Chapter 14 : "Festival of wonder

Chapter 14 : "Festival of wonder"

Khem's friend Krit arrived in Chiang Mai, looking concerned and a bit out of breath. He had traveled a long way to reach Khem's side, driven by his worry for his friend's well-being.

As he approached Khem's residence, he spotted Sun sitting in the garden, lost in thought. Krit's eyes narrowed slightly, wondering who this person was and what their connection to Khem might be.

"Sun?" Krit called out, his voice firm but friendly. "I'm Krit, Khem's friend. I've been searching all over for him. Is he here?"

Sun looked up, startled, and rose to his feet. "Krit! Yeah, Khem's here. He's...going through some stuff."

Krit's expression turned grim. "I knew it. I could sense something was off. Where is he?"

Sun hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "He's...in his room, I think. But Krit, you should know-"

Krit held up a hand, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I'll handle it, Sun. Thanks for telling me."

With that, Krit strode towards Khem's room, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Here's the expanded Chapter 14:

Chapter 14: "Festival of Wonder"

Khem's eyes sparkled as he gazed at the vibrant festival decorations. Sun and Krit walked beside him, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling market. The air was filled with the sweet scent of incense and the savory aroma of street food.

"The Shaman Goddess Festival is a sacred event," Sun explained, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "We honor the powerful Shaman Goddess who watches over our lands and guides our spirits. The villagers gather to offer prayers and incense, seeking her blessings and protection."

As they strolled through the crowds, they passed by colorful stalls selling traditional crafts, fragrant flowers, and delicious treats. Khem marveled at the intricate designs and vibrant colors, his fingers itching to create something similar.

"The festival is also a time for us to release our worries and troubles," Sun continued. "We write our concerns on small pieces of paper and attach them to hot air balloons. As they soar into the sky, our burdens are carried away, leaving us with a sense of renewal and hope."

Khem's eyes widened as they approached a stall filled with hot air balloons in various shapes and sizes. He watched in awe as people wrote on small papers, attached them to the balloons, and released them into the night sky.

The trio stopped at a stall, and Krit purchased a pork stick, feeding it to Khem with a playful grin. Sun's eyes narrowed, a flicker of jealousy igniting within him. He couldn't quite understand why he felt this way, but the sight of Krit and Khem's close moment stirred something deep inside.

As they continued exploring the festival,

the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the village, the festival transformed into a dazzling spectacle of lights and colors. The night air was filled with the sweet scent of incense, the sound of drums and flutes, and the joyful laughter of the villagers.

Khem, Sun, and Krit wore traditional Thai costumes, their vibrant colors and intricate designs adding to the festive atmosphere. They strolled through the crowded streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the celebration.

As they explored the festival, their hunger grew, and they decided to venture into a traditional Thai restaurant. The aroma of fragrant spices and sizzling street food filled their senses, and their stomachs growled in anticipation.

Over plates of steaming Pad Thai and fragrant Green Curry, they chatted and laughed, immersing themselves in the joy of the festival. Sun watched as Krit gently wiped a stray noodle from Khem's face, a tender gesture that sent a pang of jealousy through his chest.

Sun's eyes narrowed, his mind struggling to understand why he felt this way. He couldn't quite grasp the reason behind his jealousy, but the sight of Krit's gentle touch on Khem's skin stirred something deep within him.