Mister Sunshine

Life of a Mother

A/N: Currently, I'm re-watching one of my favorite childhood cartoon series Ozzy and Drix. Oh, I just love it.

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"Hello, Can Kirakorn speaking..." Can chirped into the phone, effortlessly pressing the button as he made his way towards the school to fetch Tee. He anticipated the caller's identity, for it was none other than Saifah Pogpat, his best friend, who faithfully dialed him at the exact same time every day. Just in case there was a rare twist of fate, Can prepared himself, but unsurprisingly, he was greeted by Saifah's familiar high-pitched voice once again.

"P'Can! How's the life of a mother treating you?" Saifah's voice rang out in a melodic sing-song tone, accompanied by the rhythmic creaking of a chair. It almost seemed as if the man was twirling around on that very chair. Can couldn't help but roll his eyes, feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment. It was the same old cheesy line that the man delivered day after day.

"Shut up!" He let out a low growl from the depths of his throat, causing Saifah to unleash another irritating high-pitched cackle. The squeaking sound grew louder, painting a vivid image in Can's mind of the man twirling aimlessly in a deserted hospital corridor instead of focusing on his nursing studies.

"You know, deep down, I'm absolutely right. You have all the qualities of a devoted wife and caring mother, yet you don't seem to enjoy any of the perks that come with it. So, tell me, how long have you been harboring feelings for Tin Medthanan?"

"Saifah..." Can whined sincerely, not desiring to have this conversation once again, even though he was aware that Saifah had made up his mind that today would be the day he began his little rants.

Saifah exclaimed, "I've known you for ages! While most people have posters of pop stars adorning their walls, you had pictures of a lawyer on your laptop..." Can blushed, his face turning as red as the traffic light he had just stopped at. Thankfully, there was no one else in the car to witness his embarrassment. Saifah continued, "And now you're actually working for that lawyer! I genuinely worry about you, my friend..."

"Do you really worry about me? Because I worry about you too... Shouldn't you be working? I mean, how on earth do you manage to find time to call me?" Can grumbled as he revved up the car once more. Saifah burst into laughter, the tires screeching and spinning, before finally responding to his inquiry.

"I arranged my breaks around when you normally pick up the little man..."

"And you think that I'm creepy..." No one understood this better than Can. His infatuation had blossomed at the tender age of seven, right after his parents were tragically taken from him by a despicable scumbag who managed to hire a skilled lawyer.

Although there was a possibility that the scumbag would escape justice, a determined young Tin, who had accompanied his father to study criminal law before heading off to college, convinced his father to take on the case pro bono. Mr. Medthanan (the elder) ensured that the man was sentenced to life in prison and met his demise by strangulation behind bars.

While many assumed the older Tin was the focus of his affection, it was actually the younger Tin who stayed by his side during the difficult times, reassuring him that everything would eventually be alright.

"I don't believe you're creepy," His friend let out a deep sigh over the phone, snapping Can out of his thoughts. "I just feel like you should give it a shot and tell him..."

"I can't... If I confess, he'll definitely reject me. And even though I'm sure he'll be kind and understanding, I don't think I can handle the rejection. This way... This way I can still be around him and Tee..." Can trailed off as Tee's school came into sight. "I'm nearly at the school... I have to go..."

"Okay...What are you doing on Saturday?" Saifah asked and Can quickly flipped through his mental date book mumbling.

"I don't know yet. Nothing planned..."

"Yes there is, you're coming with me. There's a new club opened up..."

"Saifah..."

"Please... You know I don't like to go alone and you're my only friend... Please..."

He pondered for a moment before saying, "I'll consider it...but now I really have to run." As he arrived at the school, he spotted Tee emerging from the gates. Stepping out of the car, the boy dashed into his arms, laughing gleefully. "Hey there, little buddy! Are you prepared to lose?"

"I'm going to beat you!"

"Sure, keep dreaming!" Can teased, tousling his hair and embracing him once more, realizing he couldn't resist this bond.

⚖🖋⚖🖋

Tin wearily made his way into the house, making every effort to be as silent as possible. He knew that Tee would already be fast asleep, and there was a possibility that Can might have passed out on the couch. Can had done it a few times before while babysitting, and usually, Tin would ensure his comfort by covering him with a cozy blanket. However, Can had never been around when Tin or Tee woke up, suggesting that he had left early in the morning to change his clothes. It was unfair to Can, as this went far beyond what should be expected in his job, but he never complained or asked for anything extra.

As he tiptoed into the room, Can whispered, "Welcome home..." and Tin couldn't help but feel a tinge of embarrassment as his cheeks turned rosy.

"I'm back, I didn't expect you to still be awake..."

"It's not as late as you sometimes get in..." Can nonchalantly shrugged, extending his neck and rolling his shoulders to relieve the tension in his back. A faint sound of popping emanated from his spine, prompting Tin to smile wistfully. He wished he could offer the man a relaxing massage to alleviate the unnecessary stress in his back. "Tee was his usual self, we enjoyed some games, had his tea, took a bath, and then headed to bed..."

"Thank you..." Tin let out a weary sigh as he removed his jacket, loosened his tie, and ran his fingers through his hair, tousling it around his face.

Can's face lit up with a radiant smile as he swiftly retrieved his coat from the chair beside him and headed towards the exit. "There's a little something left for you in the oven," he cheerfully mentioned. "It's not a feast, but I figured you wouldn't fancy another pre-packaged meal..."

"You didn't have to..." Tin exclaimed with delight, his stomach rumbling in anticipation of a delicious meal that didn't come from a frozen package. Can's thoughtfulness never failed to surprise him, as he always made sure to provide a proper dinner whenever he looked after Tee.

"I wanted to..." Can flashed a grin as he swiftly secured the buttons on his coat, while Tin yearned for him to linger a bit longer. And to Tin's sheer delight, his wish was granted in the very next words that escaped Can's lips. "I made Tee something and I thought I might as well..."

"Just Tee? Have you eaten?" With a glimmer of hope, he posed the question, secretly wishing for a negative response. As anticipated, Can's smile vanished instantly, replaced by a solemn shake of his head.

"I...I wasn't hungry...I'll get something when I get home..."

"Nonsense...I'm sure you've made too much for just me to eat by myself..." Tin softly murmured his thanks for the excuse, then quickly caught hold of Can's arm to stop him from dashing out of the door. "Stay and eat with me at least..."

"I...Uhm...If you insist..."

"I do...You're already too skinny..." Tin pulled his assistant into the kitchen, settling him at the table before retrieving the plates of food from the oven. "You could use a bit more meat on your bones... and I'd love to have your company tonight."

"Then...I'm happy to be your company..." Can couldn't help but blush as his usually pale face turned a rosy hue while he toyed with one of Tee's handmade place mats. Tin silently agreed, opting to savor the moment rather than uttering something cheesy like 'I couldn't ask for better'.

*** to be continued ***

Ozzy is so cocky while Drix is so British. 😂