Chapter 3: Fast and Furious… Through the Curve
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When we reached the guests, I froze for a moment. One person was sitting in the guest chair, and the sight of them stopped my world in its tracks. Sounds around me faded away slowly, leaving only the rapid thump of my own heartbeat. I was stunned, completely unable to believe my eyes. This was someone I never expected to meet!
As we locked eyes, the tension in the air was palpable.
Then my father's voice brought me back to reality.
"Warun, greet Khun Asei properly, son."
The words made me start slightly, but I quickly composed myself and followed the instruction. I bowed respectfully to Khun Asei, though my mind was still in turmoil.
Khun Asei smiled warmly. "Warun hasn't grown up since we last met. Still as charming as a little kid, isn't he?"
He then turned to his wife beside him. "Isn't that right?"
"Yes, and he's grown taller too," she replied.
I wondered silently if "grown" meant my size or just that I looked more mature.
My father continued, "Nipa is just as beautiful as ever."
Khun Asei added, "She can't help it—she inherited that from her mother."
I caught the subtle compliment to his wife and felt a mix of amusement and awkwardness.
While the adults chatted, I drifted in my own thoughts, stealing glances at Khun Asei's daughter. We kept observing each other until my mother came over and announced that lunch was ready.
"This afternoon, we have traditional Thai dishes: Massaman chicken, Tom Yum, green curry, Nam Prik long ruea, deep-fried sea bass with fish sauce, and for dessert, coconut milk lod chong."
I glanced at my counterpart across the table. It felt like we were staring at each other the entire time.
After lunch, my father told me to take Nipha for a walk and have a chat. We wandered to a quiet corner, away from the chatter.
I pulled out a chair for her.
"Thank you," she said softly, her voice full of genuine sincerity.
"You're welcome," I replied, taking the seat opposite her. We locked eyes for a moment.
"You…" I started, but stumbled over my words, unsure what to say. She seemed equally hesitant. Silence stretched between us. Her gaze flicked to the back of my ear before she finally spoke, "That tattoo…"
I froze and quickly covered the spot behind my ear, hoping she hadn't noticed.
Then she blurted out, excitement clear in her voice.
"Ray! Is that really you?"
My eyes went wide. I stared at her.
"Jan?!" I exclaimed.
We both jumped up at the same time. Jan's face lit up with excitement.
"Ray! It's really you!" she shouted, running to hug me. We stayed like that for a while before she finally asked, "How did you end up here?"
I looked at her and replied, "It's a long story… not safe to tell here." So I led her to a small house, then to the riverside pavilion. We sat down, and I told her the story of the durian falling on my head.
Jan couldn't help but chuckle.
"Damn! That scream of yours when it hit—so perfectly timed! Talk about karma!"
"Yeah… perfect karma," I admitted, laughing.
"Who would think a durian would actually hit your head? How did you even get here?" I asked.
She told me what happened: she was driving to an elder's house when she heard me screaming. She panicked, calling out, "Ray! Are you okay? Ray! Damn it, Ray!" But got no response. Then a truck passed close by, and she swerved to avoid it, the front ripped open and crashed off the cliff. She woke up in a water tub.
"So basically, tragic, but I might have been worse off," I laughed.
"Fucking fantasy-level crazy," I said.
"You know, in my past life, my personality was…" Jan began, sounding frustrated.
"You were a spoiled, loud kid, prone to tantrums, a little wild," I interrupted with a smirk.
Jan paused, glared at me, then shouted, making me jump.
"You're the wild monkey, not me!"
I kept my face calm and replied evenly.
"Oh really?" I shrugged.
Jan crossed her arms, scowling, eyes piercing me.
"Yeah, totally opposite. I was proper, quiet, polite… got pranked but stayed silent. I was so pissed!"
"Wow… completely opposite to me. Damn…" I muttered.
"But there are similarities," Jan said, tilting her head.
"What?"
"I got pranked too, treated unfairly… personality-wise, a total pain, but still got pranked anyway."
We both sighed, leaning back.
"So… what do we do now?" Jan asked, thinking, frowning slightly before letting out another sigh. She leaned back, accepting the situation. "Guess we have to find a way back."
"Yeah," I nodded. "By the way, do you know what era we're in?"
Jan paused briefly, then avoided my gaze.
