Knocks on the door.
"So early?" I wondered while waiting to see who would enter.
"Always punctual, Doctor Phanit," said the enthusiastic voice, happy to see me.
"Doctor Yut, I didn't expect to see you so early," I replied, giving a slight smile.
"Doctor Risa, I thought you would be happy to see me," Yut continued. "Even though our relationship went down the drain, I'm happy to see you!" Yut was observing me as if he were looking for something.
"I'm not interested in relationships right now. I'm focused on my career and my patients," I said with a firm and direct voice.
"You really haven't changed at all," Yut said, smiling. "I know very well that you never had any interest in me, I'm only here to talk business," Yut finished seriously.
"What kind of business? I'm very busy," I replied without much interest.
"I see this hospital is doing very well; you've really managed it properly," Yut said, looking around.
"Yut, are you only here to compliment me?" I replied with my arms crossed. "I don't like people flattering me," I said firmly.
"I know that. But, I'm here to propose a business deal to you, a campaign about mental health, to encourage and raise awareness about how important it is." Yut kept talking. But I interrupted him.
"P'Yut..." As I started to speak, Yut interrupted me again.
"Doctor Risa, I know a company that's new to the market. It has good feedback. The director is well-known in the market for being a good professional, even if she is a little peculiar." Yut was very enthusiastic.
"Yut, I don't have time to appear in commercials or photos. Is this by any chance also to boost your hospital?" I continued.
"In any case... It's not a bad idea. Can I think about it?" I asked, sounding slightly uninterested.
"Of course! No pressure," Yut said, standing up. "If you make a decision, this is the contact information for the company director I mentioned," Yut said, handing me a card with just the company name.
"Alright. But, I don't guarantee I'll accept your proposal," I said while placing the card on my desk.
"I know the doctor will make the right choice!" Yut said, saying goodbye.
"See you later, Doctor! It was a big surprise to see you," I said, offering a friendly smile.
...
"A campaign?" I was lost in my thoughts when I heard someone knock on the door again.
"Doctor Risa, we have a patient in the emergency room," said a nurse.
I got up quickly and headed for the door.
...
"Director Soa?"
"Yes, Win?" I replied, waiting for the answer immediately.
"Win?" I called him again in a hurried voice.
"Director Soa, a man called, saying he wanted to do a campaign..." I quickly interrupted Win.
"A campaign? Did he ask for his name? And what is the campaign about?" I asked curiously.
"Well, Director Soa. The man who called is a doctor, and he wants to do a campaign about mental health," Win said while looking at his notes.
"Mental health?" I thought to myself. "And, when do they want the campaign for?" I asked, returning from my thoughts.
"Well, Director Soa. The Doctor said that it's not certain yet, but he just wanted to obtain some information. He also said the campaign is a partnership between two hospitals, so there will be two representatives..." Win explained in detail.
I became a little pensive. Why two representatives? I always received clients from various hospitals and offices. But, this was always a surprise to me. Then I started talking to Win again.
"That's great!" I said enthusiastically. "Let's hope the other representative contacts us." I continued, smiling.
"Understood, Director. I'll wait for the return of our clients," Win said, leaving my office.
...
It was my day off, and as usual, I went for my morning run.
I put on my running clothes and went out through my beautiful city.
When I got home, I immediately received a call. I picked up my cell phone.
"Is there a problem?" I said, answering the call without expression.
"Risa, your father is worried about you," the agitated voice replied.
"Mom, I have nothing more to say. Dad needs to understand, it's been six months!" I said, slightly irritated.
"Risa, we only want what's best for you. Ever since your engagement ended, I keep thinking about what happened before..." While my mother spoke, I interrupted her.
"Mom, I'm not the Risa from 10 years ago. I'm not that fragile. I can handle any situation by myself," I continued without hesitation. "I'm fine, and I know you worry about me, but you don't need to remind me of the past anymore!!" I said in an expressive tone.
"Daughter, I love you, we just want what's best for you..." While my mother spoke... I tried to end the conversation as gently as possible.
"Mom, I have to go. I love you and Dad," I said in a gentle voice. "See you later, I love you," I replied to my mother and hung up quickly.
And then I fell into my thoughts...
"Sometimes I find myself thinking about how Soa is doing, but I quickly return to reality. I guess I shouldn't think about the past anymore. And if Soa is happy, that's what matters. I felt a lot of anger and sadness over all these years. It's hard to end such a significant friendship like that. I guess I shouldn't keep thinking about it. It's been a few years since I've heard from Soa. I wonder where she is now?"
...
"Director." It was Lawan calling me.
"Lawan, are you in a good mood today?" I said, giving a gentle smile.
"The director has many clients. Should I make a waiting list and organize them by order?" Lawan asked, returning the smile.
"Lawan, I leave everything in your hands, you're the best," I replied in a good mood.
Lawan left, and I immediately received a call; it was a client. A strong, decisive voice.
"Director Soa?" said the unknown voice.
"Yes?" I replied quickly. Then the female voice began to speak.
"I am Doctor Risa. Doctor Yut contacted you about organizing a mental health campaign. Would you be interested..." I quickly interrupted the unknown voice.
"Madam? How old does the doctor think I am?" I said, feeling offended.