Résonance: a LingOrm's Story

Chapter 23: Mother is Here

Orm woke up early, her mood already sour. The Chumphon sunrise barely touched the horizon, but her thoughts were racing. Ling had left her with an uneasy feeling after not calling or messaging when she arrived back in Bangkok. Orm scowled at her phone, seeing no notifications from Ling except for the ones she sent herself. Frustration bubbling, she typed furiously, sending a barrage of texts.

Good morning? Or not? I hope you're okay because you never bothered to tell me! At least a message. I was worried sick.

Orm tossed her phone aside, feeling both angry and hurt. She tried to distract herself with chores around the house, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Ling. Why didn't she care enough to let her know she was safe?

In Bangkok, Ling stirred in bed, wincing as a sharp pain reminded her of the stitches in her hand. Groggy, she blinked at her phone screen, eyes widening at the multiple missed calls and messages from Orm. She felt a pang of guilt, palming her forehead. She'd been so tired she completely passed out, forgetting to tell Orm she'd arrived safely.

Ling quickly dialed Orm, biting her lip as the call connected.

"Finally awake?" Orm's voice was clipped, cold with annoyance.

Ling winced at the sharp tone. "Orm, I'm really sorry. I was exhausted last night, and I just passed out. I didn't mean to worry you."

Orm huffed, clearly still upset. "You should've at least sent one message. I was up all night wondering if you were okay."

"I know, I know. I'm sorry, really. I'll make it up to you," Ling said, her voice softening. "Are you okay now? I promise I'll be more careful."

Orm's silence lingered for a moment before she sighed. "Just... don't do it again. I was really worried."

Ling smiled, relieved to hear Orm's tone soften. "I won't. I'll take care of myself, I promise."

---

The days in Chumphon flew by for Orm. Before she took this trip, she had already resigned from her café job, securing enough small brand deals to support herself and her family for the rest of the year. The deals weren't massive, but they were steady enough to keep her going, and that's all that mattered. She spent her days helping her parents, reconnecting with her little brother, and enjoying the quiet, simple life of her hometown.

One evening, Orm and her parents gathered in the living room for a heartfelt conversation. Her father, with a heavy but grateful expression, couldn't hold back his appreciation for his daughter's sacrifices.

"You've done so much for us, Orm," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I don't know how we would've managed without your help."

Orm waved it off, trying to play down her efforts. "It's nothing, Po. I just did what I had to do."

But her mother shook her head, her eyes glistening with tears. "No, Orm. You've done more than enough. We are so proud of you."

Orm's throat tightened as she listened, feeling the weight of their gratitude sink in. She had always known she was doing her best to support them, but hearing it spoken out loud made everything feel real in a new way.

Her mother reached for Orm's hand, her grip warm and comforting. "Whoever you love, whether it's a man or a woman, I just hope they cherish you as much as we do."

Orm's chest tightened at her mother's words. The conversation felt too deep, too raw, but there was a comfort in knowing that her parents would accept her love, no matter who it was.

---

Back in Bangkok, Ling was buried in work, catching up on everything she had missed while she was away. She hadn't expected a surprise visit from her mother, but there she was, elegantly dressed as always, walking into Ling's office one afternoon.

"Mama?" Ling stood up, blinking in surprise.

Her mother's eyes narrowed slightly as she scanned Ling's appearance. "I was in the area and thought I'd stop by, but I didn't expect to find you looking like this. What happened?"

Ling rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. "Oh, it's nothing. Just a little accident."

Her mother's eyes softened with concern, but she kept her tone firm. "You didn't think to tell me you were hurt?"

Ling sighed, knowing there was no use in trying to downplay it. "I didn't want to worry you. It's just some stitches."

Her mother insisted on driving Ling home for the evening, making it clear she would take care of her daughter, at least for the next couple of days. "I'll prepare dinner tonight, and I'll be staying in Thailand for a few days."

Ling didn't argue, though part of her was still unused to being fussed over. As they drove home, her mother's presence felt strangely reassuring. It had been a while since they had spent this much time together.

Later that night, as Ling relaxed in her room, her phone buzzed. It was Orm.

"I'm fine," Ling reassured Orm over the phone, keeping her voice low. "Mama's here, so you can stop worrying about me for once."

Orm chuckled softly, though the worry still lingered in her voice. "I can't help it, P'Ling. You're terrible at taking care of yourself."

"I know, I know," Ling smiled. "Now, don't stay up too late, okay? I'll talk to you tomorrow."

As Ling ended the call, she stepped out of her room to get some water. Her mother was passing by her expression curious.

"You're awfully happy for someone who's hurt," her mother remarked, raising an eyebrow.

Ling chuckled but didn't offer much of an explanation. "Just a call," she said, sidestepping the question.

Her mother's eyes twinkled with curiosity, but she didn't press further.

---

The next morning, Ling felt like a child being sent off to school. Her mother had packed her a lunch, complete with snacks, and insisted on driving her to work. Ling couldn't help but smile at the rare moment of motherly care.

"Mama, you really don't have to do all this," Ling said, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Nonsense," her mother replied, her tone light but firm. "It's been a while since I've had the chance to take care of you. Let me enjoy it."

Ling didn't argue. For all her mother's busy schedule and her own independence, it was nice to be looked after again, even if just for a few days.