WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 7: Tear

   Arthit

   I calmed down a bit after talking with Direk. At least, it brought me back to my senses. I shouldn’t be one hundred percent sure that the person that kid was talking to is my mother. There’s more than one person named Emma in the world, and if mom were still here, why wouldn’t she come to see me or Direk? Also, that kid was talking to Emma in Thai, but my mother couldn’t speak Thai.

But because of Donat’s situation and what happened with that kid, I was thrown off for quite a while before returning to normal. I didn’t ask, didn’t get involved with that kid, and forgot about Emma, returning to my usual boring life.

Direk might be a bit better than me at accepting mom’s death; he believes almost one hundred percent that she’s gone, but I only believe it halfway. I don’t know, maybe I’m still easily affected by this because I don’t believe what anyone tells me about mom being gone. And honestly, those fortune tellers that Direk went to, how much can we trust them? Why let just anyone tell us that mom isn’t here anymore?    His heart still wants her to be here, even though another part of him knows it’s impossible. I want to see her, talk to her, but since it can’t be, I don’t want to miss her. I try to forget and remind myself that it’s impossible, but sometimes, I still want to hope. It’s damn contradictory.

It’s like someone who hasn’t fully accepted the truth. If he could accept it, it would be easier to cope, wouldn’t it?

Encountering ghosts only reinforced the idea that there’s still a chance the dead could be around. I know my mother’s lifespan has ended, but I still don’t want to believe it, and recently, I even hoped that Emma, whom that kid talks to, might be my mother.

It’s like the truth is right in front of you, but you can still deceive yourself. Every time I dream of my mother, I keep thinking she’s still here, even though it’s just a dream. Dreams are just our thoughts.

I was gone for three days to heal my heartache in Bali. I just got back to Thailand, guessing I’ll definitely get an earful. Whatever, at least I’m feeling much better now.

But who is the Emma he talks to? I need to curse for a moment; there are millions of names, yet it has to be the same as my mother’s. I smoked so much that half my lung was eaten by cancer before I could move on from you.

I dragged my tired body, exhausted from surfing in Bali, back to the condo, put away my stuff, and then went to knock on the door next door. After a while, the same person opened it. “Who is Emma?”

“…” He didn’t answer but looked confused.

“Whatever, but damn it. If you’re going to talk to her, call her by another name.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, call her anything, just don’t call her Emma.”

“…Did you hear that?”

“Yeah.”

“When?”

“The other day.”

“Oh, I messed up.”

“Why?”

“It’s nothing.” He only said that before closing the door, but I reached out to stop it. He looked puzzled and looked at me again, “Can’t change the name, Emma is

Emma, I’ve been calling her that for a long time.”

“How long ago? When?”

“A long time ago.”

“How long, how many years?”

“Since I was a kid.”

Yeah, that’s why it can’t be my mother, good that I regained my composure in time. If I had convinced myself it was her and then got disappointed, it would be damn awful.

   “And who is Emma, some wandering ghost?”

“A friend.”

“A friend or a ghost?”

“A friend.”

“A friend in your imagination, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Huh?”

“A friend in my imagination.”

“Damn, are you serious?”

“Yeah.”

What the hell, and he didn’t look like he was joking or lying, his face was deadly serious, having an imaginary friend isn’t strange if it’s a kid, but you’re grown up, man.

   “You really see her?”

“That’s odd, right?”

“Yeah, odd, and you know it.”

“Yeah, I know it, so what?”

“Help me out a bit.”

“No.”

“I’ll buy you drinks.”

“It’s fine, I can buy my own.”

“You’re such a nuisance.” I cursed without even thinking. Look at him, so calm and indifferent, his face like a dead fish, his eyes emotionless as hell, what kind of person is this?” Help me.”

“Not free.”

“So heartless. Ever since the Meen incident.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Hey, I’m getting annoyed here, can’t you just do it nicely? Can’t even.” I cursed in frustration, can I punch him once? He was about to close the door again. I yanked the door open and squeezed into the room. Of course, he couldn’t match my strength, so the homeowner started looking uncomfortable as I entered his room.

“Are you going to use force?” He asked, “Hitting me won’t change anything.”

“Do I look like that kind of person?”

“Yeah.”

“Exactly, always closing the door on me, what the hell are you?”

“…”

“Will you help or not? If you don’t, I’ll get North to talk to you anyway.”    “Cheater.” He said, frowning.

“So, what?”

“Help with what?”

“You can talk to ghosts, right?” I asked, he nodded in response, “How good is your sense?”

“I…don’t know, who do you want me to talk to?”

“My mother.”

“…”

“Talk to my mother for me.”

“…Is she still around?” He asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Oh.”

“That’s why I need your help.”

“What if she’s not here anymore?”

“Then I can finally let go.”

“…”

He went quiet for a while, not responding. It’s not often that I ask for help from others, but I’ve made my decision. Over the three days in Bali, I decided I’d look for my mother myself. If I find her, that’s good, but if I don’t, it’s time to accept the truth and move on. I don’t know how much to trust the mediums or fortune tellers that Direk went to see; from what Direk told me, they didn’t all say the same thing.

“Can we do it tonight?”

“Why not now?”

“I have urgent work.”

“Okay.”

“Hmm.” was all he replied. I walked back to my room, and while waiting, I tried to mentally prepare myself for my decision, sitting and contemplating the possible outcomes, but I must admit, my belief leans more towards the answer that my mother is still here.

I called North when I thought of something.

(What’s up, Phii?)

   “North, can your friend be trusted?”

(Who? I have more than one friend, don’t I?)

   “The one next door to me.”

(Trust what, Phii? What are you talking about?)

   “About him seeing ghosts, having psychic abilities.”

(Oh, yeah, he’s not a liar. Remember when he helped with the Meen case? He talked to the ghost in the room, and described the criminal wearing black with short hair correctly.)

   “Would he lie to me?”

(What? No, I just told you, he’s not a liar.)

   “How strong is his sense? Can he see all the spirits?”

(I don’t know about that, but he said his sense isn’t that strong.)

   “Oh, can I depend on you then?”

(Depend on what?)

   “You bastard.”

(Come on, what the hell, I still don’t even know what you’re talking about.)

   “But it’s not lying, for sure.”

(Yeah, it won’t lie, but it’s good at predicting, Phii, are you looking to boost your luck?)

“No, talking to you is just pointless.”

(Come on, what’s up?)

   I hung up on North, at least I could trust that he wouldn’t lie to me. If he doesn’t see anything, I’ll have to find another way. Regardless, I’ve decided I want to try looking for her myself again.

…

Daotok

   The thing I agreed to help the cigarette vendor with was somewhat worrying. Even if I don’t want to get involved, I probably can’t help it. If he sends North to talk to me, I won’t be able to refuse anyway.

Talk to his mother…

‘Don’t you feel anyone when you talk to him?’ Emma’s voice rang out. I turned to look at her sitting on the bed. She was looking at me as I was packing up to work at the coffee shop because I wanted a change of scenery.

“Yes, but I haven’t taken off my bracelet.” I said.

‘What if you don’t see his mother with him?’

   “Then I’ll tell him that.”

‘There’s a chance his mother could be somewhere else, anywhere on this earth.’

   “Yes, exactly for that reason.” I slung my backpack over my shoulder and left the room, riding my motorcycle to the coffee shop I often visit. I checked the time; it was already two in the afternoon. I started working, and before I knew it, my phone was notifying me. I picked it up to see it was already nine in the evening; I always lose track of time when working.

Someone had added me on LINE and sent me a lot of messages.

☀︎: Hey

☀︎: How evening were you talking about?

   ☀︎: It’s six o’clock now.

   ☀︎: Ah, it’s half past six now.

   ☀︎: It’s already 9 PM, which evening are we talking about?

   ☀︎: Hey, I knocked but no one answered.

   ☀︎: Are you dodging me?

   Even though the profile picture doesn’t show their face, from the online status, it looks like it’s the cigarette-selling guy.

SS: Where did you get this LINE from?

   North

   ☀︎: So what’s the conclusion?

   SS: The work isn’t done yet.

   ☀︎: Yeah

   ☀︎: How much longer?

   SS: Probably

   SS: Long

   SS: Can we reschedule?

   ☀︎:. No

   ☀︎: I can’t do anything now.

   ☀︎: Where?

   SS: Where?

   ☀︎: Where are you?

   SS: Starbucks

   ☀︎: Behind the uni?

SS: No

   SS: xxx branch

   ☀︎: Damn far

   ☀︎: Is there much to do?

   SS: Not much.

   ☀︎: Can’t you look right away?

   SS: It’s hard to explain.

   SS: I need to know some details too.

   SS: I’ve never seen your mother’s face.

   ☀︎: Uh-huh.

   ☀︎: I’ll be there soon.

   SS: Here?

   SS: …

   SS:    

   I put down my phone, and not long after, the cigarette guy walked over to sit opposite me. He seemed a little wet, which made me look outside to see it was raining heavily. He ran his hand through his wet hair, his face looking disheveled as he looked at me.

“So, can we talk now?”

“Yeah, we can.” I answered, my eyes still fixed on the image on my computer screen, clicking my pen on the tablet to make a cut. If I didn’t have to think about work, I could talk at the same time.

“North told me you saw a woman behind me.”

“When?”

“Some damn party, he said you guys were video calling.”

“…Cat once asked, but I told him I was joking.” I answered truthfully. At that time, it was just a prank to scare North. I didn’t think I’d be asked about it twice like this.

“Are you joking or just don’t want to tell me?”

“Joking.”

“Really?”

“No reason to lie.”

“Maybe my mother doesn’t want you to tell, or are you trying to save my feelings?”

“Do I have to keep your spirits up?” I said in my usual calm tone without turning to look at him.

“Yeah. No need, it’s annoying.”

“Hmm.” I nodded slightly, “Give me some details.”

“Like what?”

“How did she die?”

“Cancer.”

“When?”

“Seven years ago.”

“…” I stayed silent for a moment, thinking. It’s been seven years already, so much time has passed, “Have you asked anyone else, like a fortune teller?”

“Yeah, they said her lifespan ended. Or that they couldn’t find her.”

“Couldn’t find her?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Why couldn’t they find her?”

“How would I know?”

“Hmm, they said her lifespan ended, why don’t you believe it?”

“I just don’t believe it.”

“And you believe me?”

“At least North said I could trust you, but the others I’ve asked, I don’t know if they can be trusted.” He said, picking up his coffee cup to drink, “How good is your sense? North said your sense isn’t strong?”

“Ah.” I nodded gently. I really had told everyone that, but that was when I was still wearing the bracelet. As I’ve mentioned, it’s a bracelet that suppresses my senses because I’m too lazy to see or feel those energies. Only those whose spiritual wavelengths match mine can I see even while wearing the bracelet, like Phii Donat, whom I see often. But for others like Phii Eng, Phii Prao, Phii Cream, I have to take off the bracelet, “No. I didn’t tell North that.”

“Really? So is your sense strong?”

“Hmm…yes.” I said in a low voice. Grandma Puangthong once said that my sense is very strong, with the peculiar ability to read others’ feelings.

“He said you can read feelings too.”    “…Uh, yes.” I nodded.

“How, read hearts?”

“No. Just feelings that aren’t expressed.”

“Oh.” He nodded slightly, “Don’t read my feelings.”

“I won’t.” I said. I don’t like reading others’ feelings because it’s bothersome. Plus, it’s not that easy; it requires concentrating on that person quite a bit, and the worst part is, I feel what they feel. The last time I read Phii Olin’s feelings, the killer of Phii Donat, it made me feel terrible for a whole day, making me realize how torturous guilt can be. Even though I’m not usually sensitive to such things, because Phii Olin was, I became sensitive too.

“So, can you look now? Is there anyone with me?” He got straight to the point. I wanted to look right away, but I didn’t want to leave my work. If I stopped, it would be hard to get back into the mood.

“Work first.”

“Okay.” He said, sounding somewhat displeased. I didn’t pay him more attention, focusing back on my work for nearly half an hour before thinking it was time for a break. I finished cutting the lines and decided to color tomorrow,

“Done?”

“Uh-huh.” I nodded, then reached to take off the bracelet from my left wrist. The familiar oppressive feeling surged in immediately, spirits wandering outside, someone crying by the road, three spirits fighting over offerings next to the shop.

“How is it?” He furrowed his brows asking.

In the city center like this, there are just too many.

“Describe your mother?” I asked because now in the shop, there were about two women wandering around, and I could feel them even downstairs. That’s why I don’t like taking off the bracelet. The person I was asking didn’t answer; he showed me a photo. I looked at it for a while, the woman seemed like a foreigner.    “There’s no one.”

“What?”

“There’s no…your mother here.” I answered truthfully, then took a deep breath and put the bracelet back on, feeling relieved because my sensitivity was too strong, making me uncomfortable every time I sensed them.

“Are you sure?”

“Uh-huh, I looked.” I said, but then I remembered something because I had only glanced around without much focus. But now thinking about it, what if his mother didn’t want to be seen? I took off the bracelet again, closed my eyes – I don’t do this often because it’s very exhausting, and I’ve never needed to concentrate so hard to find a ghost, but since I promised to help, I couldn’t just do it superficially.

It seems that my intent to look for her has caused the spirits’ waves to fluctuate, and they started to notice. Several tried to approach, but I ignored them. I sensed two or three more, but none of them were his mother.

I opened my eyes and put the bracelet back on, took a deep breath to regain my composure, feeling slightly breathless while shaking my head.

“You look pale as hell, what did you do?” He asked, raising his eyebrows in curiosity.

“Nothing, really. No one is following you.”    “Really?” He sighed.

“Hmm.” I answered with a nod, reaching for my glass of water to drink, feeling a bit drained after doing that.

“And what if she isn’t following me?”

“She might be following your father or be somewhere else. She could be anywhere, right?”

“Then we’d have to search every place she might go, but honestly, she can’t go to many places. Just with people or places she was attached to.” I said. Grandma Puangthong mentioned that the dead often stay with people, places, or whatever they were attached to when they were alive, and the most likely place would be where they died.

“Attached? Like places she liked to visit?”

“No, it’s like her home or where she used to live.”

“Home?”

“Hmm.”

“Ah.” He seemed to ponder for a moment before sighing, probably not wanting me to go to his house. Honestly, I didn’t want to go either, “Since we’ve come this far, you can help me a bit more, can’t you?”

“…”

“What does that silence mean?”

“Really, hmm…can I say no?”

“No.” He said. I sighed, having anticipated this. So, I nodded in agreement, “Are you free tomorrow?” He asked.

“No.”

“The day after tomorrow?”

“Class.”

“Saturday?”

“Should be possible.”

“Next Saturday, I’ll take you home.”    “Uh…uh-huh.” I answered like that.

Before getting up from the table to return to the dorm, I stepped outside to find that the rain hadn’t stopped and showed no signs of stopping.

“How did you get here?” The cigarette vendor walked out of the shop, stopped beside me, and asked.

“Motorcycle.”

“Are you going to ride back in the rain?”

“Yeah.”

“Want to go back with me?”

“…”

“As a thank you for helping me.”

“And my motorcycle?”

“Leave it here. It won’t disappear.”

“…”

“Up to you then.”

“Uh-huh. I’ll wait for the rain to stop.”

“Okay.” He shrugged indifferently before walking away from the shop area. I went back inside, ordered another drink, and continued working on my computer. Before I knew it, it was nearly midnight. Luckily, this branch was open 24 hours, the whole place and around it was quiet. I sat on the second floor, looking down at the street.

Since the rain had stopped, I decided to head back. I walked down to my own motorcycle and rode back to the dorm at about forty kilometers per hour. North always complained that I ride too slowly, which is true, because I don’t see the need to go fast. If I’m in a hurry, I just leave the dorm earlier than usual.    But North, he rides very fast, he claims to have been a biker in his youth. Even though he says it jokingly, it’s quite believable, North once took Phatcharamon for a wheelie. Phatcharamon is the name of my own motorcycle, a black Scoopy i, and Phatcharamon is an auspicious name for a woman born on Monday, because I, Dao, was born on a Monday. I haven’t fully paid it off yet, paying just a little each month because I use the money for Mr. Jeon and buying collectibles.

Thinking about Mr. Jeon makes me miss him; papa doesn’t have time to bring Mr. Jeon to see me.

“Let’s go, Phatch.” I said, gently stroking Phatcharamon’s head before starting the bike and slowly riding out to enjoy the night view of Chiang Mai. Actually, I’m not from here. I’m from Tak, don’t ask who, don’t play the same kind of prank as North. No.

It took a while to get to the room, unpack, and organize my things before taking a shower to prepare for rest. Phii Cream in the bathroom has become much calmer after we talked about Korean artists. If I have time, I’ll go to the Chinese temple to offer incense for Phii Cream so she can be a full-fledged fan, but I’m not really free at the moment.

From initially not being much of a fan, I had to follow information to tell Phii

Cream. Lately, I’ve even been forced to memorize fan chants. Whatever, it’s fun, if I can get tickets in time, I’ll go to next year’s concert. As I’ve said, I’ve been to many concerts, not just Korean artists. I think live music from artists is the best thing. So, I go even if sometimes it risks my eardrums bursting.

Phii Eng and Phii Prao still commit suicide every night as usual, but Phii Donat has left my room. It’s good because I was really annoyed by the sound of scratching nails. Honestly, about contacting spirits, Grandma Puangthong is very worried because it’s something that shouldn’t be done. If they have ill intentions, they can harm us easily because we consent to contact them, but I’ve seen that the spirits in my room don’t have any malicious intent.

Papa complains that I don’t take good care of myself, which might be true, I don’t know. I don’t care. I showered and prepared for bed, receiving a notification from LINE that someone had added me again. I checked it and was taken aback by the message I saw.

☁:Two more months

   ☁: I’ll be back in Thailand.

   ☁: Don’t block me.

   ☁: Even if you block, I’ll just make a new account.

   No profile picture, but I knew who it was from the Line name; the message made my heart sink.

What does it mean that in two months you’ll be back…

But I didn’t reply to his message, blocked him again. He can make as many new accounts as he wants, I’ll keep blocking them. It’s easier to block than to keep making new Line accounts.

