Hold My Hand

Ask Me To Hold Your Hand

Kongpob slowly wakes up to bright lights and a feeling of light pounding all throughout his body. His throat feels hoarse and unused and is desperately calling for water. He tries to move his arms but Kongpob can feel a presence to his left. He blinks and tries to get a good look only to find the sleeping form of his boyfriend, Arthit – his head pillowed next to his left hand.

    Everything suddenly came rushing into him; the sight of Arthit hugging Namtarn, him walking aimlessly before blacking out.

    He combs his boyfriend’s hair and Arthit rustles in his sleep.

    “He’s been here every day,” Kongpob hears a voice and tears up when he sees his mother.

    “Mae,” he croaks.

    His mae brings him a cup of water, kissing his cheeks before saying, “You got me and your por worried. He’s in a meeting right now but I’ll let him know you’re awake.” She kisses his cheek again and says, “Don’t scare us again like that, young man.”

    “I’m sorry, mae,” Kongpob says but he doesn’t know what he’s apologizing for.

    “Don’t apologize, Kong,” mae says, “It was all an accident. N’Arthit brought you to the hospital immediately.”

    “P’Arthit?”

    “Yes,” mae smiles and nods, “Don’t let this one go, Kong”

    “I –

    “Oh don’t give me that look,” mae says, “I’m a mother, Kongpob. I know what love looks like.”

    Kongpob doesn’t have anything to say to that so he smiles and says, “Thank you, mae.”

    Mae is about to say something when Arthit wakes up. He stretches and when his boyfriend realizes he’s awake Arthit’s eyes goes wide, immediately standing up to check on Kongpob from injuries which is pointless since he’s already in a hospital.

    “You’re awake,” Arthit whispers and Kongpob melts. His boyfriend’s eyes get watery, swallows and says, “I’m so sorry, Kong.”

    “I think you two need to talk,” mae says, “I’ll alert the nurses that you’re awake.”

    “Ma’am!” Arthit startles. “I’ll go –

    “No,” mae waves at his boyfriend, “You stay here and watch over my son.”

    And before his mae reaches the door he calls for Arthit and says, “Oh, and, N’Arthit? Please call me Mae.”

    “What –

    Arthit looks at him and Kongpob chuckles. His boyfriend has this dumbfounded look on his face which makes him want to tease Arthit but he lets it go. He’s still in pain and he’s feeling a little bit tired.

    “I’ll explain later,” he says.

    Kongpob still doesn’t know what happened to him so he asks Arthit about it. Apparently, he got hit by a drunken motorist and Arthit found him lying on the ground. He’s been asleep for two days.

    “Thank you, P’Arthit.”

    “Why are you thanking me?” Arthit says, “Do you – have you – I was so worried at that time that I didn’t know what to do. Someone had called for the ambulance already. I only came with you to the hospital. I – felt so lost.” His boyfriend finishes with a whisper. Arthit looks down and blinks the tears away and continues, “I thought I was going to lose you.”