The Deadly Charm

Part 15 : Interlude - Stories from Nattharinee

Soft sunlight streams through the window of Father's office. I sit curled up on the old wooden floor, drawing on a large piece of paper, with colorful crayons lined up beside me.

I really enjoy coming here. Dad's office is full of inspiration. The gentle sound of classical music makes me feel calm and relaxed.

"Nattharinee, come and see what I've done for you," Father's voice calls out from behind.

I quickly turned to look. Dad was drawing a sketch of a beautiful floral dress. My excitement grew as I hurried to get a closer look.

"It's beautiful, Dad," I said, pointing at the sketch.

"I think you draw better than I do," he complimented, making me smile.

Dad always complimented my work and gave me various pieces of advice, which made me feel more confident in myself. I cherish the time I spend with him. Dad would tell me stories—stories about his childhood, his design work, and stories about Mom.

Mom... I can hardly remember her face. All I know is that she was very beautiful and loved me dearly. I once asked Dad where she went, and he told me that Mom is in heaven, watching over me. His words always warmed my heart.

One day...

"Nat, I have something to tell you," Dad said with a gentle smile.

"What's the matter, Dad?" I asked, curious.

"It's about your mother." Father rubbed my head gently.

"Your mother was the only daughter of a wealthy and well-known family in this city. She was beautiful and highly educated. But she fell in love with me, an ordinary designer."

I listened intently as Dad continued. He said that my mother was someone with strong convictions. She didn't care about the differences in status between us. She loved me deeply and was ready to sacrifice everything to be with me.

"When your mother and I decided to be together, her family strongly disapproved. They tried to prevent our love, but we didn't give up. We ran away to get married in another province and started a new life together there," Dad recalled warmly.

"Then why did Mom leave, Dad?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"It was a car accident when you were only ten years old. Your mom tried her best to protect you, but in the end, she couldn't survive," Dad said with a sad smile. 

"I'm deeply saddened by her loss, but I'm very proud of her. She was a strong and courageous woman."

"I'm very saddened by the loss of your mom. But I'm very proud of her who is a strong and courageous woman"

"Then why did you never take me to Grandma's house?" I asked.

"I didn't want you to experience any negative feelings or hear words that weren't worth listening to," he replied.

"But I want you to know that your mom was a wonderful person and loved you very much."

I hugged my dad tightly, tears streaming down my cheeks. I regretted never having met my mom, but I was immensely proud of her. I vowed to always try to be a good child and make my father proud.

"I'll tell you more about my mother," he whispered in my ear.

From then on, Dad always shared stories about Mom, making me feel closer to her, even though we had never met face to face.

"Dad, why don't you remarry?" I often asked him.

"Because in my heart, there is only your mom," Dad would say with a sad smile, gently patting my head.