The school was over. Mihran went back home where Ms. Riza was waiting for him at the table.
'Hi, Mami. ', he entered the house normally.
'Hey, dear. Go fresh up, quick. I've something to discuss', Mom called while setting the plates.
'Oh, Gosh! ', he said tiredly.
After changing, he sat on the chair in front of Mom.
'I'm really tired and hungry. What's in food? '
'Nothing special! '
'I know.' Then , he actively said, ' Mom? Knock, knock! '
'Oh, no! ', she said in seriousness. She unwillingly said, while taking out the food in plates, ' Who's there? '
'Kaurian! '
'Who "Kaurian"? '
'South Korean! ', he shouted and laughed at his own joke for a while.
'Yuck! I can never help you with your knock-knock jokes. '
'You didn't like it? Okay, then. Let's try again. '
'For God's sake, no! Shut your mouth. And start eating. '
'How am I supposed to shut my mouth and start eating at the same time? ', he teased.
'Son, I know this strategy, so you can't take this away from me. You can't distract me. '
'E-e-l-y? ', he said, stuffing food in his mouth.
Being serious, Mom said, 'What are you gonna tell me if I ask you about morning's episode? '
'About what, Ma'am? '
'... Are you ever gonna wake up early? You wake up at 9. Why? '
'Listen, we were partying last night. I reached home at 4 am. Then, I slept and opened eyes at 9. Is that enough? Just 5 hour sleep, Mom? '
'Well, that's not my fault. '
'Oh, of course. '
'Today, I reached late at the police station. Today was an important meeting that I reached late at. That was really... embarrassing. ', she said in total rage.
He statued and felt very nervous due to that glare. They looked in the eyes for some time, silence everywhere around. It was afternoon, and sharp skin-burning sunlight outside, so people were inside their houses. Only the chittering of the birds and flattering of their wings and leaves could be heard. The silence on the table was disturbed when Mihran dropped a spoon on his plate. Then, he gathered courage and said, 'You don't even give me a freaking copy of the keys. You wouldn't be late then.'
'I don't trust you with the keys. I don't want strangers in my house. I know you too well, dear! '
He nodded, and didn't say a word the whole time. He helped his Mom in the kitchen, as usual. He, then, went in his room for rest. After a while, Mom entered the room and found him sleeping. She carefully stepped beside him and sat on the stool nearby, watching him with love.
'I'm sorry, son. But, I can't leave before seeing you off. I care because you're still my baby. ', she expressed in low voice, caressing his head. For some time, she just watched him silently. Then, she leaned to kiss on his forehead, and whispered, 'I got to leave now. '
She stood up and said, 'I love you. '
The moment she shut the door, Mihran opened his eyes and said, 'I love you too, Mom. '
He wasn't sleeping at all, but now, he slept soundly.