My father suddenly appears in the middle of the argument, like a spring welling up in the dry season. My mother, who's been adamant about cutting me off, looks taken aback
"How dare you say you'll help her?"
"Because she's my daughter too. If you won't accept her for who she is, then it's my responsibility. I'm ready to support her in every way!"
My father's voice is just as firm, making my mother stomp her foot. I quickly step behind my father, realizing I now have a powerful ally.
"You can help her, but not with any money from my family."
"That's fine. I have some money left. I can support my only daughter! Let's go, Frung."
My father puts his arm around me and pushes me toward the door, ready to leave. But my mother shouts, refusing to give up.
"If you're leaving, leave the car keys and condo keycard here. That's my money, too."
I look at my mother in amazement that she's thought of this, or maybe she just wants to win.
"Okay."
I take out the car keys and the condo keycard and place them on the coffee table. I feel numb all over. I don't know what to do next. I have no car and no place to go back to. This might be the first time I take the bus like everyone else.
"Go wherever you want!"
My father puts his arm around me, and we walk out. What started as a mother-daughter argument now includes my father. As we walk out the main gate, P' Kitt runs to block our way, looking deeply remorseful. But I'm too angry to care about his past good deeds and glare at him.
"What now? What do you want? I've got nothing left but shoes and clothes! Oh... and two thousand baht in my pocket."
I list what I have, frowning and shaking my head.
"Why do I have to tell you that? I'm telling you, I don't need your sympathy. Just venting."
"I don't want anything. I... I..."
P' Kitt looks like he's in pain, trying to say something but failing, then turns to my father.
"I apologize, sir. I didn't think it'd go this far."
"It was bound to go this far. Did you think it'd end like a fairy tale, with no one hurt and everyone being happy ever after?"
My father isn't one who likes to yell at others. Even when reprimanding P' Kitt, he remains calm, speaking softly but with a hint of sarcasm.
"I just wanted to hurt Frung a bit. I never thought she'd have to leave home."
"Well, you did it. I'm hurt. I'm homeless and have no car to drive."
"Then tell me where are you going. I'll take you."
"No need for your kindness. It's too late."
I pull my father out the gate without looking back. I don't know what face P' Kitt is making now, and I don't care. I'm more worried about my mother, who has to stay alone in the big house because Dad is with me. He seems to want to teach her a lesson.
"Where are we going, Dad?"
"To a hotel for a few nights."
"Then you're going back home, right?"
I glance at my father walking beside me and sigh in relief.
"Good. I thought you were leaving Mom."
"I won't do something like that at my age. But a stubborn old woman like her needs to be taught a lesson. She can't always get her way. Life isn't that easy."
