We Can Return

18) A day of Challenges

Win's Perspective:

The morning starts as usual. I wake up early to have enough time to prepare breakfast for myself and my brothers, Saint and Gulf. Cooking calms me and helps me start the day positively. After breakfast, the three of us head to school. We are in our final year of high school and attend the same class, which is a great advantage for us. We've been together for a month, but we don't really talk to anyone else besides each other.

At school, we try to focus on our studies, but today is different. The teacher is making us discuss out loud which direction we want to take at university and which faculty we want to attend. I feel my heart race when it's my turn. I'm not used to speaking in front of so many people, but I know I have to manage.

"I'd like to study gastronomy," I begin. "Cooking is my passion, and I want to become a professional chef. My dream is to open my own restaurant and bring joy to people through food."

The teacher nods and moves on to Saint. Saint is calm and confident, which reassures me. "I want to study art," says Saint. "Painting and drawing are my ways of expressing my thoughts and emotions. I want to become a professional artist and maybe one day exhibit my work in galleries."

Finally, it's Gulf's turn. Gulf is always full of energy and determination. "I want to study sports science," says Gulf. "Sports are my life, and I want to become a professional coach or sports manager. I want to help people achieve their sports goals and be the best they can be."

Saint's Perspective:

We are sitting at lunch in the school cafeteria. Win next to me looks a bit pale and isn't eating with his usual appetite. I notice his hands trembling as he lifts his fork.

"Win, are you okay?" I ask worriedly.

Win smiles at me, but his smile is weak. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just don't feel very well."

I feel my stomach tighten. "What's wrong? Does something hurt?"

Win shakes his head. "No, I just feel a bit dizzy and have an upset stomach. I think it must be nerves. Speaking in front of the whole class really stressed me out."

I nod, but I'm still worried. "Maybe you should go to the nurse. I don't want you to feel bad."

Win grabs my hand and squeezes it. "Don't worry, Saint. I'll manage. I just need to rest for a bit. I'll feel better after lunch."

I try to calm down, but I'm still scared. Win is my brother, and I always take care of him. "Okay, but if you don't feel better, we'll go to the nurse together, okay?"

Win nods and smiles at me. "Thanks, Saint. You're the best brother."

We continue eating lunch, but I can't shake the feeling that something is wrong. I hope Win is right and it's just nerves. But if not, I'll be here to help him.

Gulf's Perspective:

With a huge plate full of Thai food, I join the table where Saint and Win are already sitting. Thai food is simply the best! I love all the flavors and aromas that mix together. Today, I've piled on a big portion because I know I have a tough training session ahead and need the energy.

"This is just amazing," I say with my mouth full as I sit down. "Thai food is simply the best in the world. I can't get enough of it."

Saint smiles at me, but I notice that Win looks a bit pale. "Win, are you okay?" I ask worriedly.

Win tries to smile at me, but his smile is weak. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just don't feel very well."

I feel my stomach tighten. "What's wrong? Does something hurt?"