White Tulips and Daisies

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Wichapas stood frozen on his track. His eyes were fixed to Build. He doesn't know what to feel as Build knows everything now.

What if he doesn't believe him? What if he doesn't accept his reason?

Build hung up the phone and threw it back on the bed. "It's her?"

Wichapas looked down, feeling useless. How can he let Fah do this to him, to them?

"Either you'll tell me or I'll find out myself."

Wichapas look back up at him. This is the time to redeem himself. This is the time to tell Build everything, all of it.

"Yes, it's her. She held my whole household captive. She told me to leave the country in exchange for your safety. I was weak, Build. But I can give up everything just to make sure you and our son are safe." Wichapas stepped forward.

Hearing Build's sobs tears him apart. It felt like daggers in his heart. He lifted his uncasted hand and wiped Build's tears away. Wichapas leaned in, connecting Build's forehead to his, making Build close his eyes.

"You're my greatest strength. You gave me all the solidity. But you are also my kryptonite, my biggest weakness. You make me breathe and alive. I will do everything in my power to make you safe. I am nothing without you."

The dim room became more breathable. The pain from the past is still aching but it's bearable now. Build thought that being hurt without knowing the reason sucks. And now that he knows, it hurts less. But the pain is still there. It never left, it will forever remain.

"And yet you thought of leaving again." Build opened his eyes. "You shouldn't have come back if you're leaving again. You're just repeating what happened before."

They look into each other's eyes, conveying all the feelings that can't be said. Build felt tired. He can't take the same pain again. He has a child to take care of. He needs to be strong. Build stepped back, making distance. Wichapas almost grabbed him back and wanted him to feel more. But how can he ask for that if he is the reason for those tears?

At the exact moment, Prem entered the open door of the room. Seeing that the main lights were off and two figures were standing in the middle of the room, he stopped. Build sensed his presence so he turned back. He walked to the door, wiping his own tears.

"He hasn't eaten yet. Order some dinner and make sure he drinks his medications." After saying that, he left the house.

Wichapas sat on the bed with a heavy heart. He told Build everything but it still felt lonely. He didn't expect that telling the truth would be so emotional. Is he regretting what he did?

"Did you tell him?" Prem asked, only answered by a nod. "And? Is the plan still up?"

"I…I don't know." Wichapas messed his hair with his free hand.

"If you still want to leave, I already booked the flight for you. I'll follow once everything is settled here."

–

Build lost all the energy to cry. He went through his life like nothing happened. Like how his days started hugging a small body on the bed. Like how they have a delicious breakfast with Aunt Praya. Like how Build tried to engage himself in the animated cooking show that Blue is so invested in. Build wants to remain normal.

But he kept looking at his cellphone. He's waiting for a message. The last time they saw each other, he could finally see. It's been almost two weeks now but he hasn't heard from him or even Prem. Did he left again?

"Still a coward." Build glared at his cellphone like it offended him.

"Hmm?" Blue asked, thinking that his father was talking to him.