The dishes in the kitchen clinked softly, knocking against each other as Dina had just stacked them after dinner. The house felt comfortable, warm, and routine. The fan whirred softly, her beloved cat, Percy, meowed lazily every now and then, and the sound of a motorcycle from the front driveway occasionally passed by.
After washing the dishes, Dina sat in the living room munching on chips—a habit her mother always reprimanded her for.
"Why are you still snacking after eating?" her mother chided, folding clothes on the sofa.
"I'm still growing, Mom," Dina replied, hugging a pillow.
Before her mother could respond, the rarely used landline phone rang—kriiiiing...
Dina immediately picked up the phone.
"Hello."
"Hello? Is it Dina?"
"Yes. Who is this?"
"Din, this is Aunt Tati. Is your mother there?"
"Yes, Aunty. Just a moment." Dina then handed the phone to her mother. "Aunt Tati, Mom."
Dina's mother grabbed the phone with a short breath. "Hello, Sis..."
Dina's eyes were focused on the television screen, but her ears were listening to her mother's words. Dina could already guess what was going on.
"Yes, Sis. We'll arrange it," her mother said in a much quieter voice than usual.
As soon as the phone hung up, Dina immediately sat up straight.
"Is she asking for money again?"
Her mother was silent for a moment before answering softly, "Yes. Your cousin, Lina, needs to pay for the semester. Just a little."
"Always a little, yeah," Dina muttered, leaning back on the sofa. "She asked for money last month too."
Asking. Not borrowing, Dina complained to herself.
Her mother remained silent as she continued folding clothes.
"Every time they need something, we're the ones they turn to?" Dina continued, her irritation unconcealed. "Is Uncle Agus's sibling only Dad?"
Her mother sighed. "But Dad was the only one he supported from childhood until he graduated. You know the story."
"But that's his duty as an older sibling, Mom," Dina interrupted quickly. "If your parents die, the eldest sibling is the breadwinner. Why would it become a lifelong debt?"
Her mother was silent. She didn't defend them, but didn't blame them either.
Dina spoke more softly, but more sharply. "I don't like it when our family has to be ready whenever they needs anything."
Her mother sighed. "People have different opinions. Some think it's normal, others think it's a favor. For Aunt Tati, her husband did a great service to your father. And sometimes... people who feel they've done a favor have a hard time distinguishing between kindness and demands."
Dina looked away, returning to the TV.
She knew her mother wasn't defending her aunt, just trying to maintain peace in the family.
Her mother continued. "Also, your dad easily melted when reminded of the past."
"After all, he's the one who worked hard to get to where he is today," Dina muttered. "He went to college on a scholarship."
"But the book and living expenses come from Uncle Agus," her mother chimed in. "Stop nagging. Let Mom and Dad take care of it. You and your brother don't need to get involved. Just focus on school."
Dina didn't answer. Her face still clearly showed her disapproval, but she didn't want to argue with her mother anymore.
This wasn't the first time.
And it certainly wouldn't be the last.