‘Michael, are you okay?’

   “Okay.”

I know I’m not okay, this is the third Line account already.

“Uh-huh.”

‘Why does he do this, why does he come back, why does he try to contact me again?’

   “Exactly.”

‘Are you going to smoke again? You’ll get hooked again.’

   “I won’t get hooked, I’ve said I don’t like the smell of cigarettes.”

‘But Michael you said this smell is good.’

   “Uh-huh, this smell is good, I don’t know, maybe it’s foreign cigarettes, and they’re expensive too.” I said with a mocking smile.

‘Michael…’

   “I don’t know if he’ll really come back. It’s only two more months. What should

I do? Should I apply for a scholarship to get away?”

‘Yeah, run far away from him.’

   “Uh-huh.”

I can’t deny that my heart doesn’t beat fast because of him; it’s beating hard just thinking about his face and voice. I’ve told myself a million times to forget, but I can’t. Emma knows this well but doesn’t say it because I’ve promised not to go back. Promising Emma is not different from promising myself because Emma is part of my thoughts.

I thought I was getting better.

Until he came back.

Everything got messed up.

I lit up a cigarette after not smoking for several days. I didn’t want to get hooked again; I thought quitting for so long was a good sign, but here I am, needing it again. And this time, it’s an expensive foreign cigarette.

I walked out to the balcony and looked up at the moon. I blew out gray smoke to obscure its soft light, averting my gaze to look at something else.

I hate the moon because I once thought of him as my moon.

He used to be warm like the morning sun, soothing like R&B on a rainy day, sweet like caramel macchiato.

It’s funny…how much I used to love him.

Loved him to the point of blindness.

I exhaled smoke, drawing in the faint sweet scent again until the cigarette was finished, fearing I might be getting addicted because it seems like I already am, and I don’t like that at all. Whether it’s beer or cigarettes, it’s evidence that I still miss him, which is why I need those things.

I snuffed out the red glow of the cigarette, glancing into the darkness ahead. It’s good that the rain has stopped; otherwise, I would have sunk even deeper.

Maybe I can sleep now.

I told myself that before going back inside to flop down on the bed, tossing and turning for a long time without being able to sleep, so I got up to work until morning. The morning was spent napping after working all night. In the afternoon, after waking up, I left the room to do something else.

I got another tattoo after planning it for a while, a white hawk representing Dad. It took quite some time, but I got it done in one go. Now, the space on my arm is filled up even more.

Looking at my tattoo through the shop’s mirror, when asked if I liked it, I had to say yes, and importantly, I wanted to get more tattoos. It’s like getting more than you bargained for. I’ll choose the next design later. I took Phatcharamon out of the tattoo shop and just rode around because I didn’t know where to go. Eventually, we ended up at the mall to watch a movie I didn’t like, sitting through ninety minutes of boredom, almost falling asleep several times but managed to stay until the end.

When passing by a hair salon, I decided right then to dye my hair, asking for a color not many people have. After a while, my hair was turned blue; looking at myself in the mirror, it felt a bit strange but not bad. I’ve never had blue hair in my life. I paid and took Phatcharamon back to the dorm since it was getting late.    ‘Why did you choose this color?’ Emma asked immediately when I got back to my room, ‘You always do this when you’re off track.’

   “Really, I always do this when I’m off track?”

‘Not exactly, Michael, you do something unusual only when you can’t think of work, feel off track, or sometimes just want to do it, or maybe it’s not unusual for you anymore.’

   “Maybe it’s so unusual it’s become normal, do you think I’m unusual?”

‘Unusual, normal people don’t sleep in closets.’

   “Why not? The closet is dark and good.” I said, because in the morning, I slept in the closet due to the sunlight coming through the window. I didn’t have an eye mask, covering myself with a blanket made it hot, and other clothes slipped off with the slightest movement. So, to solve the problem, I decided to sleep in the closet. I like closets, I don’t know why. I just like them, can’t explain, but I like them.

‘Isn’t it hot?’

   “It’s hot, so I leave it slightly open, otherwise, I might suffocate to death.”    Today was the day I agreed with the cigarette vendor to go to his house. He commented a bit on my hair color, but I didn’t say much in response. It must be pretty noticeable, just as Emma said, people really do stare at me at university, and I don’t understand why; it’s just hair color that anyone can do with money, good scalp health, and hair quality.

He opened the door of the red sports car on the driver’s side. I stood there puzzled for a moment before opening the passenger side door and getting in, buckling my seatbelt. Soon after, the car took off quickly.

“Aren’t you too quiet?” He asked.

“Why?”

“Normally, people complain that I drive fast.”

“Uh-huh. You do drive fast.”

“Aren’t you scared?”

“No.” I answered, looking at the rapidly changing scenery outside. He was the fastest driver I’ve ever ridden with; I thought my dad drove fast, but the cigarette vendor…how should I describe him when I ride a motorcycle? I’ve cursed bad drivers in my mind before, and the cigarette vendor would be one of those terrible drivers I’d want to curse.

I wasn’t scared because my chance of dying was the same as his. If he dared to drive like this, it showed confidence in his driving skills, so there was nothing to be afraid of, or in another case, he wasn’t afraid to die, and neither was I.

In just a moment, we pulled into the driveway of a large house. I got out of the car once it stopped, following him into a modern-style luxurious house. I like this style of house; I’d like to design one myself someday. Should I find time to take some design classes?

“Direk, he’s here!” the man leading the way shouted. Soon, a tall man about his age, in casual clothes, looking to be in his early forties, came over. I knew his name was Direk, but I wasn’t sure if he was the father or someone else. He walked towards me, and I smiled and gave a respectful wai, he smiled back.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, do whatever you want.” The man named Direk responded.

“Let’s do it.” The cigarette vendor turned to me. I nodded slightly, took a deep breath, and removed my bracelet, doing what I did that day by focusing on Direk first, but no one was with him either. I shook my head gently, “No one with Direk either?”

“Call me properly, at least in front of others.” He grumbled in annoyance. I shook my head again for an answer. No one was with the person named Direk.

“Hey, you!” The cigarette seller got slapped on the head by someone named Direk, and he turned to me, annoyed.

“What should I do?”

“Try looking around.” I said before stepping out to search the area. Despite my best efforts, I didn’t find anyone who could be his mother, only other people. The cigarette seller followed me silently.

“Has your mother been here before?”

“Often.”

“What about her room?”

“Second floor.” He said before leading me to his mother’s bedroom. Inside, it was neat and clean as if someone was still living there, but I still found no one.

“No one here?”

“No.”

“Shit!!” He cursed, frustrated.

“Let’s check the whole house first.” I suggested. He took me around the house, but there was no sign of his mother. Looking out, I saw only a wandering spirit standing on the other side of the wall fence, unable to enter. When our eyes met, he looked back at me in surprise, probably puzzled that someone could perceive him.

He tried to climb over the wall to reach me but failed.

“Really not here? She loved this place, and came here all the time before.”    “No.” I said.

“Sigh.”

“Is this where you lived together?”

“No. We usually live in California; this is my father’s house, but she came here often.”

“Oh, she passed away in California, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Then she should be there.”

“…” He fell silent, his expression turning tense. “Let’s look here first.”    “Okay.” I answered, and he took me to check other places. We searched the living room, the balcony, the rooftop, every room in the house, and finally, the backyard garden. “…”

“What? What do you think?”

I went silent when I tried to use all my senses to the fullest, believe me, if they’re still here. No matter how weak the waves or the spiritual energy are, I will definitely find them. I’ve searched until now and I’m completely exhausted.

And then,

I sat down on a bench in the garden, in front of me was a pond and a flower garden. I closed my eyes and tried to focus as much as possible, but I found no one, just the scent of memories here. I can’t explain it but it warms my heart so much.

“She liked this place.”    “Huh?”

“Right, your mother?”

“Yeah, how did you know?”

“I can’t explain it, maybe it’s just a feeling, the warmth is still here.” I said with a tired voice. I’m so tired now, almost falling asleep, “Did you guys used to play here often?”

“Damn, you know a lot, don’t you?” He said, not too pleased, leaning against a nearby tree, “Just feelings remain, but no mother?”

“She’s not here.”

“Then what? Where else can I find her?”

“Where she passed away, there’s a possibility.”

“Do I have to go back to my hometown to search?”

“If you want my help, that’s probably the way.” I said before leaning back against the bench, my eyelids heavy, my throat dry, guessing that my face and lips must have gone pale by now.

“You seem to have used a lot of energy.” He said.

“Probably, I just need a little rest.”

“Want some water?”

“That’d be nice.” I answered before closing my eyes, feeling weak and still not controlling my senses well. I accidentally delved deep into the feelings of someone who just walked by in front of me.

What is this intense heartache?

   I clutched my chest when I felt my heart about to break.

   Why…is he so sad?

   From the outside, he doesn’t seem to have much going on, but inside, he’s in so much pain it’s indescribable.

   And in the garden where no one was, I cried because I felt the pain and heartbreak along with him.

   “Ugh…ugh.” I started to sob slightly before wiping my tears hastily, but they just kept flowing. I couldn’t stop myself from crying because this is why I didn’t want to read others’ emotions; I’d feel the same way as them.

I covered my face with my hands and let out a sob. Has he ever cried before? It was like a wound being pressed down. He probably never cried, never shared it with anyone, so the wound just kept getting deeper.

I’m not someone who cries easily. Not at all. I don’t understand why I can’t stop crying, even though it’s not my own issue.

People who never cry are those whose wounds have never been healed, poor things,’ Emma’s voice echoed in my head.

“Ugh, ugh…ugh.”

Sigh, damn, it’s not good to cry just because I feel sad for someone else.

   …

Arthit

   I poured some water into a glass, intending to give it to the boy who tried to help find my mother, though I wasn’t sure how it went. He looked like he had used up a lot of energy; his face was so pale that I thought he might faint. It must not be easy, this effort to sense spirits.

“Can you trust this guy?” Direk walked over, leaning against the kitchen counter, and asked me.

“Yeah. He was the one who helped with Don’s case last time.”

“Hmm. If we don’t find her this time, what will you do?”

“Give up.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s come to this.”

“Must we go to California?” Direk asked.

“Probably, it’s the most likely place for her to be.” I said. Even though the house in California belonged to me, Direk, and his mother. I didn’t want to take him there, but there was no choice.

“Well, do what makes you feel at peace.” Direk sighed, then glanced out the back window. “Is he crying?”

“Huh?” I raised my eyebrows in confusion and looked over. Indeed, the boy was sitting on the same bench, head down as if he was crying. That made me even more puzzled. What was wrong with him all of a sudden?

“What did you do to him?”

“I didn’t do anything.” I said, before taking a glass of water in hand and walking over to him. The person sitting on the bench rubbed his eyes vigorously, then looked up, “Crying?”

“Yeah.” He answered, taking the glass of water.

“What’s with you suddenly crying?”

“You.”

“Huh?”

“Because of you.”

“What?”

“Sorry.”

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Sorry, I accidentally read your feelings.”

“…” I fell silent, then remembered he had told me before that he could read the feelings of others that aren’t expressed. That made me instantly angry, because I didn’t like anyone knowing how I really felt. Didn’t I tell him not to read them?

“Who told you to mess with my feelings?”

“Didn’t mean to.”

“…” I let out a sigh, not feeling too pleased, trying to calm down. After all, he did come to help, it wouldn’t be good to scold him too much, “And why are you crying?”

“I felt it too.” He said softly, “Why are you so sad?”

“Am I that sad?”

“Yeah. I don’t cry often, this is the first time in years.”

“Crying for someone else, how stupid are you?”

“…”

“Looks like you’re cursing me in your mind.” I said when I saw the look he gave me.

“Yeah, I am.”

 

WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 6: Father – Son

   Direk

   I looked away from the documents in front of me when my phone rang.

[Little Sperm Calling]

   “What’s up?”

(Direk, the security won’t let me into the company.)

   “Oh, why?”

(I don’t know, is he new? He said he doesn’t know me.)

   “I’ll tell them right away.”

I hung up and immediately called my secretary.

(Yes, sir?)

   “My son is stuck at the front of the company, security won’t let him in, can you help?”

(I apologize, we have new security guards. I think they might not know

Khun Arthit. I’ll handle it.)

   “Uh-huh, and remind them too.”

(Yes, I’ll remind them, should I cut their salary?)

   “No need, I bet my son already gave them an earful.”

(Understood.)

   It didn’t take long for my good son to walk into my office. Looking at his appearance, it’s no wonder the security didn’t let him in. Look at how you’re dressed, a black tank top, shorts down to the knees, flip-flops, messy hair, tattoos all over your arms and legs, not even shaving like Jo.

“What the hell are you wearing?” I asked.

“Too lazy, what’s the problem with the chairman’s son? I told them I’m the chairman’s son, they didn’t believe me.”

“If I were security, I wouldn’t let you in either.” I said, finishing up some documents, then I walked out of the office with Arthit. I glanced at the secretary, who stood up immediately, “You’ve booked the restaurant I mentioned, right?”    “Yes.”

“I’ll probably come back to the company in the afternoon.”

“Yes, enjoy your meal.”

She bowed in respect. Me and Arthit walked out of the company. On the way, I kept glancing at him. For heaven’s sake, could you dress more appropriately, you’re the only son of the chairman.

   “Whose car are we taking?”

“Your car.”

“Direk, are you going to drive my car?”

“Shouldn’t you drive for me?”

“What’s this, thought I’d get the chairman to drive.” I sighed at his words. Arthit walked around to open the door and gestured for me to get in, why is he so annoying? I sat in the passenger seat, and he got into the driver’s seat, in a sports car worth almost thirty million, and looked at how you’re dressed.

“Next time you come to visit, dress properly.”

“Why?”

“Look at me.” I said, because for work, I was wearing a neat suit.

“Direk, do you want to change clothes, to match me?”

“Let me maintain my image, I’m the chairman after all. Even if I’m your dad.”

“Which restaurant then?”

“The one we went to last time.”

“Okay, Chairman.” Arthit said before starting the engine and driving off. Suddenly, the car accelerated, making my back hit the seat. I couldn’t help but reach over to slap his head, “Ouch! Direk, why hit my head?”

“Drive properly, damn you.”

“Complaining.”

“Arthit, this is not a race track.”

“Yeeees.” He dragged out his words in mock protest but did reduce the speed. Because our family has been in the car business for a long time, Arthit has been around cars since he was a kid, he loves this sort of thing a lot, and he’s good at driving too. Would it be too much to say I’m praising my own son? If he were to race, he wouldn’t lose. I’ve only seen him lose once when he raced against his friend named Johan, but the next time he won, they each won once, and they never raced against each other again.

It’s because last night, late at night, he called me. He seemed drunk. It’s not surprising at all, every time he gets drunk, he calls me, acting like I’m his ex.    Yeah, at first, I was his dad, then gradually became a friend. Now, I’ve become his ex-wife.

I; Direk has been everything to Arthit.

I’m Direk, Arthit’s father. I don’t know how I raised him to have this personality, but I can say one thing, he’s exactly like me when I was young, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, this damn apple won’t fall from me at all, it’s pretty much stuck there.

Because my father raised me like a friend, he’s his grandfather. So I raised it like a friend from childhood. I don’t know, I wanted to be a friend, wanted to be someone my child feels they can talk to about anything, tell me everything, share everything without hiding, I can handle anything from you and have never been disappointed in you because I didn’t expect anything from someone like you from the start.

I’ve raised my child with a lot of freedom. Look at him, he drinks alcohol, smokes cigarettes, sometimes I call only for him to say he’s busy with a girl. I just say, “Okay, call me back later.” Maybe because I was raised like that too, but I never neglected him to the point where he’d end up a drug addict or in jail. There were times when he was a bit rebellious, especially during his teenage years, but he would manage to pull through; he knew what was what.

Let him live his life, my duty is just to support and prepare him to fly. Once he can fly, let him fly, let him choose his own path in life as long as he doesn’t bother others. When I die, he’ll have a fortune to use. If he doesn’t want to earn more and my money runs out, then he’s on his own. Take care of yourself.

I told him, if I get old and you don’t want to take care of me, it’s fine, just give me enough money for my last days to look after myself. Because I believe if you raise your child well, they’ll never abandon you. Just look at Arthit now. I don’t want to say it, but he’s really attached to me, he’s so clingy when he’s drunk, calling me with “Direk, I’ve got a headache, help me, Direk, I’m drunk, Direk, I can’t get back to my room, Direk this, Direk that.”

   Last night, aside from the usual drunkenness, there was something else on his mind. When he spoke about his friend who was killed but is still here because his lifespan hasn’t ended, I realized he was thinking that his mother might still be around.

Because in his life, his heart broke only once, when his mother died, and he’s only prepared to break again once, when I die.

No matter how I raised him to be strong, no matter how rough Arthit might seem, he’s extremely sensitive when it comes to parents. It’s like he’s never given love to anyone but us in his whole life, friends are important to him, he loves his friends, but he’s very strong when it comes to others’ matters. When someone he knows dies, he’s sad, drinks a bit, but when it comes to his mother, he’s never been able to handle it. Just thinking about her almost kills him.

It’s not different from me.

Her matter is a forbidden topic between us.

We’ve never told each other how much it hurts. We never talk about her unless necessary. We turn our backs and cry in secret, but no one understands me better than him, and no one understands him better than I do.

Arthit cried when his mother died and at her funeral, he wouldn’t admit he cried, but it wasn’t sobbing, just a few tears that he wiped away. After that, he probably never cried again because he doesn’t cry and never expresses how much it hurts, so his wound has never been healed.

He’s not that weak; he’s strong to death, but this is the one exception.

He drove to the restaurant parking lot where I had my secretary reserve a spot.

“Why is the restaurant so quiet? Did Direk book the whole place again?”    “Yeah.” I answered before getting out of the car.

“For what?”

“Just because I’m rich.”

“Are we rich recently? This won’t do.”

“…” I knew what he was going to say next. It wouldn’t be less than three hundred thousand.

“Can I have four hundred thousand? I want to customize a new car.”

“Which one?”

“Lexus.”

“LC?”

“Yes.”

“What happened to the money you won from the last race?”

“Kept it in a safe.”

