Chapter 37 Old Classmate

After dinner, they sat in the main living room and chatted for a while before Mr. Suwannarat pulled KK into KK's office.

Mr. Suwannarat and KK are sitting on the sofa. Mr. Suwannarat looked at KK and asked, "How long have you known the man you date?"

"It's been a few months," KK said.

Mr. Suwannarat asked, "Is that why you stop going to blind dates?"

KK said, "Yes and no, I don't mind blind dates, but I've been busy at the resorts and the clinic lately," KK said.

Mr. Suwannarat sighed, "KK...I know I'm wrong to say this to you, but as a father, deep down in my heart, I do want you to marry a woman."

KK said, "I know. It's just that the person who makes me happy right now is not a woman."

Mr. Suwannarat said, "I have spoken to your mum, and we have both agreed not to interfere in your personal life, but if you are going to marry someone, I really wish that that person is a woman."

"The future is uncertain, I'll leave that decision to him," KK said.

"I know your grandfather was prejudiced against your sexuality...I just don't want your cousins to inherit all of your grandfather's business," Mr. Suwannarat said.

KK said, "Grandfather made it very clear that if I don't marry a woman and give him grandchildren, he won't put me in his will, I understand."

"If you get it, why not act," Mr. Suwannarat said.

KK looked at his father and asked, "Pa, do you really want me to marry Aom?"

Mr. Suwannarat said, "I do, but I will not impose it on you. I have always given you the right to choose your partner. I can only give advice, and I will not interfere."

KK said, "Thank you."

"Aom is a good woman, and she will be a good wife and mother," Mr. Suwannarat smiled at KK.

KK said, "I'm sure she will."

Mr. Suwannarat knew that KK was a very stubborn head man. He knows that once KK has set his goal on something, KK will work very hard to get that item. KK has big ambitions and KK can continue the family business with great success, but since KK and Grandfather Suwannarat are both stubborn heads, there is nothing he can do to better help the situation. "It's getting late, we have to go," said Mr. Suwannarat. He stood up and turned to look at KK. "Apologize to your boyfriend on our behalf. Next time, bring him over for a family dinner."

KK stood up and said, "Santichai is a very considerate person, he won't take this misunderstanding to heart. I will see you off."

Santichai opened his eyes only when a loud male voice came from the overhead. He watched the bright sun set over the orange and red horizon. He looked at his watch, it was seven o'clock in the evening. He knew that the next stop was his destination. He got up and grabbed the backpack. The train came to a complete stop, and Santichai stood up, got out of the train, and walked into a rural railway station. Everything in this town still looks the same. He brought some breakfast and started walking away when a familiar voice called his name.

"Santichai Kittibun."

Santichai turned around and saw a woman walking towards him holding the hand of a five-year-old girl. The woman and the five-year-old girl stopped in front of Santichai. The woman asked: "Santichai Kittibun?"

Santichai said, "I'm sorry, I don't remember you?"

The woman said, "High school, you rejected me on the lame excuse that Asnee will not allow you to go out with me."

Santichai said, "Wan."

Chirawan smiled and said, "Yes..."

"Sorry, I didn't recognize you," Santichai said.

"Even if I had a crush on you for a long time, you wouldn't recognize me," said Chirawan. She looked around. "Where's your boyfriend, Asnee?"

Santichai said, "We broke up."

Chirawan laughed, "I knew you weren't his boyfriend."

Santichai said, "He was my boyfriend, but we broke up."

Chirawan was taken aback, "So, you're lying when you said Asnee was dating you?"

Santichai said, "No I wasn't."

Chirawan, "How long have you broken up with him?"

Santichai said, "Not long ago." He looked around. "Do you live in this town?"

Chirawan said, "Yes."

Santichai asked, "How did you end up here?"

Chirawan said, "My husband was originally from here. After we got married, we moved back here to live with his parents."

Santichai said, "Oh, that's good. Is there a phone shop here?"