"I know…" she said softly, a faint mix of amusement and irritation in her eyes.
I chuckled, holding my head, sighing.
"Damn it… my history smarts are as bad as yours," I said, looking at her with a hopeless but joking expression.
"I want to kneel before the teacher for not paying attention in class."
Jan rolled her eyes, smiling faintly, mocking both herself and me at the same time.
"Or… maybe the teacher is punishing us?" I suggested, raising an eyebrow.
"For not studying properly, sending us back in time," she replied.
"Ugh!" Jan snapped, frustrated. "Couldn't they just drop us here quietly? No need for me to crash through fences or warp like this?" She shook her head rapidly, clearly annoyed.
"But movies kinda do the same," I continued, a faint smile on my face.
"Yeah… but why are the characters so smart and knowledgeable in movies?"
Jan sighed softly.
"Honestly, I'm exhausted thinking about it. But I don't think this place is that backward. I've noticed the household items—they're classic, with tons of European-style stuff."
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"Sigh… I need my phone. Being without it feels like I can't breathe," I muttered, exhaling heavily, feeling like the world was missing something huge. "I'm doomed."
"No way!" Jan spun around, refusing to accept it. "You're not allowed to die! You can't bail on me again!" She pointed at me, serious, then let out a sigh herself. "Forget it. Thinking about it only gives me a headache."
"Yes, yes, Khun Nipa," I replied jokingly, teasingly calling her by her new name.
"Nipa, dummy," Jan shot back immediately, but only mouthed the words silently. I couldn't help but laugh again.
Then she frowned slightly as if noticing something, squinting at me. "Hey… your tattoo…" she hesitated. "It's way too obvious. You'll leave traces."
"Yes, I know…" I replied calmly, humbly admitting. "But I don't even know how to cover it. Do they even have concealer these days?"
Jan answered matter-of-factly: "Yes, I saw some on my vanity table. It's technically foundation, but it works the same."
I breathed a sigh of relief. "Looks like I'm saved."
Just then, a male servant stepped in, bowing politely. "Khun Warun, Khun Nipa, Khun wishes for you to return to the main house."
I exhaled and nodded. "We'll be there shortly."
After the servant left, I glanced at Jan and muttered, annoyed, "We just met, and now we have to separate already?"
Jan patted my shoulder lightly. "Hey, don't worry. I can sneak over again tomorrow. I've got time."
I smiled, relieved. "Alright then, we'll meet again tomorrow."
Jan shrugged. "No problem… Oh! And make sure to have some snacks ready for me."
I laughed and joked, "So you just want snacks, not me?"
Jan grinned mischievously. "You know me too well, Ray! You're not food, so I'm not hungry for you."
I rolled my eyes. "Thanks for reminding me we're just friends."
After we shared a laugh, Jan patted my shoulder again. "Alright, go back before the servant comes looking. I don't want to be blamed."
I nodded. "Fine. See you tomorrow. And don't forget that foundation."
Jan smiled and waved. "Noted!"
We walked back to the main house together, feeling the warmth of the home around us. Inside the living room, my parents and Khun A were sitting on the sofa, eyes sparkling at the sight of their children arriving together.
"You've been gone a long time!" my father teased. "How have you been? Haven't talked in ages. Remember each other? Have you shared anything?"
Jan smiled brightly. "Yes, we've talked about a lot!" She glanced at me and chuckled softly. "Talking makes me remember when we used to play here as kids."
I just said, "Yes," with a smile. Honestly, I had no clue about those childhood memories.
Then Khun A, Jan's father, spoke to my dad in a friendly tone, "It's time for us to head back. We'll visit again soon."
My dad smiled. "Alright, see you next time."
Everyone walked to the front of the house, where a classic car waited. It was bright blue with smooth curves, looking both cute and charming. I stared at it, unable to blink.
"A car too! A little blue turtle car!"
"Ray!" Jan nudged my stomach lightly. "I'm leaving now. Good luck, see you tomorrow."
I startled slightly, snapping out of my daze. Jan walked to the car, turning back to smile warmly at my parents, my older sister, and younger siblings. "Goodbye! Take care!"
She climbed into the car happily, the engine roaring to life as the classic vehicle pulled away, leaving me standing there with a mix of indescribable feelings.
