Forget Me Not

Old Wounds

Mil cruised down the highway in his Porsche, phone pressed to his ear. Despite the sunny weekend, his mind lingered on the disappointing date with Tine. But his mother's incessant reminders to visit his uncle were starting to wear him down.

"Mil, you really need to go see your uncle. He hasn't seen you in months," her voice insisted, firm but caring.

"I know, Mom. I've been busy with work," Mil replied, keeping his tone even as he navigated through the traffic. "I'll make time soon."

"Soon isn't good enough," she pressed. "Your uncle has always been there for you. You know how much he loves you."

Mil sighed; eyes fixed on the road. "I know. I'll go today, okay?"

"That's more like it," she softened. "And you need to talk to someone about what's bothering you. You can't keep everything bottled up."

"I'm fine, Mom."

"You don't sound fine. Is it about that boy again? What was his name...ah, Tine?"

Mil's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "It's nothing, really. We just didn't click like I thought we would."

"Well, talking to your uncle might help. He's good at giving advice, and you always feel better after seeing him."

Mil couldn't argue with that. His uncle, though not related by blood, had been adopted by his grandparents and had always been a godfather and a source of wisdom in his life.

"Alright, I'll go see him."

"Good," she said, sounding relieved. "And remember Mil, just because things didn't work out with Tine doesn't mean you should give up. The right person is out there for you."

"Thanks, Mom," Mil said, feeling a bit lighter. "I'll call you after I visit him."

"Take care, sweetheart. Drive safely."

"I will. Love you, Mom."

"Love you too, Mil."

He ended the call and placed the phone on the passenger seat. As he continued down the highway, the thought of visiting his uncle brought a sense of anticipation. Maybe the older man could offer some clarity on the confusing feelings he had about Tine and the direction his life was taking.

On the very same morning, Sarawat's younger brother Phukong jogged up the dirt road on his morning run, sweat glistening on his forehead. His thoughts drifted to the new day ahead, a routine part of his daily reflection. As he neared the intersection, he decided to cross the street, glancing quickly but not spotting the Porsche speeding his way.

Mil, lost in thought and not expecting anyone to dart across the road, saw Phukong at the last second and slammed on the brakes. Tires screeched, and the car swerved to a halt just inches from Phukong, who stumbled backward in shock.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Mil shouted, stepping out of the car, heart pounding from the close call. "You could have been killed!"

Phukong, breathing heavily from both the run and the scare, shot back, "You need to watch where you're going! This is a residential area, not a racetrack!"

"I was driving the speed limit," Mil retorted, hands clenched in frustration. "You didn't look before crossing!"

Phukong's eyes narrowed. "Maybe you shouldn't be so distracted while driving. What's so important that you can't pay attention to the road?"

Mil opened his mouth to argue but hesitated. The frustration and lingering disappointment from his date with Tine came rushing back, and he realized his anger was more about his own issues than the near accident.