Chapter 23: Binding Together Before I Lose My Mind! (End)
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Soft sunlight streamed through the window, spilling into the room and colliding with the warm atmosphere brimming with laughter and love from friends. This scene felt cozy, humorous, and packed with memories that would stick with me forever.
The last light of the day kissed the grass in the backyard, casting a warm, dreamy glow. The cheerful laughter of friends and close relatives drifted on the breeze, mingling with the gentle trickle of a small fountain in the corner of the garden (a fountain, like the kind often found in Thai gardens, quietly bubbling to create calm ambiance). Wooden tables were arranged simply but charmingly, lined with homemade dishes, and white flowers dotted the bushes, creating a relaxed, familial gathering feel.
I stood next to P'Theer. His hand held mine loosely but firmly, as if to silently say, "I'm here, don't be afraid." I sneaked glances around, trying to hide my embarrassed expression as I noticed the curious gazes from friends trickling in.
Suddenly, James dashed over, his face stretched into a wide grin that showed every single tooth. Both his hands slapped my shoulders with excitement.
"Heyyyy! Ray! You're incredible! P'Theer is actually here! Am I dreaming or what?"
I gave a dry smile and shook my head lightly.
"Whoa, calm down! You're exaggerating! I wasn't ready for this either."
"Who'd think someone as stubborn as you would let P'Theer get this far so quickly?"
Jan stepped in, raising an eyebrow teasingly before leaning close to whisper in my ear.
"This is like warp-speed progress, friend… I'm getting jealous."
My face flushed immediately. I turned to avoid everyone's eyes but froze when I met P'Theer's calm gaze. It carried a subtle, unspoken feeling that made me feel safe. His other hand slid up to rest on my back and lightly rubbed, reassuring me without words.
Maria approached, carrying a plate of fruit in one hand, and then suddenly leaped to hug me with such excitement I nearly lost my balance.
"Oh my god! I'm melting! This is literally a dream scene, Warun!"
The group erupted in synchronized laughter while I stood in the middle, red-faced and surrounded by happiness.
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The laughter and teasing voices echoed through the garden, but amidst the playful chaos, P'Theer remained calm beside me. His eyes were soft and full of care. He glanced at me with a faint smile, as if to say, "I'm here… no need to be afraid."
I found myself laughing along before I even realized it, instinctively pressing my hand against his. The warmth and security emanating from him spread through my heart.
"This guy's the hero of the event! No doubt about it!"
James pointed at P'Theer, his face trying to look serious but sparkling with excitement.
Jan laughed so hard she swayed, "Ray, you are so lucky!"
P'Theer raised a hand politely, as if to quiet the rising laughter, "Enough… don't tease him too much. He'll get embarrassed."
Though simple, his words carried enough weight to momentarily halt our friends' teasing.
I let out a soft laugh, clutching his hand tighter to steady myself. In this moment, I felt the most happiness, safety, and warmth I had ever known.
We stood together in the garden, surrounded by endless laughter and chatter. The leaves rustled gently in the breeze, mingling with the soft glow of lanterns hanging from the trees (lanterns often seen at Thai evening celebrations, giving a cozy, romantic feel). It was like a scene straight from a romantic movie, but infused with playful humor from friends who loved to tease.
I tucked my hand further into his, the warmth making my heart race. I'd never experienced a moment filled with so many smiles.
Soft music played in the background, laughter of friends rising and falling. Jan reached for my arm with a teasing grin.
"Hey, Ray… you can't let P'Theer hog your hand all to himself, can you?"
Her mock-whining made the others laugh.
P'Theer glanced at her with his usual calm expression, yet there was a quiet force in his eyes that made our friends momentarily silent. He stepped slightly closer to me and ran his hand along my back, signaling that nothing else mattered.
"Embarrassed, huh?"
His low, warm voice whispered near my ear, and my face burned like it might explode.
"Look at you! Red all over! Hahaha!"
Maria joined in, laughing until her body bent over. I tried to hold back my own laughter, pressing my face into P'Theer's chest.
He looked at me silently before placing a hand on my shoulder and squeezing gently.
Even as the teasing continued, I began to breathe easier, leaning into him. All my worries seemed to melt away under his attentive, caring gaze.
"Ray… you're seriously lucky… having P'Theer take care of you like this."
James muttered with a cute pout.
I chuckled softly, shaking my head. "Yeah… I just realized… he has this side too."
