Almost Home

Ain, a 28-year-old full-time patient care assistant, struggles to balance work-life. Work can be overwhelming for her on some days but there are days when working as a caregiver brings joy into her life. After a long day of visitations, she always looks forward to her last patient’s house. Cik Salmah, a 65-year-old widow, would anticipate Ain's visit. Even if it's just work, both of them feel as if their relationship is like a mother and daughter.

Their daily routine consists of folding origami and having conversations about their day-to-day lives. One day, Cik Salmah notices Ain’s well-folded boat origami. She then starts talking about her late husband who used to be a sailor back in the day and how she could only see him twice a year. Talking about her late husband makes Ain slightly uncomfortable so she cuts her off. Cik Salmah continues to reminisce and how she had to take care of her 8-year-old daughter by herself. Despite feeling awkward, Ain continues to do her job by cleaning up and getting Cik Salmah’s bed ready before calling it a day.

As Ain tucks Cik Salmah into bed, she is told to switch off the room light and lock the main door once her daughter reaches home. Ain nods and smiles gently while keeping the paper boats' origami in the bedside drawer. She does as she is told then kisses Cik Salmah’s forehead as she casually sets up a folded mattress right next to her to sleep.

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