Unrequited

10

As Pavel read through the letters, he came across one that caught his attention. In it, Pooh had written, "If you miss me, give this number a call." Pavel stared at the number for a moment, contemplating his next move. Taking a deep breath, he picked up his phone and dialed the number, almost surprised at himself for doing so.

"Hello?" a voice answered on the other end. "Who's this?"

"I-I'm Captain Pavel," he said, feeling a bit awkward.

"Oh my god, Captain?" The voice sounded young and excited but unfamiliar.

"Um, yeah. Who's this?" Pavel asked, curious.

"Wait, Captain, hold on! I'm Pooh's bestie. Just a sec, Pooh is here... Pooh!! Your captain is calling!" the voice shouted, making Pavel chuckle.

Pavel could hear muffled sounds and then a distant voice protesting, "No, don't kid me. He doesn't like me."

"No, you idiot, he's on the line now," the friend said, clearly excited. Pavel laughed at their antics, amused by the exchange.

"You won't trust me, huh? Wait, let me put him on speaker. Hello, Captain?" the friend said.

"Hello, Pooh!" Pavel said, his voice warm and friendly.

"Captain?" Pooh's voice came through, a mix of disbelief and joy. Pavel could hear the excitement in his tone.

"Yes, it's me," Pavel replied.

"Oh my god, really?" Pooh's voice was filled with astonishment.  He yanked the phone from Pon's hand and talked to the Captain. "Yeah, sure... I will," he continued, sounding like he was about to jump out of his skin.

After a few more moments of excited conversation, the call ended. Pooh, unable to contain his joy, hugged Thanapon and started jumping up and down. "Captain Pavel asked me to come meet him! Yayyy!"

Thanapon grinned, happy for his friend. "See? I told you he would like you."

Pooh nodded, his face glowing with happiness. "I can't believe this is happening."

As Pooh continued to celebrate, Pavel put down his phone, a smile playing on his lips. He felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that he had made Pooh's day. Despite the complexities of the situation, he was glad he had taken the time to reach out and make a difference in the young boy's life.