Blood is thicker than water.

"Hello?"

"Hello darling. How are you?"

"I'm okay. Nda Chik sihat?"

"Nda Chik sihat jah...when are you going back dear?"

"This sunday, Nda Chik"

"Oh...aren't you coming to KL before you go?"

"Not this year, flight Atiq connecting terus from KB-KL-London. Tok dey nok gi jupo Nda Chik...sorry Nda Chik."

"I see. It's okay. Well then, I just wanted to wish you good luck for your exams. Nda Chik doa ko Atiq kat Mekoh haritu."

"Thanks Nda Chik, I really appreciate that."

* * *

"La Atiq nok gi doh ko?"

"Ku."

"Ayahnda bui doh ko juboh Tokku hok Nda Jah wi tu ko Atiq? Atiq kato Atiq nok key hari tu?"

"Ku, ado doh. Terimo kurnio Nda Jah."

"Hmm."

* * *

"Hello?"

"Atiq?"

"Hai Nda We. How are you?"

"I'm okay, thanks. When are you going back to Ireland?"

"Reeeaaally early tomorrow morning, before Subuh lagi. Bakpo Nda We?"

"La yo ko. Nda We nok buat tahlil ko Tokku, ajok ustazah bagi tazkirah Ramadhan semo. tok dey Atiq nok mari."

"Tu lah, I know. Sorry Nda We. Atiq tok rajing pun gi rumoh baru Nda We."

"Nda We sajo call Atiq sebab I heard you were going back. I just wanted to personally thank you for all that you've done for your grandfather. Nda We tok caro ore laing kato gapo, they didn't see how Atiq jago Tokku, how Opie jago Tokku. I am really greatful that you were there for him"

"...I...uhm. You're welcome. I...I wanted to."

* * *

Dear Tokku.

Even though most of what you cried for when you were lying on your bed, worried about what might happen when you finally leave us, has actually happened. All is not lost. The family is still holding, albeit shaky and fragile. I will always try and keep a good front with everyone no matter how difficult or complicated things get, because I know it's what you would want of me. Because I know you were worried bonds will break and ties will unravel, and I won't let it happen. At least not from my part of the deal.

Love. Atiq.