Toh nayi update, I hope this makes your night.

Amina happened to wake up quite early. Perhaps, it was because she was used to waking up early for work, but she found her eyes fluttered open quite early in the morning.

Benazir was still very much fast asleep, she's been like that since she returned home last night and found her cuddled up in her bed. They weren't sharing the same room, though they wouldn't mind having a chance to catch up and all. It'll be like a girl's slumber party and all.

However, they happen to have enough rooms in the house so they could all enjoy their privacy.

When Amina dropped by her room to check up on her, after showering and getting all dressed up, she wasn't surprised to see the lady still all cuddled up in bed. The only sign of her having awaken was the prayer mat lying on the side, showing she woke up to pray subh.

After that, she seemed to have found solace in the comfort of her bed, under the heaps of blanket that truly looked tempting. Amina would've stayed under hers too if not that seeped had eluded her.

Carefully closing the door behind her, she turned around and descended the stairs, with one destination in mind-the kitchen. Her stomach was rumbling, and as per tradition, the day wouldn't start well for her without a cup of her energy boost.

Her morning cup of tea. She wasn't a coffee person. Never was. Never will be.

How can someone drink something so bitter and be addicted to it? She can never understand.

Tea though. It's the best thing that has ever happened to man. That and potato chips.

On reaching the kitchen, she wasn't surprised to see there was no one there. She navigated her way around it, turning on the kettle and shuffling through the cupboards to find a cup as well as everything else she'd need.

Luckily, it didn't take long for her to get it altogether and before she realized it, she had her up of tea and was sitting in the resting chairs out in the backyard, simply staring at the land up ahead and loving the sight.

It was so beautiful. It's therapeutic.

She felt inner peace fill her up inside. When was the last time she woke up in the morning without the fear of what the day would hold? She can't remember.

She chose to cherish that moment though, because it was priceless. As such, she had no idea how much time passed by soon enough, she had an empty mug and a warm, familiar voice slicing through her train of thoughts.

"I didn't expect to see you here."

Amina blinked, snapping back to reality. Sitting up, she whipped her head around to see who it was. Her lips instantly curled upwards into a warm smile as she got on her feet. "Amma." She called out softly, "Barka da safiya."

"Kin tashi lafiya?" Amma inquired, coming to stand in front of the said woman. Her tone was soft, like the water waves.

Amina admired how soft spoken she was. She was the epitome of calm and collected. "Alhamdullilah." She responded with her smile never disappearing. "I hope you slept well as well."

Amma shrugged slightly. "Well, it's the same as always. Alhamdullilah." Suddenly, a look hard to decipher masked her features. "You seemed to have enjoyed it though. Tell me, how was your horse riding yesterday? You stayed up late because of it."

Amina's eyes dilated slightly, suddenly worried her staying out late might e gotten on the woman's wrong side. "I'm so sorry. We lost track of time and--"

"Relax." Amma cut her off midway, seeing the look on her face. Her smile widened a bit, to offer comfort to the younger woman. "Dean explained already. Though I trust you both, I hope you won't stay out that late again. It's a foreign environment to you. There can be bad people around. Alright?" She wouldn't just dismiss the issue without addressing it.

She knows Amina is a adult, and that she's been living all by herself. It's fine, it's her life. But when she's with them, she's under her watch and she'll do her best to look after her. That's what she's supposed to do anyway, to look after them all. They're her responsibilities, regardless of them thinking they're adults.

Amina could only fold her lips in them nodded. She was still unsure how to act to what to say afterwards, she'd always been bad at conversing after she's been called out on something.

Especially not by Amma whom she now views in a high regard.

Tensing the uneasiness embracing the younger woman, Amma's voice came yet again to put an end to it. "Would you like breakfast? I can make something for you if you want."

Amina was quick to shake her head. "No, it's fine really. I had a cup of tea already. I'll b good for a while."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

"If you say so." The older woman then sighed. "Well, the others won't be awake for a while and I'm heading in town to a market. You can tag along if you want. If you don't want to, it's perfectly okay. Kids these days don't like market strolls again." She stated casually with a light chuckle.

Amina chuckled along as well, feeling the awkwardness slowly slip away. "I won't mind actually." She'd rather do something, anything than stay idle there.

As much as she loves the peace, she'd rather explore the beautiful island that's Jeju. What's the point of being there if she won't see around the place?

Besides she knew she made the right choice when Amma's face lit up upon having a partner for her early market strolls. She beckoned Amina to touch up if she wants to and the they'll hit the road.

