One particular cousin of mine - let’s call him Lee - is probably the rowdiest guy of all cousins my age. He smokes, gets involved in gangfights, talks in a weird cocky accent, but still pretty much humble around his friends [and cousins his age, including myself]. He’s quite interested in technology, but is basically one you would label a proud noob.

He would pick up his phone with a rough ‘Ha, Apa kau nak?’ or start conversations with ‘Woi, aku nih!’ in a tone that may sound to most people as rude. He finds much amusement in talking down other people and making jokes out of people whenever he gets the chance. Pretty much a meanie, if you wanna look at it that way. I don’t really mind his rowdiness because he’s still a nice guy. Just that he’s pretty rough with his actions and words most of the time.

However, late one night, I was emptying a carton of milk into my mouth when his phone rang. For the first time, I heard a soft gentle coo coming out of his mouth, forming the words;

‘Hai, sayang.’

I choked and had some milk sprayed out of my nose.

“Even the cold heart of the wildest beast can be tamed by the warmth of love.”
- Aesop