Fates and Art (MeenPing)

A Friend

Moon was pacing back and forth in the living room that Saturday morning, causing his parents to look at him in confusion. He kept holding his phone, walking aimlessly in front of the television.

"Moon..." his father called, but Moon didn't hear him. His father walked up to him and tugged on his ear.

"Ouch, Dad, that hurts!" Moon cried out, trying to release his father's grip.

"I've called you multiple times, but you didn't hear me. Your mother has been waiting for breakfast," his father said, slightly irritated.

His mother chuckled, "Come on, let's eat."

Still annoyed and feeling the sting from his father's tug, Moon walked toward the dining table.

"What's on your mind, dear?" his mother asked as she scooped rice onto Moon and her husband's plates.

Moon gave a small smile, trying to ease the worry on his mother's face. "Oh, nothing, Mom," he replied, before eating with gusto.

After breakfast, Moon returned to his room, contemplating ways to ask his boss, Vee, to spend time together that day. His thoughts were interrupted when his phone rang loudly.

"Alaiwa... (what the h..) " he muttered, startled.

His eyes widened when he saw the name flashing on the screen. It was Vee calling.

"Hello, Khun," Moon answered softly.

"Are you busy today?" Vee asked from the other end of the line.

"No, why?"

"A new painting is being delivered to the office today. Can you check on it?"

"Oh, Khun, it's my day off!" Moon complained, feeling this was not the best time to invite Vee out.

"I'll pay your overtime," Vee said briefly.

Moon sighed, "Ah, no need. Fine, I'll get ready and head to the office."

After the call ended, Moon got ready and rushed to the office to check the painting Vee mentioned. When he arrived, he directed the workers to carefully place the large painting in the office.

"Please put it here phi, carefully, don't bump it," Moon instructed, watching closely.

When the workers were finished, Moon thanked them and handed out food and drinks he had bought earlier.

"Thank you for working on your day off," he said, giving them a wai of respect.

After they left, Moon pulled off the white cloth covering the painting. His eyes were glued to the piece. A beach scene with incredibly realistic blue waves, set against a sunset painted in brilliant orange, was utterly captivating. He gently touched the painting's surface.

"It's so calming," he murmured.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" A sudden voice from behind startled Moon. He turned around to see Vee standing there.

"Khun! Why are you here?" Moon asked, surprised.

"I just wanted to make sure you placed the painting well," Vee replied, his voice slightly awkward as he stared at the artwork.

Moon looked back at the painting again, "It's so beautiful. Did you paint it?"

Vee shook his head, "I don't paint."

"Huh? But May once told me that her brother was great at painting," Moon said before realizing, "Oh, maybe she meant Phi Nut?"

Vee just gave moon a faint smile. "Let's go," Vee suddenly said.