5 The Farewell Party

Kamon makes her way to the community center, stopping to take in its familiar, slightly run-down charm. She sighs dramatically. "Ah, the community center. The hub of excitement. Where dreams go to... well, not really go anywhere. But hey, it's got that 'special' kind of nostalgia."

She heads to the small shop nearby to buy bubble gum because apparently, she's reverting to childhood again and that's when she spots Tee. He's standing with a girl, and Kamon can't resist. She raises an eyebrow and strolls over, smirking. 

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Tee, the 'ladies' man' ," Kamon teases, folding her arms. "What's this? A date? Should I be getting popcorn for the show?"

Tee looks flustered, trying to recover his composure, while the girl next to him giggles. "Uh, Kamon, this is... actually, never mind. I know you're just gonna keep making fun of me."

Kamon leans in, pretending to inspect Tee with exaggerated curiosity. "Oh no, I'm just admiring how effortlessly you manage to make 'everything' awkward." She winks at him, causing the girl to laugh even harder.

With Tee's face now a deep shade of red, Kamon finally decides to let him off the hook - just a little. "Alright, alright, I'm done. Have fun, lovebirds."

After she leaves the shop, Kamon heads home, but as luck would have it, the day is far from smooth sailing. As she reaches the front gate, she finds Tee waiting by his bicycle. "Need a ride?" Tee asks, his face the picture of reluctant kindness.

Kamon raises an eyebrow. "Oh, sure, just what I need: to risk my life riding on your questionable bike. What could go wrong?" She hops on, and with a squeak of tires, they're off.

It doesn't take long for the chaos to start. First, they hit a pothole, causing the bike to wobble dangerously. Kamon flails, grasping onto Tee for dear life. "This is fine. Totally safe. I'm sure this is what professional cyclists experience," she says, her voice filled with mock enthusiasm.

"Hold on tight!" Tee yells as they veer toward a stray cat in the road. Kamon clings to him like a koala on caffeine. "I think the cat's judging us," she says, trying to keep her balance.

They almost topple over three more times - once when a gust of wind nearly blows them into a fountain, then again when Tee swerves to avoid a group of tourists, and finally, when Kamon accidentally kicks him in the back during a failed attempt to steady herself. "I thought this was supposed to be fun, " she says sarcastically, clenching her teeth as they barely avoid crashing into a street vendor.

By the time they reach home, Kamon's hair was a mess, her heart is racing, and Tee looks like he's one bad ride away from a full-on meltdown. But at least they're alive. "I'm just glad I didn't die from your driving skills," Kamon says, climbing off the bike.

Just as they step inside, Grandma greets them from the kitchen with her usual enthusiasm. "There you two are! I need help setting up the tables in the backyard for the party. Chop chop!" Kamon stares at her, deadpan. "Yeah, because setting up tables is definitely how I wanted to spend the next hour of my life. Right after almost dying on Tee's death trap of a bicycle."

The evening air was thick with the aroma of grilled meats and the sounds of laughter. The village was throwing a farewell party for Kamon and his family, marking their departure for Bangkok. The long wooden tables were adorned with vibrant floral arrangements, and the villagers gathered in their best clothes, eager to send the family off in style. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, casting soft, flickering light over the scene. Yet, amid the warmth and festivities, the real action was happening at the edge of the crowd.

The party preparations go smoothly - mostly. Kamon and Tee manage to not break anything (which is a minor miracle), and the family starts to gather in the backyard. Grandma's spinach remains on the table, but Kamon is too distracted to comment this time. The party kicks off, with awkward small talk, questionable dancing, and Kamon side-eyeing anyone who dares mention her childhood bedroom.

Uncle Wichai, the village's self-appointed party expert, staggered around with a half-drunk smile plastered on his face, holding a glass that looked suspiciously like it was filled more with rum than soda. He approached Kamon's family with a grand gesture, nearly tripping over a stool as he steadied himself, the glass sloshing dangerously.

Uncle Wichai said slurring, gesturing wildly "Ah, Kamon! Ploy! Don't worry about moving to Bangkok. I've got you covered!" 

 Kamon replied smiling awkwardly, trying to back away

 "Uh, thanks, Uncle Wichai, but we..." 

Uncle Wichai interrupted, waving his hand dramatically."You know my brother's old house in Bangkok? The one that's practically falling apart? It's yours!" 

Kamon blinked, unsure if she heard right. Her hand subconsciously gripped Ploy's sleeve for support. Ploy, who had been listening intently, raised an eyebrow.

Ploy dryly, under her breath. "Falling apart? How... lovely." 

Uncle Wichai nodding vigorously, oblivious to her sarcasm. "It's got character, Ploy! The walls are full of character! You'll love it! Besides, it's right next to a market, so you'll always have fresh fruit. And rats... don't worry, the rats are very friendly." 

