Back at One: Another LingOrm's Story

#2

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of Ling and Orm's cozy Bangkok apartment, casting a warm glow across the room. Ling stretched her arms and yawned as she sat up in bed, glancing over at Orm, who was still sound asleep beside her. It had been a busy few weeks for them, constantly balancing work and family time, but Ling wouldn't have it any other way.

In fact, she had grown quite fond of the frequent trips to Chumphon to visit Orm's family. It was a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and seeing Orm relax with her parents and brother always warmed her heart. But, as Ling began her morning, she was reminded of the fact that it wasn't just Orm's family who enjoyed these regular visits. Her own mother had become a regular guest in their home, almost too regular.

Ling smiled to herself, thinking about the last visit when her mother had taken over the kitchen, chatting animatedly with Orm as if she were the daughter she had always dreamed of. The bond between them had formed so naturally, and while Ling was happy to see it, she couldn't deny the slight twinge of jealousy she felt every time her mother doted on Orm.

Ling was brought out of her thoughts by the buzzing of her phone on the nightstand. She picked it up, rubbing her eyes to focus on the message that had just come through.

Mama: Surprise! We're coming to visit today!

Ling blinked at the message, her mouth dropping open in disbelief. "Today?" she muttered to herself, quickly typing a reply.

Ling: Again? You were just here last week!

She sent the message and leaned back against the headboard, waiting for her mother's response. It didn't take long.

Mama: Don't be so dramatic, Lingling. We missed you! Plus, I want to see my favorite daughter.

Ling groaned, shaking her head. She couldn't even pretend to be surprised anymore. It seemed like every other week her mother found an excuse to visit, claiming it was for "business" or "important errands." But the truth was, her mother just couldn't stay away from Orm.

She nudged Orm gently, trying to wake her up. "Orm, wake up. We have visitors coming."

Orm mumbled something incoherent and buried her face deeper into the pillow.

"Orm," Ling said again, a little louder this time. "Mama's coming to visit today."

That got Orm's attention. She lifted her head slightly, her eyes still half-closed but a sleepy smile playing on her lips. "Mama's coming? Again?"

Ling sighed, nodding. "Yes, again."

Orm chuckled softly and rolled onto her back, stretching. "I love when Mama visits. She's so much fun."

"I know," Ling replied, folding her arms across her chest. "She loves you more than me."

Orm grinned, sitting up in bed and playfully nudging Ling. "That's not true. She loves you too, in her own way."

"Oh, please," Ling said, rolling her eyes. "The last time she was here, she spent the entire day teaching you how to make her special dumplings. I didn't even get a taste!"

"You were working," Orm teased, laughing. "And besides, I'm sure you'll get your chance today. She'll probably bring over more recipes for us to try."

Ling let out a dramatic sigh, though she couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips. "I guess we better get ready then. Knowing Mama, she'll be here before we've even had breakfast."

Sure enough, by mid-morning, the familiar sound of knocking echoed through the apartment. Ling opened the door to find her mother standing there, a wide grin on her face, holding bags of groceries.