A Rose Amongst Thorns

Chapter Two

"Mr. Rojnapat?"

Arthit looked up in response to his name. Rome patted him on the knee and squeezed his hand to show support.

"Yes?"

"The counselor will see you now."

Arthit sighed and responded. He slowly walked to the door and entered the room.  The room was filled with natural light and smelled wonderful. Arthit recognized the smell immediately and walked over to the group of orchids in the corner. He lowered his face, smiling widely as the intoxicating scent of sweet citrus filled his lungs.

"Gorgeous, aren't they? They're called Brassavola Nodosa."

Arthit was startled hearing the voice behind him. He spun around quickly, losing his balance in the process. He was surprised when two muscular, warm arms caught him before he hit the floor.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry. I didn't hear you come in. I was engrossed in your Lady of the Night orchids."

"You know them? Do you cultivate orchids?"

"I wish. I love them. I studied landscape architecture in college. Lady of the Night is my favorite. They're hard to find in Thailand. Do you know they grow wild in the Caribbean and South America? I've always wanted to visit Jamaica to see them growing in the wild." Arthit smiled warmly at the man.

"That sounds like a good dream to have. By they way, I'm the counselor. My name is Kongpob. Kongpob Suthiluck." Kongpob extended his hand to Arthit. Arthit took his hand and gently shook it. Kongpob felt a twinge in his heart he didn't expect to feel. Because of it, he held on a little longer than he should.

"My name is Arthit. Arthit Rojnapat." He noticed how Kongpob's hand lingered on his own and his cheeks were dusted with pink. Arthit noted the strength and warmth of Kongpob's hands. He wondered how it would feel to be held by those hands, to be warmly hugged by the strong arms that caught him earlier. He lowered his head unable to look Kongpob in the eye and to hide his cheeks, which felt warm.

"Yes, I know. You were referred to me by Dr. Phana Kongthanin. He told me to expect you."

"Did he tell you why?'

"Not entirely. Why don't you have a seat and tell me about yourself." Kongpob waved his hand towards the overstuffed chair as he picked up his notepad and took a seat in a plush office chair.

Arthit sat down, cradled his bandaged arm and lowered his head.

"So, Arthit. What brought you to the hospital?"

"I...umm...I..." He struggled to find his words. Giving up, he pointed to his wrist.

"You hurt your wrist, huh? Why don't you tell me how it happened?"

Arthit averted his gaze away from Kongpob. His eyes settled on the orchids in the corner, near the window.

"Arthit?"

He continued to stare at the orchids, willing himself not to make eye contact with the counselor.

"How did you come to like orchids? Most people don't have the patience to grow them."

"They're beautiful and they smell nice. I've always been fascinated by how something so delicate could be do resilient."

Arthit turned to look at Kongpob. Kongpob knew the moment Arthit looked at him, he had found a way to get through to Arthit.

"Why do you like orchids?"

"For the same reason. Sometime people think that because they are beautiful that they are weak. It takes a special person to understand how strong they really are. They go through a lot to bloom, but once they do, they are magnificent."