The Sign [Eng Trans]

Crossed Paths 3

"Hey , check that out! Who the heck watches the fire ball and do such a thing? Who do they think they are? Snobbish assholes."

Yai pointed out for Tarn to look. Tarn saw a well dressed group of people portraying wealth by their demeanor. They wanted t enjoy the blessing of Naga fire balls like everybody else , but since they didn't want to come in contact with the crowd ,they  pitched their own tent while sipping tea with grace and tranquility . Their posture resembled Tarn's grandma

"Let them be. We better find our own seats before they're all taken."
"Uh huh."

Tarn and Yai found their seating spot. But soon after , Tarn could hear the sound of the wind whispering into his ear. Suddenly , the picture of that boy he met this morning came right into his mind...

THUD!

Tarn dropped the smoothies glass in his hand , turned around and rushed towards the way he thought that mysterious boy would be. Yai could see Tarn darted away from his side , so Yai abruptly chased after the little boy

"Help! Somebody helps him! Khun Nu! Khun Nu!" 

A loud voice cried for help , making Tarn race toward the sound direction. When he arrived at the accident scene , Tarn swiftly kicked off his shoes and jumped into the river

SPLASH! 

'Chadayu Kamolwipak' or Phaya , had never drowned before in life , and he did not mean to fall into the river. He was trying to take a picture of the old pier , but suddenly , an unknown hand dragged him down into the river

Phaya could actually swim , but no matter how hard he tried , he struggled to hold his head above the water , Mekong was too vigorously craving to swallow him whole. Phaya held his breath , kept his eyes wide open to see what lay underwater , swung around , and tried to kick his feet again , but he could not move. Why though? What was wrong with him?

The sunray dimly shined during the dusk hour , giving him poor vision. He could see nothing but the water plants swaying around. Then , the two red lights hastily advanced him. Its gigantic figure cause Phaya's body to shake with fear. As hard as he tried , he couldn't escape from there

Help! Somebody helps me! It was closing in. Coming to get me!

SQUELCH !

The enormous shadow dissolved all of a sudden when somebody's hand clutched at his shoulder. Chadayu was breathless and could no longer hold his breath , so he collapsed himself and let the rescuer grab him by the neck and bring him to the shore. How fortunate of him that this person could save him in the nick of time

Tarn hauled Chadayu  back to the shore. He could see a massive crowd a waiting. Yai held out a hand for assistance. These people must have been the same group that Yai wanted him to see

"Hurry! Bring my grandson back to the shore! Bring my grnadson back to the shore!"
"HUFF! You can swim , can't you?"

Tarn knew because the boy could actually float himself to follow him , not bearing the weight on him too much like those capable of swimming

"Why didn't you swim back to the shore?"

Phaya leveled himself up with close support from his mother

"Phaya , Phaya. Don't move too much , my dear. Just in case you are injured somewhere. What if you shift your bones?" Said his mother 

She tried to assist him all the time. But Phaya couldn't care by now. He froze his gaze , motionless at the boy in the worn out football uniform

"Thank you for saving my grandson. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." The grandmother turned around to show her gratitude

Phaya looked at his grandmother and switched his gaze to the boy before him. This boy saved his life nonetheless , and he wasn't the one with ungratefulness. Phaya expressed his appreciation.

"Thank you for saving me."

Despite how Phaya wished to ask so badly if Tarn had seen anything underwater , assuming from his posture , Tarn didn't see it. If he did the boy wouldn't scold him like this

Tarn looked at Phaya and touched his necklace. He pursed his lips together and walked towards Phaya. he took the necklace off and hung it around Phaya's neck. The rescued boy was stunned by that action and puzzled while the adults exchanged their gazes with confusion 

"Phra Rod necklace. I'll give to you." said Tarn

When taking a closer look , the more he noticed how refined that face was

"Phra Rod? Oh my goodness , can you really give away such a holy item like this so easily , kid?"

Phaya's aunt exclaimed in amazement. Phaya lowered his gaze to that necklace and was about to return it , but Tarn halted him

"Take it. I want to give it to you. Luang Phor said i must give it to the one who deserves it. And i think it's you."

Tarn wan very certain that this boy was the one who should receive it.  Phaya looked at him with astonishment. He landed his eye son the necklace and lifted his gaze in appreciation to Tarn

"Thank you"

Phaya had no idea how much it would cost , but after all this fearful event , Phaya also agreed to have it with him. Tarn smiled broadly 

"Don't mention it."
"How lovely! You not only rescued him but also gave him a necklace. Cna i treat you to a meal for appreciation?"

The grandmother invited him in a friendly manner. Phaya was pulled into his mother's arms and eyed Tarn pleadingly , hoping he would accept it. Tarn discussed it with Yai , but Yai just shrugged in response. Then , he turned around to answer

"We're afraid we can't go. We have to rush home now."

With a soaking wet body like this , he must have been given a real earful by mae Jampee

"Oh dear! That's true. You soaked up to the skin. What about changing clothes from ours? You must be the same size as our boy , i supposed."

Tarn shook his head in denial. This wouldn't be good. If Luang Phor found out , he would be in a big trouble. As Yai noticed Tarn's uneasiness , he stepped in to save his nong's day

"Our house is nearby. He'd better change his clothes at home."
"Really? How sad. Hmm... what about we drop by thank your family , too. Is it a good idea , Poodsorn?" The grandmother asked Phaya's mae for an opinion 
"I'll leave it to you , mae." Phaya's mae sent a smile so kindly heartedly that Tarn didn't know how to react and clung to his phi's arm
"If you agree , please lead me there. You and me , we go together. For Phaya , you can go back to change your outfit and then follow us."
"Khrap , Grandma." Phaya accepted

The grandmother smiled at her little boy and walked towards Tarn with another female companion

"Please lead us the way."
"Khrap."