Fates and Art (MeenPing)

Dream and Desperation

Moon lay in his dimly lit room, the full moonlight streaming through the window, casting a silvery glow over his cluttered study desk filled with books and notes. He stared blankly at the final page of the thick book he had just finished, his mind racing with worry. With only a week until the university entrance exam that would shape his future, a gnawing fear of failure took hold. He sighed deeply, bracing himself for another sleepless night.

As he took a slow sip from his glass of water, his thoughts drifted back to a conversation with his mother days earlier. "You know, son, when I was pregnant with you, I felt so anxious," she had said, her voice echoing in his mind. "The doctor warned me I might not carry you to term, but your father and I chose to keep you, despite the risks."

That memory left him speechless. He had always wanted to be a source of pride for his mother, even though she never pressured him. Moon was determined to give his best, especially for her. The story of how he was named Chan Phaithoon Ratanakorn resonated deeply with him—his mother had chosen that name a week after the positive pregnancy test, filled with hope against all odds.

As he twirled the glass in his hand, he gazed at the bright moon outside, recalling how his mother described the miracle of his birth on a full moon night. "You are a light of hope," she often reminded him, "shining even in the darkness."

But now, as he lay awake, Moon couldn't shake the feeling that his future was dimmer than the moonlight illuminating his room.

"Come on, Moon, it's time to pick a different major," Off said, his tone teasing yet serious.

"Don't crush his dreams, Off! You know he's always wanted to get into medical school," Dao chimed in, defending his friend.

Moon, feeling the weight of their banter, sighed heavily. "I'm drowning in textbooks here. I haven't slept properly in a week, and the entrance exam is just around the corner. Can we please talk later? You're distracting me," he replied, frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior. With a swift motion, he ended the video call and turned back to his studies, determination etched on his face.

Off and Dao have been inseparable friends with Moon since they were kids, practically growing up side by side. They shared everything: the same elementary school, the same junior high, and even the same classes year after year. When university came around, though, they decided to take separate academic paths, each ready to chase their unique dreams.

Off, with a childhood spent around his family's PC rental business, developed a natural talent for tech and set his sights on majoring in computer engineering. He's the go-to guy for anything with a screen, a keyboard, or wires, and he's determined to turn his knack into something big. Dao, meanwhile, is inspired by his dad, who swapped a steady job for the risks of opening his own auto repair shop. Dao dreams of majoring in mechanical engineering so he can one day expand his father's business and take it to new heights.

Then there's Moon; their ambitious, quietly driven friend who's never wanted anything but to become a doctor. From as far back as they can remember, Moon has been the studious one, the kind of kid who balances his time between textbooks and countless other interests, making everything he does seem almost effortless. Known for his sharp intellect and versatility, he's been the benchmark of excellence at school, consistently excelling and quietly inspiring those around him.

Knock, knock, knock. A sound from Moon's door made him stand up from his desk chair and quickly open the door.

"Oh, Mom, I'm studying. You can come in without knocking. Every minute is precious." Moon said when he saw his mother standing at the door, carrying milk and fruit for him.