" Laughter Through Tears "

( in the afternoon, still in Siri's mother's hospital ):;

( Siri's mom's office):;

Mrs. Som's verbal assault continued, her words cutting deep into Siri's soul. "You're such a disappointment, Siri. I'm ashamed to call you my daughter. God must have been playing a cruel joke on me when he gave me someone like you."

Siri's eyes remained fixed on the photo of her mom and younger brother, Yot. Her expression was a mask of sadness and resignation.

Mrs. Som's gaze followed Siri's, and she noticed the photo. Her eyes narrowed, and her voice took on a venomous tone. "I hope your younger brother doesn't take after you," she spat, her words dripping with disgust. "I couldn't bear the thought of having another child like you."

The rest of the insults blurred together as Siri stood frozen, her heart heavy with pain.

Finally, Mrs. Som's anger seemed to subside, replaced by disgust. "Get out of my office, Siri. I don't want to see your face right now."

Siri nodded silently and turned to leave. She walked out of the office, the door shutting firmly behind her. She made her way to the elevator, her eyes cast downward.

As she waited for the elevator to arrive, she couldn't shake off the feeling of sadness and rejection. The elevator doors slid open, and Siri stepped inside. She pressed the button for the ground floor, her eyes fixed on the floor numbers as they ticked by.

The elevator stopped on the ground floor, and Siri took a deep breath before stepping out into the lobby....

As Siri stepped out of the elevator, she was immediately surrounded by the Elite members, who had been waiting for her in the lobby. Chan's face was etched with concern. "Are you okay, Siri?" he asked, his voice soft.

Dee chimed in, "Yes, is she okay?"

Vor inquired, "Siri, what happened?"

Nun looked worried, "Siri, are you alright?"

Nat asked, "Is everything okay, Siri?"

Siri forced a weak smile, trying to reassure them. "I'm fine, nothing happened. I'm okay."

Chan looked skeptical, but didn't push the issue. "Okay, if you're sure..." he trailed off.

Nat spoke up, "I have an idea."

Vor's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?" he asked, leaning in.

Nat grinned mischievously. "How about we hit the arcade? I heard they just got some new games."

The group cheered in agreement, excited at the prospect of letting loose and having a good time.

Dee exclaimed, "Yes! I've been wanting to try out that new VR game."

Vor nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, and we can compete in that dance game."

Siri smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. Maybe this was just what she needed – a night out with friends, away from the drama and stress.

The group started making their way out of the hospital lobby.

Dee turned to Siri and said, "Trust me, you'll love it."

Siri raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Are you saying that just because you want me to go... or?"

The group laughed happily, teasing Nat.

Nat chimed in, "Hey, I'm not just saying it because I want to play the game... although that's a big part of it."

The group laughed even harder.

Siri teased Nat, "You're a really, really bad friend."

Nat pretended to be offended, "Woah ,are you guys for real right now, all because I want to play the game, Seriously?"

Siri joked, "Yes, you're a really, really bad friend."

Nat laughed, "Ah, fine. Next time you're sad, don't come crying to me."

Siri smiled, "Ah, yes, I won't."

The group continued to joke and laugh as they walked out of the hospital.

Nat said playful " Ahh that hurts, Ahh my poor heart, Ahhh that really hurts " he says while faking to have a heart attack,

Siri reassured him playful , "Wow you are such a pretender " she says while nat continues to pretend " fine just stop, I was just joking." She continues with a smile on her face

Nat grinned confidently, "Of course you were. I'm the best." He said with a smile on his face.

They all laughed happily at Nat's behavior while they continue to make their way towards the exit,

As they approached the exit, Nat said, "I'll send you the address, Siri. We can meet there since we came in different cars."

Before Nat could finish, all their phones buzzed with an incoming message. They all checked their phones to see the notification....