"KIM"

Chapter 16

Nat felt a surge of excitement as he explored the quaint village, the cobblestone streets winding their way past charming cottages adorned with colorful flower boxes. The crisp mountain air invigorated him, and he couldn't help but grin from ear to ear as he soaked in the sights and sounds of this new place. With each step, he felt a sense of adventure coursing through his veins, eager to discover what lay around the next corner.

As he wandered through the village square, Nat couldn't resist the urge to strike up a conversation with the locals. Their warm smiles and friendly greetings put him at ease, and before long, he found himself laughing and chatting as if he had known them for years. It was a refreshing change of pace from the hustle and bustle of city life, and Nat relished every moment of it.

As the day wore on, Nat's newfound friends invited him to join them for a picnic in the nearby meadow. With a skip in his step, he eagerly accepted, his heart swelling with gratitude for the kindness of these strangers turned friends. Together, they laughed and shared stories as they feasted on delicious homemade treats, the golden afternoon sun casting a warm glow over their joyful gathering.

Concern gnawed at Nat's heart as he watched his papa Jeff retreat into moments of solitude, his eyes clouded with unshed tears. Nat couldn't shake the feeling that something was weighing heavily on Jeff's mind, something that he couldn't quite understand.

During quiet moments at home, Nat often found Jeff lost in thought, his gaze fixed on his phone screen as tears welled up in his eyes. Nat longed to reach out and offer comfort, but he didn't know how to ease the pain that seemed to grip Jeff's heart.

One evening, as they sat together in the soft glow of the setting sun, Nat summoned the courage to speak up. "Papa," he began tentatively, "is everything okay? I've noticed that you seem sad lately."

Jeff's eyes softened as he met Nat's gaze, a bittersweet smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Oh, Nat," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion, "sometimes life can be a little overwhelming. But you don't need to worry about me, okay? I'll be alright."

Nat nodded, his heart heavy with concern for his beloved papa. Though Jeff's words offered reassurance, Nat couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story than Jeff was letting on.

Nat couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as he thought about his papa, Jeff. Though they weren't bound by blood, Jeff had always been there for Nat, guiding him with unwavering love and support. In Nat's eyes, Jeff was a true hero, someone who had faced life's challenges with courage and resilience.

As the flames licked hungrily at the furniture, consuming everything in their path, Nat felt a sense of panic rising within him. Trapped in the room with no means of escape, he could feel the suffocating heat pressing in on him, threatening to engulf him in its fiery embrace. In that moment of despair, when all hope seemed lost, a pair of strong arms wrapped around him, pulling him close to a familiar chest.

It was Jeff.

With a surge of relief, Nat realized that he wasn't alone. Jeff was there with him, his unwavering strength and determination shining through even in the face of danger. Held tightly in Jeff's embrace, Nat felt a sense of calm wash over him, knowing that he was safe in the arms of his hero.

Together, they braved the inferno, navigating through the billowing smoke and raging flames until they reached safety. As they emerged from the burning building, coughing and gasping for air.

the flames ravaged through the house, devouring everything in their path, Nat's world crumbled around him. He watched in horror as the inferno consumed not only the furniture and walls but also his parents, their screams drowned out by the roar of the fire.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Nat found himself alone, orphaned and adrift in a sea of uncertainty. With no family to turn to, he felt like he had nowhere to go and no one to care for him. But just when he thought all hope was lost, a beacon of light emerged in the form of Jeff.

Jeff, who had witnessed the devastation of the fire, stepped forward to offer Nat a lifeline—a chance at a new beginning. Taking him under his wing, Jeff welcomed Nat into his home and his heart, promising to care for him as if he were his own son.

For Nat, who had lost everything in the blink of an eye, Jeff's kindness was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds of despair. With Jeff by his side, he found solace and security, knowing that he was no longer alone in the world.

In Jeff, Nat found not only a guardian but also a father figure—a man who would guide him, support him, and love him unconditionally. And as they navigated the ups and downs of life together, Nat knew that he was truly blessed to have Jeff in his corner, a constant source of strength and stability in a world filled with uncertainty.

Nat found himself standing in front of the bakery display, his eyes wide with wonder as he gazed at the array of pastries and treats. He was so engrossed in trying to decide what to get that he didn't notice the man who had entered the bakery behind him.

"Excuse me, young man," a voice said from behind him, causing Nat to jump slightly in surprise. He turned around to see a tall man with kind eyes and a warm smile.

"Sorry to intrude, but I couldn't help but notice your keen eye for pastries," the man remarked with a friendly grin.Nat smiled shyly, feeling a flush of embarrassment at being caught off guard. "Th-thank you," he stammered, feeling a bit flustered.

The man chuckled softly. "No need to be nervous," he said reassuringly. "I'm just here to pick up a few things for breakfast. Do you come here often?"Nat shook his head. "No, not really," he admitted.

"I just wanted to try something new today.""Well, you've come to the right place," the man said with a grin. "Everything here is delicious."

As Nat continued to browse the selection, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen the man somewhere before. There was something familiar about him, although Nat couldn't quite put his finger on it.Before he could dwell on it further, the man spoke up again.

"Hey, I know this might be a bit forward, but would you like to try one of these chocolate croissants with me? My treat."

Nat's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected invitation. He hesitated for a moment before nodding shyly. "Sure, I'd like that," he said with a grateful smile.As they sat down at a nearby table to enjoy their pastries together, Nat couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of getting to know this intriguing stranger better.

"Could you tell me your name?" Nat enquired, his curiosity winning out.

The man replied, "My name's Kornwit," with a quiet chuckle.

Accepting the box with a mix of surprise and gratitude, Nat "um , thank you "thanked Kornwit with a shy smile he murmured softly, his voice barely audible above the background hum of the bustling bakery.

As he held the box delicately in his hands, a whirlwind of questions swirled in his mind, but he couldn't find the words to articulate them. Instead, he glanced up at Kornwit, curiosity glinting in his eyes, silently wondering who this stranger was and what had prompted such a generous gesture.