Unbreakable Duty

Parents' Concerns

As the car rolled into the driveway of the Phongphipat residence, Earn wasted no time. She opened the door and practically leaped out, her eyes scanning the porch for anyone who could assist.

"Someone get me a medical kit!" she called out, her voice sharp with urgency. The household staff, already alerted by the commotion, scrambled to respond. Earn's worry etched deeper into her features as she glanced back at Fahlada, who was stepping out of the driver's seat with measured calm despite the blood staining her shoulder.

"Fahlada, you need to sit down—" Earn began, moving toward her.

"I'll be fine," Fahlada interrupted firmly, though her voice softened as she met Earn's gaze. "Take care of yourself first. I have to speak with the general."

Earn opened her mouth to protest, but before she could, Dr. Thananusak appeared at the entrance, his doctor's bag in hand. His sharp eyes immediately locked onto his daughter.

"You're not going anywhere until I look at that wound, kid," he said, his tone leaving no argument.

"Dad, I—" Fahlada started, but he raised a hand to silence her.

"Sit," he ordered, gesturing to a nearby bench on the porch.

Reluctantly, Fahlada obeyed her father, her posture still rigid as she sat down. Earn hovered close, worry plain on her face.

Dr. Thananusak knelt beside his daughter, pulling on gloves and inspecting the wound. "It's a clean shot," he muttered. "The bullet grazed your shoulder, but you've lost more blood than I'd like. You're lucky you didn't tear any major vessels."

Fahlada winced as he disinfected the wound, but her expression remained stoic. "We don't have time for this. The general needs to be briefed."

"The general can wait," Dr. Thananusak replied curtly, focusing on cleaning and bandaging the injury. "If you collapse mid-briefing, you'll be of no use to anyone."

Earn crouched next to them, her fingers twisting nervously. "Will she be okay?"

"She'll be fine, just a big scratch," Dr. Thananusak assured her, his tone softening slightly. "But she needs rest and proper care. No more heroics for the night."

Fahlada huffed quietly but didn't argue further. Once her father dressed the wound, he looked sternly at her. "You may be a soldier, Lada, but you're still my daughter. Don't push yourself unnecessarily."

"Yes, sir," Fahlada murmured, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips. Thankful for her father's presence.

Dr. Thananusak stood, removing his gloves. "Now, you can report to the general. But after this, you're resting. Understood, Lada?"

"Yes, Dad," Fahlada replied before turning to Earn. "Stay here. I'll handle this."

"Not a chance," Earn shot back, crossing her arms. "I'm coming with you."

Fahlada's lips quirked upward in the smallest of smirks. "Stubborn as ever."

The two walked together toward the study, where Gen. Phongphipat was waiting. Inside, the air was tense as Bow, Tan, and Ross stood at attention, waiting for their captain.

Fahlada saluted the general and began her report. "Sir, the ambush was well-coordinated. Five gunmen, one sniper. We neutralized the threat, but I suspect this was just a probe."

The general listened intently, his expression darkening. "This isn't the first attempt, and it won't be the last. Dr. Thananusak and I have discussed the matter, and we agree on the next course of action."

Fahlada's brows furrowed. "Sir?"

"To ensure Earn's safety, you, your team, and Earn will leave the country immediately," the general stated firmly. "We've arranged for a secure location. You'll regroup there while we tighten security operations here."