“Damn, instead of using your own money to customize the car, you choose to keep it and ask me for money.”

“Come on, I’ll return it after the next race.”

“You don’t need to race anymore, focus on your hospital ward duties.”    “What?” Arthit said, sounding annoyed. When he races at my track, that night becomes particularly lively, he’s the money-maker for the track. If he doesn’t show up often, it gets quiet, and people start asking for him. So, I’m torn about whether to let him race or not. Even though he’s good, it’s still dangerous.

It’s not often we get to have lunch together. When he was in high school, I would always come back to have dinner with him. At first, it wasn’t like this, but after his mother passed away, I had to spend a lot of time with him. No matter how busy I was, I had to drag myself back to eat dinner and listen to his stories every evening.    The gym teacher was very pretty and had big breasts, the PE teacher was old and always complaining, the girls from class three tried to flirt but he wasn’t interested because of their small breasts. In the evening, he got tackled while playing football, his knee scraped, the toilet in the math building had a weak water flow, he failed the Thai language exam again, a rival from class eight stared at him during lunch so he threw braised pork noodles at him, they fought in the cafeteria, the next day, the disciplinary teacher called for a meeting, go see the teacher but don’t apologize to his father, it would ruin my dignity, his school life was full of chaos.

When he went to university and lived in a condo, we saw each other less often. I’m busy with work, so we rarely have meals like this, probably because he’s studying hard too. He looks like Jo, studying to be a doctor, and look at your friends, Tonfah, you’re the last person in the world who should be friends with him.

We ordered food in a quiet restaurant, which I had reserved. I asked about his recent life, and heard that ward rounds were very annoying and he had already scolded several patients.

“Don’t scold them, you’re a doctor, man.”

“They’re just so demanding. There’s still a professor watching over us, but if I become a real doctor, I’ll definitely have to hit some patients. It’s either take your medicine or get a taste of the doctor’s foot, damn it.”

“I’m stressed about it. Will you specialize?”

“Nah, too lazy. What does Direk think?” He asked while poking at his steak.

“I think psychiatry might suit you.”

“Why?”

“Psychiatric patients meeting you would probably feel relieved; you’re crazier than they are.” My words made Arthit laugh so hard he almost choked.

“Yeah, but I heard Fah is interested in psychiatry.”

“He’s suited for it. Whatever Tonfah does as a doctor is good, but you, think carefully.”

“So, how am I different from Fah?”

“Wow, that’s the most shameless question.” I said, taking a bite of rice, shaking my head slightly in disgust, “Finish your studies first, I was really disappointed with your last semester’s grades. Don’t even mention an A, there wasn’t even a B to make me happy.”

“They say to do well to show your father.”

“Because you’re not good, you do well in grades instead.” I sighed again. Every time grades are released, he says the same thing, but I complain just to complain, wanting to try it out. A father must complain about his child’s grades, right? Otherwise, it wouldn’t be like other fathers. Though, to be honest, I’ve never been too serious about it. When I was studying, I got Fs pretty often too before I could graduate, damn it.

After finishing our meal, we prepared to go back. I had to go back to work.

“Direk, I’m going to get more tattoos.”

“Tattooing what?”

“I don’t know, I’ll let the shop choose.”

“Where are you going to get it?” I asked, because he already has a lot, but none are visible outside his clothes. When he got his first tattoo, I went with him, his first tattoo was on his chest, the words:

Direk’s son

   Yeah, whatever, do what makes you comfortable, tattoo whatever, you’re Direk’s son, can’t even curse at your father because I’d be cursing myself, so annoying.

“Right shoulder, maybe. What should I tattoo, Direk?”

“Just don’t tattoo my face.”

“Why not? Lots of people tattoo their father’s face.”

“Please, damn it. I don’t need to be with you all the time like that.”

“You’re stingy. Not even this.”

“Sigh.” I sighed because of his annoyance, now I understand how Dilak felt when I annoyed him. Dilak is my father, you know the whole family name now Dilak, Direk, right? After eating, we drove back to the company, “With traffic like this, will I make it back to the company by the afternoon?”

“Doesn’t look like it, why is there so much traffic?”

“Right?” I looked at the road ahead, packed with cars, no sign of moving.

“Do you have to go in the afternoon?”

“Yeah.”

“Call your secretary, tell her you’ll be late.”

“I guess I have to.” I called my secretary to say I’d be late due to traffic, but she said there wasn’t much work in the afternoon anyway, I could spend some time with my son since we haven’t seen each other in a while, she would clear the work and push it to tomorrow. So, I agreed, “There’s not much work in the afternoon, want to go out?”

“Are you inviting me out? I’m embarrassed, a date with Direk.”

“Turn the car back to the company.”

“Kidding, where are we going?”

“I don’t know. Normally, where do you go on days off?”

“On days off like this, I just drive around. I don’t know where I’m going, it might rain.”

“Yeah, okay.”

He turned the car from the congested road to another route, driving along, playing some old tunes in the car, and we chatted.

“Direk.”

“What?”

“Now that you’re forty-seven, how do you see life?”

“Why ask?”

“I don’t know, just thinking about it. I don’t want to get old.”

“I want to get old and die.” I said with a sigh, “There’s nothing special, maybe I’ve become more at peace with life. You, in your twenties, how’s it going? Do you feel like you’ve grown up?”

“Not at all, still rebellious as ever. No different from before, but maybe a little, can’t really say.” He shrugged, his eyes on the road ahead. As the road cleared, he drove faster.

“How so?”

“It feels so scary, getting old,” He said.

“Normal, you’re in a period of change, I guess.”

“Direk, are you immortal?”

“What the hell are you asking?”

“I don’t know, will you die before me? Can you wait for me to die first?”

“Are you crazy? I’ll die first, I’m old.”

“Not necessarily.”

“You’re talking nonsense, Arthit. Are you still not sober? Or is it because it’s going to rain?”

“It…” He sighed and spoke in a softer voice, “Change the song, damn it.” He said, because now the song had moved to “Father & Son.” I switched to another song because it seemed too much for him, as if the matter of his friend named Donat had more impact than expected. I didn’t want him to bring up his mother, so he didn’t, but believe me, he was thinking about it, trying to deny to himself that it couldn’t be true.

He wanted to believe that his mother was still by his side.

But he knew it was impossible.

“I think the song is good. It’s not time to make a change, just relax, take it easy, you’re still young.”

“Yeah, I know, sigh. I damn well don’t like this.”

“I won’t die.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, you’ll die before me. Or if I’m going to die, I’ll send someone to take you out first, okay?”

“That would be nice.” Said Arthit. I don’t know why, but I smiled a bit. I wasn’t being serious, but he really wanted it that way; he wasn’t ready to break down again, “Enough, damn it, because of that bastard Donat, you are still annoying me, huh? Can I kill him again? It’s so annoying.”

He complained in frustration. That’s how it is when something affects him, but it only lasts for a moment. In just a few days, he’ll be back to normal, give him some time, he’s not like this often.

If you ask if he has anyone other than me, well, like I said, he has friends, but if you’re talking about a lover, I think it’s unlikely. Partly because of his damn personality, he loves freedom, hates being tied down. Also, he probably doesn’t want to feel pain again, so he doesn’t open his heart to anyone, he doesn’t believe in love, doesn’t get into having someone.

Sigh, my dear, our son doesn’t believe in love at all, or maybe it’s because of us. Because when you died, I almost died too, which might have made our son not want to fall in love. Is that how it is?

After a while, the rain started to fall. Arthit likes to drive around when he’s upset or bored; he keeps driving until he feels better. He once drove all the way to the sea, imagine that.

When I heard about his friend named Donat, I didn’t think his mother was still around because she didn’t die from an accident or murder; she died of cancer when Arthit was fifteen, turning sixteen. At that time, I went to every church, temple, sought priests, monks, fortune tellers, shamans, everywhere I thought I could make contact with spirits, but they all said the same thing, she had passed on, her time was up.

I told Arthit about this, and we understood that even if his friend might still be around because his time hadn’t come, his mother’s time had.

His mother is at peace now, and we are the ones left to carry on.

To be honest, if you think this is sad, it’s not sad enough. There’s a little more to it. Not many people know that Arthit is half-Thai, his mother was from California. We lived in California until she passed away. Both of us moved back to Thailand because we agreed we didn’t want to stay in a place filled with memories of his mother; it was too painful for him.

Arthit moved to Thailand to study when he was sixteen. I spoke Thai to him from when he was young, so he could speak it, and not long after living here, he was fluent, even too fluent, using Thai slang in ways that even native Thais would be embarrassed by.

He studied medicine because of his mother; she was sick since he was little, and as a child, he promised her he’d become a doctor to cure her. Sadly, she died before he could even start studying medicine.

It’s sad when you think about it.

He’s the kind of bastard who’s wounded.

At the end of the year, we always go back to California to celebrate Christmas because it’s our last memory of celebrating Christmas together as a family of three, before his mother died on January third. Since the end of the year marks the anniversary of her death, we stay together until the New Year’s period is over before returning. Therefore, whether it’s me or Arthit, no one is allowed to contact us during that time.

Arthit’s friends know this. They’ve agreed that if Arthit doesn’t return to Thailand, they should only contact him after January tenth.

This is the whole story of Arthit, a fourth-year medical student, but let’s clarify again, he’s not someone who wallows in sadness. Understand that he has his wounds, everyone has their sad stories, it’s about how we deal with them. Arthit has his own way, but when he acts like a jerk, it’s not to cover up anything. He’s just a jerk with wounds.

Moreover, he doesn’t like anyone feeling sorry for him. He hates it when people try to coddle him, especially when they think he’s weak. So don’t do that at all. He’s just an ordinary person who’s strong but has his sensitive moments. Just leave him be; he’ll get better on his own. Don’t coddle him unless you want a black eye.    I let him drive on, nearly thirty minutes passed, and it seemed he was feeling better. I told you, he would get better. Just give him some time; he can handle himself. So I started a conversation.

“Hey, Arthit.”

“What?”

“Are you going to get married?”

“Wait, why ask that out of the blue?”

“The daughter of the president of NTY Group, she likes you.” I said.

“Direk, are you going to arrange a marriage for me?”

“Yeah, arrange it.”

“Arrange what?” Arthit asked, laughing along with me, “Are her boobs big?”    “Why does it have to be big boobs? You should ask about her looks, her personality.”

“Big boobs can make up for everything.”

“Such a cliché.”

“Fine, give her my LINE, I’ll talk to her first.”

“Are you serious?”

“No, just kidding.”

“Damn.” I shook my head before laughing, “You can’t go tricking the daughter of the president of our business partner, just get married, can you? She’s rich, you know.”

“How rich?”

“Johan kind of rich.”

“No way, really? With that much money coming my way?”

“No drama like fathers forcing marriage for business like others?” I said, but saying she’s as rich as Johan was a joke. Not that rich, just saying.

“Why the drama? Money’s good, isn’t it? But do we have to get married right away? Can’t we just see each other?”

“You only think about one thing, huh? Is that all you have in your head?”

“I think about money too.”

“I feel sorry for her, I’ll tell her my son isn’t good enough for her daughter, this is better.”

“Really? Will I look like an asshole?”

“You can’t look any more like an asshole than you already do.” I said, and Arthit laughed again. Seriously, I was joking, her daughter seems to really like Arthit, but I wouldn’t force him into marriage. Apart from him tricking her all day, he doesn’t seem to take anyone seriously. If he ever gets into a serious relationship, I’ll go bow to her parents and give them all the dowry, like, take my son as your son-inlaw, just imagine that day coming.

Joking, I won’t bow, just appreciate it in my heart.

“And all your friends have partners now?” I asked.

“Friends from med school? Yeah, they’re all taken, forget about friends, they’ll fly high.”

“Don’t you feel anything being the only single one?”

“Not really, but I feel a bit left out. Johan doesn’t hang out with us anymore, he just follows North around. I’m so bored.” Arthit said, sounding annoyed.

“Even a playboy like Johan can settle down. I can’t believe it.”

“I guess it’s his first love.”

“Romantic, like something out of a novel.”

“Yeah, too novel-like, it’s sickening.”

“You might be the hero of a novel yourself, with sweet, profound love.”

“I’d rather be a porn star.”

“Yeah, but I for one won’t watch if you’re in it.”

“Why? My performance would be epic.”

“Watch porn with my son acting in it? What kind of father would I be?”

“Don’t be so petty, Direk.” Arthit responded dismissively, not caring much, “And Direk, have you ever thought about having a new wife? I saw you sneaking peeks at the secretary’s chest.”    “Hold on, I wasn’t looking.”

“Come on, I saw you, pretending to be all stern but sneakily looking.”

“Don’t slander me, could you handle it if I got a new wife?”

“Hmph. No, if you want me to go crazy, go ahead.”

“Are you jealous, Arthit?” I teased, and he looked back at me with an annoyed expression, sighed as if to ask why I was teasing him. But because Arthit rarely shows such emotions, it was fun to tease him, “Poor you. Without me, you’d have no one, and whether your friends want to date you, who knows.”

“I don’t want to date them either.”

“Don’t say that, you should thank Tonfah and Hill a lot, go offer jasmine flowers to their feet when you graduate.”

“Does it have to be that much?”

“What about the boyfriends of those two? I only know North, you never talk about Hill’s or Tonfah’s partners.”

“I don’t know. I am not as close as with North, because they’re not as vulgar as

North, so I don’t really want to talk to them, afraid of catching their bad vibes.” Arthit said. I couldn’t help but laugh at the image, my son not wanting to talk to his friends’ partners because he’s afraid of catching their bad vibes, “They seem like they’re from another world. I don’t want to get involved. I even pretend I’m not me when I talk to those two’s partners.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, if I act like myself, I’ll get scolded by those two husbands.”    We kept chatting casually until evening, then turned the car around, and he dropped me off at home. I don’t know how, but I felt a lot more at ease because he seemed fine. The issue with his friend, Donat, was settled since Arthit won’t get hurt in the same way again. Like last night, he was overthinking because Donat was still around, but if he’s feeling better, he won’t overthink about Donat anymore. I hope nothing else will trigger him. Even though he heals quickly, no father wants to see their child hurt.

“Drive carefully, the road isn’t a race track.”

“I know, you keep repeating it.”

“Yeah.” I closed the car door, and it drove off, and then he damn well did a drift show at the house exit, like he was being annoying. I had just warned him to drive properly.    …

   Arthit

   I returned to my room after spending the afternoon driving around with Direk, honestly, I felt much better. It’s good to move on from the Donat thing, and to move on from thinking that my mother might still be around, what’s the point?

Direk already looked everywhere. I finally managed to shake that off my mind.

But first, I’ll curse at Donat and Meen, they’re so annoying.

Several days passed after that, she moved into the condo, and the semester started for other faculties. I was busy with ward rounds as usual. No time for drinking or racing, just studying, coming back tired, playing games, and sleeping. The noise from next door had lessened, probably because that kid had talked to them. I felt much more at ease.

Yeah, that kid is useful after all.

Donat should finally get his basil fried rice, and Meen doesn’t seem to have any issues, she’s back to studying as usual. I see her sometimes when we go out because our rooms are opposite each other.

Nothing much, just the same boring life.

Today it’s raining because it’s the rainy season. I don’t mind the rain; I don’t find it annoying. Standing in the rain isn’t a problem, and it seems the wind is strong today too. I went out to smoke on the balcony as usual, and just like the other day, I saw the same kid from the next room standing there.

The last time I was out smoking, he didn’t come out to sip beer like that day, I only saw him today.

Many times.

He looked at me and took out his wallet.

“Cigarette, how much?”

“A hundred each.”

He didn’t say anything, just handed me a hundred. I gave him a cigarette and let him borrow my lighter. I wasn’t overcharging; imported cigarettes are expensive like this.

“Nice lighter.”

“Yeah.”

“How much?”

“Are you going to buy everything?”

“Uh, how much?”

“Two thousand.”

“Give me the account number, I don’t have enough cash.”

“Yeah, can you do PromptPay?”

“Send me the number.” He said. I gave him my number to transfer the money using the phone number instead, since I couldn’t remember my account number. Who memorizes their own account number anyway? After a while, two thousand came in. I handed over the lighter I had just bought. I bought it for two thousand two hundred, used it a bit, so I discounted it to two thousand.

“Are you going to smoke seriously?” I asked, because seeing he didn’t have a lighter, I thought he didn’t smoke much usually.

“I don’t know.”

“A Seven Eleven lighter is just a few baht.”

“This one has a nice design.”

“Two thousand and you’re not complaining?”

“I like it.”

“Uh-huh.”

That’s all we said before we continued smoking on the balcony, facing a curtain of heavy rain. Last time, there were too many things to think about, so I didn’t question it, but now, looking at it, the person standing here smoking doesn’t seem quite normal. Last time, he was out in the rain too.

   But whatever. It’s not my business.

   I finished my cigarette and was about to walk back into the room when I heard the kid next door say something that made me stop in my tracks unexpectedly.    “Sorry.”

“…”

Is he talking to me?

   I turned to look, confused, but he didn’t look back at me.

   “No, he doesn’t miss.”    What’s going on…

   “Actually, it just feels…relieved. Good. He is not attached.”    Who is he talking to?

   A ghost? Yeah, that kid can see ghosts. He must be talking to someone in the room.

   “Emma, stop complaining.”    Emma?

“Emma, since when have you been this whiny?” He said. I walked back into my room and closed the balcony door, my heart starting to beat harder. I sat on the bed and put my hand to my forehead, frowning without realizing it.

Emma…

   My hands started to get cold and shake, I felt nauseous, my heart beating faster than ever before.

I immediately called Direk.

(What’s up?)

   “Direk, Direk.”

(What, why are you so excited?)

   “Direk, Emma.”

(…Arthit)

   “The kid next door can talk to ghosts, he was talking to Emma. I heard him call her name.”

(Arthit, I’m not joking.)

   “I’m not joking, Direk, Emma is still here, mom is still here.”

