Behind the Script

Chapter 15: My Everything

Billie Eilish: Chihiro

Ling Ling barely registered the drone of the airplane's engine as she stared at her phone, anxiety gnawing at her. Orm hadn't replied to her last few messages, leaving her in a spiral of worry and guilt. She changed her flight, cutting her trip short to get back to Bangkok as soon as possible.
Before landing, Ling Ling typed out a quick message to Mae Koy.

Ling Ling: Mae, sorry to bother you. Is Orm home?
After a few tense moments, Mae replied.
Mae: Yes, she's home. I think she's sleeping. Do you want me to wake her up?
Ling Ling: No, Mae... would it be okay if I drop by?

Mae: Of course! Please do.

By the time Ling Ling arrived at Orm's house, dawn had barely broken. Mae, Orm's mother and manager, met her at the driveway with a gentle smile, a mix of warmth and understanding in her expression.

"Ling, you just came straight from the airport?" Mae asked softly.

Ling Ling nodded, feeling the weight of everything bubbling up. Her voice was strained, barely a whisper. "I'm sorry, Mae... I just... I needed to see Orm."

Mae reached out, giving her a comforting squeeze on the shoulder. "It's okay. I think she'll be glad to see you." She paused, looking at Ling Ling's weary eyes. "She's in her room. Go ahead."

Ling Ling stepped quietly into Orm's room, her eyes adjusting to the soft glow of Orm's computer monitor, which was still on. Her heart clenched as she saw a paused game screen and, next to it, a browser tab open to a photo of her and Win.

Orm lay asleep on her bed, her phone in hand, Ling Ling caught a glimpse of the wallpaper on Orm's phone—it was a photo of her.
For a moment, Ling Ling stood still, feeling a surge of longing as she took in Orm's peaceful expression, her dark hair framing her face. Her eyes slightly puffy, as if she'd cried herself to sleep. Ling Ling felt her chest tighten with guilt. Slowly, Ling Ling knelt by the bed and gently brushing a few strands of hair from Orm's face. "Orm?"

Orm's eyes fluttered open, her expression foggy with sleep, then shifting to surprise. "P'Ling?" She blinked, sitting up. "You're here?"

Ling Ling's voice wavered. "I... I didn't know what else to do. I needed to see you."

"But you were supposed to be back in a few days..." Orm said, her voice confused but laced with concern.

"I changed the ticket," Ling Ling murmured, her eyes filling with tears she could no longer hold back. "Orm, I... I couldn't wait. It hurt, thinking that you were upset with me and I wasn't here. I can't stand it."

Orm reached out, her thumb brushing away a tear from Ling Ling's cheek. "P'Ling, you don't have to explain anything."

Ling Ling shook her head. "I do... because it hurts, Orm." She took Orm's hand, pressing it gently to her own chest. "It's like this weight that I don't know how to carry. Especially after I heard your voice last night. I just... I don't understand this feeling."

Orm's eyes softened, filling with her own tears. "I'm sorry, P'Ling. I didn't mean to make you feel that way. I was just... I was confused. You said it was a solo trip, and then... I didn't know what to think."

Ling Ling's voice cracked. "You have every right to be upset. I should've told you. I just... I wasn't thinking clearly. I only know that... you're everything to me, Orm."

Orm's breath caught, her gaze unwavering as she looked at Ling Ling, their faces close. Ling Ling leaned in and softly kissed Orm's hand, holding it to her heart. "Are we okay?" she whispered, her eyes searching Orm's face.

Orm nodded, her tears spilling over as she pulled Ling Ling into a tight hug. "We're okay," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. They lay down together, Ling Ling's head resting on Orm's chest, the comforting sound of her heartbeat grounding her. For the first time in days, Ling Ling felt at peace.

Soon, exhaustion took over, and both of them drifted into a gentle sleep, their arms still wrapped around each other.

Mae peeked in, seeing the two of them fast asleep. She smiled softly, closing the door with a quiet assurance that her daughter was in good hands.