“Chop the veggies,” Soleh instructed, practically bouncing in his seat. “But don’t go too fast, or Mama will get mad.”
Wyn furrowed his brow, his tongue poking out slightly in concentration as he tapped the screen. The little cartoon knife began slicing carrots and onions with surprising precision, each cut landing perfectly on the chopping board.
“Okay, okay,” Soleh said, clearly impressed. “Not bad, not bad. Now stir the pot—but keep the temperature steady!”
Wyn nodded once, focused entirely on the task. The virtual pot bubbled on the screen as he moved the stylus in smooth, deliberate circles.
I leaned closer, grinning. “You’re really going to let a cartoon chef stress you out?”
“Quiet,” Wyn muttered, his lips twitching. “I’m in the zone.”
The final step came: plating the dish. Wyn carefully arranged the digital curry rice onto the plate, garnished it with a sprinkle of green, and tapped the “done” button. The screen flashed with colorful fireworks, and Mama beamed with joy.
“You’re even better than Mama!” the game announced cheerfully.
“Five stars!” Soleh shouted, throwing his arms up in triumph. “You’re a natural, man!”
Wyn handed the Switch back with a small, satisfied smile. “Told you I know what I’m doing.”
“Okay, I’ll admit it,” I said, nudging him playfully. “That was impressive. Who knew you had a hidden talent for virtual cooking?”
“Talent’s talent,” Wyn replied, his tone teasing but his expression soft. He glanced at Soleh. “What’s next? Cake? Sushi?”
Soleh grinned. “I think you’ve earned a spot in Mama’s kitchen. Let’s do some tempura next!”
As Soleh set up the next level, Wyn leaned back slightly, glancing at me. “Happy?”
I rested my head against his shoulder, watching the two of them bond over frying virtual shrimp. “Very.”
For the rest of the flight, the soft sounds ofCooking Mamafilled the cabin, blending with the hum of the engines, and the sight of Soleh and Wyn laughing together made my heart feel fuller than ever.
The plane had landed a while ago, and being back in Jakarta felt surreal. I felt shrunk back down to my childhood self, and for the first time it was in a good way. The familiar warmth in the air hit me all at once I took off my jacket. I was definitely back home.
“Jakarta,” Soleh sighed deeply, stretching his arms on his hips. “Finally I’m free from the shackles of deep fried everything and overpriced coffee.”
“Why must you always be so weird? Sometimes I think Yesoh is the weirdo, but I’m always promptly reminded that it’s certainly you.” Cahya scoffed, tossing Soleh his backpack, whichhe caught promptly. “Focus, we have to grab our luggage and head to Mom’s before the traffic gets bad.”
“Hey!” I exclaimed, throwing my hands up in the air, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Ignore them darling,” Wynter assured me, taking both our luggage because why would I carry anything around him ever? He walked silently beside me, lost in thought.
“Don’t look so serious, you’re not having a scheduled meeting with the CIA.” I snorted a laugh.
“I am meeting your mother,” he emphasized. “Which is somehow far more daunting.”
“True!” I giggled. “But Pat’s just strict, she isn’t scary.”
“Says you!” Soleh blurted out scratching the back of his neck. “Don’t let Soh fool you, our mother is in fact spooky!”
When we finally arrived at my childhood home, the familiar white gate swung open, and I spotted my mother waiting in the doorway. Our house in Jakarta was far from luxurious, it was a one story, three bedroom home with wide bay windows, and a charming swingset on the porch. My mother, Pat, had her perfectly ironed blouse and neatly pinned hair. As crisp as ever her sharp eyes assessing every detail the moment we stepped inside.
“Mummy!” I called out, running up to hug her. She stepped back slightly before returning the hug, her movements polite but distant.
“It’s a pleasure to see you even though you’re seven minutes late. I don’t recall raising tardy children. You’ve been in America far too long, you’re losing your values,” she criticized, her gaze then drifting to Wynter. “And you must be?”
“Wynter Kwon,” Wyn introduced himself, formally taking a bow in respect, then extending a hand towards her, but she just nodded in acknowledgment.
“Ah right,” she said, as though the name didn’t ring a bell “You’re the one she mentioned last time.”