They headed out soon after, and before they realize it, they were exploring the market that's Ogwipo Maeil Olle.

Amina ended up wearing an outfit that perfectly captures the essence of early morning shopping in the tranquil atmosphere of Jeju. She dons a flowing midi dress crafted from a lightweight, breathable fabric in soft shades of lavender and pale blue. The dress features a modest V-neckline and short sleeves, offering comfort while maintaining a sense of elegance.

Over her dress, she wears a light, oversized linen cardigan in a natural beige tone. The cardigan drapes gently over her shoulders, providing a touch of warmth against the morning breeze while allowing her to move freely. Its loose weave adds to the texture of her outfit, blending seamlessly with the relaxed ambiance of the market.

Amina's choice of footwear is a pair of comfortable woven slip-on sandals, their earthy tones mirroring the market's surroundings. The sandals allow her feet to breathe as she navigates the cobbled pathways, ensuring both comfort and style.

To complete her ensemble, Amina wears a wide-brimmed sun hat made from straw, its neutral color echoing the wooden market stalls. The hat not only shields her face from the gentle morning sunlight but also adds a touch of timeless charm to her look.

On the other hand, Amma's attire embodies an ageless blend of comfort and sophistication. She gracefully wears a flowing maxi dress in a muted earthy tone, tailored with a loose and modest cut that befits her stature as an older woman. The dress, adorned with subtle patterns reminiscent of nature's beauty, cascades down to her ankles, allowing her to move with ease and grace.

Over the maxi dress, Amma elegantly drapes a soft jersey veil that envelops her shoulders and head. The veil's gentle drape and neutral hue emphasize her respect for tradition and her timeless sense of style.

As the sun begins to rise over Ogwipo Maeil Olle Market, its vibrant atmosphere comes to life. The market is a bustling hub of activity, tucked within a charming coastal town. Rows of wooden stalls line the narrow cobblestone pathways, each stall laden with an array of fresh produce, colorful flowers, and local crafts. The market is nestled between traditional Korean buildings, their tiled roofs casting intricate shadows on the ground.

Amina, a newcomer to the market, walks arms interlocked with Amma, an older woman who visits Jeju every once in a while and knows the place like the back of her hand. Amina's eyes widen with wonder as they enter the market's entrance, her astonishment palpable amidst the cheerful chatter of vendors and patrons. Amma, on the other hand, navigates the bustling scene with familiarity, her smile reflecting the fond memories she holds of this place.

The air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of sizzling street food and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. Rays of golden sunlight filter through the narrow spaces between buildings, casting a warm and inviting glow on the scene. Amma leads Amina through the market, pointing out her favorite stalls and sharing tidbits of history and local lore.

Vendors are busy arranging their wares, displaying an impressive array of fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Bright red strawberries glisten like gems, while stacks of green cucumbers and plump tomatoes create a visually appealing contrast. A fishmonger proudly showcases his catch of the day, the iridescent scales of the fish reflecting the morning light.

As Amina and Amma stroll through the market, they exchange smiles with the locals, and Amma introduces Amina to some of the vendors she's befriended over her visits. The market's energy is infectious, as customers haggle playfully with vendors, and the sound of clinking coins mingles with the laughter of children chasing each other between the stalls.

Amma pauses with Amina at a corner stall, where intricately handwoven fabrics and delicate pottery are on display. The vendor, an elderly woman with a warm smile, engages them in conversation about the craftsmanship behind each piece. Amma listens intently, while Amina's curiosity is piqued by the stories of tradition and artistry.

She was never a fan of pottery. She didn't hate it or anything, just generally was never interested in it. However, seeing those crafted pieces with intricate details suddenly piqued her interest. It looked too interesting.

But it wasn't just that, it was also sharing the experience with Amma. They grew closer with that trip, it almost felt like a mother and daughter bonding moment. Amina couldn't remember the last time she had a mother figure in her life.

Of course, there was Inaya's mother but the woman acts more as a friend than a mother. She's that cool mom that feels as though you grew up together, a typical Gen Z mother.

Amina adored her, she truly does. However, there was something about having a stereotypical mother figure. Someone you can be shy of, and still be friendly with. One you can bond with over things others consider lame, one that shows you the old tradition of motherhood.

Amma seems to be that mother figure to Amina. Every moment spent with her with light, and heartwarming.

With bags of fresh produce in hand and hearts full of shared experiences, Amina and Amma continue their leisurely exploration of the market. They marvel at the colorful tapestries hanging overhead, casting dappled patterns of light on the ground. As they make their way to the exit, a small group of musicians sets up nearby, their melodic tunes infusing the air with an even more enchanting atmosphere.

