To Love Again | LingOrm AU

Chapter 9: A Hero Among Us

Notes:

This chapter is inspired, of course, by Ling's upcoming role as Tawan in Only You... that's how this story came about. She may not be gun-wielding in this version, but she's definitely kicking some ass.😎 Anyway, enjoy!

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Orm stood motionless, the hum of the neighborhood outside filtered through the windows as her tears slowly subsided. With a deep, shaky breath, she finally willed herself to move. Her steps were unsteady as she padded to the kitchen, the simple act of pouring a glass of water requiring more concentration than usual.

The cool liquid soothed her parched throat, helping to ground her in the present moment. Orm closed her eyes, focusing on her breathing until the trembling in her hands subsided. When she felt more composed, she returned to the living room, her gaze immediately drawn to the evidence of Ling's presence – and sudden departure.

With methodical movements, Orm began to clean. She wiped away specks of blood from where Ling had removed her IV, each crimson smear a stark reminder of the mysterious woman who had crashed into her life. As she worked, Orm's mind raced with questions, each one leading to another in a dizzying spiral.

Once the room was back in order, Orm picked up her phone. Her finger hovered over Dr. Nadir's number for a moment before she summoned the courage to dial. Despite the busy morning hours at the clinic, the doctor answered after just three rings, her voice immediately tinged with concern.

"Nong Orm? Is everything alright with our patient?"

Orm hesitated, unsure how to explain the situation. "Sawasdee kha, Doctor. Ling's... well, I hope she's fine."

"What do you mean?" Dr. Nadir's tone sharpened with worry.

Orm took a deep breath, steeling herself. "She left, Doctor. She just... woke up, took out her IV, and left."

A heavy silence fell on the other end of the line. Orm could almost hear the gears turning in Dr. Nadir's mind. When the doctor finally spoke, her words were careful, measured. "I see. Nong Orm, I think we need to talk. Can you come by the clinic when I close at five this afternoon?"

Surprise flickered across Orm's face. "Of course, kha," she replied, curiosity and apprehension mingling in her voice. "Is there something I should know, Doctor?"

Dr. Nadir paused again before answering. "It's... complicated, Nong Orm. There are things about Ling that, well... it would be better if I show you and discuss this in person."

Orm's heart quickened at these words. "I'll be there at five. Thank you, Doctor."

As she ended the call, Orm's mind was awash with new questions. What did Dr. Nadir know about Ling? Why the secrecy?

She glanced at the clock. The hours until her meeting with Dr. Nadir stretched before her like an eternity. Orm moved to the window, gazing out at the bustling street below. Somewhere out there was Ling. With a sigh, Orm turned away from the window, her eyes falling on the half-finished krathongs scattered across her work table.

A wry smile tugged at her lips as she approached the table. Her flower shop may be closed for the day, but that didn't mean she couldn't make use of this unexpected free time. The familiar routine of crafting krathongs had always brought her a sense of peace and purpose. Now, more than ever, she needed that centering influence.

Settling into her chair, Orm reached for a banana leaf, her fingers automatically beginning the intricate folds. As she worked, she let her mind wander, imagining the krathongs floating down the river during the upcoming Loy Krathong festival. Each one would carry wishes and prayers, much like the unspoken hopes she held for Ling's safety.