From Something To Everything (Bounprem)

131. ACE

"Hmm..." Tee tapped his pen on his chin. "So, this means that N' Boun has a history of adverse childhood experiences." He clicked his pen as he reviewed the information provided by Ohm.

Ohm who had been explaining Boun's past and his family conditions to Tee was confused. He never felt that there was anything wrong with Boun before the incident. "What history, Phi? I don't quite get you."

"History of Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs N' Ohm." Tee repeated. "It is actually normal that you haven't noticed anything abnormal about him despite being so close to him."

He put his pen down and looked at Ohm. "A lot of children show those symptoms but are most often turned a blind eye on as most people are unaware of its consequences that might affect the child's mental health greatly just like in the case of N' Boun."

He chuckled lightly seeing Ohm looking lost. "N' Ohm, let me explain it to you. Normally the adverse experiences include" he lifted one finger at a time and listed out. "One, Physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Two, physical or emotional neglect. Three, household violence, substance abuse or mental illness. Fourth, parental separation or divorce and last but not the least incarceration of a family member."

"Out of the five experiences, N' Boun had been exposed to the first four conditions, that is, abuse, neglect, violence and parental separation." He concluded.

"But Mo, Boun's parents are not separated." Ohm retorted.

"I know. But is there any difference in the two of them remaining married?" Tee questioned back.

Ohm was mum. He couldn't say that there was any meaning for Saen and Tessa staying married.

"Both his parents had been neglecting him since he was a kid. He was raised by someone else right?"

"Khrab. His Khun Pu raised him till a year ago."

"And I am sure that the reason why his Khun Pu decided to take him in is because of his Phor who, according to my observation is an aggressive person who wouldn't think twice before retorting to verbal and physical abuse. It is highly possible that N' Boun have witnessed his Mae being domestically abused as a kid."

Tee poured a glass of water and handed it to Ohm who was staring blankly at him.

"N' Ohm, you don't have to be so stressed out about all these. Many people have such experiences and most of them find their own defence mechanisms to overcome the situation, just like how you are doing." Tee smiled widely leaning on the table.

"W- What do you mean, Mo?" Ohm looked up at the older man.

"Your family, they neglect you as well, don't they?" Tee tilted his head and observed Ohm who refused to meet his gaze. "They are putting a lot of pressure on you which is way over what you can handle."

He walked back to his seat and sat down. "If my guess is right, you never actually wanted to be in front of the camera, right? It is something someone like N' Boun would enjoy but not you, N' Ohm. You probably started your career as a child actor to please your Mae. Am I right or am I right?"

Ohm clenched his jaws and looked at Tee. He wasn't actually comfortable having someone digging into his deepest secrets. "What are you trying to say, Mo?"

"N' Ohm, it is good that you are willing to adjust and change yourself for the people around you. You are willing to sacrifice your happiness and comfort to make your Mae happy and Phor proud.

You even suggested adopting Boun, despite knowing that he had always been the child your Phor-Mae wanted. Both of them would always love him more than you even though you are their biological child."

Ohm's fists balled up. He felt as if Tee was purposely trying to provoke him.

"You know what N' Ohm, if I were in your place, I would be really jealous of Boun for hoarding all the love to himself."

"Boun is not someone like that, Mo. He is a cheerful person, who can make anyone happy just by his presence. He would never hoard anyone's love and I don't think that he would even think of something like that even for a second." Ohm defended his cousin.

"I am not saying that Boun is a bad person, N' Ohm. Instead, I want you to realise that not everyone thinks of him the same way as you do." Tee sighed.

He had a feeling that he had stepped on Ohm's tail as he was talking. "You might love him so much to the extent that you wouldn't mind sharing your Phor- Mae with Boun, but that is not the case for others. Especially his eldest Phi. That guy definitely has some very dangerous thoughts towards the kid for the amount of affection his Nong is receiving from others."

"I am not P' Alan, Mo." Ohm spoke in a cold tone.

"I know." Tee grinned. "If you were, you wouldn't have run into an abandoned warehouse all by yourself before your Aa's men could follow you just because you heard that Boun was in danger inside it. Nor would you be here talking to a madman like me for almost two hours." He looked at the time. "The bruises and wounds on your body right now can also speak for themselves, Nong."

Ohm remained silent. His gaze never left Tee's face as the latter spoke.

"But, sometimes na, like when you grow and become an adult and have even more pressure on you, you might crumble down and even the people you love currently cannot be able to pull you out of the black hole that you created for yourself."

"Khun Mo Khrab, I am here to talk about my cousin's condition and not to discuss my personal life," Ohm spoke firmly. "If you may, please continue on the main topic."

Tee laughed lightly. "I was only giving you friendly advice, Nong. You may not realise it now. But I am sure that you will in the future."

"Khun Mo, my future can wait. My cousin urgently needs your attention." Ohm interjected not wanting to hear any more of Tee's nonsense.

"Now I am a little envious of N' Boun that he has you by his side." Tee snickered. "You really love him don't you." His smile slowly dimmed seeing Ohm's scary expression.

He quickly turned back to his professional mode. "As I was saying, Boun has a high chance of having ACE and ASD and the treatment plan would need a lot of contribution from your side as you are the only person Boun completely trusts at this point."

"Khrab. I am willing to follow your plan as long as it can bring back the old Boun." Ohm said seriously.

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Hey guys

Do you think that the story is getting too dragged.? I mean the flashback thing? Actually, there's so many more of such flashbacks to come in the future so that the past incidents can be explained in detail. I know it can be a little irritating, but please bare with me because if I don't add these the story might seem incomplete and without a proper explanation of incidents.

I swear I am not planning on dragging it too lon. Thank you for your patience and support. Do give me feedbacks on the story.

Love

Mystical Twilight.