Résonance: a LingOrm's Story

Chapter 19: Hometown

Another weekend rolled around, signaling the start of Orm's long-awaited trip back to her hometown in Chumphon. The excitement that had built up throughout the week was now mingled with nervousness. Orm had worked hard to save enough money for this visit, but the closer it came, the more conflicted she felt. It wasn't just about going home—it was about finally confronting the reality of her family's situation, something she had kept from Ling all this time.

The tension between the two of them had been brewing since Orm told Ling about her travel plans. Ling was adamant that she drives Orm all the way to Chumphon. Orm, on the other hand, had hesitated, unwilling to reveal the state of her family's finances and how things had changed dramatically back home. She wasn't ready for Ling to see her world—at least, not yet.

The argument had started small, but it quickly escalated.

"P'Ling, it's not a big deal. I can just take the bus. I've done it a million times before," Orm insisted as they sat in Ling's apartment, Orm packing her things into a small duffel bag.

Ling, sitting on the edge of the couch, folded her arms stubbornly. "I don't want you taking the bus. It's not safe, Orm. Plus, it'll be uncomfortable. The trip is long, and you'll be exhausted by the time you get there."

Orm huffed, trying to keep her frustration in check. "It's fine. I've managed it before, and I'll manage it again. You don't need to take time out of your weekend to drive me."

Ling narrowed her eyes, her protective instincts flaring. "You're not just anyone, Orm. You're my—" She hesitated for a second, the unspoken word hanging between them. "I care about you. I don't want you to be uncomfortable or put yourself in a bad situation just because you don't want to bother me. You're never a bother."

Orm bit her lip, avoiding Ling's gaze. She didn't want to admit that her reluctance wasn't just about the bus or inconvenience—it was about her family. Her father's bankruptcy had been a heavy burden on everyone, and things at home had become tense, with her parents trying to rebuild their lives from scratch. She wasn't ready for Ling to see that side of her life, the side that wasn't picture-perfect.

"I just don't want you to feel like you have to do everything for me," Orm said softly. "I can take care of myself."

Ling stood up, walking over to where Orm was sitting. She crouched down in front of her, her eyes softening. "It's not about thinking you can't take care of yourself. I know you can. But I want to take care of you, too. You do so much already, Orm, and I want to make things a little easier for you. Let me do this, please."

Orm looked away, feeling the weight of her secret pressing down on her chest. She knew she should tell Ling about her family's situation, but the words just wouldn't come out. How could she explain that her family, who had once been well-off, was now struggling to stay afloat? How could she bring Ling into that mess?

"I appreciate it, P'Ling. I do," Orm said, her voice quiet. "But my family... things are complicated."

Ling tilted her head, her expression gentle but curious. "Complicated how?"

Orm hesitated, her hands fidgeting with the strap of her duffel bag. "My family... we're not doing so well right now. My dad's business went under a while ago, and everything's been tough since then. I just don't want you to see that... or feel like you have to get involved."

Ling's expression softened further, and she reached out to take Orm's hands in hers. "Orm, I'm not going to judge your family or their situation. Everyone goes through hard times. If anything, it makes me want to help more. You don't have to hide this from me."

Orm looked down at their hands, feeling a knot of emotion tighten in her chest. "It's just... embarrassing. We're starting over from nothing, and I don't want you to think less of me or my family because of it."

Ling squeezed her hands, pulling her closer. "I could never think less of you, Orm. Ever. You're one of the strongest people I know. And family isn't about how much money you have or how successful you are. It's about how you support each other, and you've been doing that for your family. I admire that."

Tears prickled at Orm's eyes, but she blinked them away, not wanting to cry. "I just didn't want you to see me like that."

Ling brushed a thumb gently over Orm's knuckles. "You don't have to hide anything from me, Orm. I'm here, no matter what. And I still think I should drive you. It's safer, and I want to meet your family, no matter the situation."

Orm finally met Ling's eyes, seeing the sincerity in them. Ling wasn't just offering to help—she genuinely wanted to be a part of Orm's life, all of it, the good and the bad. It was overwhelming, but also reassuring.

"Okay," Orm whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "You can drive me."

Ling's face broke into a relieved smile, and she gently pulled Orm into a hug, wrapping her arms around her protectively. "Thank you for letting me in."

Orm leaned into the embrace, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She hadn't realized just how much she had been holding back until now. With Ling, maybe she didn't have to carry everything on her own.

---

The following morning, they set off early for the long drive to Chumphon. Ling packed snacks and drinks for the road, determined to make the journey as comfortable as possible. Orm sat beside her in the passenger seat, still feeling a bit anxious but grateful for Ling's company.

As they drove through the rural roads that led to Orm's hometown, the conversation flowed easily between them, with Ling asking casual questions about Orm's childhood and family. Despite her earlier hesitation, Orm found herself sharing stories, even laughing at some of the memories.

By the time they reached Chumphon, Orm felt more at ease. She still wasn't sure how her parents would react to Ling, or how Ling would handle seeing the modest house they now lived in. But for the first time in a while, she didn't feel like she had to face it alone.

When they pulled up in front of Orm's family home, Ling turned to her with a soft smile. "Ready?"

Orm took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah. I think I am."

And with that, they stepped out of the car together, ready to face whatever came next—together.