I looked up at P'Theer with a small laugh.
He simply gave a faint smile and squeezed my hand tighter. "If you want me here… I will stay… I won't leave."
His words made my heart swell. I glanced around at friends and family, laughing and talking happily. The soft music, the breeze, the rustling leaves—all of it made our little backyard feel like our own private world.
"Your friend has a husband before me… I'm so jealous," Jan teased, whispering again before walking away.
I laughed and buried my face in P'Theer's chest, my hand still gripping his. I could feel the safety and warmth filling my heart. His cold, steady gaze hid a warmth that reached right through me.
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After the celebration ended, silence settled. Moonlight filtered through sheer curtains, revealing dust motes floating like golden specks in the air. I nestled under the thick blanket, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety in my chest—tomorrow was the most important day of my life.
Soft footsteps approached, almost inaudible, followed by a familiar cool, comforting scent. My heart thumped wildly as if meeting him for the first time.
"Still awake?"
His deep, warm voice came from the doorway. I turned to see his tall figure in the moonlight. His sharp eyes, once cold, now held profound gentleness. He held a small black velvet box in his hands.
"P'Theer… you're here?" I asked, my voice trembling from my racing heart.
He smiled faintly and came closer, placing the box softly on the bedside table. He opened it carefully and took out the silver necklace he had once given me, cradling it with care.
"Tonight… I want you to wear it."
He spoke, lowering his hand to place the necklace in my palm. His large hand wrapped around mine, as if unwilling to let it slip away.
I gazed at the necklace, feeling the cold metal mingled with the warmth of his hand. My heart raced, nearly exploding. I instinctively looked up at him. His sharp eyes were fixed on me, trying to communicate everything he felt without words.
"Warun… tomorrow… I'll be with you… every day… every moment."
His voice was soft but resolute. His hand brushed back a stray lock of my hair gently.
Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably, overwhelmed by emotions. I buried my face in his chest, gripping his shirt tightly. "I… I'm scared… scared it's coming too fast…"
Fear and anxiety coiled in my chest, as if everything might end.
P'Theer hugged me tighter, lowering his forehead to touch mine softly. His breath was warm and steady. "Don't be afraid… I'll be here… no matter what happens, I won't leave you."
I let out a soft laugh, tears still flowing, hands buried against his chest, overwhelmed by warmth.
He lifted my hand and kissed it gently, stroking my back slowly. His gaze stayed on me—soft but serious, determined.
"Tomorrow… everything starts… and I'll never let anyone take you away from me."
I nodded through tears, still pressing my face to him, gripping his hand tightly. I felt a security I had never known before.
We lay silently on the bed, our eyes and touch communicating everything. I drifted to sleep in his arms, my hands still gripping his shirt. He remained still, letting me feel safe in his embrace.
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Soft morning sunlight filtered through the treetops into the wide garden, decorated beautifully. Birdsong harmonized with rustling leaves, like a gentle symphony crafted by nature for this important day.
The lush green grass was laid with a pale cream carpet, leading to a central altar adorned with fresh flowers—white roses, lilies, and wildflowers, their fragrance light and sweet. Rows of wooden chairs were neatly arranged as guests trickled in, murmuring softly. Everyone dressed in light tones, blending into this elegant celebration.
I stood behind a curtain of flowers, my heart hammering so hard I thought it might burst. My hands were clammy despite this being the most important day of my life, my excitement overflowing.
"Warun… calm down a little," my mother said, her warm hand resting on my shoulder. I turned and saw her gentle smile. Tears welled up without warning.
"Mom… I'm scared," I whispered softly.
She chuckled and stroked my cheek slowly. "What are you scared of, dear? Today isn't a day to lose anything. It's the day you start anew with someone who truly loves you."
Her words left me frozen for a moment. Then, the soft organ music began, signaling the start of the ceremony.
The curtain of flowers slid aside, and a cream-colored path stretched out before me, as if it were leading me straight into a dream.
Every guest turned to look. Some clapped, some smiled so wide their faces lit up, and some even had tears shimmering in their eyes.
But my gaze… it fixed only on one person waiting at the end of the path—P'Theer.
He stood tall in a dark, elegant suit, the kind that blended Western tailoring with the quiet dignity of Thai formal wear. His sharp eyes, once cold and distant, now softened in a way that nearly broke my resolve to hold back tears. His lips curved into the faintest of smiles—rare, precious—and I knew, without a doubt, that it was meant for me alone.
