The dinner that was supposed to be a cheerful celebration was filled with tension. Forth still can't get over with his father crossing the line. He had no choice but to join everyone in the dining room or else he'll have to face his mother's wrath.
The atmosphere at the gathering was oddly peaceful for Mrs. Jaturapoom's liking. She was curious of what caused such situation.
"Someone, care to explain what is this awkward silence about?" Mrs. Jaturapoom asked while eyeing her husband and son.
No one dared to answer. Then, "Oh, they're playing a silent-guess-what-I'm-saying-game. Well, count me in!" Right there and then, she joined the quite game.
Only the cluttering of utensils can be heard. When it was time for dessert, a maid was called to bring out the home-made sweets prepared by Mrs. Jaturapoom. To her confusion, by the the maid came back, a chocolate cake was brought along with her delicacies.
"I did not remember ordering nor baking a cake." She announced. Forth's glare towards his father did not escape his mother's sight.
"Forth, care to explain what was that glare for?" She was staring intensely at her husband. The patriarch of the family was about to open his mouth and save his life when someone spoke from behind.
"Ohooo! Atleast, I'm not late for desserts! Good Eve, Auntie, Uncle." While he just gave a nod at his cousin who is obviously had not recovered. He still can see gloomy clouds and lightnings above him.
"Ming, glad you came! I want you to explain what happened to this two!" While pointing to her husband and Forth."And don't you dare try to leave some details!" Making Ming regret coming for desserts.
Ming being the good nephew he is, started telling his aunt who was intently listening making sure he was not hiding anything. After Ming finished his story, he gulped down the glass of water in front of him. He felt his throat drying because of talking so much and nervousness.
Mrs. Jaturapoom stood up from her seat and walked towards her man. A loud smack was directed to Mr. Jaturapoom's arm making Forth, Ming and the maids flinch.
Mr. Jaturapoom looked like a lost puppy. "Honey.--"
"Don't you 'honey' me! How many times do I have to tell you not to mess with your son!" She was about to pinch her husband's ears when Forth interrupted.
"That is enough, mae. Let's just continue." Forth told his mother. Seeing his mother moved back to her seat. He looked at his father and made face.
"Gosh, I hope that boy was not in trouble because of you two." The matriarch stated.
"Don't worry, auntie. Grandma loves him and this cake is not for sale. He baked himself." Ming assured his aunt who is now calming down.
"More reason to worry, maybe he was giving it to someone, look--" she pointed what was written on the cake.
"It says, Happy Birthday." She sighed and startet slicing the cake into pieces.
Mrs. Jaturapoom's eyes widen when she took her first bite. For it was one o the best, however there was something on the taste that took her to a long pause. But she did not say anything instead she waited for her husband's reaction.
But what shocked her was, "This tastes so familiar but I can't remember when I had eaten such cake." Forth blurted out his confusion.
"Ming, accompany Forth tomorrow to Grandma's café. I want to meet the baker."
Forth froze.
He looked at everyone around him.
His mother's eyes was shining. It looks like she was about to cry.
Glancing at his father's direction, he was taken aback on how serious his expression was.
