Another routine, another norms
Life is filled with peculiar beginnings that eventually transform into everyday norms. Take, for instance, the first two decades of my life, where without fail, I would always be by my mother's side during the morning of Hari Raya. However, as I entered marriage life, things began to change. Despite my parents and in-laws residing just a 15-minute drive away from each other, the impact was significant during the first time. I found myself crying uncontrollably in the surau near my in-laws' place before the Eid prayers on that inaugural Raya morning without Mak. As time flew by, this absence became a routine. I have slowly adapted to not spending time with mak during Raya mornings, and Mak, too, seemed to have forgotten what it felt like to have me by her side. I am grateful that Mak has others to accompany her to the mosque, such as my sister-in-law and nieces. I am thankful that I still have the opportunity to join the annual Raya visit routine with the Hosnih clan. However, t