Whispered Wishes: The Magic of Childhood Dreams

2

Resting on his bed, Saint couldn't help but fidget restlessly, feeling utterly uncomfortable in the coat his mom insisted he wear. The fabric scratched against his skin, and he squirmed, wishing he could escape the confines of this suffocating attire.

"Why are you doing this, Mom? I don't want to get married. I want to complete my MBA and start a business of my own. Why can't you trust me instead of that astro-creep?" Saint protested, his voice laced with frustration and a touch of humor.

His mom, Charunee, turned to face him, her eyes filled with unwavering faith in their family astrologer. "Stop it, Saint. Don't speak ill of our family astrologer. He's a genius! Everything he predicted has come true. The cat, the story... it all came true, didn't it?"

Saint rolled his eyes playfully, unable to resist a sarcastic quip. "Yeah, Mom, I told you that stupid cat is his pet. I don't think he's predicting anything more than the weather."

Charunee dismissed his comment with a wave of her hand, her belief in astrology unshaken. "Suppapong. Be a good boy and speak nicely to the groom. This is a good family, and we only want what's best for you, right?"

Saint half-nodded, his mind drifting elsewhere. Where were his mischievous brothers when he needed them the most? They were always there to add some excitement to the dullest of situations.

The Udomkaewkanjana family warmly welcomed the Panich family, and Charunee and her husband Kamnan exchanged approving glances. "He's perfect for our Saint, isn't he, Charunee?" Kamnan asked, his voice filled with hope.

Charunee nodded with enthusiasm, her heart pounding with anticipation. "I just hope Saint feels the same way."

The families engaged in small talk, getting to know one another. Toptap's parents were also present, as they were part of the family through their close bond. Though Kuariyakul, Udomkaewkanjana, and Jongcheveevat were brothers, Udomkaewkanjana had always treated Kuariyakul differently due to his occupation as a farmer, deeming it below their elevated city standards. However, the three cousins had formed an unbreakable bond, standing united against any challenges that came their way.

In the midst of the conversations, one of Zee's family members inquired about the Udomkaewkanjana's niece, who resided in the United States. Curiosity piqued, they asked about her location.

"Oh, she's in Oklahoma," Toptap's mother cheerfully replied, a hint of shyness coloring her cheeks. She had never set foot outside her home, let alone traveled to another country. But before she could respond further, Saint's father intervened.

"Oh, we've been there many times. We even have photos to prove it," he chimed in, taking charge of the situation. Though Kuariyakul, Udomkaekanjana, and Jongcheveevat were brothers, Udomkaekanjana always treated Kuariyakul differently mainly because he is a farmer and not up to the standard of the family who have an upper-class status. However, the three kids bonded like glue and always stood united much to the disdain of their families.

Meanwhile, Saint found himself sitting on his bed, fidgeting with nervous energy. He glanced at the mirror, noticing how ridiculous he looked in the coat his mom insisted he wear for the occasion. He sighed, his mind racing with thoughts of the impending wedding and the stranger he was bound to marry.

A knock on his door interrupted his musings, and he turned to see his mother standing there, her voice calling him out. "Saint, can you please come here?"

Taking a deep breath, Saint reluctantly made his way downstairs, his mind still preoccupied. As he stepped into the room, his eyes swept across the gathering, taking in the faces and conversations around him. But then, something caught his attention—a figure that seemed to stand out from the rest. His gaze locked onto that one man, and in that moment, time seemed to stand still.