OBSESSED(Poohpavel)

CHAPTER 8: UNEXPECTED EVENTS

CHAPTER 8 (1/2)

Back at the camp, success echoed through the air, signaling the accomplishment of their mission. With Thailand on the horizon, an impending order to return home loomed over Tin. The conflict between duty and personal commitments played out in his mind, a struggle that had intensified over the course of their endeavors.

Tin, grappling with the internal tug-of-war, found solace in the quiet moments of reflection. He revisited the promises made to Bella and Benjamin, promises that now carried more weight than ever. The camp became a nexus of conflicting emotions, the camaraderie of victory interwoven with the burden of responsibilities.

As the orders to return home arrived, Tin faced the undeniable truth - a return to Thailand was inevitable. However, a newfound perspective emerged within him. The mission had not only been about combat and duty but also about seizing the opportunity to safeguard those who depended on him.

In the wake of the success, Tin approached Peter, revealing the struggle within. The bond forged in battle now extended to shared burdens, as they navigated the complexities of post-mission emotions. The camaraderie that had sustained them on the battlefield proved equally crucial in the aftermath.

With the promise to Bella burning brightly in his mind, Tin set a determined gaze on the path ahead. The resolve to protect those he cared for propelled him forward, transforming the impending return to Thailand into a journey of redemption and fulfillment of vows.

As the departure date neared, Tin found himself torn between the camp's lingering echoes and the beckoning call of home. The realization that he could make a difference not only in war but in the lives of those waiting for him fueled his commitment to return promptly, rewriting the narrative of a soldier's duty to encompass the broader scope of human connection.

Within the camp, as Tin took a moment to rest, he promptly tried contacting Naret, who responded without delay.

Naret: Are you okay? Why are you reaching out just now?

Tin: We just completed a mission, and I can't stay on the call long, but I'm heading back there. Get Bella, with Jeff. I'll head straight there.

Naret: Alright, take care. We'll be waiting for you.

Upon hearing the news, Naret couldn't believe it. He couldn't wrap his head around the fact that Tin was actually coming back. Since Tin had disappeared from their lives, so much had changed, and the thought of Tin's return seemed surreal to Naret.

Naret hadn't slept properly since Tin left. But now that he was coming back, he slowly felt a mix of fear and excitement in his heart. He thought about how Bella would greet her father.

With pride, Naret personally picked up Bella. He was familiar to Bella, having spent time together multiple times. Naret told Bella that Daddy was coming home, and she eagerly joined him. Before long, they were in the car, on their way to Tin's return.

Despite Bella's excitement, Naret felt the weight of his responsibility. It was a promise to Tin that he would do everything to keep Bella happy and safe.

During the journey, Bella couldn't help but ask Naret.

Bella: When is Daddy coming home?

Naret: Soon. You know, your daddy is a hero. Very brave, and he loves you so much.

Bella: Yeah, I know. Daddy said he'll be home soon. I'm excited to see him.

Ignoring his fatigue and sacrifices, Naret knew that Tin's return would not only brighten Bella's heart but also his own.

In the final two days before Tin's anticipated return, a chilling event unfolded during their patrol in Dongo's marketplace. The air was thick with celebration as civilians reveled in the joy of a wedding. Peacemakers, including Tin and Peter, shared in the festivity, partaking in the communal meal.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, Tin excused himself, intending to retrieve something from the car. Little did he know that this seemingly routine moment would cascade into a nightmarish tragedy. A masked figure, unseen and unheard, collided with Tin, setting off a chain of events that would shatter the illusion of joy.

As Tin's senses heightened to the ominous sound he recognized, he glimpsed the masked man weaving through the crowd, heading towards an unspeakable act. Realization struck like a cruel joke - a bomb was strapped to the man's body. Panic seized Tin, and an urgent chase ensued, a desperate attempt to prevent an impending catastrophe.

However, time betrayed Tin. The explosion echoed with a deafening roar, ripping through the lively market. The force of the blast flung Tin violently, an indescribable pain surging through him. The impact was not just physical but etched a profound scar on his soul.

In the aftermath, the once vibrant scene transformed into a tableau of horror. The air was thick with the acrid scent of smoke, and the cacophony of joy was replaced by anguished cries and the haunting silence of those lost. Tin, lying amidst the devastation, witnessed the gruesome aftermath - people shredded by the merciless blast, lifeless bodies scattered like broken dolls.

His vision blurred, and a chilling sense of despair enveloped Tin as he realized the depth of the tragedy. The trauma of that night embedded itself in his psyche, a haunting memory that would forever cast a shadow over his soul.