After that, I headed back to my small house. Along the way, I noticed Yoey, my close friend, following me. The sun was beginning to set, casting soft light across the path.
As I walked, memories surfaced—memories of playing with Nipa as kids, full of laughter. Then they shifted to the recent past, when I was alone in the small house, confined due to some misbehavior. I had a private tutor who I ignored, acting out so badly that some couldn't tolerate it anymore.
Oh Jesus!
Some memories stick, some don't.
While I was lost in thought, I heard Yoey calling, "Khun Warun! Khun Warun!"
"Huh? Yes? What is it?" I startled from my daydream.
"Is something bothering you?" Yoey asked, concern in her voice.
"No, no. Just thinking about stuff," I replied with a smile.
"Oh, alright," Yoey nodded in understanding. "I'll go prepare some water then."
"Mm," I replied briefly.
Yoey said this and hurried off to the bathroom. I watched her go, feeling a warm sense of comfort despite the chaos in my mind.
While waiting, I felt the need to wash my hair because of the heat and sweat, but wasn't sure if there was shampoo here. I decided to ask Yoey.
"Water is ready, Khun Warun," she said brightly, smiling as she walked in.
"Yoey, I want to wash my hair," I said, smiling at her to show my intent.
"Wash your hair?" Yoey repeated, slightly surprised at my determination.
"Yes," I confirmed, eyes shining but still hesitant about what came next.
Yoey frowned slightly, confused, but tried to hide it, then smiled knowingly. "Then I'll fetch the servants to help prepare the supplies and style your hair."
I raised my hand and shook my head. "No, I want to do it myself." I said firmly. They couldn't see the tattoo.
Yoey looked puzzled but didn't press further, just nodded and went to prepare the hair washing items.
When I saw the supplies, I froze—they looked complicated, almost like a craft project.
What is this?! Is this a hair wash or a chemistry experiment?!
Oh George, this is insane. What should I even do? Seeing the tools made me feel defeated.
"What the hell is this!?" I thought. "No wonder servants are needed."
"How do I even start?" I asked Yoey, who was arranging the items. She paused briefly, surprised.
"You don't know, Khun Warun?" Yoey asked, astonished.
Yes… I really don't know anything.
"I forgot," I admitted weakly.
"Do you want the servant to help wash your hair?" Yoey suggested again.
"No, I want to do it myself," I insisted firmly.
Yoey accepted with a gentle smile, concern still in her eyes. She watched me understandingly, then began explaining the steps. "First, Khun Warun needs to massage the scalp with oil. Use kaffir lime oil or coconut oil and apply to the scalp and hair. Leave it for a while so the nutrients can absorb into your hair."
She gestured toward the bottles emitting a fragrant aroma. I nodded but felt overwhelmed inside.
"Then, use floral and herbal water. Jasmine or Thai floral water is fragrant," she continued, lifting a small bottle.
"These are herbs for washing your hair," Yoey smiled. "We'll use butterfly pea flowers, Mi leaves, or turmeric to clean the hair properly."
I felt like I was transported back to a chaotic era, seeing each item she picked up. The steps were endless.
"After massaging and cleansing, rinse with clean water several times," she emphasized.
"Finally, dry your hair naturally using a thin cloth," she added, looking at me expectantly.
I kept a neutral face, but inside I felt like crying, smiling faintly and nodding. "Just leave me to rot like this!" I thought, preparing to follow her instructions. It felt like a scene from an old drama, forced to obey the beauty rules of the past.
After Yoey left, I sat in the bathroom, lost in thought, feeling abandoned with an unfamiliar mission. Then I pulled myself together and began to follow her instructions, slow and confused.
"All right… start with the oil first," I muttered to myself, picking up the kaffir lime oil. Hesitating, I opened the cap and squeezed some into my hands, then began massaging my scalp.
"Is this right?" I asked myself, fingers awkwardly scratching my head, unsure if I was doing it correctly.
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⸻
I felt like everything I was doing was wrong. All those oils made my hands slippery and messy. "Why does this have to be so complicated?" I sighed, listening to the constant flow of water from the pipe.
