I

“Nek, why do you love and care for Mas so genuinely from a young age, even though Mas isn’t your biological grandchild?”

“That’s all a woman’s instinct as a mother, Mas.”

“Why has Mas become Nek’s priority, even above yourself?”

“Mas is like Nek’s own child. Nek’s parental instinct always prioritizes family over oneself. Nek loves Mas deeply.”

II

“Nek!”

That’s how I lovingly call her, even though Nek (Grandma) and I are not related by blood. My mother has two mothers – one who gave birth to her and another who adopted her. She is the seventh child in her biological family. Due to financial constraints, my mother was raised by Nek, as her adoptive child.

Since I was born in 1999, I have lived in Grandma’s house with my parents. They were often away because of their jobs and studies, so Grandma became my primary caregiver from infancy until kindergarten.

I live separated from Grandma during elementary and middle school, but then I returned to live with her during high school when I decided to pursue education in Bandung. For me, Grandma has been a guardian angel who has accompanied me on my journey through life, even though there are no family ties binding us.

As time passed, I continued to grow and become more independent. Now, the time has come when I won’t live with Grandma anymore. However, Grandma and her home will always be the place I call ‘home’.