Laughter erupted from the group as Uncle Wichai hiccupped loudly, his grin widening like that of a mischievous child. Kamon, trying to hide her laughter, exchanged a look with Ploy, both struggling to contain their amusement.

Kamon said chuckling nervously, lowering her voice. "We'll… uh, think about it, Uncle."

Uncle Wichai replied winking, oblivious to Kamon's discomfort, " think about it? No need! It's yours! But if you're gonna take it, you'll need a truck... and a team of construction workers... maybe a dozen... or two."

As Uncle Wichai staggered away, still muttering about his brother's "not-so-rotting" house, Kamon and Ploy exchanged a bemused glance. 

"Well, at least it's free... I guess." Kamon said muttering, raising an eyebrow.

"You're going to regret this. And Uncle Wichai will probably end up moving in with you." Ploy said rolling her eyes, shaking her head.

The mood shifted as the villagers began to gather in a circle, forming an intimate space around Kamon and Ploy. The evening light softened, and the air grew stiller as they stood at the center, preparing for the emotional farewell. Kamon's hands trembled slightly as he reached for a small, hand-carved wooden box from his pocket - a gift for Ploy. The box felt heavier than he expected, as if the weight of the moment was pressing down on him.

"I'm really going to miss you, Ploy." Kamon said softly, voice thick with emotion.

"I know. You've been like a sister to me. I don't know how this village will be the same without you." Ploy replied with a bittersweet smile, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ploy opened the box to reveal a delicate charm bracelet, its small golden charms glinting in the evening light like stars. She gasped softly, her eyes filling with emotion.

"It's beautiful, Kamon… I'll wear it every day." Ploy exclaimed holding back tears, voice trembling.

Kamon smiled, though her expression faltered as she tried to hold back her own tears. She reached out, brushing her hair behind her ear in an almost automatic gesture, her hand lingering for a moment.

"Promise me you'll... you'll take care of this place while I'm gone?" Kamon said half-choking up, struggling to speak.

Ploy nodded, placing the bracelet on her wrist with careful precision, like she was placing a piece of Kamon's heart there too.

"Don't worry. We'll keep the village safe from Uncle Wichai's house renovations. But if a rat shows up at your door, you'll have to deal with it yourself." Ploy said,teasing gently, trying to lighten the mood.

Laughter rippled through the circle, easing the tension. Kamon's heart felt lighter for a moment, but as the conversation turned to other goodbyes, the uncertainty about her new life in Bangkok still gnawed at her, tugging at her thoughts like an invisible thread.

The party continued late into the evening, the sounds of clinking glasses and people chatting filling the air. Kamon excused herself from the crowd and found a quiet spot near the fire pit. The flickering flames cast long, dancing shadows across his face, and the night seemed to stretch out before her, endless and uncertain. She stared into the fire, her mind racing with what lay ahead.

"Uncle Wichai's house… maybe I'm just overthinking it. Maybe it'll be fine. Just a little… 'charming,' like he said." Kamon said to herself, softly.

But despite her attempt to reassure herself, the unease lingered like smoke in the air. The crackle of the fire did little to calm her, and the laughter from the party seemed distant, like it belonged to someone else. What if the city was too big, too cold? What if he couldn't handle it?

As the villagers' voices faded into the night, Kamon felt a sudden wave of longing for the village - the simple life, the familiar faces. No matter what happened in Bangkok, she would always carry this place with her. The warmth of the people, the memories of her childhood, and now, Ploy's gift.

A small laugh escaped her lips as she imagined Uncle Wichai's drunken antics and the chaotic adventure that awaited her.

"Well, it's certainly going to be... an experience. But maybe I'll learn to love it." Kamon smiling to herself, a hint of irony in her voice.

And with that, the knot in her stomach loosened ever so slightly. She wasn't quite at ease, not yet, but for the first time since the announcement of the move, she felt just a little less afraid of the unknown that lay ahead.

After a while, Kamon sneaks upstairs to her room, where the reality of the move finally hits her. She starts packing, holding up random items and kissing them dramatically. "Goodbye, favorite socks. You were always there for me. Goodbye, my dusty bookshelf. I'll never forget the hours of procrastination you provided. And goodbye, bed. You were my fortress, my sanctuary. And now I leave you for some foreign land."

She pauses, staring at her room with a mixture of disbelief and sarcasm. "If I ever miss this place, I'll just think of the spinach. That'll be a real pick-me-up."

The first rays of sunlight slipped through the curtains, painting the room in a soft, golden glow. Outside, the world stirred gently, with birds singing their cheerful melodies to greet the day. The crisp morning air carried the faint scent of dew-kissed grass and blooming flowers, mingling with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from the kitchen. 

The sky was a gradient of pastel hues- delicate pinks blending into light blues, promising a clear and beautiful day ahead. A subtle rustle of leaves accompanied the distant hum of life awakening - cars starting, doors opening, and the occasional laugh or chatter of early risers. 