I took one step, then another. The world fell silent. All that remained was the pounding of my own heart and the soft whisper of the breeze that tugged gently at the hem of my outfit (a traditional Thai wedding ensemble, cream silk with subtle gold threads, blended with a Western cut).
When I reached the altar, he stepped forward to take my hand. His palm was large, warm, steady—and in that touch, every fear I had carried simply dissolved.
He leaned down, his voice low, meant only for me.
"You're so beautiful… my heart almost jumped right out."
I let out a choked laugh, my tears already spilling, and muttered back, "Don't say things like that…" But the truth was, I could hardly breathe because of him.
The ceremony began. The officiant's voice rang clear, asking for vows. We turned to face each other. His hand closed around mine, firm, as though he wanted me to feel the weight of his promise.
"I swear… I will stand by your side, no matter what comes."
His deep voice trembled just slightly, his eyes glistening.
Through tears, I whispered, "And I… swear I will never let go of your hand, not ever."
Applause erupted around us. Smiles, tears, laughter—every emotion filled the air like music.
The officiant smiled broadly. "Now… the groom and groom may seal their vows with a kiss."
I turned to him. The world fell away. He raised his hand, brushed his fingers tenderly against my cheek, then leaned in. His lips met mine—soft, firm, unyielding.
It wasn't just a kiss. It was a vow. A covenant. A repayment for every trial we had endured.
For a heartbeat, everything stopped. The applause, the cheers—they became distant echoes. All I could hear was the rhythm of my own heart, beating in time with his.
Then—darkness.
Every light in the world blinked out, leaving me with only the warmth of his lips pressed against mine.
A blinding white light pierced my eyelids, like someone shining a flashlight directly into my face. I frowned, suffocated by the sharp scent of alcohol and disinfectant. Cold, recycled air pressed into my nose. The steady beep… beep… of a heart monitor cut through the silence, steady and merciless, reminding me I was alive.
I forced my eyes open. At first, the world was blurred, doubled, unreal. Slowly, the outlines sharpened. A sterile white ceiling. The faint shuffle of a nurse's footsteps outside the closed door.
This wasn't a wedding. Not a garden of flowers. Not P'Theer smiling at the end of an aisle.
"Where… am I?" My own voice rasped out, hoarse, barely audible.
I tried to move, but exhaustion dragged me down like chains. My body felt unbearably heavy. Wires ran from my arm to an IV bag hanging by the bed.
I turned my head. White walls. A large window draped with pale blue curtains that fluttered gently with the hum of the air conditioner. A vase of white lilies on the side table, their fragrance faint but distinct.
A hospital.
My heart lurched.
"Then… it was all… just a dream?" My whisper broke, wet with tears.
My trembling hand brushed at my face. But then—my gaze froze. On my finger, a simple silver ring gleamed under the fluorescent light. Real. Solid.
I gasped, a sob choking out of me. My hand shot to my chest. My fingertips brushed a chain. A small pendant. The necklace he had placed on me that night… it was still there.
Tears streamed freely down my cheeks. Memories flooded back—music, laughter, Jan's playful grin, Maria's cheers, James' teasing, and P'Theer's tender smile. That last kiss at the altar.
"P'Theer…" His name broke from my lips in a breathless plea.
But the room gave me no answer. Only the relentless beep of the monitor, steady as fate.
I clutched the ring in my fist, trembling. If it was just a dream, why was this still here? If it was real… why was I awake in a world without him?
The silence devoured me, heavy, suffocating. I buried my face in the pillow, sobbing until the sheets were wet. My other hand pressed the necklace hard against my chest, as if I could force it to carry me back to where he was.
"Were you really there… with me? Tell me you were real."
No answer. Only emptiness.
I closed my eyes, clinging to the final image—the feel of his lips, the thunder of applause, and the sudden blackness. The warmth in my heart that refused to fade.
It was the only thing that let me believe… he hadn't disappeared completely.
The sliding door opened with a quiet click. My vision blurred with tears, but then—
"My son! Ray, you're awake!"
My mother rushed to my side, tears streaming down her face as she clutched my hand. Her palms were warm, trembling. My father followed, his expression stricken but relieved. Behind him came my grandmother and grandfather, their steps hurried, as if they had been holding their breaths for days.
