Wait, Hope & Love

Chapter 7: Faith & Family

The next morning dawned with a surreal haze enveloping the city, as if the uncertainties of the week had seeped into the very atmosphere. Norman woke up to the soft glow of the morning light filtering through the blinds of his apartment, casting a warm, muted radiance across the room. The events of the previous week lingered like a persistent whisper in his mind, amplifying his restlessness and injecting a sense of disquiet into the day ahead.

Norman's morning ritual followed the same pattern it always did, as he dressed in his neatly pressed church clothes. The air carried a subtle chill, which gently reminded him that the weekend was upon him. With a sigh, he collected his car keys and made his way to the parish church, seeking solace and respite from the looming unease that threatened to consume him.

Inside the church, the dimly lit interior welcomed him with a quiet reverence that soothed his spirit. The familiar hymns, the rhythmic cadence of prayers, and the comforting scents of incense wafting through the air provided a brief respite from the weight of his worries. Norman sought refuge in the sanctuary, allowing the solemnity of the moment to envelop him in a shroud of peace and tranquility.

After the mass, Norman emerged from the church, his mind somewhat calmer but not entirely freed from the grip of his anxieties. With a determined yet heavy heart, he made his way to his parents' house, a modest, semi-detached dwelling nestled in a tranquil neighborhood in Petaling Jaya. As he drove, the familiar streets and landmarks blurred past his vision, the rhythm of the road merging with the cadence of his thoughts.

Upon arrival, he was greeted by the familiar sight of his childhood home and the neatly manicured lawn. Norman's footsteps echoed on the familiar pathway as he made his way to the front door. The warm hues of the sun cast a gentle glow over the house, imbuing it with a sense of welcoming familiarity. As he stepped inside, the fragrance of home-cooked meals and the comforting hum of familial chatter enveloped him, instantly easing some of the tension in his shoulders.

"Norman, you're here!" his mother exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine delight. "How are you? You look a little down. Is everything okay, dear?" she inquired, concern etched into her features.

Norman's mother, a woman in her late 50s with a graceful poise and a warm, welcoming smile, approached him, her eyes brimming with concern. Her petite frame exuded a quiet strength, a testament to the resilience she had cultivated over the years. Her hair, streaked with subtle hints of gray, was neatly pinned up in a traditional bun, an elegant nod to her Chinese heritage. Her gentle, nurturing aura enveloped the room, bringing with it a sense of solace and understanding.

Norman managed a weak smile, his gaze faltering slightly. "I'm fine, Mum. Just a long week at work," he reassured her, not wanting to burden her with his worries. She hurriedly left him in the living room and rushed to the kitchen when she heard the whistling pressure cooker.

Norman settled onto the worn but comfortable couch in the cozy living room, the midday sun filtering through the curtains, casting gentle rays of warmth upon him. The room bore the hallmark of cherished moments - photographs adorning the walls, each frozen memory narrating tales of family togetherness and the passing of time. A subtle fragrance of lemon grass lingered in the air, adding to the serene atmosphere.

He reached for the television remote to seek a momentary distraction from his thoughts, as the images flickered on the screen, Norman's father, a man of Indian descent and a retired headmaster from a prestigious La Sallian school, entered the room. His posture radiated authority, a reflection of his lifelong commitment to education, while his kind eyes revealed a deeply loving nature. Strongly rooted in his Catholic faith, he had instilled in Norman a sense of devotion and responsibility.

With a warm smile, he inquired, "How's everything, Norman? Did you attend church today?" His deep voice resonated with a blend of affection and authority.