After massaging my scalp long enough, I moved to the next step. "Floral water…" I whispered to myself, cautiously opening a bottle of jasmine water. The fragrance instantly filled the air, strong and sweet, but in my head, I thought, "Isn't this smell too sharp?" I wasn't really a fan of this kind of floral scent. I tried to pour it carefully over my oil-soaked hair, but of course, I overdid it.
"Ouch!" I groaned, staring at my reflection in the mirror. I looked like I'd been blasted with a combination of oil and floral water. "How long is this going to take to finish?"
When it came time to rinse, I realized it was far harder than I expected. My hair got even wetter. "How many rinses until this is clean?" I muttered while repeating the process, thinking my head had turned into a soaked water ball.
"Finally…" I muttered in frustration, after confirming I had rinsed enough, though I still had more steps left from Yoi's instructions. Honestly, this was harder than studying!
After soaking a little longer, I felt refreshed. I grabbed a towel to wrap around my hips and another to cover my dripping hair, then went to change clothes.
After drying my hair, I sat on the chair in front of the mirror, reflecting on the day. I felt a small warmth in my chest knowing Jan, my closest friend, was here. A small smile appeared on my face, but as night fell, an odd emptiness lingered.
"Or maybe… it's because I don't have my phone?" I sighed quietly, mumbling to myself. "Feels like half my life is missing. This place is so boring." I thought that if I had to stay like this any longer, I'd go crazy. Then I remembered—tomorrow I could take Jan to the market. At least I'd get to buy some clothes.
After finishing my self-pity session, I walked to the bed with the neatly set mosquito net. I flopped down, arms and legs stretched out. I knew tonight would probably be sleepless, but I fell asleep almost immediately.
⸻
In my dream, I woke up in the middle of a dense forest with towering trees all around. "Where the hell am I?" I muttered, looking around. Everything resembled the Amazon in a nature documentary.
Suddenly, I felt eyes on me. I turned slowly—and froze. A giant anaconda was slithering toward me. "Oh, shit!" I bolted, but tripped over a tree root, nearly face-planting. When I looked back, the snake had stopped directly in front of me, its gaze intense and almost hypnotic.
"Look at that face… stop staring. If you like me, just say it." I muttered to myself, brushing dirt off my clothes, trying to act normal.
Then, a monkey leaped down from a nearby tree, squeaking loudly as if saying, "Run! Follow me!"
Omg! Wait… I understand monkey language?
I had no choice but to follow it. Along the way, I jumped over fallen logs and trampled dry grass, making a loud crunch-crash! sound. "Sorry, forest! Didn't mean it!" I shouted, laughing, but the monkey looked back at me, annoyed.
"Hey, hurry up! This isn't a race!" I teased. The monkey seemed to understand, then pointed ahead with a sharp chirp!
I looked forward and saw a giant crocodile waiting at the small riverbank. "Seriously? Running from snakes to crocodiles now?" I yelled. The monkey sprinted ahead, acting like it was nothing. I tried to jump across the small stream, but the anaconda from earlier hung down from a tree behind me, increasingly interested, making me feel hunted.
"What the hell are you guys?!" I shouted at the monkey. It turned and grinned mischievously.
"Hey, buddy! Looks like you've got problems with your new friends here!" it chattered rapidly.
Friends? Are these my friends or your friends, damn monkey…
"Okay, this definitely isn't my best day…" I muttered, eyes fixed on the giant snake still slithering after me. I grabbed a nearby rock to throw at it—but it slipped from my hand and hit the monkey's head instead. The monkey glared at me, clearly annoyed.
⸻
"Sorry! I didn't mean to!" I blurted out, my voice panicked, but it was already too late. The monkey glared like it wanted revenge, while the anaconda inched closer with menacing intent.
Dang it! I really didn't mean to!
"Ah! Am I gonna survive today or not!?" I shouted, sprinting through the dense jungle. Bugs swarmed my face, making me flail my hands to brush them away, almost blindly.
Suddenly, there was a crack-crash from behind. I froze, turning around slowly, only to see a massive dark shadow moving closer. The sharp metallic scent of blood hit my nose, sending shivers down my spine.
"What the hell's coming now…ghosts of the forest? Or what?!" I muttered under my breath.
A startled screech from the monkey leaped toward me, shoving me into the tall grass. "Save yourself!" it screamed.
RIP to me, I thought.
