Secret Love Nest 2018

Sibling War pt4

"Let's pray for it."

That is Mama's solution for her children's mess. Prayers.

I find that sad and admirable at the same time. Sad, because how helpless does a person had to feel and how dire does a situation has to be for it to be decided that prayers will be the only solution for the problem.

Admirable because well...prayers. Is there anything more heartfelt than a sincere call for a greater power to move the pieces on the chessboard so that things will be all well again? I don't think so.

And Mama had nothing in her heart if not a heartfelt wish for her children to find their way to peace and forgiveness.

Baba: (glaring at his children) You reduced your mother to this. That she will find solace and peace in prayers. The two of you...

JiJi and Qing both turn down their heads. I sighed beside my lover.

Me: Can I come too, Mama?

Mama: (shaking her head regretfully) I would love nothing more than for you to be there at the temple too, Dayu. But you will be a distraction for Qing. So I think it will be better if only Qing and JiJi will come with me to the temple.

Eyes widened at that statement of her.

Qing: Just me and her?

JiJi: Mama...

Mama: (nodding) Just the three of us. I will ask forgiveness for raising the two of you wrongly. And wisdom to go from here. Plus patience and strength for me and for your Baba. Think about what the two of you will pray for.

JiJi: A different brother?

Qing: A much nicer sister?

Wang Zhu: The two of you are impossible. (Turning to Mama) Auntie, shall I come too and wish for better cousins? I think I need to pray for forgiveness too.

Auntie: Why not wish for a wife so you can get married and start a family of your own.

Wang Zhu: For what? So I can have children like these two? (Pointing at JiJi and Qing) No. I think bachelorhood is preferable than having unruly kids like them.

Uncle: (clearing his throat) And you think you are doing better, son?

Wang Zhu gege opened his lips then close them again.

Wang Zhu: (contrite) Sorry Baba, Mama. I will do better.

JiJi's Husband: I guess I can't come either. (Looking at his wife) Will you be okay?

JiJi: Oh I will be fine. You should reserve your concern for my brother, Honey. Qing might melt inside the temple. What with all the sins he carry...

Qing: Ah, and you are so clean. I see...

Me: Stop it. The both of you...

Mama: We will go to the temple and pray, every week.

That made all of us stop again.

Qing: E-every week? (Turning to me) Did I heard it right?

Mama: (nodding) Every week until the two of you apologize to each other. Or if you don't want to pray with me, then apologize to each other now.