(…)

   

       WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 5: Cigarette – Beer

   Daotok

   After the case of Phii Meen and Phii Donat ended so easily, I have to say I was very disappointed. I was all excited, thinking I’d be dealing with some international drug trafficking case, a family fortune murder, or some dirty behindthe-scenes organization event. Or even just some frame-up like in the series.    I even told my papa that if I got involved in such a big case and had to risk my life, I wouldn’t let them trace it back to him under any circumstances. My dad and papa would have to be safe, along with Grandma Puangthong, and my last instruction was to use all my savings to take care of Mr. Jeon without any shortfall.

   When I told my papa, my dad said he was used to it, this is how I  always am. Uh-huh, that’s just how it is. I shouldn’t have expected so much from the start, sigh.

   ‘Dao, I’m sorry.’

   “…”

‘I thought wrong? Sorry that I was killed, sorry that it’s not related to international drug trafficking, sorry that your case isn’t exciting!’

   “Sigh.”

‘Don’t look at me like that!’

   “Phii Donat.” I called out softly, slightly surprised that everything was resolved but he still hadn’t left, and even more surprising was how our spirits seemed to resonate well with each other. I mean, I could see him walking around the room without taking off my bracelet, and we could talk easily now.

‘What?’

   “Quiet, please.”

‘…Okay.’

   Phii Donat made a downcast face and went back to sitting silently on the bed. I didn’t want to talk to him anymore; I’ll talk when he feels better. I followed up on that case for a while until I found out that Phii Orlin turned herself in and confessed everything. Meen also took legal action to seek justice and compensation. After nearly a week passed, I didn’t follow up on how things turned out.

‘Dao’

   “…”

‘I’m scared.’

   “…”

   ‘I’m scared that I might disappear, after all, I’m already a ghost. How can a ghost and a person love each other?’

   “Okay.”

‘Comfort me a little.’

   “…”

‘Someone’s coming.’

   “?”

‘Damn, damn, damn.’ Phii Donat seemed flustered before disappearing. I looked around, confused, trying to find him but he seemed intentionally not to appear.

After a while, there was a knock on my door.

I peeked through the peephole, and I was a bit surprised to see who was standing there.

Meen?

“What’s up?”

“Okay.”

“Is Donat still here?” That was the first thing Meen asked. Meen looked different from the last time I saw her a few days ago, from the rather haggard look she had in prison. Meen had put on a lot of makeup, her hair was styled in blonde curls, wearing a crop top and jeans, with a tattoo on her stomach, and her nails, which I assumed were fake, nearly poked my eyes when she raised her hand to fix her hair.

Wow.

   So cool…

   “Ah…” I was slightly taken aback, turned to look in the room, saw Phii Donat hiding behind the fridge, looking at Phii Meen as if he was about to cry, shaking his head slightly, signaling me not to tell. I furrowed my brows a bit but complied, “He’s not here anymore.”

“Huh?”

“…”

“He’s gone to heaven?”

“Not exactly, but he’s not here now.”

“Damn, I mean, I’m not scolding you, I’m scolding him.” Phii Meen said as she walked in, scanning the room with her eyes. I wasn’t sure if Phii Meen could see him because Phii Donat was already crying, “I just came back from making merit, the monk said you’re still here. Show yourself, damn it.”

‘…Hic.’

   “Quick.”

‘I miss you.’

   Phii Donat let out a sob before walking over to embrace Phii Meen, but she seemed unaware, probably because she didn’t have the ability to sense him, so she couldn’t see or feel.

‘I miss…you.’

   “What the hell, I feel so uncomfortable, is he hugging me?” Phii Meen turned to ask me. I nodded slightly in response. Phii Meen reached out to hug back, but her hands only met the air, “Is this how it works?”

‘You…Meen, what the hell is that perfume, it’s so strong!’

   “Did he say anything?”

“Uh…he said, your perfume smells awful.”

“Damn, is that the first thing you say to me? It’s not perfume, it’s your dad’s corpse juice.”

‘Cruel. Don’t you love me anymore?’

   “He said you’re cruel. Don’t you love him anymore?”

“I love you, miss you like hell. I put Olin in jail, and almost slapped her in court.

She’s gonna get wrecked in there, my kids are all over the prison.”    ‘You’ve only been out for a bit, and you already have connections in the prison?’

   “Phii Donat asked if you’ve already become the prison boss just for a moment.”    “When I got out, I even made plans to drink with the guards.” Meen said, laughing, “Donat, I went to make merit, and it’s frustrating, damn you, you died, and you’re not warm like before.”

‘…’

   “Did he say anything?”

“He didn’t say anything, but he’s not hugging you anymore.” I said, because Meen’s words made Phii Donat release his embrace and go silent.

“Hug me again. Even if you’ve been with someone who embalmed your father

like this.”

‘I doesn’t want to hug you anymore.’

   “He said he doesn’t want to hug anymore.” I said. Meen laughed but also wiped her tears.

“Kidding, hug me, I want to hug you.” Phii Donat hugged Meen again, this time it seemed tighter than before, “I love you, damn, I love you so much, do you remember when you were a nerd and chased after me?”

‘Yeah, I remember, dear.’

   “He said he remembers, dear.”

“So funny, you have no shame, I was the queen of the third floor, you were such a dork to chase after me, and I was stupid enough to agree to date you, when those bastards ganged up on you, I was the one who went to beat them up for you.”

‘Don’t bring that up, it’s embarrassing.’

   “He said don’t bring that up, it’s embarrassing.” Meen started crying and laughing through her tears. I wanted to leave and let them be together, but I had to stay to communicate with them.

“Uh…may I interrupt for a moment?” I spoke up when I remembered something, both of them turned to look at me at the same time, “Just a moment.” I took out my phone and called Grandma Puangthong, stepping out to the balcony to talk.

(What’s up, grandson?)

   “Grandma Puangthong.”

(Hmm?)

   “Is there a way for someone without sensitivity to talk to ghosts?”

(Why talk to them? It goes against nature.)

   “…Grandma Puangthong. I’ve already talked to them several times, we’re almost close friends.”

(Oh, huh, is this how you talk to them? I  don’t know, try searching, there’s…something, I’ll Google something.)

   “…Can you really search for it? Does it work?”

(I  don’t know, just try it.)

   “Yes.” I talked with Grandma a bit more before hanging up. In the end, I had to search Google anyway. There were plenty of methods to see ghosts. I tried discussing this with Phii Meen. It was evening now, and one of the methods seemed to work; Phii Meen saw Phii Donat and cried even harder than before. I packed up my work stuff and left the room, leaving those two alone together, and decided to work at the coffee shop instead.

After nearly three hours, I returned to the room to find Phii Meen still talking to Phii Donat as before. When I opened the door, both turned to look at me immediately.

“Sorry, got carried away, I’ll be back soon.”

‘Are you leaving already?’

   “Don’t be so clingy, I’ll move back in a couple of days.”

‘Uh-huh.’

   “Why are you acting so sad?” Phii Meen scolded a bit, still holding an umbrella in her hand. The internet said that opening an umbrella inside can help see ghosts, and it seemed to work. After a brief goodbye, Phii Meen left the room, leaving only Phii Donat looking downcast.

‘Dao.’

   “Yes?”

‘I’m scared.’

   “?”

‘I’m scared I’ll disappear.’

   “Oh.”

‘Initially, I thought I was still here because I had concerns, but now those concerns are gone. When will I disappear?’

   “You won’t disappear.” I answered in my usual soft tone, putting my bag down and placing my things on the table, “Phii Donat,you  aren’t here just because of concerns; it’s also because of your lifespan.”

“Really?”

“Yes, you didn’t commit suicide, so you don’t have to repeat anything like Phii Praow and Phii Eng. But since you were killed like Phii Cream, Phii Cream also hasn’t gone anywhere because her lifespan hasn’t ended either.”

“Oh…really? But…would it be good if I’m around?”

“Why?”

‘A human and a ghost, Dao, Meen seems so happy, she even wants to move back in with me, but would that be good? I don’t have a physical form, I should let Meen find a real person who can take care of her, right?’ Phii Donat looked highly troubled. I guessed this was why Phii Donat didn’t dare to meet Meen at first.

“I don’t know.” I replied, turning back to my things, “Is Meen the type who needs someone to take care of her?”

‘No, being together, she can take care of me.’

   “Doesn’t Phii Meen still want to take care of you?”

‘…’

   “Phii Meen has made her decision.”

‘Hmm, thank you, Dao, I feel much more at ease.’

   “Okay.” I nodded slightly.

From the people around me that I’ve encountered, whether it’s Meen or other friends, it has made me view love a bit more positively. Honestly, it’s like this; there’s both good and bad. If you find good love, it’s good, but we never know if the love we encounter is good or not. By the time we realize, we can’t go back.

‘Michael you misses him.’

“Don’t.” I interjected immediately when Emma appeared standing beside me.

Phii Donat seemed surprised to hear me speak.

‘Who are you talking to, Nong Dao?’

   ‘Michael you  are hurting.’

   “Not anymore.”

“Dao, who are you talking to, another ghost? Why can’t I see anyone?”

‘Why is Donat talking so much?’ Emma said, but Phii Donat couldn’t see her.

Of course, Phii Donat is a ghost, but Emma is a friend in my mind, ‘I feel bad.’

   “Why?”

‘Dao, who are you talking to, I’m scared now.’ Phii Donat started to fuss.

‘He just contacted you, didn’t he?’ Emma said.

“Whatever. I’ve blocked him.”

‘Uh, don’t go back.’

   “Uh.”

‘Promise.’

   “Promise.” I made a promise with Emma, while Phii Donat looked confused nearby.

   ‘What kind of promise? Who are you talking to, Dao?’

   …

Arthit

   I glanced at Meen, who was dancing not far away, feeling that she was really going all out tonight. Just look at her shirt, the way she’s dancing is so seductive, everyone around here is getting hard, it’s a mess of lust. And do I look? Why not, with that waist, I’m jealous of you, Donat.

After a while, she, having danced until she was tired, came back to the table, poured some liquor into her glass, and drank.

“Meen.”

“What? You’re calling out with such a hoarse voice, do you want me?”

“Take it easy, damn it, what if I get dizzy?”

“Fine, then I’ll have a doctor for a husband.”

“And what would I have for a wife? Someone like this?”

“Damn, I’m out.” She looked at me with a bored expression, leaning back on the sofa.

“How did talking with Donat go?”

“It was fine. I’ll move into the room opposite, I’ve talked to the owner.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“Yeah, I’ve thought it through.” The person on the small sofa next to me sighed, just the two of us drinking, we looked like a husband and wife. She said she didn’t want to invite too many people, it would be too chaotic, she invited the kid next door, but he didn’t come, “Nong Dao said Donat’s still here because his lifespan hasn’t ended, so I’ll stay with him until it does.”

“What if his lifespan ends next month?”

“Then he’ll stay, damn it.” She laughed a little, “Anyway, I’m not sad, I’ve thought it through. Even though I’ll miss him, I feel like I really have him, you know, we can talk, even touch each other.”

“You can touch?”

“Yeah. Like how a ghost touches you, have you ever been haunted?”

“Yeah.” I nodded slightly and lifted my glass to my lips again.

“And you did the ghostly hanky panky with him?”

“Donat talked about it?”

“Yeah.” Meen covered her mouth, trying not to laugh, “I’m shocked, Arthit, what is this, but honestly, I think that female ghost isn’t nice. If it were me, I would have pounced.”

“Damn.” I burst out laughing, “Just like that, huh? You look hungry, did you manage to jerk him off?”

“Yeah, but not every time, I guess I need to do a lot more merit for him, maybe because we’re connected.”

“If you can touch him, that’s easy, welcome to the ‘Ghost Gropping People’ show.”

“No, isn’t this ‘Ghosts Catching People’?”

“Yeah, but can humans and ghosts do it? This world, man.” I shook my head gently, trying to imagine it. Anything could happen if it were me; my life is full of strange things, so it wouldn’t be too surprising to meet ghost catchers, “If your lifespan isn’t up yet, you’re still around, right?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Nothing.” I dismissed it before we could talk further, suddenly a guy walked up to Meen.

“Meen, it’s been a while.”

“Yeah, I was in prison.”

“…” He was taken aback by Meen’s harsh words, “Sorry about Donat.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Meen, do we still have a chance?”

“No, yours is too small.”

“…” His face began to pale, looking unsure of what to do. I couldn’t hold back my laughter, damn Meen, sometimes you’re too direct, “Laughing at what?” He turned to curse at me out of embarrassment.

“Laughing at you.” I replied.

“Looking for trouble?”

“And if I say yes?” I raised my eyebrows defiantly.

“Don’t mess with my friend, get lost, go away.”

“…Meen.”

“Get lost, bastard. Or my friends will kick your ass, Arthit is fierce, man.”    “Ask me, huh?” I asked back while still laughing. That guy walked away helplessly, “Meen, you’re damn cruel, humiliating him by saying he’s small.

That’s got to be the most insulting thing to a man’s pride.”

“Why? It’s true that it’s small.”

“How did you see it?”

“He’s a friend of my friend. We went drinking, and he got drunk and said he liked me, I rejected him, and he tried to force himself on me.”

“Damn, really? And then what?”

“Nothing much, I hit him hard enough to make his head split. He still came back looking for another chance, how shameless can you be? Small and still talks a lot, damn bastard.”

“Damn.” I burst out laughing again, “Why, what’s wrong with being small?

People discriminate by gender, by race, and now size too? It’s hard to live.”    “You saying this means you’re small, I can tell.” Meen teased, giving me a mocking look. I immediately furrowed my brows; this was something I couldn’t admit.

“Try me then, you’ll be surprised, just saying.”

“Oh my.” Meen’s eyes widened, “I want to see that, Phii.”

“Meen, I’m getting hard.”

“Cool down, friend, you get hard too easily, like something’s missing.”

“Wow, I barely had time to drink.”

“Poor thing, doesn’t it bother your other friends?”

“Bother what? They all have wives.”

“Find one for yourself, a wife, seriously. Right now, there are only people eyeing you, go for it seriously.”

“No.”

“Come on, why?”

“Not interested.”

“Not interested in love?”

“Yeah, I’m more interested in buying drinks.” I said, which made her laugh before we clink our glasses and continued drinking. We chatted casually until it was time to go home, and we parted ways. Meen, who wasn’t too drunk, drove me back because I was completely wasted again tonight.

I walked back to my room, rummaged for my keycard, and opened the door. Luckily, today the keycard didn’t get lost because if it did, I’d have to go down and ask that management guy again, we almost came to blows.

I took off my shirt and flopped onto the bed. After a while, feeling nauseous, I got up to vomit in the bathroom, my mind on the drinking session I had just had with Meen.

Damn Meen is so lucky, even though Donat is already dead.

I came out, grabbed my phone, and made a call. It was past two in the morning; others might get drunk and call their ex, but when I’m drunk, I call Direk. After waiting a bit, Direk answered with a groggy, slightly annoyed voice.

(Someone was about to sleep, you bastard.)

   “Direk.”

(What do you want?)

   “Direk.”

(You call me every time you get drunk, you treat me like I’m your ex-wife.)

   “First, you were my dad, then a friend, now you’re my ex-wife?”

(Funny, you bastard, what else do you want?)

   “Nothing, just missed you.”

(You…okay?)

   “Okay, okay, just a bit messy from being drunk, my mind’s all over the place now.” I said, forcing out a laugh, hearing Direk sigh deeply before speaking with concern.

(I’ll come see you tomorrow.)

   “Come see what? Don’t you have work? Your company’s about to go bankrupt, isn’t it?”

(With that mouth of yours, you shouldn’t have been my strongest sperm.)

   “Direk, I told you not to say that, it’s so damn embarrassing.”

(Why, little sperm?)

   “Damn, so damn annoying, bastard. Which kid gets called ‘little sperm’ by their dad like me?” I held my head. Nothing’s more annoying than being called ‘little sperm’ by your dad, and the issue is Direk remembers to call me ‘little sperm’ too, damn, even my dad is like this.

(Well, it’s the truth, isn’t it?) Direk said, barely holding back his laughter,

(What happened?)

   “What?”

(What happened?)

   “Remember Donat who was killed? He’s no longer worried, but he’s still here because his lifespan hasn’t ended.” I said with a hoarse voice, sitting at the edge of the bed, holding my head, in a dimly lit room with only the moonlight shining through, it seemed like it was going to rain.

(Yeah, I understand.)

   “Direk.”

(Don’t say it.)

   “I know I shouldn’t say it, but it’s impossible, damn, sorry, I’m drunk.”

(Forget it, just go to sleep.)

   “Will you really come tomorrow?”

(Yeah, let’s eat together.)

   “Aren’t you working?”

“I’ll come to your company then.”

(Okay, come around 11:30, do you want to go to church?)

   “No, no.”

(Alright, I’ll go back to sleep, I’ve got a meeting tomorrow.)

   “K.” I hung up on Direk, tossed my phone onto the bed, and sighed. The alcohol and the matter of Donat had me all stirred up. I tried to shut down all those feelings, then went out to the balcony without a shirt, just in jeans, and lit up a cigarette.

It seemed like it was going to rain pretty hard. I stood inside the balcony where the rain couldn’t reach, looking up at the moon, the gray smoke from my cigarette drifting by.

   Damn.

   Ugh.

   It hurts like hell.

   I’m missing her so much.

   I shouldn’t have called Direk and talked about this, will Direk be able to sleep now?

   Before I glanced sideways to see the person from the next room, already standing on the balcony, leaning against it in the rain, completely soaked, and still drinking a can of beer.

   He turned to look at me.

   We made eye contact for just a moment before looking away because there was nothing interesting.

   “Give me one.” He spoke amidst the pounding rain.

“What?”

“A cigarette.”

“No.”

“I will trade for beer.”

“I just drank.”

“But it looks like you want more.”

“Yeah, give me one can then.” I agreed easily because a can of beer now wouldn’t be bad either. I walked over to hand him a cigarette. He took it and gave me a beer in exchange, putting the cigarette in his mouth. I offered him my lighter, he lit the cigarette and returned the lighter.

He didn’t look like someone who smoked or drank beer, but you can’t judge by appearances, he was completely wet from standing in the rain where it was pouring down. My eyes caught a glimpse of a tattoo on his arm.

“This cigarette, this smell…”

“Imported.”

“I want to trade more.”