I froze for a heartbeat as the shadow revealed itself: a huge bear, its eyes locked on me. I stared at it, frozen, before glancing around hopelessly.
What kind of cursed luck is this?!
"Fine, fine! I'll play along!" I groaned to myself, spinning around and running again. I didn't care what was ahead anymore. It felt like every animal in this forest wanted me dead.
I ran recklessly, hurdling over fallen logs. A group of monkeys cackled behind me. "Hey, slowpoke! Aren't you gonna run faster?" one of them teased, flashing a grin full of sharp teeth. I grit my teeth. "Shut up! I'm running for my life here!"
The jungle wrapped me in a damp, suffocating embrace. Moisture clung to my skin, the smell of wet earth filled the air, and branches whipped my head as I dodged frantically. Every sound echoed—animal screeches, the swish of leaves, the distant roar of a predator—my heart pounded like a drum.
"Ray!!" another monkey shouted behind me, as I realized that maybe facing the anaconda might be safer than trying to survive the monkeys' little war games.
"No! No! I'm gonna die here, I swear! Screeech!" I screamed, tripping in the muddy ground. Gasping for air, I saw the huge anaconda slither out from the bushes. "Oh, great! Just what I needed!"
"Come here, little boy!" the anaconda hissed seductively. I clenched my teeth. "I'm not your snack!" I bolted forward again, feeling my legs grow heavier with every step.
The distant roar of a tiger sent adrenaline shooting through me. "Move or die!" I shouted at myself, forcing my legs over taller shrubs, flinching as tiny insects hit my skin. "Ouch! Damn it!"
The monkeys' laughter followed me relentlessly. "Hey! Stop running!" they called, turning this jungle chaos into a bizarre, twisted game.
"Don't mess with me!" I shouted back, barreling past a jutting branch. Something grabbed my arm—no! My heart leapt as I saw the bear, standing majestically.
"What do you want from me?" I asked, voice shaky. The bear let out a soft chuckle, as if amused by my panic.
From behind, another roar shook the forest—the crocodile rising from the water. "Oh, no! Not the croc!"
The world felt like it was collapsing. But just then, the bear raised its massive paw in a gesture of guidance. "Follow me!" it seemed to say, and I ran after it, half terrified, half bewildered by this absurd dream.
"What the hell is this world…?" I muttered, leaping over a large rock.
"Where the hell am I running to?" I panted, leaning against a huge tree trunk to catch my breath. The fresh air filled my lungs, and for a brief moment, despite this insane dream, the forest felt calm.
Finally, I spotted a fluffy tiger cub lying under a tree. Its big, bright eyes stared up at me like…love at first sight.
"Aw, so cute!" I whispered, smiling uncontrollably. I crouched down, reaching to pick it up.
"You cute little thing! Where's your mom?" I cooed, running my fingers through its soft fur. The warmth of its tiny body made the world seem dreamy…until a deafening roar shattered the peace.
Oh no… did you hear that?
"ROAR!" The mother tiger bellowed. I yelped, almost dropping the cub. It wriggled desperately in my arms. "Oh no! You've gotta be kidding me!" My instincts screamed—I had to run.
Again?! Seriously!?
Damn… wish I had a gun right now.
"Run! Run!" I screamed at myself, clutching the cub tightly. I hurdled over bushes, stumbled on rocks, yet kept running, ignoring the fatigue searing through my legs.
"Why do I always end up in situations like this!?" I panted, holding the cub close. "Don't worry, little one. We'll get out of here!"
The mother tiger's roars drew nearer, a fire in my gut. The cub whimpered, uncomfortable, but I had no choice.
"I'm taking you with me!" I shouted, sprinting through the thicket, splashing through a small stream, water spraying in all directions.
Finally, a clearing bathed in sunlight appeared. I stopped, panting, looking around. Animals scattered in the distance. The cub, exhausted, curled up and slept peacefully.
"Alright…we just need to find a way out of this forest." I muttered, determination hardening inside me.
Then another roar reminded me that the chaos wasn't over. "I've gone through too much already!" I swore, vowing to get the cub to safety, no matter what.
I knew I was doing something ridiculous… but who cared? "I'm not giving this cub back to its mom!" I said aloud. "Screw it! It's mine now!"
"Let's get out of here together!" I told the cub in a sweet tone, sprinting through the Amazon dreamscape.
