Résonance: a LingOrm's Story

Chapter 25: The Pep Talk

The morning sun filtered softly through the blinds, casting a gentle glow over the quiet apartment. Ling sat at the kitchen table, nursing a cup of tea, her bandaged hand resting carefully on the surface. Her mother moved about the kitchen, making breakfast with her usual efficiency, though there was an air of silence between them that had lingered since her mother's arrival in Thailand.

It wasn't unusual for Ling and her mother to have these stretches of quiet. They were both busy women, accustomed to independence, and conversation had never flowed effortlessly between them. But this time, there was something else—something unspoken—that weighed down their interactions.

Her mother had been driving her everywhere since she arrived, insisting on taking her to work, picking her up, and now today, driving her to the hospital to get her stitches removed. Ling appreciated the care, but it was clear that her mother had questions, ones that she hadn't yet voiced.

Ling took a sip of her tea, watching her mother out of the corner of her eye. She knew today might be the day those questions finally came out.

"I spoke to Orm this morning," Ling said casually, breaking the silence. "She's coming to the hospital with me later."

Her mother, still stirring something on the stove, glanced over her shoulder, her expression neutral. "Orm again, hm?"

Ling nodded, unsure of where this was going.

After a pause, her mother turned back to her cooking, not saying anything more.

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The ride to the hospital was heavier than usual. Ling sat in the passenger seat, her eyes focused out the window as the Bangkok streets passed by in a blur. Her mother was beside her, hands on the wheel, her usual composed expression in place, but there was tension in the air. Ling could feel it, and she suspected her mother was struggling with whatever was on her mind.

Eventually, as they were nearing the hospital, her mother finally spoke.

"Ling," she began, her tone measured, "tell me about Orm."

Ling blinked, surprised by the suddenness of the question. "What do you mean?"

"I've seen you with her," her mother continued, her voice calm but probing. "You've always been so independent, so... distant, even with friends. But with this Orm... you're different. It's strange for me to see you so close to someone younger, someone who you've only known for a short time."

Ling glanced at her mother, trying to read her expression. Her mother's eyes remained fixed on the road, but there was a slight frown on her face, as if she were deep in thought.

"I don't know what you're getting at," Ling said cautiously.

Her mother's lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm not trying to pry. But I can't help but notice how much time you're spending with her. And how comfortable you seem with her."

Ling felt a knot form in her stomach. She had anticipated this conversation at some point, but it didn't make it any easier. "Orm is... she's a good friend. She's helped me a lot recently."

Her mother remained silent for a moment, and when she finally spoke again, her voice was quieter, almost contemplative. "It's just... unusual, Ling. You've never been the type to rely on others. But with Orm, you seem to trust her more than anyone else."

Ling didn't know how to respond to that. She did trust Orm—more than she had expected to. But explaining that to her mother was something entirely different.

Before Ling could find the right words, they pulled into the hospital parking lot. Her mother didn't push the conversation any further, and for that, Ling was grateful.