If it’s a matter of liking her, I like her too,” said Uda. He was the second in the family. He glanced directly at his mother, who was known as Ajak Limah to the villagers. Ajak Limah let her children talk things out to reach an agreement.

“Who doesn’t like her?” Uda asked. This time, his gaze landed on his younger brother. Hashim didn’t say a word, relishing the cigarette he was smoking.

“She’s beautiful and attractive. If we’re considering who is more deserving, I am definitely more deserving to claim her,” Uda continued.

He smiled wryly while glancing at his brother. From the kitchen, Ajak Limah smiled at the confessions pouring out of her sons.

• Tags: Adriana Nordin Manan, Akiya, fiction, Issue 13, Malaysia