THE AUTISTIC

Stay with me

According to Plotinus, 'Matter is the source of evil in our souls' and at the moment Apo seemed to be evil, and the ruckus he has caused had become the matter. Everyone except Mile and his family, accused him of lacking basic outside manners and ignored the cause which agitated.

Mile unable to withstand looking at the miserable guy, pushed through a large crowd of grown-ups.
"What's the matter Apo? Did someone hurt you? Stop crying. " He gestured with concern.

In return, Apo wailed and sat on the spot where he stood, hugging his knees looking like shredded autumn leaves. Mile on the other hand perched beside the shivering and clearly distressed boy, trying to comfort him, irrespective of the judgmental stares thrown in his direction.
Later, the two lads were joined by the other five friends and Anna.

Instead of arguing with the so called affluent and educated throng, they just helped their friend stand up and walked him out of the assembly hall leaving the others dumbfounded.
"Everyone please continue and let's not pass comments about the incident which occurred. Young man Apo experienced a panic attack and I request everyone not to drag on this topic. "
Mr Chan addressed feeling slightly disappointed and sad for Apo.

The situation starting off with a mischievous toddler who terrorized those innocent eyes had finally led to a conclusion that the new handsome facade owned young man was not mentally normal like the others in the society, within every individual minds.
Despite Chan's request, Apo was the topic of gossip.

"He is not supposed to be at a place like this. "A lady scowled, who was supposedly the spoilt kid's mother trying to cover up her son's bad mischievous behaviour and unfortunately the others seemed to empathize with this woman and her son rather than Apo.
Just like the proverb, 'Birds of a feather flock together', richies were the birds who flocked with the feathers of arrogance and critical thinking.

"I suppose you and your annoying boy shouldn't be standing here.", Nathanee smirked sarcastically.
The lady who was appalled and embarrassed by Nathanee's remark to the core, fled off the Romsaithong mansion with her son swiftly, wishing not to damage her image and relations further.

_________
Inside Mile's room,
Mile, Bible, Jeff and Dana were consoling a sobbing Apo while Anna and Emily had gone to fetch some food and drink for Apo.
At present, the storm had reduced to a drizzle but didn't seem to halt yet.

His cheeks were tainted pink and shinning moist, which was admiration worthy if it was a movie or a play. His face was covered by folded knees and his fists were clenched.

But everyone failed to understand why the incident cause such a heavy impact on Apo? Was it more gut-wrenching than losing his own family? Was it more frightful than having none?

"Please, don't cry.", Jeff pleaded.

"Your face is getting spoilt.", Dana reminded.

"Guys should we give him some alone time?", Bible questioned and by the time someone replied, Anna and Emily arrived holding all kinds of multi cuisine savouries and desserts spread on two trays.

"Please at least eat something, we all know you would be starving. It's alright, nobody is blaming you for whatever happened. Please look at us, you won't be grounded.", Mile spoke in a calm and serene tone, closer to Apo's ear. Nobody knew sign language to communicate descriptively with Apo, hence all of them were bounded to make him understand with little reassuring taps and simple signs which they had come across in Charlie Chaplin's silent films and in everyday lives.

But unfortunately, the sobbing sound resumed and no other reaction was received in return, except for lifting his head to wipe his tears from time to time. Finally the gangmates decided to give some time of solitude to the weeping boy and assumed he might consume some food in the absence of his acquaintances.