Chapter 13: Temporary Refuge and Hope in the Forest Temple
Amorn decided to quietly follow the elderly forest monk. The apprehension in her heart hadn't entirely vanished, but in such a desperate situation, her choices were severely limited, and the venerable monk's compassionate eyes strangely made her feel a bit more at ease. Ar-Chin, in her arms, seemed to have calmed down after drinking milk and stopping his cries. He was looking at the back of the monk walking ahead with wide, clear eyes.
The path the monk led them on was a small trail winding deeper into the forest. Both sides were lined with tall trees and dense undergrowth. Sunlight barely reached the forest floor. The air was cool, comfortable, and more humid than by the stream she had just left. The sounds of birds and insects filled the air, creating an atmosphere that was simultaneously mysterious and peaceful.
They walked for a considerable time without speaking. Amorn tried to keep pace with the monk's seemingly slow but steady gait. Though her body was utterly exhausted, she gritted her teeth and pressed on. Numerous thoughts swirled in her head: the danger she had just escaped, the little baby in her arms, and their uncertain future.
"You've come from afar, laywoman... you look so very weary," the elderly monk spoke, breaking the silence without turning back to look.
"Yes... Venerable Father," Amorn replied softly. "I... I've fled from terrible things... and I have this little child to care for."
"This little child... he seems to possess considerable past merit and virtue," the monk said calmly. "Though he must endure some hardship now, in the future... he may bring great benefit to this world."
The monk's words surprised Amorn slightly. "Venerable Father... what do you mean by that?"
The elderly monk didn't answer her question directly, merely continuing, "This world is so chaotic, laywoman... especially when the country is not at peace. People tend to become more suspicious and selfish. But even so... kindness and compassion always exist... even in the darkest of places."
Amorn listened to his words with mixed feelings of hope and uncertainty.
Before long, they reached the other edge of the forest. Before her lay a wide, cleared area. In the middle stood a few small, simple wooden kutis (monk's dwellings). Around the area, some vegetables and herbs were cultivated. This was "Wat Pa Santitham," as the monk had told her. It was a small, unassuming temple, completely remote from the turmoil of the outside world.
"We've arrived, laywoman," the elderly monk turned and smiled at her. "This place may not be as comfortable as in the city, but it will suffice for you and the little one to rest and find temporary shelter."
Another monk, who looked younger, emerged from one of the kutis upon seeing them arrive. He looked at Amorn and Ar-Chin with slight curiosity before respectfully bowing to the elderly monk.
"Venerable Teacher, you've returned... and this is..."
"This is laywoman Amorn and her son... They are in trouble and need temporary refuge. So I brought them here, Deputy Abbot," the elderly monk explained briefly. "Please arrange a kuti where she can rest and care for the little child."
The monk (the Deputy Abbot) nodded in acknowledgment, then turned to Amorn, speaking in a gentle voice, "Blessings to you, laywoman... Please follow me this way. Our temple has a vacant kuti. It may not be very comfortable, but it should be enough for you and your child to rest."
Amorn was so moved by the kindness of both venerable monks that tears welled in her eyes. She didn't know how to thank them enough for the compassion she had received. "Thank you so much, Venerable Father... thank you, truly."
The kuti the Deputy Abbot arranged for Amorn was a small, clean, and cool wooden hut. Inside, there was only a mat, a pillow, and an old mosquito net, but it felt like heaven to her at that moment. After bathing (with cool water from an earthen jar behind the kuti) and changing into clean clothes (which the monks kindly provided from villager donations), Amorn felt much refreshed.
She gently laid Ar-Chin down on the mat. The little baby was still sleeping soundly, perhaps from the exhaustion of the journey, or perhaps because he finally felt safe. Amorn sat watching his small face for a long while, the feelings of attachment and concern for this child growing stronger with each passing moment. She knew their journey was far from over, and danger still lay ahead, but for now… at least they had a safe, temporary refuge.
That evening, after eating (which consisted of hot rice with pickled mustard green soup and boiled eggs, shared from the monks' alms food), Amorn had the opportunity to converse with the elderly forest monk again. He introduced himself as "Luang Pu Saeng" and was the abbot of this forest temple.
"Laywoman Amorn... I know you are shouldering a heavy burden," Luang Pu Saeng said as they sat on a bamboo bench under the shade of a large tree in front of a kuti. "But remember... every life born into this world has its own destiny. And sometimes... destiny may lead us to encounter unexpected things... both good and bad."
"I... I don't know at all, Luang Pu... what the future holds for me and Ar-Chin," Amorn said, her voice trembling. "I'm so afraid that someone will come to harm us again."
"Fear is a natural thing for ordinary people, laywoman," Luang Pu Saeng replied calmly. "But we cannot let fear dominate our minds. What's important is that we have mindfulness... wisdom... and compassion... both for ourselves and for others." He paused for a moment before continuing, "This little child, Ar-Chin... he is no ordinary child, laywoman. I can sense a certain great and pure energy hidden within him. An energy that will bring about significant change... but could also bring great danger if it falls into the hands of evil people."
Luang Pu Saeng's words made Amorn feel even more confused and worried. Great energy? Significant change? What did it all mean?
"You may have to make a decision soon... about what to do next for the safety of this child and yourself," Luang Pu Saeng concluded. "I and this forest temple are always willing to offer you shelter... but ultimately... you must be the one to choose your own path."
That night, Amorn couldn't sleep. Luang Pu Saeng's words echoed in her head. She looked at Ar-Chin's small face sleeping beside her with complex emotions. She was not his biological mother, but the bond that had formed in this short time was too strong and deep to explain. She only knew that she had to protect this child to the very end... no matter what the cost.
The thought of traveling to her hometown in Chiang Mai to seek help from relatives and to legally establish Ar-Chin's identity became clearer in her mind once again. It might be the only way for them to have a chance at a stable and safe future... even if it was fraught with risks and uncertainties.