Here All Along

epilogue

"....Or may be we could swim in the lake which must be waiting for us - the two boys who were once reflection of each other.

So come find me. Come and see, I was right here all along."

A big applause erupts in the studio hall as Bright finished reading a small chunk of his debut novel, the one for which this book signing event is organised in Astro studio on occasion of one year anniversary of Here All Along.

So much happened in this one year. Slowly, his novel made a place not only in the hearts of people but also in the capital market. It was not yet a bestseller but his publisher's prediction was that it would, by the end of the next month. Bright hardly cared about that stuff. He did care about this though - people sitting in front of him with copies of his darling novel in their hands, waiting for Bright to imprint his name on the pages. It's not a big gathering. But it's important for Bright.

He smiles and bows gently before taking a seat, preparing himself for questions coming from the audience.

"Mr. Bright" calls a girl, "is the story of Wat and Tine based on real life? Or is it not true?"

"Well, all stories are true in some or the other world."

"That's not an answer to my question" says the girl smiling.

"I guess only wat and tine can give a correct answer to it."

The audience giggles, including the girl who thanks politely before sitting.

"Mr. Bright, rumours are that the character of Tine is inspired by your.. close friend and athlete Mr. Win Metawin. What do you have to say about it?"

Bright's nonchalance comes in handy even though he feels a warmth sprouting inside his belly.

"Is that so?" he asks, "wow. A rumour involving a celebrity is definitely going to be a good thing for my novel's popularity. Keep them coming!"

Another loud wave of laughter. Bright is glad he can avert the questions without coming off rude. In fact, one glimpse at Nani who's sitting in the front is enough to tell him that his tactics are so far good enough.

"But you have dedicated this book to Mr. Metawin's late mother. She must be really special for you. What do you have to say about it?"

Bright smiles softly, "nothing? I just hope she's proud of me. And I hope she knows we all miss her."

Saying that, his eyes flicker to his mom, sitting somewhere in between, looking at him with her affectionate proud eyes, nodding and mouthing an i love you to him.

He smiles at that. To be loved by two mothers... Bright knows it takes a good deal of luck for that to happen.

"Mr. Bright" a soft masculine voice echoes again, "I have no questions. Just wanted to tell you that I'm your big fan and will support you in all your works."

Bright smiles and thanks the boy before another hand raises again.

"Mr. Bright? Was it Mr. Metawin who-"

"Well, it wasn't Mr. Metawin who wrote this book so I don't see why should we talk about him" says Bright, trying to laugh, "I'm seriously going to ask him if he paid you all."

People chuckle again. Nobody had thought Bright would handle prying questions so well. The audience seems amused and honestly, Bright doesn't mind a lot. However, he does know who's gonna get annoyed about these questions that keep crossing the border.

Luckily, the ones with the upcoming questions read the room and no more questions about Bright's personal life are asked. Amidst the session, he checks the time. He looks at Nani and makes an attempt to plead him through his eyes. Nani shakes his head and announces that the event would be wrapped up in another ten minutes since Mr. Bright has other events to catch on.