Dhevaprom: Kwanruetai

Chapter 7

Gongphop eyed his sister with a questioning look. He'd noticed her talking to someone unfamiliar in the temple, and it didn't seem like a local. Yet she seemed keen to avoid the topic.

"When did you get back, Gong?" Tai asked, trying to change the subject.

"This evening. I dropped Mom off, then rushed over to the funeral, but by the time I got there, the chanting had just ended."

Their mother's health checkup had thankfully revealed no heart problems, but the whole ordeal had cost Gongphop a small fortune. He'd even had to take her shopping, nearly draining the funds he'd worked so hard to save alongside Tai. Glancing at the bags by their room, he couldn't help but feel a pang of regret; earning money had never been easy for the two siblings.

Both worked tirelessly, taking on whatever jobs they could find. Gongphop had once done heavy labor, then turned to foraging for honey and herbs in the forest. Later, the siblings began selling homemade meals to hospital staff and even took in laundry work. Through it all, Gongphop still made frequent trips to the forest. Since their father passed away, Pran Boon had been a mentor, guiding them through life's challenges.

"It's such a tragedy, Gong. Poor Phorn is still unconscious."

"How did he end up getting hurt in the first place?"

"I'm not sure. The police are investigating, but from what I've heard, Phorn and Uncle Boon may have crossed the wrong people."

Gongphop met his sister's gaze, fully aware of the town's undercurrents—the powerful influences, the illicit activities that lurked beneath the surface. Though things seemed peaceful on the outside, they knew too well that danger was always close.

"Stay out of this, Tai," Gongphop warned firmly.

As usual, he was wary of any involvement in drugs, illegal logging, or dealings with influential figures, worried about his sister's safety.

"But, Gong, I want to find out who did this to Phorn!"

"I told you already, Tai, don't get involved," he snapped, raising his voice. Tai's eyes grew red. Her brother had never yelled at her before. Gongphop, realizing his outburst, placed a hand on her shoulder, pulling her in for a softer conversation.

"I worry about you, Tai. We only have each other to look after, not to mention Mom. Leave being a good citizen to others. We've been through enough. Once we save up enough, I'll take us to Bangkok, and you can finally go to university."

Tai had passed her high school equivalency exams, but she hadn't enrolled in college because of the cost. She hadn't been all that eager to study, but Gongphop constantly stressed how important it was for her to gain knowledge to secure her future.

"Why are you so insistent that I study, Gong? What's the point?"

"It matters, Tai. Others might not need it, but you, you should go as far as you can. You could have a bright future."

"But I don't want that... I just want to stay here with you."

"One day, Tai, you'll have to leave for Bangkok. No matter how hard it is, we'll do it, just like Dad wanted."

"Gong..."

Tai hugged her brother tightly, tears streaming down her face. Since their father's passing, Gongphop had been her biggest support. Though they weren't blood-related, she loved him as if he were her biological brother.

"Don't be a crybaby now. Go get some sleep. We have to get up early to make breakfast," he said gently.

Wiping her tears, Tai nodded and headed to her room. But before she closed the door, Gongphop called after her.