The Twisted Fates | First Khaotung

A request

First sighs as he is waiting at the old abandoned playground. He sits on the old rusty swing and swings a little. A string of old memories rush through brain. A time when everything was just perfect. First can pay millions to get that time back. But there are still some things that can't be bought by money.

He remembers like it just happened yesterday when this playground wasn't rusty and him playing with other kids. With other kids and with him.
A person who looks just like himself yet is completely different. His twin. Second.

His brother whom he hasn't even talked in 12 years. But today he got a call from him asking to meet here. Honestly First doesn't know how to feel about it. He is happy that his brother called but he knows that means either something serious has happened or it's to ask a favor. Either way it's definitely not a good news.

He adjusts his spectacles and looks up in the sky. Weather is good for a perfect evening walk. He is still in his office clothes but he doesn't care. As if he is back to be a kid as he holds on the ropes of the swing. He can vaguely remember his mother standing by the side of the play area telling them to be careful.

"Hello brother!" A husky voice brings First back to the reality. He looks at the tall figure standing in front of him for just a moment before him going and sitting on the other swing next to him. "Hello. How have you been?" First asks as he looks at the new tattoos on his brother's arm. Probably not latest but absolutely new for First. But he wasn't surprised knowing Second is professional tattoo artist.

"Same as before. How about you?" Second gives a sarcastic laugh before replying.

"I am good too!" Both of them look at each other and there is an awkwardness. So without wasting anymore time, First asks "so what is it?"

"Right to the point hmm?"

"Well isn't this why you contacted?"

Nodding Second breaks their eye contact and takes a deep breath. "I need a favor"

"Talk"

"I am going on some mission....say for one month so..."

"And?"

"I want you to replace me for a month!"

"What? You want what now?" First asks surprised. This is not even close to what he was expecting. Few years ago Second had contacted him briefly but it was for a financial help. He needed some money. So First was expecting something similar again.

"Look! Nobody should know that I am not in Bangkok during this mission"

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. I know it's not something simple to ask."

"Simple? Second are you out of your mind? You want me to give up on my life and live as you? Lie to the people around you? And you think it will be successful? We might look same but we are not at all same! And even if I am successful in disguising, what's the use of it? Why do you think I should help you?"

"Because the mission I am on, is something interests you"

"What in the world you are talking about?"

"I am going to find mother"

After hearing this First stops talking. Their mother ? Really? He stares right into Second's eyes trying to understand if this is all a joke. But second seems serious to him.

"Do you know where she is?" First asks hopeful.

Their mother disappeared from their lives when they were only 10. Their father never talked about it. After growing up both of them tried to find her in their own way but never succeeded.