

“Sure.”

The garage door creaks open, the scent of motor oil and old lawn tools greeting me like a nostalgic slap to the face.

“Cooler box’s inside the house. Kitchen corner,” he says. “Should be near the pantry.”

I nod and step in, casually wiping sweat from my brow. The hallway’s dimly lit, the AC hums quietly.
I step into the kitchen.

And then—

I freeze.

Jennifer is right there.

Standing under the warm kitchen light, in her frilly Southern nightgown, milk carton in hand.
Hair slightly messy. One sock on. The other foot bare.

“Hey there, Alex! You're back, sugar! Lookin' all rugged like you just wrassled a gator or somethin’! What’s the haps, cowboy?”

My brain stalls.

My face turns red.

“YOU’RE—YOU’RE HALF NAKED!!!” I blurt, turning away so hard I nearly dislocate my neck.

She giggles, totally unfazed.

“Aww, shucks, partner! Don’t get all flustered now. I ain’t naked. Just wearin’ my bedtime threads is all! And anyway, the other gals are still catchin’ Zs upstairs. You just stumbled in during the quiet part of the rodeo.”

She winks.

Why is she like this?!

“Uhh—I-I’m just here for the cooler box! Mr. Hawk needs it—I mean, we caught fish—I mean—gotta go!!”

I take a step back to leave. Then she grabs my arm.

“Wait, Alex.”

Her voice drops just a little, softer.

“I’m headin’ off to Oklahoma soon… but I’m leavin’ Natalie in your hands, y’hear? She’s like kin to me. I’m countin’ on you, cowboy. Don’t let her get hurt.”

I gulp. My heart does this weird thump-thump like someone’s playing congas in my chest.

“Y-Yeah, sure. I mean—I'll try. I—I just need to leave before my brain explodes—”

And then—

Footsteps.

Oh no.

That voice.

“Mmm… Jen… why are you so loud this early…”

It’s Natalie.

My soul nearly ejects from my body.

She walks in from the hallway, rubbing her eyes, clearly just woken up—

Still in her pajamas.
Which… aren’t exactly modest.
A silky camisole. Sleep shorts. Messy hair. Sleepy eyes.

My. Brain. Shuts. Down.

I look away, clutching the milk carton like a holy artifact to shield my vision.

Please be blurry. Please don’t notice me. Please let this be a dream—

Jennifer’s still got her arm around me.

Natalie blinks a few times.

And then—

“WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING!?”

Jennifer, ever the chaos gremlin, answers calmly:

“Well, look who’s back from the wild! Don’t worry, sugar, I was just lettin’ Alex know he’s a stand-up fella. Got a good heart! Y’all make a cute couple!”

THAT’S NOT THE POINT!! 🥶

I sense it.

That aura.

Natalie’s Yandere Aura Level 3: Awakened.

She storms toward me like a small, furious hurricane and yanks me away from Jennifer.

“ALEX. What. Were. You. Doing?”

“This isn’t what it looks like!!! I swear!!”

…And she doesn’t realize she’s still basically half-dressed.

“Natalie…” I mutter, eyes shut tight like I’m trying to teleport.

And then—

“EYYYYAAAA!!! DON’T LOOK, DUMMY!!!” she shrieks, both hands clamping over my eyes.

“STAY PUT!! DON’T MOVE!! DON’T BREATHE!! DON’T EVEN THINK!!”

“Okay okay I get it just GO CHANGE!!”

I hear stomping. More squeals. Rapid footsteps up the stairs.

The moment vanishes in a whirlwind of frilly pajamas and shouting girls.

A beat passes.

Then—

“Son?”

Mr. Hawk walks in holding a pair of gloves.

“What on Earth were you doing just now?”

I stand there frozen, holding the milk like it’s my last lifeline.

“Uhh…just…just getting the cooler box, sir.”

He squints.

“...You look like you’ve seen a ghost. You good?”

“Yeah. Just… dealing with puberty.”

He nods.

“Right. Happens.”

Narration – Alex (Inner Monologue)
My heart's still pounding. My ears are hot. My brain is mush.

I’ve fought snakes, survived street fights, and dodged bullies in L.A.

But none of that ever prepared me for walking into a kitchen full of Southern girls in nightgowns.

Allah help me.

We help Mr. Hawk store the cooler, get the fish all sorted, and Elder Muzzafar checks the time on his old wristwatch that looks like it's survived two world wars.

“You boys don’t need to trouble Mr. Hawk no more. Your house’s just a short stroll away.”

I nod.

“Yeah, I agree. Walking sounds good.”

Faiz stretches like a sleepy cat.

“Nothing like a night walk back home, huh? Clear skies, fresh air, full belly...”

Adinor suddenly squints at something, freezing like he’s just seen Bigfoot.

“Bro…”

He tugs my sleeve, jaw slowly dropping.

“Bro… look at the window…”

I follow his gaze.

…And then I see it.

In the softly lit upstairs bedroom window—

Marina.

Half-naked.

Just a bra and pajama shorts.

Brushing her hair like she's in a shampoo commercial, absolutely oblivious to the chaos she’s about to unleash.

Adinor’s face melts.

Drool level: critical.

Faiz gasps so hard it sounds like he’s choking on air.

“HOLY MACKEREL. BRO!! THEY’RE HAVING A NAKED GIRL PARTY!!!”

“SHHHHHH!!! YOU DUMBASS!!!” I hiss, slapping both of them on the back of their heads before things escalate.

But the universe has other plans.

“OI!!!”

The voice of God? No.

The voice of Elder Muzzafar.

He snatches Adinor by the ear like a kung fu master disciplining a wayward disciple.

“You little gremlins... you think I didn’t see that?!”

We all freeze.

Then his next words chill our souls:

“I was a soldier in ‘Nam, boy!! You think you can outrun me?!”

A switch flips.

His muscles tighten. His old army boots hit the ground. His jacket billows in the wind like he’s going full Rambo mode.

He’s become the final boss.

“RUN!!!” I shout, grabbing Faiz and Adinor as we bolt for our lives.

Cue chase sequence.

We’re dodging potted plants, hopping fences, screaming like middle schoolers in a haunted house.

“HE’S CATCHING UP—HOW IS HE THIS FAST?!!” Faiz yells.

“HE’S NOT HUMAN!!!” Adinor wails. “IT’S THE VIETNAM GHOST RITUAL!!!”

“HE’S GAINING ON US!! ABORT MISSION!!!”

It’s chaos.
It’s war.
It’s a slice-of-life horror story in the making.

Meanwhile, I glance over my shoulder, panting.

“Note to self: never, EVER look at windows again.”

To be continued…