Chasing Shadows

Healing Threads

It had been five days since Prapai came to live with Pete and Vegas. Each day was a little brighter, filled with laughter and care. During the day, Pete and Vegas took turns looking after Prapai, while in the evenings, Macau would come home from university to help out. The house felt more alive than it had in a long time.

Tonight, they gathered around the dinner table, the aroma of pad thai and juicy steak wafting through the air. Prapai, seated between Pete and Vegas, took a big bite of his food and beamed with delight.

"Uncle Macau is funny! He smiles just like Uncle Angel!" Prapai exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Pete paused, a spoonful of pad thai halfway to his mouth. "Angel?" he asked, his curiosity piqued, a playful smile spreading across his face.

Prapai's cheeks flushed as he realized he had let something slip. "Uh... yes! Uncle Khun always said you were his angel who was stolen away by the devil," he said, glancing nervously at Vegas. "And that you're still mad at him."

Vegas scoffed, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice. "Khun really has the guts to tell those stories about us, framing me as the devil! As if he didn't do anything wrong," he grumbled, crossing his arms tightly.

Prapai looked between them, his innocent eyes wide with concern. "Are you still mad at him, Uncle Vegas?"

Pete quickly jumped in, sensing the tension in the air. "Let's not talk about that right now, buddy. It's not a story for dinner," he said gently, trying to keep the mood light. "What matters is that we're all here together now, right?"

Macau nodded in agreement, shooting a grateful look at Pete. "Yeah, Prapai! Let's focus on the fun stuff. Did you beat me at that game we played yesterday?"

"Almost!" Prapai giggled, his laughter ringing through the room like music. "But I think I need more practice!"

As the evening progressed, the conversation flowed easily, filled with jokes, stories, and playful banter. Prapai's laughter was infectious, brightening the atmosphere. However, in the back of Pete's and Vegas's minds, memories of the past lingered like shadows. They exchanged glances, both feeling the weight of the unspoken.

Later that night, after Prapai had fallen asleep in the cozy living room, Macau joined Pete and Vegas outside on the lawn. They laid on the grass, staring up at the stars, the cool night air wrapping around them like a comforting blanket.

"Look at all those stars," Macau said quietly, his voice soft and filled with wonder. "It's beautiful."

"Yeah," Pete replied, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Just like Venice used to love. He loves nights like this."

Vegas remained silent, a lump in his throat as memories flooded his mind. He felt a familiar ache at the thought of him, so vibrant and full of life. After a moment, he sighed heavily. "He would have loved Prapai. He always wanted a brother," he murmured, pain etched in his features.

As the clock struck midnight, an idea struck Pete. "You know what we should do right?" he said, sitting up slightly, his expression brightening. "Let's make a wish for Venice. It's his birthday after all."

Vegas nodded, his expression turning serious. "Yes. For Venice."

They all closed their eyes, the night wrapping around them in a comforting embrace. Silence stretched between them as they focused on their wish, hearts heavy yet hopeful. "Happy Birthday, Venice," they whispered in unison, tears brimming in their eyes.

When they opened their eyes again, the stars seemed to shine even brighter, twinkling as if they were all shining in remembrance of Venice. It felt as if the universe had heard their heartfelt wish. Pete wiped away a tear, scooting closer to Vegas, and Macau placed a comforting hand on both of their shoulders.