That evening Malam came home exhausted. Even though his mind managed to put all thoughts of Keng Yi aside, his heart was still full of her. As he sat down at the head of the dinner table with his huge family, he looked at them all. They all seemed to be happy and contented. He watched his wives helping the younger children with their meals and felt that he still loved all of them just as much. However, there was emptiness within him, and he knew that only Keng Yi could fill up that hole. That night, he chose Paini to sleep in his room. Only she would be able to help him make the big decision. She had always supported him, and he hoped with all his heart that she would continue to stand by him. Paini had a strong suspicion that something big was going to happen, so when her husband started to seduce her, she pushed him gently away and said, “You have something to tell me. Let us get it over with.” Malam was thankful for her intuition, for it was more a duty than an urge that he began to make his approach. He sat up in bed, and looked at his wife who was lying on her back. She encouraged him to start the conversation. “My dearest Paini, what I am about to tell you does not mean that I love any of you less. I am in love again, only this time the love for this girl brings back the past with you. I have the same longing and pain of many years ago. I shall never be whole again unless I have her.” He paused and waited for his wife’s response. Paini took her eyes off her husband and turned on her side. Tears were gathering in her eyes as she said, “This time, I alone cannot make the decision for you. The other two have also loved you faithfully. Together we have gone through a lot when you were in the hands of the Japanese. But think carefully before you approach them with this topic. Be prepared for Ah Leng’s wrath.” She got up, kissed him on the forehead, and left his room without looking back.