Missing Emak

On the Saturday before the beginning of fasting, a small doa tahlil was held at my house with siblings, nephews, nieces and grand-nephews and nieces meant for our late parents, mainly, and of course, my late brother and brother-in-law.
Not all my siblings came. Kak Cik as usual says that she extends her prayers to both our late parents every time after prayers, therefore a congregation of doas is not necessary, so she opines. Hakim for whatever his reasons did not come, either. That left Kak Mong, who mooted the tahlil, Kak Yang and Abg Ghazie.
Lately, as I extend the Al-Fatihah after prayers to Mak and Abah's souls, flash images of Mak and Abah appeared, particularly the ones of Abah visiting me in MRSM, Abah converting Ringgit into USD at the airport as I was about to leave for US of A, Mak at the dining table in the Paroi house, Mak on her last night complaining of pain before her passing, Mak smiling, just like a flashback of them from yesteryears.
That made me very sad. Especially at this time during fasting month. As I go from stall to stall weighing the variety of food choices for berbuka, I kept thinking of berbuka puasa with Emak. Then I realize that Mak has been gone for a little more than 6 months now. No more berbuka with Emak. No more converging at Mak's house for Hari Raya.
I thank God that for all my pregnancies Mak was still around. Despite my independence after all these years, just knowing that Mak is there gives you that assurance. As Harith's delivery date was approaching, Mak told me that she prays that All will be well for me and baby since I, after all, was pregnant then at 42. That must have carried a lot of weight up there because Harith's delivery, recuperation was so much easier.
Mak, Abah....Rindunya Dila kat Mak, Abah.