Dodging bushes, stumbling on rocks, I refused to let go. The mother tiger's roars chased us relentlessly. The thrill made me forget the pain and exhaustion.
"Who would've thought I'd be a cub's dad?" I muttered, breathless. "Where the hell can I go now? That momma tiger's bound to show up!"
I paused, heart hammering, before deciding to keep running. In this dream, nothing was predictable.
Clutching the cub, I ventured deeper into the jungle, searching for refuge. My eyes caught a massive cave nestled between trees.
"A cave!" I shouted excitedly. "Let's go! Maybe it's safe!" I ran, hoping the horrors behind us wouldn't follow.
Inside, the cave was darker than expected. But immediately, a loud commotion erupted. I froze, holding the cub tight. "Who's there?!"
It was the monkey—inside the cave with us!
"What the hell? Who are you?" I asked, still clutching the cub. "Why are you in the bear's cave?!"
"Because it's awesome!" the monkey shrugged, hopping around. "There's food! And the bear doesn't mess with me!"
"You crazy monkey!" Fear surged again. "What am I supposed to do?"
"Relax! We've got this!" the monkey said, confidently bouncing. "There's gotta be a safe spot somewhere!"
"Wait…a croc!" The monkey pointed to the river, where a massive crocodile lounged on rocks.
"This is getting out of hand!" I groaned, eyes wide. "Just get past it…" I said to the monkey, hoping it wouldn't bite.
"Don't worry! We can jump across!" the monkey replied, and leaped onto a rock, diving into the water. "Come on! Full speed!"
I followed, leaping after it. As my feet hit the water, the croc's roar echoed behind me.
"Oh hell no! Not today!" I screamed, my heart thumping, sprinting across the rocks.
"This is getting out of hand!" I said, frowning as I looked at the crocodile that didn't seem to care at all. "I just need to get across here," I turned to the monkey, "and hopefully it won't bite me!"
"Don't worry! We can jump over it!" the monkey shouted, starting to run toward the river. "Take it slow!"
I froze, feeling like I was trapped in a crazy world. "Why the hell am I even dealing with this?" I muttered to myself, looking at the little cub sleeping in my arms. "But screw it!"
"Just follow my lead!" the monkey said as it leapt onto a rock and into the water. "Come on! Go all out!"
I stepped forward and jumped after the monkey, but as soon as my feet hit the water, the croc's roar echoed behind me. "Oh hell no! Not today!" I yelled in panic as I sprinted across the rocks.
The crocodile started swimming toward me, and I felt my heart almost stop. "Why does there have to be a crocodile too?!" I shouted. My legs pumped faster, barely keeping me upright. "I've got to get out of here!"
After crossing the water, I stopped to catch my breath and looked back to see if the croc was still following. "Where did you go, croc?!" I started to feel relieved—but then the roar of the tigress echoed again. "Oh shit! It's not over yet!"
I turned around and saw the tigress standing at the cave entrance, her fur fluffed up, eyes shining. "Whoa! Momma tiger!" Fear surged through me, but I still wondered, "What about the cub I'm holding?"
"Why are you standing here?!" I shouted at the tigress, trying to back away. "I'm just here for your cub!" But seeing her move closer, I had no choice but to run again.
"Help! I don't want to die!" I screamed as I dashed through the forest, leaping over bushes, feeling my legs growing exhausted.
"I just need to get away from this!" I thought as I slipped and fell, thankfully still holding the cub safely. But I felt like giving up. "Shit! I can't take this anymore!" I yelled, overwhelmed with stress.
"Come on! Hold it together!" I told myself as I continued running.
Then, the sounds started fading, and I jolted awake in my bedroom. Everything seemed back to normal, yet my mind was still stuck on the ridiculous dream.
What the hell kind of dream was that?
"Seriously? I can't believe I dreamed about a freaking jungle!" I muttered, staring at the ceiling.
Lying in bed, I reflected on the strangeness of the dream. "This isn't the first weird dream, but I've never had such a tiring one!" I gave a weak smile, raised my hand to cover my eyes, and tried to calm down.
It still didn't feel like morning, so I decided to go back to sleep without hesitation. The drowsiness was too strong to resist, and soon I drifted off into a deep sleep again…