Dhevaprom: Kwanruetai

Chapter 25

Chatklao returned to the military hospital late the next morning. Upon arrival, he went straight to find Panatda to ask about a patient named Manee. He learned that Pramet had discharged the patient two days earlier. Not only did she fail to express any gratitude, but Manee also caused such a scene that the nurses were utterly exasperated.

"Tai hasn't come to sell food for two days now," Panatda said.

"She hasn't been selling?" Chatklao repeated. Since he started working at the hospital, the young vendor had never stopped selling her food. Even on weekends, she offered made-to-order dishes, just in smaller quantities.

"That's right. I suspect she's unwell. The other day, I ran into Maisik. He mentioned that their boss sent him to buy medicine from Dr. Tee."

"Why didn't she come to see a doctor?" he asked.

"You don't know, Dr. Chat. Those two siblings don't like seeing doctors. They always complain it's expensive. If it hadn't been absolutely necessary that day, Tai wouldn't have brought her mother here."

"I wonder if it's serious. I'm starting to worry."

Manee had been ill with influenza. During that time, her daughter had to take close care of her. But Tai had been working hard and hadn't had much rest; it's possible her body became weakened, leading to illness.

"Why don't you ask Maisik and Sumlee? Those three are as close as can be. They'll surely know about their boss."

"In that case, I'll drop by to see Maisik at the military unit. Let me put my things away first, and then I'll come help with the outpatient clinic."

"Are you sure you'll be okay by yourself?" Kongpop asked his younger sister to be certain. Khwanruethai looked terrible—her face flushed with fever, and she'd been bedridden, unable to cook and sell food for two days.

"I'm fine, brother. It's just one night. You go ahead and take Mom to Bangkok for her check-up."

"Speaking of Mom, I'm conflicted. Why won't she go to the camp hospital as scheduled? Instead, she's insisting on going all the way to Bangkok, wasting money for nothing."

Even though she received an appointment slip, their mother tore it up, complaining that the doctors weren't competent.

"When did Dr. Met schedule the patient for a follow-up?" someone had asked earlier.

"Tomorrow. But Manee probably won't come. Before leaving the hospital, she even said that the service here isn't good, can't compare to Bangkok, and she won't set foot here again," Panatda had relayed.

"So that's how it is," Chatklao mused.

"Honestly, Dr. Chat, you shouldn't have been so soft-hearted and paid her medical bills. It only makes her spoiled, and she doesn't even see it as a kindness. It's terrible," Panatda complained.

"I did it because I felt sorry for Tai. A small woman who has to work hard at everything to earn money for her mother. By the way, did Tai bring food to sell today? I haven't had her cooking for days; I miss it."

Back to the siblings:

"Come on, for Mom's sake, don't go against her wishes. I can really stay alone," Khwanruethai insisted.

"Take care of yourself, Khwan. Have you gone to see a doctor yet?" her brother asked with concern.

"For a minor thing like this, why bother? Buying medicine from Dr. Tee in the market is much cheaper. No need to waste time lining up at the hospital."

"There are many quack doctors out there, Khwan. I think—"

"Brother Kong, just go. Mom is standing there frowning already. She might be afraid of missing the bus."