84

NIRVANA

It was beautiful, like somewhere that came from a milk brand ad, with a blue sky, fresh air, and greener grass. I first noticed the farmhouse in the distance and smoke coming out of its chimney.

“Asina?” I ran in that direction, towards the house, but she didn’t appear, unlike the first time we met.

“Are you lost?”

I abruptly stopped to hear a woman’s voice. She was in her early thirties but looked seemingly familiar like I could trust her with my life. “Hi. I’m sorry, but I was looking for Asina.”

When she smiled at me, I felt like I knew her my own life. “Nirvana.”

I swallowed hard and blinked when my eyes turned misty. “Mom?”

“Come inside, my beautiful girl.”

I threw myself in her and hugged her tight. “Mom, how is it possible? Where is Dad?”

“You grow up into such a beautiful young woman, honey.” She ignored my question and walked inside the house to the small door.

I followed her inside the kitchen. She must be baking something. I smelled butter and sugar. “Gran