Dhevaprom: Kwanruetai

Chapter 18

On the way back, the atmosphere was heavy with silence. Khwanruetai refused to speak a single word to the young man, and they had no choice but to ride back together on his motorcycle since the hospital car had already left.

Before leaving, Chatklao said goodbye to the village head and promised to organize another team for the outreach to make up for it. Meanwhile, the young woman looked displeased, too furious to speak, though she wanted to lash out at someone. Instead, she used silence as her form of resistance.

When the motorcycle stopped under the house, she snatched the keys back hurriedly. The lights above were on, and she quickly headed up the stairs, hoping her mother was the only one home.

"Where have you been? Why are you back so late?" Kongpop's voice startled her as she reached the top, bringing a surge of guilt since she had ignored his warning to stay away from Chatklao.

"I went swimming at the waterfall," she replied.

"In that outfit?" he asked, eyebrows raising as he looked at her damp clothes and wet hair, clinging to her scalp.

Though she didn't want to lie, she felt she had no other option. If she told the truth, he would scold her and insist she cancel the contract with the young doctor.

"Yes, I went with Mai Seek and Samlee."

"And you didn't open the shop today?"

"No... I was tired. Besides, some regulars weren't around today. But I'll make up for it next week by working all three meal times. That way, I can boost our income," she explained, planning to sell food at the evening market.

"You don't need to work that hard, Khwan. I just asked because I was curious. If you have time, you should rest. Lately, I've been making good money from a delivery job."

Their family needed money after their mother had made it clear she wanted air conditioning installed. Recently, they had inquired about the price, and now, Kongpop often had to take jobs in other provinces.

"If the pay is good, maybe I could go with you, P'Kong. It must be exhausting doing it all alone."

"If you go, then who will take care of Mom?"

They both looked toward the lit bedroom where soft oldies music was playing.

It didn't matter whether she was there or not; their mother hardly noticed. She never even knew when she woke up or went to bed. Sometimes, it felt like they were strangers under the same roof.

"We could take turns. That way, you wouldn't be too tired."

"Khwan, I'm the man of the house. Since Dad's not here, it's my duty to look after both of you. This is nothing—I can handle it just fine."

"P'Kong..." Tears welled up in her eyes. Though they weren't blood-related, Kongpop cared deeply for her and their mother. Sometimes, she felt like a burden. Without her, maybe he wouldn't have to work so hard. Even though their father was gone, Kongpop's love and respect for their mother never wavered, unlike their mother, who seemed to view everything as an obligation, regardless of whether they were her real children or not.

"You're such a crybaby," he said, reaching out to gently ruffle her hair.

Khwanruetai hugged him tightly, tears streaming down her face. She was hurt by the city man who had mocked her, but she was too afraid to share it with her brother.

"Thank you so much, P'Kong, for taking care of Mom and me all this time."

"Hey, don't overthink it. I'm happy to do it. You're my sister, Khwan. Don't worry—just focus on feeling better. Soon, we'll both be successful, trust me," he comforted her, using the same words he always did. Khwanruetai could only imagine their future wealth, though she had no idea when it would come true.