Beyond the Badge

Chapter 8

The sun hung low in the evening sky, painting the horizon in warm hues of orange and pink. Nanon sat by the window, watching the fading daylight, his thoughts a swirl of emotions he couldn’t quite pin down. The warmth of the day, the lingering memories of Tu’s visit, and Ohm’s quiet but steady presence left him feeling a strange mix of comfort and unease. 

“P’Ohm?” Nanon called softly, turning to where the inspector was sitting on the couch, studying the previous cases on the internet on his laptop.

“Hmm?” Ohm looked up, his eyes softening as they met Nanon’s. 

“About that walk… I think I’m ready,” Nanon said, his voice barely above a whisper. 

Ohm smiled, setting his laptop aside and standing up. “That’s great. Fresh air will do you good.” He grabbed a light jacket from the back of a chair and walked over to Nanon, handing him the jacket . “Do you need help getting ready?” 

Nanon shook his head. “I think I can manage.” 

“Ohm didn’t push, instead waiting patiently as Nanon made his way to the door. When Nanon wavered slightly, Ohm stepped forward instinctively, offering his arm. After a moment’s hesitation, Nanon took it. 

The evening in Bangkok was alive with its signature hum—a cacophony of revving engines, chattering vendors, and distant music spilling from small eateries. Neon lights flickered along shopfronts, casting colourful reflections on the wet pavement as Nanon and Ohm stepped out of the apartment. 

Nanon squinted at the towering skyline, his hand instinctively gripping Ohm's hand. The air was thick, not just with humidity but with the scent of street food—grilled meats, spicy soups, and sweet desserts wafting from roadside stalls. 

He took a hesitant step forward, his sandals feeling out of place on the polished pavement. "Bangkok is... overwhelming," he murmured. 

Ohm, walking a step ahead, glanced back at him with a small smile. “It’s busy, yes. But it has its charm. You’ll see.”  The officer had never thought he would find anything about this city charming but with this boy, as if he was discovering the old city anew.

Nanon wasn’t sure. His thoughts drifted back to the village where he had spent his entire life—a place where the tallest structure was the temple, not skyscrapers. The roads there were narrow and quiet, flanked by rice fields and the occasional grazing buffalo. He remembered the little shop his mother used to run, selling handmade baskets and trinkets crafted from bamboo. The sound of her laughter as she braided the fibres still echoed in his mind. 

“Do you miss home?” Ohm’s voice cut through his reverie, as though he had read his mind. 

Nanon hesitated, his eyes trailing a motorcycle zipping past. “I do. It was simple there. I helped my mother in our shop. We made everything ourselves—baskets, mats, fans. Tourists loved them.” He smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Here, everything’s so fast. There’s no time to pause.” 

Ohm nodded, his gaze softening. “Bangkok can feel like that. But it’s also full of possibilities.” 

“I wished to visit Bangkok but never had imagined to land here in this way. Even when I was coming here with my…” he paused and then uttered ‘uncle’ and didn't say anything further. Ohm didn't force him either.

Their walk brought them to a busy intersection. Cars whizzed by in every direction, their headlights flashing like lightning bugs. Nanon froze, his heart pounding. The pedestrian crossing lights blinked green, but he couldn’t make himself step forward. 

Ohm noticed his hesitation and gently intertwined their fingers. “It’s okay. I’ll walk with you.” 

With Ohm guiding him, Nanon managed to cross the street, tightening his hand in Ohm's with every honking horn. On the other side, he let out a shaky breath, embarrassed but grateful.