3 New Beginnings

The sun was high in the sky, casting its warm rays across the small town, and as Surasak walked through the narrow streets, he greeted everyone with a wide, confident smile.

First, he stopped by the market, where the vendors were setting up their stalls, unpacking fresh produce, and organizing their goods. The chatter of the market filled the air as he waved to some old friends who were selling vegetables. "Hey, Somchai! Big news," Surasak called out, his voice loud and friendly. "We're moving to the city. Got myself a new job!"

Somchai, a stocky man with a wide grin, raised an eyebrow as he wiped his hands on his apron. "The city, eh? That's a big move, Surasak. You sure about it?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Absolutely!" Surasak said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "I'll be working at a big company. It's a great opportunity for the family. No more struggling with the small stuff here, you know? Things will be different now. Much better." 

Somchai nodded thoughtfully, giving a small chuckle. "Well, I can't argue with that. You deserve something better. But we'll miss you around here."

"Don't worry, I'll be back to visit! This place will always be home." Surasak slapped Somchai's shoulder with a smile before moving on to the next stall, where he saw his old friend, Boonmee, selling fresh fish.

The conversation repeated in similar fashion with every person Surasak met. He beamed with pride as he shared the news, his chest swelling with the excitement of a new chapter in his life. He wasn't oblivious to the mixed reactions- some people seemed genuinely happy for him, while others were more cautious, offering hesitant words of advice about the challenges of city life. But Surasak took it all in stride, never once letting his enthusiasm waver.

After his rounds at the market, Surasak returned home to find his wife already busy in the kitchen, preparing lunch. The scent of rice and curry filled the air, a comforting and familiar aroma. Kamon and Tee were in the living room, talking quietly. Surasak entered with a grin plastered on his face, his energy contagious. 

"Well, everyone knows now!" Surasak announced as he set his bag down by the door. "I told them all about the move and my new job! They're all surprised but supportive."

Kamon looked up from her phone, giving him a small, uncertain smile. "Did you tell them how we feel about it, too?"

Surasak paused, his expression faltering for a moment. He'd been so caught up in the excitement of the new opportunity that he hadn't really thought much about how his kids were processing it. "I... well, not really. But they'll get used to it. It's a big change, I know, but it's for the better. A better life for all of us, right?"

Tee, who had been silently listening, finally spoke up from the couch. "Is it really for the better, Dad? I mean, we're leaving everything behind. Our friends, the restaurant… this place. I don't know if I'm ready."

Surasak turned to face his son, his expression softening. "I understand, Tee. It's not easy. But I promise you, this is going to give us all a chance at something bigger. The city's full of opportunities. And I'll make sure we're all taken care of. It's just a new chapter for our family."

Kamon gave her father a reassuring look, though she, too, was still unsure of what the future held. But Surasak's optimism was contagious, and she knew he was doing this out of love for them.

"Well, I've got to finish up in the kitchen," Kamon said, standing up from the table. "We've still got a lot to do today."

"Right, right," Surasak replied, rubbing his hands together. "I'll go see if I can make some extra arrangements for the move. No worries, everything's going to be fine."

As Surasak headed off to his next task, the house felt a little lighter with the news shared, even if there was still a tinge of uncertainty in the air. The move was happening, and despite the nerves and doubts, Surasak was determined to push forward, confident that this new life would lead the family toward a brighter future.

By noon Surasak- the head of the family has already passed on the good news to the villagers it was only a matter of time before the whole district was informed of this.

Kamon was walking along a garden trail that lead to the main road which connected the family's garden to the restaurant. The restaurant had a seating surrounded by greenery, with plants like jasmine, orchids, and lemongrass, creating a cozy, natural atmosphere. Bamboo was used for furniture for a rustic together with Thai feel, paired with lanterns and cushions for comfort. The seating were low seating arrangements, like Thai-style floor cushions and benches with patterned Thai fabrics with an orchard umbrella used to cover the shades and the name ' Siriyut' fine find written in bold on a wooden plaque above the doors. Inside the restaurant was busy operating and serving customers.