“Yeah, we’ll see.”

That’s all we said before he smoked until the cigarette was finished. I drank the can of beer until it was empty, then we went back to our rooms.

 

WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 4: Pisces

   Daotok

   I looked away from the horror movie in front of me to the door after hearing a knock, paused the movie, and walked over to peek through the peephole.

Again…?

I slowly opened the door, my eyes scanning the drunk neighbor from next door.

“You, help me out a bit.”

“No.” I immediately answered, closing the door without waiting for him to say more. He seemed taken aback, not expecting that.

I went back to watching my movie when I heard another knock. I put on my headphones to block out the noise because I’ve been working a lot lately, making me need some rest. Today was supposed to be my day off, and I didn’t want anyone to disturb me much.

‘I usually don’t want anyone to disturb me anyway,’ Emma’s voice echoed in my mind. I didn’t turn to see what she was doing. I didn’t reply because I was watching a movie.

I love watching horror movies, horror, mystery thrillers, movies with strange plots or cool plots; they give me new ideas, which is good, but I don’t like the torture genre much. I’m not a fan of romantic movies because they’re boring, action movies are okay.

Now I’m watching a ghost movie, really focusing on it. Me and North exchange a lot of horror or thriller movies because North likes watching scary movies even though he’s very scared. If you ask me, the way to not be scared while watching horror movies is to look at the behind-the-scenes footage. Check out the cast list. Look at the makeup and set design. I’ve suggested this to North, but he said it ruins the immersion.

And for me, the way to not be afraid of ghosts is to encounter them often; you’ll get used to it. But my grandmother once said that most people are scared because they fear ghosts might harm them or want to take them away. If they want to take you away, the simple solution is not to be too good; act bad, and no one would want to live with you.

But if they mean harm, I don’t know either because last night Phii Donat almost pulled me off the bed, and I got scratched on the neck by the ghost in the bathroom. But I’m okay, nothing serious. If it gets really painful, I’ll go consult with Grandma Puangthong, my grandmother.

I watched the ghost in the movie closely; it’s scary in films, but in real life, it’s not that scary. Or maybe because the ghosts in my room aren’t that terrifying. The one in the bathroom is probably the scariest because he was murdered, but Phii Donat was killed too, but I don’t count him because he’s always complaining about being hungry for basil fried rice.

Ah, speaking of Phii Donat, I completely forgot to buy him that basil fried rice; it’s probably Arthit now. Whatever, he probably doesn’t want to eat anymore.    After a while, my phone beside me notified me of a Line message. I reached over to check and saw it was from North.

North♣: lololololololololol

   North♣: Are you confused?

   North♣: Heard you locked Arthit in the bathroom today and slammed the door in his face again?

   North+: lolololololololol    What kind of news is that…

Me: Did he tell you?

   North♣: Not exactly, he was just complaining while we were playing games.

   North♣: lololol, you’re so cold-hearted, I feel sorry for him.

   North♣: Don’t just ignore him, the thing he’s asking for help with.

   North♣: It’s an interesting matter. Phii Donat seems like he wasn’t killed by his girlfriend, so he wants you to talk to the ghosts in the room. If Phii Donat’s girlfriend didn’t kill him but went to jail for it, she’s pretty pitiable.

   SS:??

   SS: He told you to talk to me , right?

   SS: Like last night?

   North: Yeah, LOL.

   North♣: You know everything, don’t you?

   North♣: I’m interested, so I came to talk to you .

   North♣: Come on, help him out a bit. You might help an innocent person avoid jail.

   SS: He didn’t give details.

   SS: Just said someone innocent is in jail.

   SS: Otherwise, I’d help.

   North♣: You shut the door on him.

   North♣: Just listen to him.

   SS: Yeah, alright.

   North♣: I want to see you talk to ghosts.

   North♣: Can you go find them?

   SS: Midnight.

   SS: I’ll try asking the one who hanged herself.

   North♣: Probably won’t work.

   North♣: Phii Jo probably won’t allow it.

   SS: For sure, it’s late.

   North♣: sends a sticker

   North♣: Want to play a game?

   North♣: The team needs a tank (like you)    SS: I’m watching a movie.

   SS: sends a picture

   SS: It’s pretty good.

   SS: The hero sees ghosts, investigates cases with their help.

   North♣: The plot sounds familiar, like what you’re about to do.

   SS: Yeah, sounds interesting.

   SS: Yeah, yeah, interesting.

   SS: We hope this case turns out to be a big one.

   SS: Investigating and finding out it’s linked to some Hong Kong drug lord or something.

   SS: Or maybe Phii Donat was killed for some business or family benefit.

   SS: North

   SS: We’re very interested.

   SS: I’m excited now.    North♣: …

   North♣: lolololololol

   North♣: Tell me how it goes.

   SS: Ok

   I put down my phone, a small excitement building up because I’m interested when there are strange things that normal people don’t often encounter, like this little case I have to help with now. I’ve never done anything like this before. Even though I seem indifferent and uninterested in things, I’m actually interested in everything that might give me new ideas for my work.

And new ideas often come when you step out of your daily routine. I don’t sit cooped up in my room all day and come up with new ideas, no. When I can’t think of something for work, I go out to do other things. It might sound unbelievable, but I like traveling alone, going out to experience new things. If I have enough time and money, I’ll go further.

I like mountains, I like forests. I don’t like the sea because it makes me sticky. I can drink alcohol and enjoy drinking beer alone. I tried smoking once but found I didn’t like the sensation. I have a tattoo on my arm of bamboo with the star because my aunt’s name is Pai, and I plan to get a white hawk tattoo because my dad’s name, Gavin, means “white hawk.” I might also get a tattoo of a butterfly pea flower, which is my mother’s name, and a marigold for my grandmother. If I get all these tattoos, my arm will be completely covered.

Getting to know North more, he said you can’t judge people just by their appearance, and that’s true no matter how you look at it. I’m content to do what I want. If I want to do something, I do it. Thinking I might be reborn as a bacterium in my next life, I decided to do everything I want now because as a bacterium, I

won’t be able to do much.

I study science even though I freelance in drawing, editing, and designing all sorts of things because I love science. It’s not that my mom didn’t support my art; she just said my current work wasn’t stable, so why not learn another skill? Art can be learned outside of class, but to study science, you need to be in the faculty. Since I also like biology, I decided to study biological sciences, which turned out to be quite fun.

I try to do things I don’t like to see what I might discover. I used to hate exercising, but during the last break, I took up Taekwondo and found it wasn’t so bad. I should learn to defend myself in case of unexpected events. Even though I don’t like the sea, I’ve been to many beautiful beaches but still didn’t enjoy it. I don’t like spices, yet I’ve been a regular at an Indian restaurant for nearly a month, only to find I still don’t like them. I don’t know why I keep going, but the vendor recognizes me now and thinks we’re friends.

When it comes to things I don’t like, I try to watch movies in genres I’m not into, like romance. They’re boring, sitting through hours with nothing gained but boredom, but I watch them anyway, and if there’s a new one, I’ll go sit in the cinema again.

Yeah. I don’t really understand myself either.

I kept watching movies, and before I knew it, it was past midnight. I took off my bracelet, and the usual oppressive feeling came over me as it does every time I remove it, but there was no sign of the usual silhouette of the person who hangs themselves on the balcony. I turned to look at Phii Donat sitting on the bed.

‘Dao, don’t go near the bathroom.’

   “…”

‘Phii Cream, she’s going crazy.’

   “…” I didn’t heed Phii Donat’s warning and walked straight to the bathroom. Phii

Cream, the one Phii Donat mentioned, must be the one at the bathtub, the only one in this room who also gives me an uneasy feeling, probably because she was brutally murdered, holding a lot of resentment.

I entered the bathroom, the door closed immediately, and the lights flickered. A shadow appeared by the bathtub, then the light dimmed like an old bulb not giving out its full light. Long, wet hair. She had her back to me, then started singing in a slow, eerie voice.

I’m still puzzled about how she can talk even though her throat was slit. Now she’s even singing. No, it’s more like it’s echoing in my head.

“You’re singing it wrong.”

‘…’

   “That part should be ‘Why do you…’.” I didn’t continue speaking before the figure in front of me slowly turned to look at me. Her face was pale, but her neck still bore the cut of a knife with blood flowing continuously. She smiled, and one side of her mouth, where it was cut, made it look like she was smiling wider than usual.

She seems in such a good mood, smiling so broadly…

‘…Not scared, …huh?’

   “No.”

‘Do you…want to stay with me?’

   “No.”

‘…Why, sob, sob, why don’t you want to stay with me, why do you date someone else, why did you kill me, scream!’ The spirit in front of me started to go mad. I was startled by the piercing scream, thinking it might even shatter glass.

“My ears hurt.”

‘Scream!!!!’

   “I…ouch, my ears hurt.” I covered my ears when the frequency of the scream became unbearable. I’ve been to many Korean artist concerts, and the screams are just like this. Before she died, she must have been a huge K-pop fan.

‘How…did you know?’

   “Huh?”

‘Are you a fan too?’

   “…”

‘You’re a fan too, which group do you like?’

   “I’m not that much of a fan, but I follow them. Which group do you like? Maybe I can become a fan too.”

I ended up talking with Cream in the bathroom for a long time about Korean idol groups, which…uh, what’s this? I kept asking myself what this was all about. She’s a ghost, driven mad by resentment but calmed down by talking about Korean kpop groups. She said she really liked one group, but after she died, she couldn’t follow them or hear any news about them because, being dead in here, she couldn’t go anywhere. I had to search for information about that group to tell Cream.

I walked out of the bathroom and sat down next to Phii Donat.

‘She’s calm now.’

   “Uh-huh.”

‘How did you calm her down? Phii Cream is really scary.’

   “Everyone has their exceptions.” I said with a small sigh. When I remembered I needed to talk to the one who hanged herself, I went out to the balcony again, but no one was there, “Phii Cream, where’s the one who hanged herself?”

‘I don’t know, I didn’t see her.’

   “Oh, do you  know about the night Phii Donat was killed?”

‘Nong Donat, who knows where he went, I would  just tease him a bit and he got sulky.’

   ‘You made your  head come off,’ Phii Donat stood beside me, I don’t know when he got there.

‘Like this?’ Phii Cream mockingly pulled her own head. At first, it didn’t come off, but because there was already a cut from a knife, it could be pulled off if you applied enough force.

‘Aaaah,’ Phii Donat quickly covered his eyes. What’s with him, being a ghost but afraid of ghosts? ‘Huh, where’s Meen, wife, I’m scared now, wife, help me.’    ‘You love your wife so much, loving each other to the point where even ghosts like us are jealous.’

   ‘Phii Cream, don’t tease him .’

   “…” I, watching the two ghosts tease each other, found an opportunity to interject, “Phii Cream, you  know anything about the day Phii Donat was killed?”    ‘How would I see from the bathroom? Try asking Praow.’

   “Yes.” I nodded slightly, then returned to sit at my desk, letting out a small sigh as I thought about today’s events. It seemed too normal to talk to them like this. Praow must be referring to the one who jumped off the building at two in the morning. And the one who hanged herself wasn’t around.

I waited for two in the morning and went out to the balcony to wait for Praow. At twenty-three minutes past two, the balcony door opened with the usual figure of the young woman I’d seen before, looking the same. She was crying and stopped at the edge of the balcony. I stepped in to stop her.

“Wait…wait, can I ask you something?”

She didn’t answer, slowly turning to look at me. We locked eyes for the first time before she paused slightly.

“That night when Phii Donat was killed, did you see anything?” She didn’t answer.

“Did you see anyone else come into the room?”

She nodded slowly, which made me feel excited.

“Someone else killed Phii Donat, right?”    She nodded again.

“Who was it?”

‘I don’t know her.’

   Yeah, how would she know?

“Can you give me a rough description?”

‘Woman. Short hair, black shirt…I need to go now.’

   “Oh, okay, okay. I’ll ask again later, please go ahead.” I slightly bowed my head. She nodded again and jumped off the balcony. I walked back into the room, having gotten the information that Phii Donat was killed by someone else, but still not knowing who. Phii Donat seemed quite happy about this.

‘I’ll have to go into Arthit’s dream then, with this new information, or will you tell him?’

   “No, I’ll leave it to you.”

‘Okay.’ Phii Donat nodded slightly.

…

Arthit

   I seemed to half-wake because I felt someone sitting next to me, bothering me while I was trying to sleep again. I turned the other way to ignore it since I was so sleepy, but then Donat grabbed my arm to turn me back.

‘Ignoring me even in your dream?’

   “You’re in my dream again, what now?”

‘It wasn’t Meen who killed me; the ghosts in the room told me.’

   “The ghost in the room.”

‘Yeah, that’s right, Nong Dao already asked.’

   “I’m curious, why don’t you ask yourself?”

‘I’m scared, friend.’

   “Loser.”

‘Please tell Meen that the witness described a woman with short hair, wearing black.’

   “Sigh, yeah, yeah, let me sleep.”

‘Also, tell Meen I miss her a lot, I cry for her every day. I can’t sleep without holding her.’

   “I might vomit, yeah, yeah.”

‘Yeah, Arthit, the ghost in the bathroom you threatened…’

   “Whatever.”

‘She said if you want some hanky panky. She is ready, she has been waiting in the bathroom all the time.’

   “…Damn.”

 

I drove to the prison parking lot, thinking about last night when Donat came into my dream. He said the ghost in the room told him that Meen didn’t kill him, and on top of that, he delivered a message from the ghost in the bathroom to me.    Damn, one word, damn, it’s damn crazy. How many more women like Meen will I have to deal with in my life? And that girl she’s not even human anymore.    Meen walked over to sit in front of the glass as usual, but what was strange was her face had fresh bruises, her lips and eyebrows were split. I immediately raised my eyebrows looking at her.    “What happened to you?”

“Just a little something.”

“What do you mean by ‘a little’?”

“Last night, I was picked on by the big shot in the prison.”

“Huh?”

“It’s normal here. I was just minding my own business, not joining any groups, right? But because I’m not in any group, that’s why I got picked on.”

“And then what?”

“I don’t know, but I sent the one picking on me to the hospital.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“No, who would pick a fight with anyone? Her silicone boobs popped out after my slap. I’ve got the number one slap in Vichitra, I’ve slapped everyone at school.”

“Slapped people?”

“Volleyball, damn, my team was the champion every year.”

“And you sent the big shot to the hospital, is she okay?”

“I don’t know, it’s my first time, so I didn’t get punished, but I have a plan to make myself important here.”

“How?”

“I’m going to become the big shot in charge. What do you think? Nice, right?

Won’t get picked on, start a new group, become the queen of the prison.”    “…” I didn’t know what to say to this woman anymore, “Yeah, that’s so you, can’t believe you figured it out.”

“Really? Quick, my dad’s Conan.”

“I asked the neighbor to ask for me, and the ghost said it wasn’t you who killed him.”

“There you go.” Meen slapped the table, making the guard look over. She beamed a wry smile to the guard, “Nothing, just happy.”

“They said there was a woman who came into your room that day. Short hair, black shirt.”

“Who the hell is that, which bitch killed my husband and framed me? I’m pissed.

Go find her, Arthit. Who has short hair? How short?”

“I don’t know. It wasn’t that detailed.”

“Come on, is it shoulder-length or ear-length, what?”

“Do you have anyone in mind?”

“Short hair, there’s Ming, Olin, my sister has short hair, everyone else has long hair, my mom has long hair, Donat’s mom has long hair.”

“Three people then?”

“Yeah.” Meen nodded.

“But that day, Meen, you were drunk when you came back to your room, right?”

“Yeah, so what?”

“Did you lock the door?”

“…Damn.” Meen’s face paled slightly, “I don’t know, maybe I forgot to lock it.”    “There you go. I used my brilliant Conan mind to think. You might have forgotten to lock it.”

“Seriously, did you come up with this yourself?”

“I asked Fah.”

“Idiot, and then what?”

“Fah asked if you locked the door because otherwise, how could someone without a spare key get in?” I said, having told Fah about this earlier in the morning.

“I don’t know, I was drunk, can’t remember.”

“And about the short hair, could it have been a wig or tied back?”

“Hey, you’re smart.”

“That’s what Fah said too.”

“There you go.” She sighed deeply, “Can’t rely on anything, go and call Tonfah to visit me. As for you, get lost, you’re useless.”

“Next time, I won’t help, you’ll be the big shot in prison forever.”

“Just kidding, Arthit, don’t take it seriously, or I’ll pinch your balls.”

“Your threats, damn, I’ve never been ball-pinched, but I bet it hurts.”

“Yeah, my husband used to say it hurts.” I burst out laughing because of Meen’s words. Damn, why did you pinch his balls?

“He said he misses you, he can’t sleep, cries out for you, calls out ‘my love’.”    “Really? Yeah, that’s him, whiny. Even after dying, he’s still in the room. I was thinking how he’d manage without me.” She sighed again, looking annoyed, “Tell him to be patient, I’ll give him a hug when I get back.”

“Gross, how did I become a love messenger?”

“Come on. You’re the only one who can communicate between us, right, idiot?”

“Where would you hug him? He’s dead.”

“Damn, Arthit, you’re ruining the mood.”

“And what will you do when you get out? It must be tough, having been with

Donat for so long.”

“I don’t know.” Meen made a bored face, “It’s not like in the novels where

Donat isn’t dead, just in a coma like a sleeping prince and wakes up.”

“Damn, I watched his body being cremated myself, and saw his face before the cremation too.”

“Sigh, it’s sad, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, that’s how it is.”

“You sound like you understand.”

“I do understand, whatever, it’s good he’s still here, we can still talk.”

“Did I touch some nerves in you?”

“Yeah, whatever.” I brushed off the turmoil in my heart and got back to discussing the main point with her, “So, what’s next? You had me ask the ghosts, and this is all I got.”

“There are several of them, have you asked them all?”

“Probably.”

“Damn. These useless people, I did so much good, what should we do? Even so, we don’t have any evidence, damn it, what kind of evidence do they have to convict him?”

“That’s right.”

“Ugh, I’m annoyed, the wound hurts like hell, is my nose crooked?”

“Why?”

“Asking, huh?”

“No.”

