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Tian’s life is content. “Khu Tian!” The children rush towards him. “Let’s go on expedition!” They are all excited. Tian chuckles, children are such wonder and full of curiosity. “Ok.” Tian says softly.”But we shall bring a sketchbook.” Tian picks up a new sketchbook set on a table. He just bought one from the market a week ago in case it will be useful for one of his classes. “We shall go sketch nature and new findings along the way.” The children all nodded in agreement as they cheered. Just then, Phupha walked into the classroom. “Green giant!” They all yell out.
One of the girls giggles at Phupha. “Come to see your husband, sir?” She teases emphasizing on ‘husband.’ Tian shook his head. Phupha says, ”I just came to see what you are all learning today.” Tian softly smiles at Phupha who smirks back. Phupha ends up trailing behind them.
Tian loves the life he has here. He couldn’t trade for the world. Phupha’s hand slowly brushes against Tian’s hand. The tingle warm feeling buzz through Tian. He is grateful to be able to watch the students grow, see the sunset from the mountain view, and have a place to call home. Tian feels a slow hump of rhythm against his chest. He feels sweat forming on his forehead and then tickles down. Tian clenches his chest. ‘F*ck.’ Tian curses inside. The familiar feeling that sends dread rushes in him. It only has one meaning. The end might be coming soon. He takes a look at the view right in front of him. 'How many more years I would be able to see this,' Tian thought. No, maybe only months? Few days? His future wasn't guaranteed.
9 years passed without any problem. Tian tried not to think much about the end. He hopes for a small miracle that he and Phupha will grow old and grey like they talked. But, suddenly, Tian feels pain on the day near the anniversary mark of the car crash. Tian thought it was nothing until the pain came the third time. The question is when to tell Phupha.
After the small trek, they went back to school. The children show what they have drawn and learn. Tian asks them to write it down as homework. Thump. Tian squats down. No, not now. “Tian?” Phupha’s voice horses out in worry. “TIAN!” Phupha rushes beside Tian.
Tian woke up in the hospital. Not the way he plans. He glanced at Phupha who was holding his hand tightly.”Tian. Are you ok?” Phupha smiles in relief. Tian opens up his mouth to end up choking up in tears. Tian knew the doctor would sooner or later tell them the dreadful news. “What’s wrong? You can tell me anything.” Tian feels the warm hand against his cheek. Thumb caresses to wipe away the tears. The warmth that he wants to be forever wrapped in. A cough interrupts their moment. “Excuse me.” Tian looks up to see the doctor. “I am happy to see you awake.” The name badge shines ‘Dr.Muk.’ Phupha let go Tian’s hand to whai politely at the Dr.Muk. She flips through the paper. “I have bad news.” Phupha frowns. Tian’s hand shakes preparing for the worst. “Mr. Sopasitsakun won't live longer.”
Silence itches Tian’s skin. Phupha stands up.
“What do you mean?” Dr.Muk sighs. “His heart will expire soon. It’s a miracle that it functions longer than 10 years, but the heart is slowly failing on you.” Phupha’s eyes widen in fear.”Unless you find a donor within a month or two... I will leave you two to discuss.” She walks off.
Tian watches Phupha determined to find the donor. Weeks pass, but no luck. Tian feels tired and weak. He doesn’t want to leave Phupha, he wants to follow him wherever he goes at the same time the search for a new donor just tires him. His mum didn’t even have any luck, and his father called to tell him how his mother had a huge breakdown. Tian felt sorry for them.
The tension between the couple rises, but not severe enough for them to fight. Phupha thought to talk with Tian over dinner when he came home finding Tian sat against the pole looking at the daisy field. Phupha reaches towards Tian finding his breath slowly drags along. Phupha sits beside Tian trying to hold back the tears. His hand reaches to pat his hair. “Chief.” Tian rasps out. “Remember what you told me?” Tian weakly reaches for Phupha’s hand. “Hornbills are monogamous animal.”
“I will forever won’t forget the village. The life I built here. The school, the children, and my volunteer teaching experience. I am happy to be with you Phupha. Chief, Phupha, remember our promise. Don’t forget - please be happy.”
Phupha let Tian lay on his chest feeling his body turn cold. The grief sets heavy on his heart. ‘I will always be here beside you.’ Phupha promises.
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~ In a distant future ~
A handsome tall man with a grey wool scarf wrapped around his scarf walks up to the sign ‘singer wanted.’ He stares for a while to take a glance inside seeing the restaurant is about to open soon, so he decides to step inside. The man goes by the name, Sky. He clenches nervously on the guitar case. This is the last chance for him to be hired as a singer. Sky slowly steps inside taking a look around his atmosphere before his eyes land towards the owner, Benz, who turns around in term hearing the bell chime loudly.
Sky takes a step forward towards Benz, as he takes a look at the owner’s face. Benz's fair-skinned, a bit shorter than him, neatly combed back hair. But, his eyes. His eyes just give the depth of mysterious aura that pulls Sky in. Sky’s memory flashes back hearing, “Chief” with the smile that can light up the whole room. He feels the familiarity from Benz.
Sky thought warms him up even in the cold winter.
He thought, ‘I finally find you.’
Que music: We could be as different as the cliff and star. And I’m holding you back from the glistening sky. Where you so brightly shine. Would you still love me even if you’re to descend from up high? Would you be afraid to come down from the sky.