Love Sick : The After Story

Son In Law

[Noh's Point Of View]

I stand frozen at the sighting in front of me, not knowing how to react or what to do. It was hard to believe that in front of me was no one else but Phun's mother, the woman who I once considered my second mother and who I had not seen in two years. I still was contemplating whether I was facing reality or being fooled by a dream. 

On the other hand, Phun's mother seems to be having the same trouble with our encounter. She is currently staring at me with concern as she awaits for me to do something but when she realizes that I'm having a hard time processing everything, she finally takes the initiative. "May I come in, Noh?" She asks awkwardly and smiles half-heartedly. 

I lean down and bow at her before stepping aside to let her into the apartment. I guide her towards the living room, offering her to seat in the couch. She gladly accepts my suggestion and seats down on our couch as she takes in her surroundings. "Good apartment you found. It's simple but very cozy." She compliments me and I feel relieved that I had cleaned otherwise, I wouldn't be able to look at her in the eye. 

I seat down on the other couch and take a look at her face as she keeps her eyes occupied. I can't help but wonder why she came to visit. Not that I'm molested by her presence or anything. On the contrary, I am glad to be able to see her face again after two years. She was someone who used to trust me and care for me so much, after all. And although she caused me pain, she is the one who gave birth to Phun and I am grateful towards her. Nevertheless, I feel slightly scared that the reasons that drove her here are no good. 

After a while she realizes that I'm staring at her curiously. She looks directly at me and our eyes meet for the first time in two years. I look down, intimidated and she lets out a sigh. "Don't worry, I am not here to cause any harm." She tells me in a gentle voice that somehow seems to soothe my fearful heart. 

I nod my head in acceptance and decide to show some hospitality before we begin. "Oh, I understand. Hmm. Should I bring some coffee? You must be hungry, is there anything you would like to eat? I can fetch it for you." I tell her as I stand up from the couch hurriedly, ready to follow her commands. She lets out a giggle before shaking her head. "How about you put a shirt on first?" She gives me a playful smile and my cheeks turn red in embarrassment when I remember that I'm still in my boxers. 

After getting more presentable and getting some snacks and coffee for Phun's mother and I, we find ourselves back in the living room. I sip on my cup of coffee as I wait anxiously for her to speak her reasons for coming here. She seems to be taking her sweet time, slowly drinking the contents of her cup and taking small bites out of the chocolate cookie I managed to treat her. I decide to not pressure her into speaking but the more time she takes on bringing the subject, the more anxious I grow. 

Not being able to hold myself back anymore, I manage to mutter the first word in minutes, "So.." She looks at me and nods her head before putting her cup of coffee back in the table. "I came here because I have a favor to ask you." She states and my heart races at the word "favor". Last time she asked for a favor turned out to be a disaster and I was not good at saying no to others, specially not to the Phumiphats. 

I tried to hide the fear that quickly arose inside of me and signaled her to continue. She leaned closer and held to my hands, making the fear inside of me grow. Was she going to beg me to leave Phun? Please don't.. "I know that no matter what I do or say, you aren't planning to let go of Phun. I've finally accepted it so don't worry. I'm not here to bother you about that. I came here because I need your help." She began as she stared into my soul with a conflicted expression. Help? In what way could I help?