Inside, the warmth of a cozy blanket lingered, making the transition from slumber to wakefulness almost reluctant. Yet, the promise of a fresh start - a blank canvas to paint the day - called irresistibly, filling the heart with quiet optimism. 

Surasak headed out of the house early in the morning, his sturdy sandals making soft slapping sounds against the dirt road as he made his way to the market. He had a cart filled with fresh milk and eggs from the family's small farm, ready to sell to the village vendors and shoppers. His posture was upright, and despite the warm weather, he moved with a certain purpose, a small smile tugging at his lips as he thought of the money he would make.

As Surasak walked toward the market, the chatter of the village seemed to fade behind him, leaving him with a sense of peace. The gentle clinking of the eggs against each other in the cart was oddly soothing. His mind was mostly on the upcoming move, but at this moment, he was focused on the task at hand-selling milk and eggs to make sure his family was taken care of before the big transition.

Back at the house, in the cool kitchen, the mother and grandmother were deep in conversation, standing by the counter with a cup of tea each, gossiping in low voices. The scent of simmering soup filled the air as they chopped vegetables, the rhythmic sound of the knife slicing through the ingredients accompanying their conversation.

"You know," the mother started, leaning in slightly as she lowered her voice. "I heard from Somchai at the market that Surasak is going to have a hard time in the city. People change when they go there. Especially when they have a new job." 

The grandmother raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oh, really? Well, he better not forget about us small-town folk. What about his new job, huh? Is he really going to be too busy to help with the restaurant when he's living that high life in the city?"

They both chuckled, stirring the soup casually. The grandmother took a sip of her tea and continued, "It'll be fun to see how long it takes before the city eats him up. Can't survive there without a thick skin."

Just as the two of them were warming up to continue their conversation, Kamon, who had been texting on her phone in the living room, shot them a quick message. She glanced at the screen, then typed, "Mom, please, can you keep it down? I'm trying to nap, and I can hear you from the other room." 

The mother glanced at her phone and frowned. "What's this?" she muttered under her breath, then tapped out a reply: "We're just talking, nothing to worry about. Don't be such a drama king."

The grandmother let out a soft laugh, clearly enjoying the dynamic. "He's just like his father-too serious, too sensitive, especially when it comes to sleep" she teased.

The mother, undeterred, picked up her phone again and typed back, "We're gossiping about your son-in-law's big move, what else would we talk about? So, shush, you!" 

Tee's message came through almost immediately: "If you two don't stop, I'll bring the vacuum cleaner into the room and turn it on full blast!"

With a snort, the mother reluctantly put her phone down and whispered to her mother, "Well, I guess we'll have to save the juicy bits for later. Tee's turning into a bit of a nag these days."

The grandmother chuckled and nodded. "Like father, like son. Well, let's finish up with the soup. We can't let it get cold, but let's save the gossip for when he's not listening. We'll let him think he's the boss."

Her grandmother and mother were still gossiping in the kitchen as Kamon walked in.

Kamon who was from the market went to the kitchen. He paused when he saw the expressions on his wife's and mother's face.

"Everything okay in here?" He asked, looking suspiciously from one to the other.

The wife quickly turned her attention back to stirring the soup. "Everything's fine, dear. Just… preparing for the move." 

The mother gave her a sly look, holding back a grin. "Yes, just getting everything ready. And talking about your new life in the city, of course."

Surasak raised an eyebrow, looking a bit confused. "What's there to talk about? I am just going to work, and then we're going to settle in. It's not that complicated."

The mother smirked, "Oh, don't worry, Surasak. We're just making sure that when you become a big city lady, you don't forget about us country folk." 

Surasak laughed, shaking his head as he placed the milk and eggs down. "I think I'll be fine. You two are just jealous because I get to live the good life."

The mother patted him on the back, chuckling. "Good life? You're not in the city yet, Surasak. You might want to bring some extra shoes for when it rains-after all, you don't want to get your fancy city shoes all dirty." 

The playful banter continued as the family moved forward with their day, each with their own thoughts about the move-but, at least for now, surrounded by the warmth and laughter of home.

Closing Remarks:

Kamon stood on the edge of change, her heart torn between the comfort of the familiar and the uncertainty of what awaited her. The evening had been full of laughter and goodbyes, with Uncle Wichai's antics providing a much-needed distraction. As Kamon packed the last remnants of her childhood into boxes, she felt a strange mix of sadness and anticipation. Bangkok loomed large in her mind, but so did the memories of this village, his home. It wasn't easy to say goodbye, but as the sun rose on a new day, Kamon realized that this farewell wasn't the end of everything - it was the beginning of a new adventure. And maybe, just maybe, she'd learn to love the chaos of city life as much as he cherished the calm of home.