"Mom…?" My voice cracked, a weak smile tugging at my lips.
She bent over and hugged me, her tears soaking my shoulder. "Do you know? You've been asleep for four whole days. We thought we'd lost you."
Four days? My heart stumbled.
Father's heavy hand stroked my hair. His voice was tight. "The doctor said you're lucky… the head injury was bad, but surgery went well. That's why you've got the bandage now."
I raised a shaky hand to the side of my head. Thick gauze. The scent of antiseptic. Reality pressing in.
Grandmother's fingers brushed my arm, trembling. "We thought you'd never wake up…"
I wanted to reassure them, but my throat closed up. The warmth of my family couldn't erase the image of P'Theer's smile.
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Three days passed. I still lay in the same sterile room, though the antiseptic smell was no longer foreign. My body healed bit by bit, but my heart… it felt left behind in a place no one else could reach.
Sometimes my mother spooned warm rice porridge into my mouth, but I chewed without taste. My father sat by my bed, telling me stories of the outside world, hoping I would laugh. I only gave short, hollow replies.
At night, I woke with damp pillows, not knowing when the tears had come. The nurses said I had nightmares. But I knew better. Because every time I closed my eyes, I saw it again—the wedding, his smile, that kiss.
The necklace and ring—I refused to take them off. Even when asked. Even when teased. Because some part of me believed that if I removed them, the memory itself would vanish forever.
On the third day, I sat up against the headboard, staring blankly out the window. The afternoon sunlight spilled across the curtains, warm and golden. Without warning, tears rose again.
My heartbeat felt faint. As though life itself had slipped away. Because my heart… it was still caught in a place no one else could follow.
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Morning sunlight filtered through pale curtains, bringing the faint scent of fresh flowers my mother had replaced on the bedside table. The bandage around my head still pressed tight, but the pain had dulled.
From the bed next to mine came a small laugh. Jan. She had only just regained consciousness but still needed to stay. Her face was pale, but her eyes were mischievous as ever.
"You know, Ray… you slept so long, I thought I'd have to keep this ward entertained all by myself." Her voice was weak, but playful.
I gave her a thin smile. My own voice cracked, but I tried to hide the sadness. "Yeah… don't blame me, I just woke up too."
She chuckled, then coughed, and the nurse hurried in with her medicine. Jan lifted her hand, the IV line still dangling, and waved. "Even if I'm stuck here… my spirit's strong. We'll fight through this together, okay?"
I bit my lip hard. Everyone around me seemed to be coming back. But my heart was still somewhere far, far away.
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Three days later, the doctor said I was well enough to go home. My parents walked me out of the hospital. The late morning sun should have been bright and warm, but every step felt heavier than the last.
I touched the chain at my chest, felt the weight of the ring on my finger. Proof. Reminders. They told me what had happened wasn't just a dream.
When Mother asked if I wanted to go straight home, I shook my head. "…I want to stop at the temple first."
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The small temple in the heart of the city was quieter than I expected. The wind rustled the leaves of a bodhi tree (a sacred fig tree in Buddhism, often planted in temple courtyards), while a bell chimed slowly, urging stillness.
I lit three sticks of incense, bowed, and pressed my palms together. The smoke curled into the sky, fragrant and fragile.
P'Theer…
I spoke in silence, holding back sobs.
I don't know if what we had was real or only a dream. But if it was karma from another life… please, let us meet again.
Footsteps approached. I opened my eyes.
A monk in faded saffron robes stood beside me, his gaze gentle, kind.
"Child," he said softly, "those who are destined for each other… no matter how far time may part them, they will always find their way back."
My hand trembled around the incense. I wanted to ask, to plead for certainty—but the words never came. Instead, I bowed deeply.
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After paying respects, I stepped out of the hall. Sparrows chattered on the temple roof. The stone steps were cool beneath my feet, the breeze tugging at my sleeve.
Then—clink, clink.
A small silver ring rolled across the ground and came to a stop at my toes. Sunlight struck it, scattering glimmers of light.
I bent down quickly, reaching for it.
But another hand reached out at the same time. Long, familiar fingers. The sight of them made my heart stop.
Slowly, I lifted my gaze.
And there he was.
P'Theer.
Standing right in front of me. His eyes the same. His smile gentle, unchanging.
And in that moment, the world fell away—leaving only us.
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The End🎉