“I thought it was the silicone that’s crooked, it hurts like hell, I spent so much money on it.” Meen said with an annoyed expression, gently squeezing her nose,

“Yeah, my boobs hurt too.”

“Why?”

“From fighting with that bitch, it’s killing me, do I need to take it out?”

“The silicone in your boobs?”

“Yeah.”

“Damn, Meen, if you take it out, what will you have left? Apart from your big boobs, you don’t have anything good.”

“Wow, Arthit, how do you know besides big boobs there’s nothing good left in me? Have you tried it?”

“Maybe I should try then.”

“You said it yourself, if I get out, don’t run away from me.”

“Why, as a guy, do I get harassed?” I furrowed my brows and sighed. We always tease each other like this, but I never win against Meen, “Will you get a new husband since Donat is dead?”

“I don’t know. I can’t imagine myself with someone else, you understand? I have been dreaming about our wedding since I was a kid, when I was with him, wearing a wedding dress, raising kids with him, Arthit, why are you asking such a damn thing?” Then Meen started crying. I was a bit surprised that she let her tears flow in front of others. She wiped them away, but more tears came.

“Cry then. It’s not a big deal, I won’t mock you.”

“Why should I cry? Damn, Donat, you big kwayhang, leaving me like this is worse than leaving me for someone else, you flirted with me first, how am I supposed to live now?”

“What does ‘kwayhang’ mean?”

“It means ‘idiot’.”

“I don’t get the meaning, but it hurts somehow.”

“Yeah, damn you Donat, huh, sob, making me cry again, my slapped wound hurts, my silicone boobs hurt, damn.”

“…Sigh, Meen, you…”

“Damn my life, whatever, you can’t do anything right.”

“I’ll try my best to help.”

“You suddenly act nice, you’re making my ears hurt.” She cursed and then forced out a laugh while wiping her tears.

“Let me see.”

“Careful you don’t get sucked in.”

“Is it a black hole?” I said, sitting and chatting with Meen for a while until she seemed okay. Normally, it’s not much, but when it’s a close friend, even Meen, who seems rough, has a very sensitive side, outwardly she’s loud and crass. If you ask if she’s really strong, she is, but she can’t be strong in every aspect.

   I don’t know…

   But looking at her, it’s like looking at myself.

   Except I’ve never cried even once. Even though just thinking about it hurts so much I feel like dying.

   “I’ll go now, I’ll let you know if anything comes up.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Yeah, don’t fight with them too much, or your boobs will get crooked, then you’ll have to get them redone.”

“Yeah, I’ll use my fake boobs to hit them.”

“I’ll take it on the face then.”

“Damn.”

…

   Daotok

   I stood in a place I had never been before, reciting Meen’s name in my mind once more before telling the front guard. He asked me to wait in front of the glass. After the day I got information from Phii Prao, the drunk guy next door came to tell me the names of three suspects. I got more information by questioning the seniors in the room and investigating on my own. I don’t know what the drunk guy would do. I hadn’t seen him back in his room for several days, so I decided to visit Meen myself.

Because I think I know who the culprit is now.

“Oh.” the woman in the dull prisoner’s uniform, with a beautiful face like a foreigner, sharp eyes. Even without makeup, she’s very beautiful, tattoos covering her arms, “I thought you were Arthit. Who are you?”

“Uh, my name is Daotok.”

“?”

“I’m a guy.” Seeing her confusion, I clarified, and she nodded slightly in understanding.

“Yeah, so what’s up? Are you visiting the right person? I don’t think I know you.”

“I live in your old room.”

“Oh, oh, you’re next door to Arthit.”

“Yes.” I nodded.

“You’re the one who talks to ghosts, right?”

“Yes.”

“Hey, what’s up then? Arthit has disappeared, gone to which corner of the world?”

“I don’t know either, but I think I know who the culprit is.”

“Who?”

“Phii Olin, your friend.”

“Phii Olin? Why do you think it’s her? She’s so innocent.”

“In fact, she liked Phii Donat.”

“Huh?”

“Yes, Phii Donat didn’t tell you because he was afraid it would cause a fight. And he didn’t think someone he knew would kill him. But when I told Phii Donat it was someone with short hair and Phii Olin has short hair, Phii Donat told me this story about her liking him. But Phii Donat doesn’t remember what happened the night he died.”

“What? She liked Donat?”

“Yes, she once confessed her feelings, but Phii Donat rejected her. She came to flirt with him often, but Phii Donat didn’t pay attention.”

“Wow, this girl, how dare she flirt with my husband? I thought she was innocent.

What happened next?”

“…I checked the CCTV footage from the nearby building, and I got a photo. It was Phii Orlin, it seems like she didn’t plan it much, might have just been a spurof-the-moment thing.”

“…”

“Because when I followed her…uh, discreetly, she seemed uneasy all the time, and, uh, this might sound a bit exaggerated.”

“Go on.”

“I can read people’s feelings, I sneaked a look, and in her heart, there’s only guilt, sorrow, self-disappointment, and fear.”

“Hmm, I get it, so what now? I trust you, but how can we get me out of prison?”

“I think Phii Orlin will come forward and confess herself.”

“Huh? Really?”

“Yes, because her conscience is eating at her, she might not be able to handle it for long. If we give her a little push, he’ll be very scared, and then…”

…

Arthit

   “Why did you kill Donat?”

“Huh…sob, Arthit, huh, don’t shout at me.”

“I’m asking why you killed my friend!!” I shouted louder, angry at the woman in front of me. Not because she killed Donat, but because I haven’t slept for days, my eyes are bloodshot from ward rounds, and finally finding time to investigate for Meen, I had to sleep on Fah’s sofa because I lost my keycard and the condo management said there are no spares left, I can’t even get into my own room, I’m so frustrated, my back hurts from sleeping on the sofa for several days.

“Sob. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…mean to, huh, sob, forgive me.”

“Go apologize to Meen, she’s in prison because of you, she got beaten so badly her fake boobs are all crooked!!”

“Huh, sob, sob.”

“Stop crying!”

“Sob, ah…Arthit, huh, sob. I…I, sob.”

“Ugh, you, come with me to the police!” I grabbed the arm of the short-haired woman in front of me, she looks like a very tough guy if anyone saw this now, especially since I’ve barged into his room. I’ve been using my spare time after ward rounds to follow Orlin, Meen’s friend, for a couple of days. After confirming from the CCTV footage from the nearby building, Orlin didn’t seem to intend to kill, she just seemed to go there to hurt Meen, but something happened, and she might have accidentally killed him.

And the reason the police didn’t look for more evidence is probably because everything initially pointed at Meen, as she said. Meen was too dazed to argue with the police. Even if the police checked the CCTV from the neighboring building, they only saw a woman with short hair entering the building.

But we know because we talked to the ghosts, and I didn’t want to go looking for any more damn evidence. It’s too complicated. Just drag her in to confess. Olin looked extremely guilty already.

“Oh, huh, Arthit…sorry. I’ll go and…apologize to Meen. I really feel guilty. I didn’t mean to.”

“Just come then, stop dragging it out.”

“I…I’m hurt, huh.”

“Yeah, Meen’s hurt more than you, come here!” I dragged the small woman along, shoved her into the car, and drove her to the prison to apologize to Meen.

While parking, I saw the kid from the next room putting on a helmet not far away.

Why is he here?

He put on his helmet and rode off on motorcycle. I turned my attention back to Olin, who was crying beside me, and immediately dragged her to Meen.    “How’d it go?” I asked after Olin had talked to her, but Meen still looked furious.

“Damn her. If there wasn’t glass between us, Olin would be dead. When she sat there crying and apologizing, I almost bit her head off.”

“What did she say?”

“She said she liked Donat for a long time, but Donat was my husband. That night she just came to borrow something, she used the spare key card I gave her to get in, saw us both asleep, and because she liked Donat, she just sat there watching him sleep.”

“Yeah?”

“Then she kissed him. Donat must have thought it was me, so he kissed back. Olin got bold, they started getting frisky, almost went all the way, but when Donat fully woke up and saw it was Olin, he was shocked, pushed her away, and they argued.”

“Oh.”

“Olin took off her clothes, right? Donat was still sitting on the bed, caught off guard. Olin said she was a little drunk at the time, out of anger and whatever she was thinking, she grabbed a knife and stabbed him.”

“While she was naked?”

“Yeah, does that matter?”

“Not bad, at least he got to see boobs before he died.”

“Ugh, damn, yeah, because she was naked, her shirt wasn’t stained with blood, so she just wiped it off, put the same shirt back on, put the blood-stained cloth in a bag to dispose of it later, and staged the scene to make it look like I did it. That’s it, so easy to kill someone and blame another, especially since I was drunk, huh, the police arrested me easily.”

“Yeah, I understand, will she confess to the police?”

“She said she couldn’t sleep after killing someone, so she wants to admit her guilt, but it took her several months to come to terms with it. I almost became the queen of the prison.”

“Yeah, good that she decided to do the right thing.”

“And how did you know it was her? Your neighbor just told me a while ago, and said you haven’t been back to your room for days. He didn’t know how to tell you, so he came to me himself.”

“I lost my keycard, the condo management said there are no spares left, damn fools, lose them too often, go sleep somewhere else then.”

“Was it the management or Jo, so rough?”

“That’s it, I’ve been sleeping on Fah’s sofa for several days now.”    “Poor you, but wait, these past few days, you didn’t investigate with your neighbor?”

“No, investigate together? Did he investigate?”

“I just said your neighbor told me Orlin did it, and you dragged Orlin here, which means you  investigated separately but found the same culprit. Didn’t you guys meet at all while investigating?”

“No, I secretly followed Orlin too.”

“How could you follow the same person and not meet each other? You two have bad luck.”

“Whatever, so what’s next?”

“Take Orlin to the police, don’t let her escape.”

“She won’t escape, I recorded her confession.”

“Smart, finally acting like a doctor.”

“Fah told me to do it.”

“Bastard, yeah, take her to the police, then the police will handle it. If there’s nothing more, I should be out soon.”

“Great, I want to drink.”

“Yeah, I’ll treat you and Nong Dao, both of you. He tried to help too.” She said.

“Congratulations then, you’ll finally get out, and the real culprit will pay.”

“Yeah, Olin, she’ll have a tough welcome, I’ve told my underlings in prison to give her hell. Not only did she kill my husband, but she also framed me, damn bitch.”

“Olin won’t adapt like you did.”

“Who can adapt like me, seriously? Hey, Arthit, there are still empty rooms on our old floor at the condo, right?”

“Empty, the whole floor is damn empty.”

“I’ll move back there then. My old room is where Nong Dao lives, so I’ll take the one opposite. I’ll go back to live with my husband.”

“Yeah, welcome back.”

WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

 

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 3: Prisoner

   Daotok

   In the dimly lit room, I heard the clock ticking by the minute, the air conditioner, water dripping. I scanned the room, and light from outside filtered through the balcony, casting a shadow of someone standing at the foot of my bed.

A sense of oppression overwhelmed me, making me feel uneasy; the room’s temperature was chillingly cold, unlike what I remembered. I slowly closed my eyes again, not caring whether I was asleep or awake. After a while, the blanket at my feet was tugged, and it wasn’t hard to guess who was doing it. I used my feet to pull the blanket back.

Before the shadow at the foot of the bed could reach me by grabbing my ankle, pulling hard enough to startle me into sitting up abruptly.

“What are you doing?” I asked with a hint of irritation. The thing I hated most, aside from being disturbed while working, was being disturbed while trying to sleep, especially when I was so sleepy.

He didn’t answer, slowly raising his right hand to point at…

Pointing at me.

“What?”

I looked towards where he was pointing.

The bracelet?

“The bracelet? Should I take it off?”

“No. I’m not talking anymore, I’m going to sleep.” I said before lying down again. This time, the disturbance was more severe; he yanked my leg hard enough for me to slide with the force. I grabbed the edge of the bed to resist falling off, looking up in confusion.

“Okay.” I answered, moving to the middle of the bed again and taking off the bracelet.

“Pulling my leg like that is very rude, get to the point quickly.” I said, somewhat annoyed, this was clear harassment. If he were stronger and I couldn’t grab the bed in time, I’d surely get hurt.

The shadow slowly revealed a clearer face.

Phii Donat?

   In the appearance of a normal person, wearing a white T-shirt and long pants. No blood, just slightly pale. He slowly sat down at the end of the bed.    ‘you ’

   “?”

‘Is your name Dao?’

   “Yes, what do you want? I won’t move. I need to sleep on the right side of the bed, otherwise, I won’t be able to sleep.”

‘Hmm. It’s not about that. I, um, can you get something for me?’

   “What?”

‘I want to eat Aunt Jum’s basil fried rice.’

   “…”

‘Please, I really want to eat it.’

   “…You pulled my leg for that?”

‘No, there’s another thing.’

   “…”

‘Help me find out who killed me.’

   “…Isn’t it your boyfriend, like the news said?”

‘I don’t believe my girlfriend did it, please, help me out here.’

   “I’m not doing it, I’m too lazy.”

‘…’ Phii Donat turned to look at me with a disappointed face, letting out a small sigh, ‘Why are you so heartless? You seem like a good person on the outside.’

   “…”

‘Can’t you help at all? Otherwise, I’ll keep bothering you like this every night.’

   “…”

You know, the spot where I’m sleeping, it’s where you died, so you can do whatever you want to me.

   I’ve been threatened by a ghost now…

   “So, how do you want me to help?”

‘I don’t know.’

   “Oh.”

‘Try asking the doctor next door, he knows my girlfriend.’

   And then Phii Donat disappeared without us having a proper conversation. I lay down again, closing my eyes, not wanting to think about what just happened, deciding to sleep first because I was very sleepy.

…

Arthit

   I leaned back against the sofa in the midst of the noisy bar, live music mixed with people’s voices, the smell of alcohol wafting around, lifting my whiskey glass to drink, letting my favorite taste slowly go down my throat until the glass was empty. I put down the empty glass and reached for the bottle beside me, only to find it empty too.

“Out already?” I asked.

“Oh, order more then.” another friend said.

I had just come back from a car race after not competing for a while. With the new max I ordered and had Direk pay for, I changed it and went straight to the track. I can say it was incredibly fun, and I won a lot of money. Now, I was celebrating with my racer friends, drinking.

“Don’t you have ward rounds?”

“I’m free tomorrow, order more.”

“Yeah, I’ll go get it myself.” One of my friends said that before getting up from the table. I’ve been drinking with my friends for almost two hours now, I think, and I was starting to feel quite drunk too, because I hadn’t drunk in a long time, which made my throat feel very dry, so I drank without restraint. After several more bottles, I barely had any consciousness left.

“Let’s go, Arthit, I’ll take you home, I’ll leave your bike here.”

“Okay.” I answered, though I could hardly keep my eyes open. Someone hoisted me up and led me out; they were saying something I couldn’t make out, then I felt myself being seated in a car, and I passed out. When I came to, I was being dragged out of the car, “Thanks, who are you?”

“I’m Mai, whatever, go, go to your room.”

“I can go up by myself, you go.”

“Sure?”

“Yeah, sure, drive safely.”

“Yeah.” I staggered my way under the condo, pressed the elevator button, and waited for a while before walking in and pressing for the seventh floor. My head was spinning, and I felt nauseous. Normally, I have a high tolerance for alcohol, but tonight I drank a lot because, as I mentioned, I hadn’t drunk in a while, and I was also celebrating with money from winning a car race.

When the elevator stopped, even though my vision was blurry, I thought this was the seventh floor. I steadied myself as I walked out to the end of the hallway, stopped at my door, and leaned against the wall, fumbling in my pocket for my keycard.

Damn…

Where’s the keycard?

Shit, fukcing hell, why disappear now when I’m already having a headache.    I gave up on the keycard and instead knocked on the door of the room next to mine. Soon, the occupant slowly opened the door.

“Lost my keycard, let me sleep here.”

“…” There was no response, and the door was shut in my face.

Huh?

   I knocked on the door again, irritated.

   “What now?”

“The sofa is fine, I lost my keycard, I’m drunk.”

“Uh.” He only said that before closing the door on me again. I banged on the door again, but he didn’t open it, this bastard, how can you ignore me like this?

We’re neighbors, for god’s sake, there’s only me and you on this floor.

Damn, my head hurts.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and called North immediately, hoping he’d answer. After a while, the line was picked up.

(What’s up?) Jo’s voice.

“Let me talk to your wife.”

(What’s with my wife?)

   “Damn, is this the time to be jealous? I can’t get into my room.”

(Your problem.)

   “Johan, damn it, quick, his friend won’t open the door for me, I’m drunk, lost my key card.”

(Alright, alright) Jo answered irritably, he must have been asleep already. After a moment, North’s voice came through, sounding sleepy, (What’s up, man?)    “Tell your friend to open the door for me.”

(What?)

   “I’m drunk, damn it, so drunk I can’t stand, lost my key card, and your friend won’t help me at all, we’re right next door.”

(Alright, so what are you going to do, sleep with my friend?)    “The sofa, the floor, anything, I’ve slept outside before and got bitten by mosquitoes.” I said, remembering one time when I got drunk and lost my key card like now, but last time, no one was on the floor. I was too drunk to drag myself anywhere else, too drunk to go to another floor or downstairs, so I slept in front of my door, thinking I might die of dengue fever when I woke up.

(Alright, I’ll try to tell him.)

   “Yeah.” I responded, letting my arm drop to the floor. I was so drunk I felt like a dog, completely wasted. After a while, the door next to me opened, and the other person handed me some mosquito repellent.

For now…

“You don’t need to return it.”

He placed the small bottle of mosquito repellent beside me and closed the door again.

Damn…

“Yeah, thanks, I was worried about sleeping outside and getting bitten by mosquitoes, so you gave me mosquito repellent. No need to return it, I appreciate the gesture.

Spit!!

I called North again.

(What now, man?)

   “What did you tell your friend?”

(Told him not to let you sleep outside, or the mosquitoes would get you. So, how did you get into the room?)

   “He gave me mosquito repellent.” my words made North burst out laughing, “Is it that funny? Your friend is so heartless.”

(He’s not heartless, he might just hate your guts.)

