Golden Triangle

Ch. 24 : Responds

*** Still Flashback ***

"MAMAAAAAA!!!"

Nari breathes for the last time. Her eyes slowly close. She has passed away. Her children can't stop crying. So do Natee and Nala. They are devastated by the loss of their mother and best friend. But, Natee and Nala have to be strong now. They need to leave before people find them.

"Popo, Thithi, Gupi, we have to go..."

"A-Aunty... Sobs... Mama..."

"I know, Popo. But, your Mama will be sadder if you're in danger because you stay here. We go now, okay?"

"No! Sobs... Gupi wants to be with Mama! Sobs..."

"Ma'am, people are coming here."

"Gupi, listen to Aunty, okay? Mama let Gupi to stay with Aunty Natee and Aunty Nala because Mama wanted Gupi to stay safe. Gupi didn't want to worry Mama, right?", the little boy wipes his tears and nods.

"Now, Gupi, will you go with Aunty Natee, Aunty Nala, P'Po, P'Thi, and uncle bodyguards?"

"B-But... Sobs... Gupi is scared..."

"Don't be scared... You are a brave boy, you know?"

"Really?"

"Yes, sweetheart. And, we have a lot uncle bodyguards to protect us. You don't need to be afraid anymore, okay?"

"Okay, Aunty..."

"Do you want Aunty to carry you?", the boy nods.

Natee takes a piece of cloth. She squats in front of the little boy and wraps the cloth around their body. Now, she can safely carry Gulf on her back. They are ready to go when one of the bodyguards carries Earth. Meanwhile, Apo brings the bag he got from his father. They rush out through the secret path.

Few days after incident, they are brought by Natee and Nala to a safe house that their mother has prepared. All of them, including the besties, are still devastated. Apo and Earth aren't talking much. Gulf only stays in bedroom all day and doesn't say any words. At first, Natee and Nala thought it was because their best friend's children are still in shock. But, their condition is getting worse. Nightmares start to haunt them. Natee and Nala watch over them all night long. However, the worst is the youngest. A few days ago, he was still crying. But now, he only sits facing the window expressionlessly. Hugging the bunny doll he got from his father. He also hasn't eaten all day. Whenever Natee or Nala brings food, he will push the food away even to the point of throwing it. Both Aunties are really worried. That's why Natee tries one more time.

Knock! Knock!

"Gupi, this is Aunty Natee. Are you hungry?", she shows a tray of food to the little boy.

As expected, he doesn't look at the food nor even the Aunty. But, Natee doesn't give up. She puts the tray on bedside table and pulls a seat to sit in front of him. She smiles while looking at him.

"Gupi, are you sad? If you are sad, you can tell Aunty. Aunty will listen to you. Aunty knows it's not easy. But, Aunty will always stay with you no matter what..."

She still gets no reaction. But, she sees something. Natee frowns. Gulf's hands clench so hard. It even shakes. She thinks she knows now. This little boy buries his feeling inside.

"Your hands could get hurt...", she holds his hands to stop him.

Her eyes widen. Gulf suddenly collapses. His body is hot. He has a fever. She quickly calls doctor. Apo and Earth really panic when they hear this. They accompany their little brother and never leave his side. Even when doctor checks him.