Unrequited

2

As the sun began to set over the rural Thai village, casting long shadows across the makeshift camp, Pooh and his friends gathered their belongings, preparing to leave. Their teacher, a woman with a warm but stern demeanor, was looking for the captain who had guided them through the day.

"Where's Captain Pavel?" she asked, scanning the area with concern etched on her face.

An officer nearby heard her question and called out loudly, "Captain Pavel Porompun! Captain Pavel, we need you here!"

From the far side of the camp, a figure emerged, moving slowly and with difficulty. Leaning heavily on crutches, the famous army captain, Pavel Porompun, made his way towards them. Despite his obvious pain and the toll the war had taken on him, he managed a weak but genuine smile as he approached.

The sight of Captain Pavel, once a symbol of strength and heroism, now visibly wounded and struggling, brought tears to the eyes of all the students. The contrast between the man they had heard so many stories about and the reality of his condition was heartbreaking. Pooh, in particular, felt his eyes sting with tears as he watched the captain's labored steps.

"Thank you, everyone," Captain Pavel said, his voice soft but filled with gratitude. Another officer stood beside him, holding his crutches to support him as he spoke.

Pooh's eyes welled up as he watched this brave, handsome young captain, now a victim of the very conflict he had fought so valiantly in. The sight was almost too much to bear. When the others started to board the bus, Pooh couldn't tear his eyes away from Pavel. He stood rooted to the spot, staring at the captain with a mixture of awe and sorrow.

Pavel noticed Pooh's gaze and gave him a small, gentle smile before turning around to leave. Just as he was about to walk away, Pooh's teacher called out, "Pooh, come on, we need to get on the bus!"

But Pooh's feet seemed to have a mind of their own. He started walking towards Pavel, his eyes fixed on the captain's retreating figure. Pavel turned around, surprised to see Pooh following him.

"Hey there, little one," Pavel said, his voice kind despite his evident fatigue. "Is there something you need?"

Pooh shook his head, trying to find his voice. 

Pooh took a deep breath, fighting back his tears. '' you're hurt, Captain. You shouldn't have to suffer like this."

Pavel reached out and gently placed a hand on Pooh's shoulder. "War is a terrible thing, Kid. It leaves scars on everyone it touches. But knowing that there are people like you, who care and want to help, makes a big difference. It gives us hope."

Tears spilled down Pooh's cheeks as he looked up at the captain. "I want to be brave like you, Captain Pavel."

Pavel's eyes softened, and he nodded. "You already are brave, Pooh. Coming here, seeing the reality of what's happening, and still wanting to help ,that takes courage. Never forget that."

Just then, Pooh's teacher called out again, her voice filled with urgency. "Pooh, we really have to go now!"

Pooh glanced back at the bus and then turned to Pavel one last time , moving closer ( hugging Pavel) "Take care, Captain. And Get well soon."

Pavel was taken a back by pooh's sudden hug. But he  gave Pooh a soft smile, one that was both sad and hopeful. "You too, take care Kid. Keep doing good things."

''I'm not a kid , I'm 18 years old'' , call me Pooh , said looking at the handsome captain.

Pavel smiled, nodding his head.

As Pooh reluctantly walked back to the bus, he looked over his shoulder to see Pavel slowly making his way back to his duties, supported by his fellow officer. The image of the wounded captain, standing tall despite his pain, would stay with Pooh forever, a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. And he wanted to see this captain again and again.