Chasing Our Lost Stars [Completed]

A Lunch

Krit’s House
– Dining Room

Krit walks into the dining room of his family’s large, well-decorated house. Vel is beside him, invited unexpectedly by Krit’s father, Lek, to join them for lunch. Krit’s relationship with his father has always been strained, and today doesn’t feel any different.

As they take their seats, Krit casts a glance at Vel, who is uncharacteristically quiet, taking in the dynamics of the family with a careful eye. Vel had been informed of the invitation last minute, and despite his usual confidence, he’s unsure how to navigate this family situation.

Lek: (sitting at the head of the table, in a curt tone) Krit, you should learn to be punctual. It’s a basic sign of respect, not that you know anything about that.

Krit: (sarcastic, under his breath) Nice to see you too, Dad.

Lek’s eyes narrow as he catches Krit’s tone, but before he can respond, Dao, Krit’s stepmother, tries to intervene.

Dao: (gentle but firm) Lek, let’s just enjoy the meal. It’s rare for us all to be together like this.

Pon, sitting next to Dao, nods in agreement, sensing the tension building. Pon is quiet, but his eyes dart between his brother and father, worried about the looming argument.

Lek: (ignoring Dao, his voice rising) Respect. That’s what I’ve tried to teach you, Krit. But what do I get in return? Sarcasm and disrespect! You think you’re so smart, don’t you? Always acting like you’re above everyone else, like you don’t need to respect your parents.

Krit feels the familiar sting of his father’s words, but he keeps his expression neutral, refusing to give Lek the satisfaction of seeing how much it hurts.

Krit: (coldly) Maybe respect goes both ways. But you wouldn’t know much about that, would you?

Vel watches the exchange closely, feeling the tension thick in the air. He’s seen Krit’s sharp wit before, but there’s an underlying sadness in his tone now, a sadness that Krit is clearly trying to hide.

Lek: (slamming his hand on the table) There you go again, playing the victim! You think you’re some kind of martyr, don’t you? Always so quick to throw accusations around without thinking about the sacrifices I’ve made for this family!

Dao reaches out to touch Lek’s arm, trying to calm him down.

Dao: (soothingly) Lek, please, let’s not do this. Krit didn’t mean—

Lek: (interrupting, voice harsh) Don’t defend him, Dao! He’s not a child anymore, and I’m tired of his insolence. He thinks he’s above everyone, that he doesn’t need this family. Well, maybe he should learn a bit of humility for once.

Krit clenches his fists under the table, feeling the familiar wave of frustration and helplessness wash over him. He can’t stand the way his father talks to him, but he also can’t deny the truth in Lek’s words—there’s a deep-rooted anger in him, an anger that he knows is partly his fault.

Pon: (softly) Dad, please… this isn’t helping. Let’s just have lunch in peace.

Lek looks at Pon, his expression softening slightly. Pon, despite being Krit’s stepbrother, has always been the peacemaker, trying to bridge the gap between Krit and their father. But today, even Pon’s gentle plea isn’t enough to diffuse the situation.

Lek: (turning back to Krit, voice lowering but still sharp) You’re an idiot, Krit. A shameless, disrespectful idiot. You think everything revolves around you, but one day you’ll realize how wrong you are. And when that day comes, I hope you remember these words.