The Taste of Clouds

XVIII

"Gene, where did you come from?" I was startled when I saw my mom sitting on the couch.

"Mom? When did you come home?"

"Answer my question first before asking me."

"I... went to the river." I bowed my head.

"What time is it?"

"11:37 pm."

"How many times did I call you?"

I checked my phone and saw my mom's name on the screen, miss calling 20th times.

"20th times."

"Gene, you are under medications and therapy. You are not allowed to go outside at this time. What if something goes wrong with you again?"

"I'm s-sorry mom." My voice cracked.

"Come here, sit beside me."

I followed her command and hugged her.

"I went home past 9 pm. I wanted to surprise you but I was more surprised. I am just worried for you and afraid at the same time..." She rubbed my hair.

"Surprise me? About what?"

"About me, coming home. Also, I promised you that we will go together at the Lumphini Park when I have time, and this was it."

"I will not do it again, mom. I'm sorry."

"When you were unconscious, I was not there to save you. I should be the one to say sorry because I can't guard you well. ...By the way, what are you doing to the river?"

"Uhmm... Just doing stone skip."

"Look at your pants, it's wet. Change it and get ready to sleep."

"Okay, good night." I kissed her on the cheeks and went upstairs.

After Gene got dressed in his pyjamas, he brewed some hot milk for him to sleep.

When he is in his room, he kept thinking about why did Nubsib kissed him and why he kissed back? "That's embarrassing!" he screamed under his pillow. He murmured "No! What the fck?! Aaahhh. He even smiled between our kisses." Their kiss keeps on repeating in his mind.

***

My mom and I are staying at Pathum Wan District for a week to visit my grandparents. It will take 40 minutes to arrive at Pathum.

"Sawadee krup!" I greeted my grandparents and they greeted me back.

"Gene! I miss you." Grandma embraced me. "How are you, my grandson?"

"I'm okay, grandma."

"I heard that you take medication and therapy."

"Krup." My short reply.

"I cook something for my grandson!" My grandad said carrying food towards my way.

"Thank you, grandad!"

"What kind of therapy are you taking?"

"Cognitive Behavioural Therapy."

"Oh! CBT." He sips his tea.

My grandad is a retired psychiatrist and knows about phobias and disorders.

"Grandad."

"Yes?"

"I have something to ask you."

"What is it?"

"I have a friend that has a disorder."

"What are his symptoms?"

"I don't know but I sense something like he almost jump off the bridge, he accidentally let go of a glass, he even made a heart shape out of stones which he needs to look for a flat stone, he also squirms while he was sitting on the grass."

...

"What?!" I shockingly said that made grandma and mom look in my direction.