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Linda
"Do you think she's coming over tonight?" she asked, her expression, when I stole a look, nervous.
"I think so," I answered, knowing who she meant.
Dee had a huge quarrel with her sister just a month ago, over her non-compliance to treatment with Dr Lim. It was another Saturday dinner, and somehow the conversation swerved over to usually taboo territory. Dee was harsh and mean in her rebuttal of her sister's concerned queries and the younger girl left in a huff.
"Do you think she's still angry with me?" Dee asked. "I asked mum but she said she couldn't tell."
"You know how your sister is. She doesn't stay angry long, and I'm willing to bet she'll be here."
"I hope you're right. I wanted to apologise to her, but she wouldn't take my calls."
"Wasn't she out of town?"
"Well, she's back. Came in the day after you returned from Indonesia."
"I see." I stirred the pot, smelling the pleasant aroma. I watched the pieces of vegetables float up to the surface before disappearing into the depths. With a spoon, I tasted the soup. It needed another dash of salt.
The doorbell rang just then and Dee went to answer it. My mother-in-law came into the kitchen with a pot in her hands, the familar smell of her famous 'Heng Huah Longevity Noodles' blending perfectly with that of my vegetable soup.
"Ma!" I said, taking the heavy pot from her. She went over to the stove and stirred the soup. "Wah, smells even better than I remember!" she said, a grin on her plump face.
"Thanks!" I said, swallowing the strand of noodle I stole. "Let me get you a drink. Chinese tea okay?"
Then the two sisters walked in. Dee was shorter by a head than her sister, but more curvaceous. She was also prettier, but that was before alcohol and medication messed up her physiology.
"Dear, look what Linda bought me!" Dee said, showing me. "This is my favorite perfume, and very expensive too! Thanks!"
"You're welcome!" Linda said, giving me a glance, "Just something I got at the duty-free shop. I'm glad you like it."
to be cont
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