We are...คือเรารักกัน (We are... we are in love)

Chapter 12: Loy Krathong (Part 1)

[Loy Krathong (ลอยกระทง) is a festival held every year on the full moon of the twelfth month in the Thai Lunar Calendar. The name could be translated as "to float (loy) ritual vessel or lamp (krathong)". Many Thais use the krathong to thank the Goddess of Water and River - Mae Kong Ka or to worship the Holy  hair pagoda in heaven in Buddhist beliefs. The krathong is a small floating offering, traditionally made from the leaves and wood of the banana tree, and decorated with flowers, a candle and an incense stick. On the night of the full moon, people light the candle and the incense stick, say a prayer, and float their krathong down the river. Thousands of these will float down the river making for a beautiful and moving spectacle.]

***

Every time we feel uncomfortable, time seems to slow down. Even though in reality, my visit to Phum's condo was a week ago, only seven days, but it felt like seven years. It's good that I had a lot of unfinished works. So it was like I was distracted by work rather than thinking about Phum. Otherwise, I would have relied heavily on painkillers.

But I didn't know if that could be counted as a good thing or not. When the work was overdue, I didn't have time to sleep. I worked all night until morning. Then I woke up early in the morning and worked till the next day. Even though I knew that I shouldn't maintain this kind of routine that is harmful to my health, it really can't be helped. I was already used to this kind of life. A Life Devoted to Art... Where is it from? It sounds so good. The reason I rushed through my work until I was dizzy is because the deadline was approaching. Who would dedicate their life to art? They all dedicate their life to the deadline.

* Referring to Vincent van Gogh: A Life Devoted to Art (2009) The documentary investigates the complete story of Van Gogh

Now I feel as if I am a descendant of Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most famous and great artists in history. Da Vinci was a world-class genius, knowledgeable and talented in a variety of fields. He was an engineer, painter, architect, scientist. He was an artist whose work is legendary. But he didn't get much work done because he liked to ferment work and terminate his employers. He's my idol.

But the professors who gave the assignments may not agree with me imitating my idol. The important thing is, who am I to dare to compare myself to Da Vinci? When I was thinking about it, I had to rush to work to finish my work on time. Even though I may not be a great artist, I am an artist who can finish work on time.

After having to work till I forget to eat and sleep for many days, finally, the day I've been waiting for has arrived. The day I will be free. My works are all finished, brothers and sisters. Oh my gosh, they're finally finished. I'm going to bed now. When I was done with the final touches, I threw the brush away carelessly, then stepped back from the frame to admire my own work for three seconds. Good work or bad work? I don't know. I'm going to go to sleep now. I took off my stained t-shirt, threw my shorts on the floor, leaving only my boxers on, then turned off the lights, closed the curtains, and crawled into bed.

Rrrrrrrrr

Damn it! Who the fuck is calling right now? For the whole year, hardly anyone called me. Then when I go to sleep... it's as if they have the third eye. I let out a sharp breath, searching for my phone all over the bed. Seeing the name displayed on the screen, my anger increased a hundredfold. I pressed the answer button and slammed the question out of emotion.

"What the hell are you calling?!"

(November full moon shines. The water is high in the local river and the klong. All of us, male and female, gay, straight, tom, bi, lesbian, transvestite, go to Loy Krathong, Loy Krathong, Loy Krathong.)

*The first two lines is part of the song "Loy Krathong" (ลอยกระทง) 

"What's wrong with you, Q? Is the spirit of Noppamas possessing you? You bastard, I'm going to sleep."