Kamon walked up to the outdoor seating area of the family restaurant, the cool morning air brushing against her skin. She noticed her grandfather seated in his usual chair, the one just outside the restaurant, the sunlight streaming down as he read his newspaper, a half-smile playing on his face as he scanned the headlines.

"Oh, you're here!" the grandfather said, his voice laced with mock enthusiasm, looking up at Kamon as if it were the most exciting thing to happen all day.

Kamon couldn't help but smile, rolling her eyes. "I'm here to watch the coffee monster," she teased, settling into the chair next to him. "As if he can't watch himself, or his wife will be angry."

The old man chuckled, adjusting his glasses as he pretended to consider her words. "True. I don't know how she puts up with him. But hey, he keeps the restaurant running, and that's more than I can say for half of this village."

Kamon paused for a moment before her thoughts turned serious. She shifted in her seat, trying to find the right words. "Grandpa, are you okay with this... moving thing?"

Her grandfather's gaze didn't leave the newspaper as he responded in his usual sarcastic tone. "Sure, it's a new way to gain experience. And it'll leave me with a piece of serenity." He smirked, lowering the paper just enough to give her a playful wink. "Not that I need it. A little quiet never hurt anyone."

Kamon couldn't help but laugh at his usual attempt at humor, but a knot formed in her stomach. As much as she knew the move would be a new chapter, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease. The city was so far from everything she knew - her home, her friends, and especially Ploy, her best friend who had been by her side through thick and thin.

"I guess," Kamon murmured, her thoughts trailing off as she stood up to leave. "I'll see you later, Grandpa."

She made her way back home, her mind still tangled in conflicting thoughts. When she entered the garage, she found her father working on an old car, wiping his hands with a rag. He looked up as she approached, and she could see the hopeful gleam in his eyes, even though Kamon felt nothing but turmoil inside.

"Dad," she started, her voice tight with emotion, "I don't know if I can do this. Move, I mean. It's so far from everything I know. And Ploy..." She trailed off, unable to finish the thought without feeling the weight of the separation.

Her father wiped his hands and set the rag down, walking over to her. His face softened with concern. "I know it's hard, Kamon. I do." His voice was firm but gentle. "But this move is for the best. For all of us. We'll have a better life in the city. More opportunities, a future that's bright. I promise you, it's not forever. You'll make new friends. And Ploy will always be just a call away."

Kamon's eyes welled up as the words hit her harder than she expected. She wiped away a tear quickly, trying to push her emotions down. "But I don't want to leave everything behind," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her father knelt down in front of her, taking her hands in his. "I know it's not easy. But sometimes we have to move forward, even when it's scary. I'm doing this

because I believe in a better future for you, for all of us."

Kamon bit her lip, torn between her father's promise and the fear of the unknown. But she saw the love and sincerity in his eyes, and she knew deep down that this was something they had to do as a family. Slowly, she nodded, even though a part of her still held onto the life she was about to leave behind.

In this chapter, the family faces the monumental decision of moving to the city, leaving behind everything they've known. Surasak, the father, is full of optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead, believing it's a chance for a better future. However, Kamon, the daughter, struggles with the idea of leaving her familiar life, especially the connections and memoriesthat define her. The tension between excitement and fear builds as Kamon questions her readiness for such a significant change. Her father, however, reassures her, reinforcing that sometimes sacrifices are necessary to create a brighter tomorrow. This poignant moment between father and daughter reflects the bittersweet nature of change - the hope for new opportunities, yet the fear of letting go of the past.

The setting of the family's restaurant, with its warm, rustic atmosphere, serves as a poignant backdrop to Kamon's growing apprehension about the move. Her interactions with the people in her life - the vendors in the market, her grandfather, and her father - highlight the tight-knit community that she is about to leave behind. Their support and love, while comforting, only emphasize the challenge Kamon faces in navigating the uncertainty of the future.

The family's collective optimism is tempered with the realistic acknowledgment that change, while necessary, is never easy. Kamon's internal conflict reflects a universal experience - the struggle between the comfort of the known and the allure of new possibilities. As Kamon wrestles with her emotions, readers are left to ponder the question: Is the promise of a better future worth the cost of leaving behind the people and places that have shaped who you are?