   “Yeah, tell him again. If he doesn’t let me into the room, I’ll vomit on his door.”

(Damn.)

   “Yeah, go tell him. Let me use your bathroom for a bit, my throat’s acting up.”

(Alright, just a sec.)

   North hung up again. Not long after, the neighbor opened the door, this time looking at me with disgust, but I didn’t care, I entered the room and headed straight for the bathroom.

What the hell did they serve me, what did I eat to feel this bad, Direk’s face floated into my mind, Direk…help me, my head’s killing me. I let everything I ate come back up, my head was pounding, and my stomach was churning; I felt like I was going to die, damn it.

I flushed the toilet and took a moment to breathe. While I was resting, I heard the sound of a woman crying, the same kind of sound I often heard in my own room, but this time it was clearer and louder, like the source was right next to me, crying right into my ear.

‘Huh…huh, it hurts…’

   “…Ugh.” I felt like my insides were twisting. I bent over, vomiting into the toilet again, feeling like my guts were about to come out.

‘Uh…please, don’t hurt me…huh.’

   “…Shut up.” I spoke in a low voice because I was out of strength, already on the verge of death from vomiting, yet there’s still someone messing with me, my head’s killing me.

‘Huh…’ The crying echoed louder around the bathroom, making me even more irritated.

“I told you to shut up, or I’ll come and shag you for real!!”

‘…’

   I shouted loudly, unable to bear it anymore, and the crying stopped immediately. I was left with myself, served her right, my head was already about to explode, and she still came crying into my ear. Try crying again, and you’ll see what I’ll do, I’ll make you never stop crying, damn it.

…

Daotok

   I peeked at the drunk guy hugging my toilet, unsure what to do next. At first, he asked to sleep over, but I wasn’t having any of that. I was going to leave him outside, but North called, asking me to help, so I gave him the mosquito repellent. In the end, I had to let him use the bathroom because I didn’t want him vomiting on my door.

I’ve drunk alcohol too, but never to the extent of being this drunk. He must have drunk a lot judging by his condition. Earlier, I heard him shouting at the crying woman in the bathroom, not just shouting but also threatening her. I don’t know what to do next, but the woman who was crying in the bathroom has disappeared. I don’t feel the presence of the ghost in the bathroom anymore; did she disappear because of his shouting?

Whatever, what should I do with this unconscious drunk guy still hugging the toilet?

I definitely won’t drag or carry him out; it would be too exhausting, and I’m not going to clean him up or take care of him.

Hmm. I should try to wake him up first.

I walked over and shook him gently, then increased the force when he showed no signs of waking.

I should call security.

With that thought, I went to get the condo phone, dialed the number for security, and asked for help, saying there was a drunk person. After a while, two security guards came knocking on the door.

“He’s in the bathroom.” I said, leading the two male security guards to the bathroom. They looked at each other awkwardly, probably because they didn’t want to come into this room much, “He’s from the room next door, said he lost his key card.”

“Ah, that’s bad. The management office is closed now. We can only help him out, but if he loses his key card, we’ll have to leave him outside. Could you bother to let him stay here for one night?” one of them said politely with a dry smile. I nodded slightly, indicating I understood.

“Then can you take him outside to sleep…?”

My words made the two look at each other again.

“Uh, well…uh. I’m worried about this person’s safety too. How about letting him stay here? Or is there any inconvenience?”

“…” I stayed silent, letting out a small sigh, “Yes. Alright then, I apologize for the late-night disturbance. I’ll handle it myself.”

“Yes, feel free to call us if you need anything.”

“Okay.” and then the two security guards walked out, looking at the person causing trouble with disdain. No one likes having strangers in their room, especially when they’re drunk. I decided to lock the bathroom door and leave him there. I’ll open it when I wake up in the morning.

“…”

‘Aren’t you going to let him out?’ Emma’s voice, who was sitting on the bed, rang out.

“No.”

‘Why not?’

   “It’s troublesome for us, why should we help him?”

‘Don’t be so heartless, you’re neighbors. Maybe in the future, you  might need his help.’ Emma’s words made me sigh deeply, ‘North also asked you to help look after him.’

   “What?”

‘When it comes to North, Ter, and Phoon, Michael becomes soft-hearted, only with these three.’

   “They’re my friends.”

‘So help a bit. It’s not bad, Michael, being nice to others isn’t a bad thing.’

   “I don’t want to be nice anymore.”

‘I know, but not everyone in the world is as cruel as those people, your current friends have proven that.’

   “…”

‘Your cold nature is hard to change.’

   “I don’t want to change it, and I don’t see any need to.” I responded just like that, before noticing out of the corner of my eye Phii Donat standing in front of the locked bathroom door. I turned back to look at my computer screen, as usual, intentionally ignoring Emma who was trying to persuade me to help him until she stopped talking.

The next time I became aware, the light from the sun was shining in from the balcony, I had worked through the night. I walked over to unlock the bathroom door and gently shook the person who was sleeping, he slowly opened his eyes.    “You can go back to your room now.” I said in my usual calm voice. He pushed himself up to sit and looked around.

“The bathroom?”

“…”

“Did I sleep here last night?”

“Uh.”

“K, thanks for letting me crash here, what time is it?”    “Six.”

“Yeah.” He only said that before he steadied himself, stood up, and left my room. At first, I thought he’d be angry or make a fuss because I let him sleep in the bathroom, but it seems he didn’t care. I looked around the bathroom and found it wasn’t dirty or messy because my bathroom is clean to begin with, so there’s no problem sleeping there.

I ran some warm water in the tub and soaked for a while to relax after working all night, then collapsed onto my bed.

   …

Arthit

   I’m so damn tired…

I wasn’t sure if sleeping outside or in the bathroom was better, but at least I didn’t vomit on myself or get bitten by mosquitoes risking dengue fever. Even sleeping in the bathroom isn’t that bad, it’s not dirty at all. I can sleep anywhere, really.

I went down to the condo’s management office. Luckily, it was open early. I got a spare key card and returned to my room, took a shower, and went to bed. With the lingering effects of the alcohol, I fell asleep easily.

Not you again…

I wasn’t sure if I was awake or dreaming, but I thought it must be a dream because the room was pitch black and I saw that bastard Donut sitting beside me.

“Damn, I want to sleep.”

‘Talk to me for a bit, Phii.’

   “I’m not even sober yet.”

‘Last night, I wanted to help you, but they wouldn’t let me in.’

   “In the bathroom?”

‘Yeah.’

   “Who wouldn’t let you in?” I asked, surprisingly not feeling as much of a headache, probably because I was dreaming. Donat appeared in his pre-death state, wearing a t-shirt and long pants he liked to sleep in. No blood, but…

Pale-faced.

‘Phii Cream, the one who got her throat cut at the sink, she’s really fierce, but I already threatened’ Donat said before he burst out laughing, ‘Last time, you jerked yourself in front of her. Now you’re going to threaten her like that again, you damn bastard.’

   “Really? Must have been drunk, can’t remember shit.”

‘Yeah, but when you threatened to have sex with her, Phii Cream was genuinely shocked. Phii Eng didn’t dare to cry anymore.’ Don’s words made me burst out laughing.

“And what do you want coming here?”

‘Seriously, Arthit, it takes a hell of a lot of energy for me to enter dreams or cross over rooms, so this is really important.’ He got serious.

“Go on.”

‘I want to eat Aunt Jum’s basil fried rice.

   “…”

‘Please buy some and light incense for me. I’ve asked Nong Dao, but he seems to have forgotten.’

   “Aunt Jum followed her young husband to Surat Thani.” I said, Aunt Jum was the owner of a food stall near the condo, but the last time I tried to visit, her shop was closed. I heard she followed her young husband to Surat Thani. She’s over forty, her life is full of strange things, but honestly, you’re not that strange.”    ‘Huh, bad luck. Then tell my mom I want to eat basil fried rice, she should stop bringing me braised eggs, I’m sick of them.’

   “Why don’t you go into your mom’s dreams yourself?”

‘I can’t, it’s like there’s a barrier, I feel like she didn’t kill me.’

   “You’re just making excuses, hasn’t Meen confessed to the police already?” I said, “You’re still defending her even after she killed you. You’re blind to the truth.”

‘No, you know how much Meen loved me, she wouldn’t kill me.’

   “You’re so damn confident.” I couldn’t help but curse, still saying Meen loved him even after she killed him, “You cheated on her, you think I didn’t hear? You two fought every day. Meen could kill someone like…”

‘Damn, doctor, you’re not even on my side a bit. Do you think I would cheat on

Meen?’

   “Yeah.”

‘Damn. I didn’t cheat, it was a misunderstanding. Even though she’s hottempered, has a bad character, and talks like a dog, unlike other women. She was never gentle, would beat me when in a bad mood, curse at me every day, and lately, we fought because she thought I was cheating. That night she was drunk, but she shouldn’t have killed me.’

   “…Really?” I asked, frowning. From what he told me, there was nothing to contradict that Meen killed him.

‘Yeah. I don’t know, really, but I can’t remember anything, it took three or four days to realize I was dead. At least, help me find out the truth so I can move on.’

   “Going where?”

‘To heaven, you idiot, what a question. Even if there are only beautiful ghosts here, I don’t want to stay anymore.’

   “Why?”

‘Because I’m the only male ghost here, I get bullied all the time by these female spirits. You know how powerful women can be, and you know I’m scared of ghosts. I lived here because Meen was not afraid of ghosts. I’ve seen Phii Eng hanging herself, Phii Praow jumping off the building, Phii Cream lying in a blood-filled bathtub; my heart can’t take it, man. Sometimes, I’m still shocked, and they keep messing with me.’ Donat’s words made me feel sorry for him immediately; even dead, he’s still getting bullied.

“Oh, oh, I’ll sober up and go see Meen for you.”

‘K.’

   And then I fell asleep again. When I woke up, it was already afternoon, and I felt much better. I showered, got dressed, went to get something to eat, and then visited Meen in prison.

I sat waiting in front of the glass, and after a while, Meen in her dull prison uniform walked over to sit on the other side. She looked a bit surprised to see me.    “Hey, haven’t seen you in a while.” Meen greeted me in her usual tone. I don’t know how many women like Meen one encounters in a lifetime—rough, foulmouthed as Donat described, and covered in tattoos—but I have quite a few friends like this.

“Yeah, how have you been?”

“Fun, I guess, what do you expect, asking a prisoner?” She said irritably, “And you, started your ward rounds yet? And you came to visit me?”

“I’ve started my ward rounds, came to visit. Last night, I talked with Donat.” I said.

“Oh, how many times did you suck him off?”

“I didn’t suck him off, he just likes to show up in my dreams. Since he died, he’s been coming over from his room to mine.”

“Wait.” Meen stopped me, “You’re still in the same room?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Aren’t you moving?”

“Too lazy to move, and someone else has already moved into your old room.”    “For real?” The person in front of me looked skeptical, “What kind of person moves into a haunted room, it’s like a mosquito breeding ground.”

“You used to live there too, right?”

“The rent is cheap, and I’m not afraid of ghosts, I’m almost like friends with them now. Donat is scared shitless, did he say anything to you about how he’s doing? Being a ghost, he shouldn’t be afraid of ghosts anymore, right?”

“He told me he’s still a bit shocked, being pranked by a female ghost in his room, the poor bastard.” I told him, and Meen burst out laughing loudly.

“Yeah, yeah. Without me, there’s no one to protect him, right?” Meen said, shaking her head slightly in annoyance, though her eyes showed a hint of sadness.    “Back to the point, Donat says you didn’t kill him, is that true?” My words made the person in front of me frown, looking troubled for a moment, “You didn’t kill him?”

“Seriously, doctor, I don’t know.”

“Huh.”

“It’s just that we were fighting like crazy at that time because I caught him cheating on me. I was so damn angry, does he think I’m stupid or what? Sometimes I thought about killing him, I really did. And that night, I was drunk, you know, very drunk. I remember drinking white liquor.”

“You didn’t invite me, I wanted some white liquor too.”

“Sorry, I forgot. I went out to drink because I was fighting with Donat. That night, I was so drunk, my memory was a blur, I couldn’t remember anything. I woke up in the morning to find Donat lying there in a pool of blood next to me, and I had a knife in my hand. What was I supposed to think? At that moment…it was like, ‘damn you, damn you, Meen, you bitch’.” Meen recounted, rubbing her face, picturing the morning of that day.

“So you thought you killed him?”

“If not me, then who? With all this. Even if I can’t remember, the knife was my kitchen knife, perfectly familiar.”

“But there’s no evidence, since you can’t remember anything.”

“That’s the thing, but I had to call the police. If I left it too long or tried to hide anything, it would only get worse. When the police arrived, they asked questions, I was dazed, shocked. In the end, I got arrested.” I held my head in my hands upon hearing Meen’s story, “I couldn’t deny it completely because I couldn’t remember anything, so I just…yeah, went to jail.”    Really?

   Meen, I’m asking seriously…

   “And the police didn’t look for any other evidence?”

“They didn’t, I guess. Do you understand that they pinned everything on me?”

“Yeah, but Donat told me you didn’t kill him.”

“Tell him he’s a fool, overthinking. If not me, then who?”

“Seems like you don’t want to get out of trouble, you bastard.”

“No. If I could, I wouldn’t want to be in jail, but do you understand that there’s nothing I can do about it now? Even me; I’m not sure myself, it took me a while to accept this, to adjust to being here.” Meen said, letting out a big sigh. I didn’t need to be told to know how hard it must have been for her, “I thought about killing him, you know, out of anger. But thinking about it now, I don’t want him dead. I love him to death, even if he was a bastard.”

“You’re getting all dramatic, and I don’t know how to react.”

“Cut the drama, who’s crying here? Someone like me, I am Meen?” She cursed under her breath, quickly wiping away her tears, mocking herself with a smile, “I didn’t even go to his funeral, after being together for four or five years, I couldn’t even see my husband’s face.”

“Yeah, when Donat died, our condo was under renovation.”

“And why?”

“They turned off the CCTV system too. Anyone could have come up to kill Donat.” I said when I remembered, which made her look at me as if she just realized something.

“Yeah, but who would want to kill him? As far as I know, he didn’t have any enemies. Or did he secretly bet on football without telling me?”

“If someone else killed him, how could they get into your room? Who has a spare key card or key?”

“Wow, I gave out a lot of spare keys, to all my friends, my sister, my parents too, just in case I got too drunk to get back into my room. Donat probably gave some to his parents.” She said, “You suspect someone around us?”

“It’s possible, but why do I have to play detective?” I sighed slightly out of boredom, “I’ll look into it.”

“You’re going to solve this case for us? Wow, I appreciate it. If you could help me out, that would be great. If I’m really not guilty, I don’t want to stay here. If I get out, I’ll buy you drinks for three months.”

“Really?”

“When it comes to alcohol, your ears perk up, huh? Yeah, have you heard of me? Being in here sucks, I can’t smoke, can’t drink, I’m going crazy.” She cursed irritably, “So, how’s the new tenant in my old room?”

“What do you mean?”

“Has he experienced anything? Have you talked to him?”

“No, I haven’t talked to him, but last night I was drunk and ended up sleeping in his room.”

“Didn’t waste time talking, went straight to the bed action?” She raised an eyebrow.

“I was drunk, lost my key card.”

“Again? I remember when you used to do that a lot, always asking to sleep on my couch, always losing your key card when drunk. Tie it around your neck or something, be more careful, damn it, nobody else lives on the floor anymore.”

“Marry me.”

“Huh, you wanted me as your wife but didn’t say so.” She said with a sly grin that was quite irritating. Yeah, that’s how Meen is.

“Even a female dog would be better.”

“Why? I want to have a doctor as a husband once, you could close your eyes.”

“Donat would cry if he heard that.”

“Kidding.” Meen said, laughing a little, “So, did he let you sleep in the room?

That’s kind.”

“Yeah, he left me to sleep hugging the toilet all night.” My words made the person in front of me laugh with delight, “I think I woke up once, tried to leave but I was locked in the bathroom, so yeah, I slept there. But when I woke up, I was dizzy. So, I really slept in the bathroom? I thought it was a dream, but it was real.”

“Nice guy, I like him. Same age?”

“Younger, a friend of my code junior.”

“Oh, and has he seen anything in the room? Did you ask? Did he see Donat?”

“He did, he says he’s still scratching his nails.”

“When I get out of prison, I’m going to slap some sense into Donat; that asshole. Even when he was alive he would keep scratching walls until there were no nails left, that bastard. If he doesn’t get scolded by me, he won’t stop bothering you every day, right?”

“Yeah, it’s so annoying. The latest thing is him saying you might not have killed him.” I said, “Oh yeah, Meen, my code junior’s friend, the one living next to me, he can communicate with spirits.”

“Really?” Meen made a face of disbelief, “Hey, that’s good then, ask the ghost in the room if they saw anything when Donat was killed.”

“Ask like that?”

“Ask, why not? The witness is right under your nose, floating around in the room. Finally, those ghosts can be useful for something.”

“Can people really talk to them?” I spoke up. I wasn’t really inclined to believe it, honestly, I don’t even believe ghosts are real. Even hearing voices or seeing them in dreams, I still don’t want to believe, especially when it comes to supernatural stuff like talking to dead people or having psychic abilities.

“You should try it. It won’t hurt.”

“What if it lies? Crazy people talk to ghosts, I believe in science.”

“Damn, you stubborn doctor, I should ask the guards to let me out to smack your head.” She said irritably. Why is she so rough for a woman? Don’t release her from prison, she’s too fierce, “You still have the nerve to say you won’t believe when you curse and shout at the ghost in my room every day.”

“I can’t explain it, but people can lie too.”

“And what you told me about talking with Donat, were you lying?”

“Why would I lie about that?”

“Here’s the thing, you come asking who talks to ghosts, yet you talk to them yourself. Not sober from drinking, huh? You’re contradicting yourself, hit yourself.”

“Yeah, right.” I raised my hand to scratch my head lightly, probably still not fully sober. I couldn’t say I didn’t believe it since I’ve talked to Donut myself, “If the tenant next door can really talk to ghosts, I should ask for his help, right?”    “Yeah, talk to him nicely, don’t be rude to him. You’ll be in trouble if he gets annoyed. You caused him trouble last night too.”