Chirawan said, "Yes."

Santichai said, "I used to live here when I was little. The only place I know is the old school and home."

Chirawan said, "I can take you there."

Chirawan took the little girl's hand and walked towards the store. Santichai looked at the little girl and asked, "Is she your daughter?"

Chirawan said, "Yes."

Santichai asked, "What is her name?"

Chirawan said, "Her name is Kulap."

Santichai, "What's your husband's name?"

"He's dead," Chirawan said. She smiled. "After he died, his parents kicked us out of the house. Claiming that Kulap was not his daughter." She sighed. "It would have been different if Kulap had been a boy."

Santichai, "I'm sorry."

Chirawan said, "It's alright." She stopped. "We are here."

Santichai thanks Chirawan. Chirawan smiled and said, "If you really want to thank me, recommend a job to me."

Santichai said, "Actually, where I live, there may be a vacancy for you."

Chirawan smiled, "Really?"

Santichai said, "As long as you don't mind washing the dishes."

Chirawan said, "I don't mind, but I'm not sure if I have enough money to move, and, well, a place to live."

"If you don't mind," Santichai said. "You are welcome in my little apartment."

"Santichai Kittibun, you never change," Chirawan said. "Always willingly to offer your help to anyone."

Santichai said, "Write me your number. Once I get a hold of Pi Fon, I can call you."

Chirawan gave Santichai her phone number, and the mother and daughter separated from Santichai. Santichai brought a new mobile phone with a new number and continued to walk in the direction of the orphanage.

When Santichai arrived at the orphanage, it was already past five in the afternoon. He saw Mr. Kasem sweeping the floor outside the door. He rushed to meet Mr. Kasem.

Santichai said, "Teacher Kasem."

Mr. Kasem raised his head and said, "Santichai...you're a month late for my birthday."

Santichai said, "I'm sorry, I rushed over when I received your postcard."

Mr. Kasem laughed, "I sent the invitation more than a month ago."

Santichai said, "I had back surgery."

Mr. Kasem said, "How are you now?"

Santichai said, "It has already healed."

Mr. Kasem said, "How long are you going to stay this time?"

Santichai said, "I'm staying for a week because I'm starting school in eight days."

Mr. Kasem smiled, "That's good.... that's good."

Later that night, Santichai called Fon.

Fon answered and said, "Santichai, when are you coming back?"

Santichai said, "Pi Fon, I don't think I'll go back to work for you."

Fon asked disappointedly, "Why not?"

Santichai said, "I got a stipend to complete my degree. After I get my degree, I still need to work with HappyCare. You don't have to be sad because I'll still get to see you."

Fon smiled and said, "That's good." She sighed. "I'm going to miss you."

Santichai said, "Pi Fon, did you find someone to take over my spot yet?"

Fon said, "I did, but that kid quit on me."

Santichai said, "I have a friend who is looking for a job."

Fon said, "Good, I'll take your friend."

Santichai said, "You don't need her to interview?"

Fon said, "No, I believe the person you recommended is a good one."

Santichai, "If you agree, I'll tell her to find you, but she may not be able to meet you right away. I'll take her to see you when I get home."

Fon asked, "Where are you? Are you not at home?"

"No, I'm not. Please don't tell anyone," Santichai said.

Fon said, "Okay, I will keep my mouth shut."

Santichai hung up on Fon and sent Chirawan a text message. Chirawan texted Santichai back "thank you".

After reading Chirawan's text message, Santichai stared at his phone for a long time, wondering if he should call KK and let KK know his whereabouts. After a full ten minutes, he decided he needed some time to think about his life and where this unforeseen path would take him. He knew he desperately needed time to clear his mind. He put down his phone, pulled up the quilt to cover him.

Santichai stared at the darkness and said to himself, "Santichai Kittibun, if you suddenly disappeared from this world, would anyone notice and come searching for you?" He closed his eyes and let the tears flow from the corners of his eyes into the pillowcase.