Love Sick - New Horizons

Chapter 7

Love Sick – New Horizons

Chapter 7

Thursday at the Hospital didn't bring any improvement in Noh's condition. Dr. Apibal came to check up on his patient at regular intervals, he was quite concerned about his young patient, he had expected him to start recovering a bit more by now. The nurses were instructed to keep him informed if there was any change at all, but to carry on as they were, monitoring him regularly.

P'Im was by his side, constantly watching Noh's face to see if he would wake up. She was very frightened, this still, white faced boy in the bed wasn't anything like their beloved Noh. Im and P'Ann had known him since he was a tiny boy, they had helped in his upbringing, cooked him his favourite meals, bathed his grazed knees when he fell, listened to his childish worries with a warm hug to make him feel better.

During the morning Noh had a new visitor. A very worried looking man introduced himself as Mr. Juntasa. Im knew his name, and she greeted him explaining who she was.

Mr. Juntasa spoke. "My wife and I are so concerned about this poor young man. Too think that he is lying here so ill, all because he and Ohm tried to help our boy." His voice started to break as he spoke and he tried to blink away the tears that were forming. He moved to Noh's side, and gently touched his hand. He looked around at Im.

"Is there any sign of Noh's mother getting back? Ohm keeps us informed of Noh's condition, and he was explaining about her trying to get a flight back from England. The poor woman must be frantic with worry."

"We haven't heard anything yet, P'Ann will be ringing Noh's parents today, hopefully there will be good news. I think Noh needs his mum now, and it would be good for him to be able to see his friend Phun as well. He's away at present visiting Universities, he should be back tomorrow."

Mr. Juntasa was still holding Noh's hand, and he turned back to look at Noh when he felt a faint movement. Im stood up as well, and they could see Noh was opening his eyes.

Noh could see two figures standing next to his bed, but his brain was so muddled and foggy, he couldn't make out who they were. He was so tired. Why didn't everyone just leave him alone? He needs a drink, his throat is parched, would someone help him? Suddenly a soft voice spoke. "Here you are Noh, have a few sips of water love." He could feel the cup touching his lips and cool liquid was being gently poured into his mouth. A very faint "thank you" was heard before the tired eyes slowly closed again.

Neither Im nor Mr. Juntasa could speak for a while. Im's fears still invaded her mind, it seemed to her that Noh was getting worse, not better. Mr. Juntasa was struggling with his feelings. How is this boy ever going to get well? This is just so unfair. He could also feel the anger inside him building up again, he had tried so hard not to give in to it, choosing instead to support his son and the two boys who had so selflessly come to Tam's aid that night, and leave it up to the Police to catch the thugs. Well, he had waited long enough. He was going to have to do something to help find them himself.

After a brief chat with Im and a final look at Noh, Mr. Juntasa left, his mind busy with plans to do something to find these monsters.

************

After a good night's sleep, Phun and the other students were up early, collecting firewood for the fire, and starting to dismantle the tents and pack their things away. The minibus was picking them up at 4pm and they needed to leave the camp by 2pm to make the trek through the forest.

After breakfast of porridge and toast and hot drinks, the young people were ready to take on the challenges set for them by Mr. Leekpai and Joe. Phun was feeling happy, he couldn't wait to get back to the Uni and be reunited with his phone! He had very much enjoyed the experience in the forest, he had learned a lot in such a short time, and it had made him even more determined to get on the course for Environmental Studies.