Twilight of Shadows | LingOrm (GxG)

THIRTY EIGHT

Dao stepped into Lada's office with a smile on her face as she approached the desk. "Khun Lada, do you have a moment?" she asked, her tone respectful but casual, the way it always was between them.

Lada looked up from her paperwork, offering a smile. "Of course, Dao. What's on your mind?"

"I'd like to take a week off for the school holidays, Khun Lada," Dao began, her eyes lighting up as she continued. "My kids have been begging their dad for ages. And you know how it is, they're spoiled, and he can't say no." She laughed, the warmth in her voice infectious.

Lada chuckled in response, the tension from her work easing, if only for a moment. "Sounds like they've got him wrapped around their little fingers."

Lada added "But its school holidays already?" Lada leaning back in her chair. "I hadn't realized how fast the time has flown. Thanks for reminding me, Dao."

"Disneyland, huh? Which one? Tokyo?" Lada asked, her tone more curious than casual.

Dao nodded, her eyes lighting up. "Yes, Khun Lada," the warmth in her voice infectious.

For a brief second, they shared a moment of lightness, but it was Dao who steered the conversation to a more serious note.

"Khun Lada," Dao started, her voice gentle but earnest, "you should take some time for yourself too. And for Narin." She hesitated, then added, "You've been so busy with work lately, and I'm sure Narin feels that."

Lada's smile faded slightly, her gaze dropping to the papers scattered on her desk. Dao's words lingered, a quiet truth settling over her like a weight she hadn't acknowledged. Her hands stilled on the file she had been reviewing, and her mind wandered to the countless missed moments with Narin-small ones, like bedtime stories, and bigger ones, like school events. Always another project, another meeting, another deadline.

"Am I..." Lada paused, her voice uncharacteristically soft, almost vulnerable. She cleared her throat, trying to steady herself, but the question came out quieter than she intended. "Am I a bad mother, Dao?"

Dao's eyes widened slightly in surprise. It was rare to see Lada question herself, especially about something so personal. She quickly recovered, shaking her head. "Of course not, Khun Lada. You're doing your best. It's not easy balancing everything, and Narin knows you love her. But..." Dao hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "She probably misses you. Kids notice these things, even when we think they don't."

Lada exhaled, a sigh that carried years of accumulated guilt. "I've been too focused on work. Maybe more than I should."

Dao offered a kind smile. "Narin's still young. There's always time to make memories with her. Sometimes, it's the smallest moments that matter most."

Lada nodded, her mind far away now, thinking of Narin's laughter, the way her eyes would light up when she saw her. The little moments she'd been absent for.

"Thank you, Dao," Lada said quietly, her voice carrying a depth of emotion. "Enjoy your trip with your family."

Dao stood at the door, ready to leave after their conversation when Lada's voice stopped her.

"Before you go, Dao," Lada said thoughtfully, her eyes distant as if she were already picturing the scene in her mind, "can you book a beach holiday for me and Narin? Just a week. She's been asking to go, and the weather's been perfect lately."

Dao turned, surprised but pleased by Lada's request. It was rare for Lada to prioritize something like this. For a moment, Dao hesitated, biting her lip before cautiously speaking. "Should I... should I book for three people? Two adults and one child, Khun Lada?"