Ogwipo Maeil Olle Market, in the gentle embrace of the morning, becomes a place where bustling commerce and a sense of community coexist harmoniously. It's a world where Amina's awe blends seamlessly with Amma's familiarity, leaving both with a sense of belonging and a lasting memory of the market's vibrant charm.

It was also the place where they tied a mother-daughter bond that will land a very long time. Perhaps, even forever.

***

"We don't come here as often as before, so I barely visit the market anymore because it doesn't feel the same it does before." Amma admitted, as the two casually strolled further away from the market.

They had planned to go back home, as they'd already loaded everything they'd bought in the SUV they brought along. However, the sight of the beach captured Amina's attention, which didn't go unnoticed by the older woman so they ended up taking a stroll there.

They weren't in a rush to head back home anyway. They'd already bought something earlier and eaten it, so they were filled to the brim. If they were to go home, they'd simply be stuck with the others before they decided on some other activity to do as well.

Why not just take a stroll down the beachside and enjoy the tranquility it came with?

A few strands of hair escaped Amina's now loose tied hair. The one feature of hers she truly adored, the luscious hair she had no idea whom she inherited it from but loved it nonetheless. The straw hat was left in the SUV and she was grateful the woman made no comment on it.

Unlike someone who doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut.

She reached out to push the away, her head tilted in the direction of the woman as she asked softly. "You used to come here with someone?"

Amma nodded, her gaze up ahead. It was a gaze filled with yearning, yearning for a moment she hoped will come back to her again. "Yes, with Aahil. Years ago."

Amina's brows drew in, lips tugged into a deep frown. "Not Dean?" Why is it always Aahil? First it was Dean, and now Amma.

Are they certain they're conversing of the same Aahil she knows? It can't be. It has to be someone else.

Amma chuckled slightly, not missing the surprise in the younger woman's tone. Seeing the way he treats her, she understand why she's so biased when it comes to him. "Dean seems like the soft type, but market strolls early in the morning isn't something he's particularly fond of."

"But Aahil is?" Amina still can't wrap her head around the fact and picture it.

It cannot be. He's pretending to be a different person in front of them. That has to be it.

Amma pressed her lips together, then shook her head. "No. He hates it even more." She chuckled lightly, and Amina joined because that sounds more like the man she knows. When the chuckle died down, Amma added in a soft tone, as if reminiscing a moment she hoped to go back to. "But he'd do it for me. He'd bear with the market strolls he hates so much because I want it. Because it's a way for us to bond."

Amina couldn't say a thing about it. How could she? She was finding it hard to believe any of this. She couldn't help but feel as though he had been blindsiding them by pretending to be a good guy when he's anything but.

She knows the man she's living next to. He and the man in their stories are completely different.

She refuse to believe it's the same man.

"-the past few years have been difficult for him though. So, things aren't generally as it used to be." Amma sighed. "I know my family isn't perfect, far from it actually but for the first time in a long time, this weekend feels like the old days." She lifted her head to offer Amina a warm smile. "Perhaps it's because the more, the merrier."

Amina smiled back. She's only been there for a day, she doubts her presence leaves any influence. The woman is probably referring to Hunter and the others. Though they don't stay in the house, they are almost always there.

Amma carried on, choosing to drop that part of the conversation aside. "-My husband is all caught up with work, so it's just us this time around." She doesn't sound saddened by the fact, because she's used to it. It's nothing new. "However, Kimura would be here later today."

"Kimura?" Amina can't recall hearing the name ever. Who is this woman?

Amma suddenly offered her a smile that had her features lightening up. "The one person who can bring out the good side of Aahil you've never seen." She stated. "The one person who stands by him in thick and thin."

***

Mia is coming, Mia is cominggggg!!!

Sha, me I'm excited for her to come. Make i see romance between her and dearest Aahil our love.

So, being a writer is very stupid ehn. Like this like this, I was in Systemic Histology class earlier when out of the blue, BAM!!!! Idea for this book hits me. Smacks me right across the face ehn!

Na so I dey look for pen and sticky note to write down the major points of the scene including the dialogue. You see my life? Sighsss.

Moving on, do you listen to my podcasts? What's your thought on it?

If you don't, you can check it out on Spotify. Pepsi With Jannah. Thanks in advance.

I have nothing else to say. Instead of writing and studying, I'm watching a cdrama so adios!

Ciao my people!

Love, Jannah Mia ❤️