The Taste of Clouds

XI

“Gene” a soft voice was echoed through Gene's ears causing him to wake up. That's his mom.

"Hi, mom."

"Are you okay now?"

"Yes, a lot better."

"Why did you go outside? You know it's dangerous for you."

"I was about to buy a painting knife."

"You didn't find it?"

"No. That's why I need to buy it on my own for my art project. I can't paint without it."

"You should've told me so I can drop it by."

"It's okay mom, you are a busy woman. Plus, you have your promotions.”

“Yes, I'm a busy woman but I will always give you time. Don't worry about me just worry about yourself okay? Are you hungry?”

“Yes. I'm a bit hungry.”

“I bought you porridge and apples. I will prepare them for you, shortly.”

He nodded.

“Here you go. Just eat, I will go to Dr. Tum's office. I'll be back.”

“Okay.”

While he was eating, he attended to the door who gently knocking three times and saw Nueng slowly coming inside and waving his hand.

“Oh! P'Nueng you're here.”

“I bought you strawberries."

“Thank you P'."

"I heard what happened to you a while ago. Are you okay now?"

"Yeah, I feel better. Did you go here alone?"

"No, Nubsib is in the outside."

Nubsib is here? He asked himself with a confusion.

"Why didn't he entered?"

"He does not want to cause any troubles."

"How did you know that I'm here?"

"Nubsib told me."

"He knows?"

"Yeah, you don't know?"

"Know what?"

"Uh... That he..."

"..."

"That he saved you."

"He really did? How? Can I talk to him?"

"You can. I'll call him quickly."

***

"Thank you for saving me, Sib."

I SHOULD BE THE ONE TO THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME. I'M JUST RETURNING THE THING YOU DID.

"He said, he should be the one to thank you for saving him and that is his way of returning the thing you did to him.”

WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?

“What happened to you? He asked."

"Long story." I respond while eating my warm porridge.

"Oh! Nueng and Nubsib?"

"Sawadee krub!" Both of them bowed. My mom bowed after.

"You are visiting Gene?"

"Yes, we are actually leaving Mrs. Chaiat."

"You are leaving too soon... You are too formal Nueng, call me aunt Run instead."

"Okay aunt Run, we are heading home."

"Thank you for visiting Gene. Take care."

Once again, they bowed. And then left.

"Gene, the doctor said that you will have a medication and therapy for 3 years."

"What? That's a long period mom."

"It is because your phobia is severe. Dr. Tum estimated 3 years and maybe it depends on how fast your phobia will be cured. If it is slow to recover, it will be more than 3 years."

"Am I not allowed to go outside again?"

"You can but in the meantime."

I'm always staying inside the house, nothing is new to me. But I can't lie about how I badly want to go outside. There isn't a thing I can do now, I'm under my medication and therapy for 3 years. Hope it recovers me fast.

"And also, the doctor said that you will be discharged tomorrow in the evening."

"That fast?"

His mom hums as a response.