Lina stepped out of her apartment and into the warm summer air, the heat immediately making her sigh. She should've worn a fucking hat.
The road wasn't too busy, which was surprising for this time of day. A few cars passed by, and the usual city noise filled the air—honking, distant chatter, the occasional barking dog. She raised a hand and waved down a taxi.
It didn't take long before a yellow cab pulled up. She slid into the backseat and shut the door behind her.
"Where to?" the driver asked, glancing at her through the rearview mirror.
"Greenwood Crescent, number 14."
A middle-class neighborhood. Quiet but lively. The kind of place where families had backyard barbecues on weekends and nosy neighbors peeked through curtains to see who was coming and going. Her parents had lived there for years.
The drive wasn't long—about twenty minutes. Long enough for her to regret not bringing headphones because the radio was blasting some annoying-ass talk show, and she was in no mood to hear old men debate the state of the fucking economy.
By the time they arrived, it was just past noon.
Lina paid the driver, stepped out, and stared at the familiar house. It wasn't big, but it had a cozy charm. A four-bedroom place with faded blue walls, a porch swing that creaked whenever the wind blew, and the same potted plants her mom had been obsessed with for years.
She took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The second she did, a familiar voice shrieked, "Lina!"
Before she could react, her mother was on her, pulling her into a suffocating hug.
"My baby! You finally came home!"
Lina groaned into her shoulder. "Mum… can't… breathe."
Her mother pulled back, holding her at arm's length, immediately scanning her up and down like she was inspecting a damn crime scene.
Her expression twisted. "Why do you look thinner?"
Lina rolled her eyes. "Mum, I literally look the same."
Her mother ignored her, muttering something about not feeding herself properly before dragging her into the house.
Lina barely had time to drop her bag before she was being shoved toward the dining table.
"Sit, sit! I'll make you something."
"Mum, I already ate—"
"Nonsense! You need proper food. Not whatever nonsense you eat alone."
Lina sighed, knowing there was no fucking point in arguing. She watched as her mother disappeared into the kitchen, moving around like a woman on a mission. Within minutes, the house was filled with the smell of spices, frying oil, and something undeniably delicious.
She shook her head, amused.
Fifteen minutes later, the table was full of food.
Her mother had gone all out—fried rice with thick, saucy chicken, plantains fried to a perfect golden crisp, a side of coleslaw, and even homemade fruit juice.
"Eat," her mother ordered, arms crossed.
Lina sighed but picked up her spoon.
The food was, of course, fucking amazing.
"Jesus, Mum. Did you have to cook like we're feeding an army?"
Her mother scoffed. "This is nothing. If you stayed longer, I'd make a proper feast."
"I am so fucking full," Lina groaned.
Her mother lightly smacked her arm. "Language."
Lina just grinned.
After they finished eating, she began gathering the plates.
"I'll do it," she said.
"I'll help," her mother replied.
Together, they carried the dishes to the sink and started washing. The kitchen filled with the sound of running water, clinking plates, and the occasional scolding from her mother whenever Lina did something 'wrong.'
"You're rinsing too fast."
"Jesus, Mum."
"That one still has soap on it!"
Lina exhaled dramatically. "If you wanted to do it all yourself, you should've just said so."
Her mother gave her a look but didn't argue.
Once the dishes were done, Lina stretched, feeling the weight of the food settle in her stomach. "I swear to God, I'm going to pass out. That was too much."
Her mother wiped her hands on a towel. "Good. You need to eat more."
"I'm not even thin!"
Her mother gave her a look that screamed you don't know what you're talking about, but before Lina could start a full-blown debate, her mum switched gears.
"Come, let's go to the store."
Lina blinked. "What?"
"We need to buy some things."
"We literally have everything here."
Her mother ignored her and started grabbing her purse.
"Mum, I'm full. Like, I physically cannot walk right now."
"Good. Then walking will be exercise."
Lina stared at her. "You're evil."
Her mother smiled sweetly. "And you love me."
Lina let out a long, suffering sigh but followed her out the door.
The store was about fifteen minutes away on foot. Normally, Lina wouldn't mind the walk, but with a stomach full of food, she felt like she was dragging her own fucking corpse down the street.
When they got there, her mother immediately went into full-on shopping mode.
Lina trailed behind, watching as she grabbed everything in sight.
"Mum… you don't need that much rice."
"Yes, I do."
"Why are you getting two packs of detergent?"
"Just in case."
"Mum—"
"Shh."
Lina groaned, watching helplessly as the cart filled up. She knew exactly what was happening.
This haul wasn't for her parents—it was for her.
By the time they got to the checkout, she was staring at the overflowing cart with sheer disbelief.
"Mum, where the fuck am I supposed to put all this in my apartment?"
"Language," her mother snapped.
Lina rubbed her forehead. "You're seriously trying to overstock my entire house."
"It's called taking care of my daughter."
She groaned but didn't argue anymore.
By the time they left the store, she was exhausted.
Her mother, on the other hand, looked perfectly fine.
Lina squinted at her. "Are you sure you're not a fucking superhuman?"
Her mother chuckled. "You young people have no stamina."
Lina just shook her head, too tired to respond.
When they finally got back home, Lina collapsed onto the couch. "I'm never eating again."
Her mother just laughed, patting her head. "We'll see about that at dinner."
Lina groaned.
This woman was going to be the death of her.