“You’re such a nag, Meen.”

“Let me nag. This is my life, you know. You come here giving me hope to get out of prison, when I’ve already made peace with it. You’re responsible now, go talk to him nicely, apologize too, and if possible, bring him to talk to me.

Understand, doc?”

“Wow, yeah, yeah, don’t forget my three months of drinks.”

“Yeah, you can go now. Next time, bring something when you visit, don’t come empty-handed, I’m hungry here.”

“You’re asking for too much, what do you expect while in jail? Think I’d be scared if you threaten me?”

“If I get out of prison, I’ll make you my husband, Arthit.”

“I’m scared now.”

 

WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 2: Hanged Up

   Arthit

   I woke up irritably to the sound of my phone, fumbling around the bed until I found it. It was Tonfah calling.

   Half past six?

   Damn, I’m late.

   I jumped out of bed and answered Fah’s call immediately.

   “I’m up.”

(Hurry up.)

   “K.” I hung up and quickly showered and changed clothes. Even though other faculties were not yet on break, we had to start our ward rounds. Once we hit the fourth year, ward duties got chaotic. Normally, I was used to the noises from next door, but last night was more annoying than usual, probably because someone new moved in and they had a party or something.

Thinking about it, the sound of dragging the chair probably wasn’t Donut.    Because I only know Donut. No matter what kind of noise happens, I blame him alone.

When he was alive, he was annoying, as a ghost he is annoying, stabbed to death by his wife, and he still doesn’t go anywhere, just stays in that room, appearing in my dreams asking for food, or for me to repay the money I borrowed from him before he died. I already gave it back to your mother at your funeral, what more do you want to claim? At your funeral, I drove tens of kilometers to help out at your home. What more do you want from me, you bastard?

I’m complaining because I dreamt of him last night, saying he was hungry again, always hungry, I  have to study, do ward rounds, do paperwork, when do I have time to get rice to offer to you, you damn ghost, it’s so easy for you. Just showing up in dreams is enough to make me panic; he’s being too self-indulgent, isn’t he?    Because he keeps messing with my dreams, I couldn’t sleep well, so I woke up late. If the doctor scolds me, will you take responsibility, Donut?

I quickly rode my motorcycle to the hospital. When I parked, I ran into Jo, parking next to each other, arriving late at the same time, and we ran up together. In the morning, it’s ward rounds, in the afternoon, there’s a lecture, and there are more ward rounds from evening until 10 PM. Once everything was done, I went back to my room.

I flopped onto my bed, exhausted and bored. Studying medicine is damn tiring, and there’s a reason I’m doing it, but I’m not going to say what it is. I’m too lazy to explain, and if possible, I don’t even want to tell.

I was about to doze off when my phone rang again, waking me up.

Direk?

   “What’s up?”

(I am your father, talk to me  nicely, okay?)

   “Direk.”

(Are you trying to mess with me?)

   “We can keep talking like it’s a game, Direk you  is my dad, or if you want to be friends, then so be it.”

(Sigh, I’m bored. I heard you’re not going to the race track anymore?)    “I’ve got no time, morning and evening ward rounds, I’m tired, Direk. I want to quit. Treat me to something.”

(Hah, aren’t I already supporting you? It’s good you’re not going to the track, but it’s not great without you there, it’s boring, people are complaining.)

   “Huh. So, should I go or not? Last time I went, you got mad and blocked me on Line.”

(I unblocked you, I want to talk to Johan.)

   “See, when it’s Jo, you want to talk. Your real son, you won’t talk.”

(Johan speaks sense, and I blocked you because you kept asking for money.

You must think I; your dar must be very rich.)

   “Huh. If you’re broke, just say so, I’ll borrow from Jo then.”

(I am rich, but you don’t need to ask for money so often.)

   “Yes, yes, then why did you call?”

(I didn’t have good dreams last night.)

   “Do I need to comfort you? Oh, oh, don’t worry, dad, bad dreams will turn into good ones, right?”

(Fuck your dad, indeed.)

   “Oh, why are you scolding yourself, and what did you dream about?”

(I dreamt of your mom.)

   “…Really?”

(Why would I lie about that?)

   “What did she say?”

(Nothing, just like always.)

   “Maybe you’re working too hard, take a break.”

(Yeah, it must be it. How’s the ward work going? Don’t let anyone die or you’ll be sued into oblivion.)

   “Just the usual, manageable, I guess no one’s going to die.”

(The haunted room is still the same?)

   “The room next door, well, someone new moved in yesterday, last night was like a class reunion, so noisy.”

(Who moved in? How can they live there, you too, living with ghosts for years, are you crazy?)

   “Well, I’m too lazy to move my stuff. Moving would be like admitting defeat.

No way.”

(Still trying to outdo a ghost?)

“I could move, but then Donut will be lonely.”

(Do some good deeds for him, he’s your friend after all.)

   “I’ve never even been to a temple since I was born.”

(You don’t follow Buddhism, anyway. Fine, if you can live there, then live there, save on rent.)

   “Yeah, Direk, I want to upgrade my bike, maybe for the race on the weekend.”

(Upgrade what?)

   “I’ve already ordered it, just need you to pay.”

(Let your fucking dad pa…Oh, right, it’s me. Here we go again, you’re good at ordering stuff and making me pay.)

   “I’ll hang up now, see you at home.”

(Damn yo brat.)

   I hung up. Direk is my real father; we’ve been talking like this since we were kids, it’s just a habit. Direk once said he wanted to be more like a friend than a dad, so we could talk about everything, and he could feel young. Even though he’s over forty, he still has a youthful attitude.

It’s no wonder why I turned out like this. Just look at my dad; I’m a perfect replica. Direk says I’m exactly like him when he was young, the only difference being he didn’t study medicine.

Direk owns a company that imports all kinds of car parts. Not just importing, but manufacturing too, expanding to have large repair shops with branches all over the country. He’s already a huge importer so he did an IPO. No, not just going IPO but he actually did it a few years ago. You could say Direk is prospering and thriving, and since dad is rich, he needs someone to help spend the money, like me, who keeps asking for money until I got blocked on Line.

Because I’ve been around cars since I was a kid, I love them a lot. If someone asks why I have to study medicine, I’ll say, “You bastard.”

I’m not going to tell you yet, or else I might cry.

Before I could even get up to do anything, someone called again. Why all these calls? I picked up my phone to see it was Jo’s wife calling.

“What’s up?”

(Brother, you didn’t reply to my Line.)

   “And then what?”

(Let’s play a game.)

   “You want to play games with me.”

(So, will you play?)

   “Yeah, I’ll play. Wait a sec.”

I hung up. Jo’s wife is always inviting me to play games. I like playing, and I’m pretty good at it too, but I have to play more often because he likes inviting me. At first, I was surprised because I didn’t think Jo would be into someone like him, but they’ve been dating for nearly a year now. The downside is Jo no longer has time to drink with me, always sleeping with his wife.

Fah has a wife now, Hill has one, everyone has one except me. Even though it bothers me a bit, their sweetness stings my eyes, but it’s not bad. It’s good that they’re happy.

I entered the game. Less than ten seconds later, North invited me to play.    (What are you playing?) North’s voice came through the game since we talk on mic while playing, and he can only choose to open it for friends we’re playing with.

“Whatever. What are we playing?”

(I’ll carry, I’m going into the jungle.)

   “Who’s tanking then?”

(My friend.)

“Okay.” I only just noticed there was another person in the game room, but they hadn’t turned on their mic to speak.

“Who’s your friend?” I asked when I saw the name wasn’t familiar. Most of the friends North brought to play were usually Duennao, Kyu, Skater, Gett, and others in that circle, but this person was completely unfamiliar.

(Phipungto, your neighbor.)

   “Oh, right, can he tank? He better not suck, you bastard.”

(You’ll be amazed by my friend’s tanking.)

   “What the hell are you talking about?”

(You’ve chosen your character, damn it.)

   “I’m so honored.” I said, not taking the words too seriously since we were pretty close. I selected an assassin to farm in the jungle, North played carry, and the person playing tank chose one that complemented my farming character.

He must be pretty good, judging by the character choice.

Not just good, he was damn fierce. I’ve never seen someone tank this well before.

“Damn, are you on a pro team or what? How are you not falling with a three-onone like that?”

(Told you my friend is good, but it would help if you went to assist him, he’s almost dead.)

   “Look at my health, I’m not going to help you, bastard. Are you listening?”

(He’s listening, Phipungto, what do you want to do, say something.)    (Yeah, retreat to the jungle, my health’s low, not worth the risk. Going back would be a waste, we’ll just cover for you to escape.)

   (He’s your senior, your neighbor, come on, if you live next door, why not play together? It would make talking easier.)

   “I think I can manage, just healed a bit.”

(Going in again?)

   “Yeah, let’s get all three.”

(Okay, ultimate ready, let’s go.)

   (Really? Shit, no blood, just spirit, huh?) North grumbled a bit.

“Let’s start.” I said, before the tank moved in to engage the mage. I followed, and despite my low health, I managed to take down three enemies but at the cost of the tank covering for me.

(The tank is dead.)

   (No worries, tank is traded for mage and carry, it’s worth it.) The calm voice from the game made me wonder how North could be so laid-back while he was excited and complaining about the game earlier, but he seemed fine with it, and his timing was spot on, reading the game perfectly, he was an incredibly tough tank.

We played several rounds without losing, until North’s friend left the game.

North said he had something else to do, so it was just me and him playing.

(Hey, Phii, how was last night? Did you get haunted?)

   “Last night was more chaotic than usual. Why do you ask?”

(I asked my friend, he said he encountered four ghosts, wasn’t it three at first? How did the woman who hanged herself get there?)

   “Huh, hanged herself? Oh, that woman was originally in my room.” I said, thinking back to when I first moved into this room. My room has a history of a woman who hanged herself from the balcony, but she’s gone now, “I wondered why the sound of the chair being dragged was now in that room, thought it was another ghost, turns out it was the one who hanged herself.”

(Yeah, at the balcony, bro. The ghost told me she hanged herself around…what time, midnight maybe? So she was in your room before, and you chased her away?)

“Not exactly chased, well, kinda chased her. She was dragging the chair, I yelled at her, she didn’t listen, so I had to take drastic measures.”

(How, did you use a Buddha image to chase her away?)

   “No. At first, she was really harassing me, sitting on me while I was sleeping.”

(Shit, like that? What did you do?)

   “She sat on me while I was sleeping, so I thrust my hips at her, bastard.”

(You bastard, bro.) North’s laughter came through loud and clear, (Seriously?)    “Yeah.”

(Damn, you’re damn crazy, Phii, you really tried to shag the ghost.)    “If I could, I would, a woman sitting on a guy like me while I’m sleeping, what was she thinking?”

(Kick it, man…damn, ouch, wait, just imagining it gives me stomach cramps)

North couldn’t stop laughing, (And what did that woman do?)

   “She screamed and then disappeared, probably out of embarrassment.”

(I’d be scared to continue even if I were a ghost, so she went to another room?)

   “Not yet, she’s still dragging the chair every midnight. That night, I lost my patience, I knew at half past midnight she’d drag the chair again. If she was going to drag it, she’d drag it from the middle of the room to the balcony, passing by the bathroom. At twenty-five past midnight, I went and sat in the bathroom.”

(Why go into the bathroom?)

   “To jerk off.”

(Damn, oh my god, Phii Arthit, you damn senior, you jerk off to show a ghost?)

   “Yeah, if she’s going to drag the chair past, she’ll see me, I even left the door open.”

(Damn, that’s damn funny, ouch. Even if she’s a ghost, she’s still a woman!) North’s laughter echoed, he was laughing so hard he forgot to play the game, which made me laugh along, still finding it funny just thinking about it. How pissed off was I to do something like that?

It’s damn funny just imagining it.

I admit it, I’m proud of myself.

Because of talking to North, I had the courage to tell it straight, since North himself can be pretty vulgar.

“It’s my room, I can do whatever I want in my room, what’s wrong with that?”    (It’s not wrong, man, but like, ouch, it gives me a headache, and what did that woman do?)

   “She disappeared, probably moved rooms since then.”

(Yeah, that’s fair. If it were me, I’d leave too, with such a crazy landlord.)    “Crazy how? It’s a natural thing, aren’t you going to admit you’ve never done it?”

(Ouch, it’s just natural, man, ouch, my stomach hurts, I’ve got stomach cramps now, damn, that’s the craziest in med school. How many doctors on Earth would jerk off in front of a ghost? I can’t take it) I heard something drop loudly from the other end of the line, (I laughed so hard I fell off the sofa.)

“What’s so funny about that, are you that shallow?”

(Yeah, I know I’m shallow, I feel sorry for that senior now, feel sorry for all the ghosts in that room too. Phipungto says he ignores the ghosts, he told me. At midnight, there’s a woman hanging herself, right? Around two, someone jumps off the building, the ghost in the bathroom just cries. And Phii Donut scratches the wall with his nails.)

   “Does Donut scratch the wall?”

(Yeah, that’s what the ghost said, and why does he scratch, Phii?)

“Donut’s got some kind of mental issue. Before he died, he used to say his fingertips always itched, so he liked to scratch his nails a lot, even when just sitting, he’d scratch on the table or whatever. I told him to stop, but he said he couldn’t. I didn’t believe he’d still be obsessed with scratching his nails after death.”

(Seriously, that’s pretty creepy, bro. He liked to scratch his nails daily, and even after death, he still does it. The ghost said he scratched until his nails were all gone.)

   “So, your friend’s name is Phipungto, what kind of name is Phipungto?”    (No, no, Phii, his name is Daotok, but I think Daotok isn’t unique enough, it has to be Phipungto.)

   “Daotok? Yeah, that’s strange, why would a guy be named Daotok?”

(Right? But that’s his name, Phii, I didn’t choose it for him.)

   “Yeah.”

(So, how did Donut die? Was he really stabbed by his girlfriend while sleeping? Were you in the room?)

   “I was there, I was sleeping too, didn’t know anything, woke up to find out that the bastard Donut had been stabbed. Meen was his girlfriend, Donut probably had an affair, they fought a lot, Meen must have bottled it up, stabbed the cheating husband.”

(That’s brutal, she left the corpse on the bed like that.)

   “She slept next to that bastard. Meen’s got some nerve, I tell you, she stabbed Donut dead, then slept beside him until morning, the whole bed was soaked in blood. In the morning, she called the police herself.”

(Shit, that’s horrifying. So, what did you do, have you made any offerings for Donut’s spirit?)

   “Nah, too lazy, I don’t even follow Buddhism, don’t go to temples.”

(Phipungto said Donut haunts dreams too, saying he’s hungry.)

   “Yeah, he haunts my dreams too, saying he’s hungry.”

(And what did you reply?)

   “Want to eat my foot?”

(You’re harsh, Phii, that was your friend, even if he’s a ghost.) North burst out laughing, what a thin line this guy has, (Why not light some incense, offer some rice a couple of times, he might stop bothering you.)

   “Then he’ll get too comfortable. Why don’t you have your friend offer it to him?”

(My friend doesn’t have money, Phii, he spent it all buying rice for a cat.)    “Then just leave it like that, I’m going to sleep now, tomorrow I have to get up early for ward rounds, and Jo’s still asleep.”

(Phii Jo is asleep, he’s really tired, isn’t he?)

   “Tired, of course, why ask without thinking? I’m out.”

(Okay.)

   I logged off from the game, took a shower, and changed my clothes. It was past 8 PM, and we had played for quite a while. After changing, I prepared to go to bed. I didn’t usually want to sleep this early, but I was just too exhausted.

…

Daotok

   I was still working like the night before. It was past 8 PM now, with Emma watching nearby. Today, I hadn’t encountered anything strange or any annoying sounds, but I figured after midnight things would get hectic.

In the evening, I played games with North. North loves playing games. I’m the same, a gaming addict. I like to play as a tank or support, and I only play one role well.

The person North invited to play seemed to be my neighbor from the next room. He’s pretty good at the game, and North is too, so it felt more relaxing to play. It’s not a big deal if others aren’t skilled, but if they have a bad attitude, North would give them hell. He gets hot-headed over games.

As soon as the clock struck midnight, I thought their energy would increase. I could feel their presence becoming more intense. I put on my headphones to ignore the wall-scratching sounds.

When I couldn’t think of work anymore, I needed to rest my brain. I decided to take a hot bath because it’s the most relaxing thing, but there was someone in the tub acting like they owned it.

“…I’m going to take a bath now.” I said beforehand, not exactly asking for permission, just stating it, “Don’t turn the water into blood like in the movies. Speaking of which, how would you even do that? A woman normally only has about four or five liters of blood, not enough to fill the whole tub.”

I turned on the hot water until the tub was full and stepped in, sitting down to soak. The perfect temperature made me feel very relaxed, except for the chilling sensation at the back of my neck.

   A hand…a pale, slender hand was caressing around my neck, pressing harder with its nails, scratching along my skin.

   It hurts…

   “It hurts.”

“I’ll get angry if you hurt me.” I said, not in the best mood, lifting one hand to lightly slap my own neck, hoping to hit his hand as punishment, “If you want to hit, hit my hand.”

But I didn’t feel anything. I continued to soak in the water, inadvertently closing my eyes, and felt my hand touch something like a person’s head. I slowly opened my eyes.

I’ve never seen her before…

Her pitch-black, wet hair spread out. She slowly looked up at me. I quickly withdrew my hand that was touching her head. Her face was pale, her eyes devoid of light, her lips split to her ears in a grin before tightening into a grimace, and the sound of crying echoed throughout the bathroom.

Blood flowed from the split mouth, tears streamed endlessly, the naked body of the woman in front of me became clearer, with a cut on her neck, slashes on her shoulder, and I didn’t dare look any further. She sat hugging her knees in the tub in front of me, crying harder and harder.

“Huh, sob, sob.”

   “…”

“Huh, sob, sob, it hurts…it hurts, hurts, don’t hurt me, please don’t hurt me.”

   Ah, she was killed by her boyfriend, her throat slit in the bathtub. She must have meant him.

“I won’t hurt you.”

“Huh, sob.”

   “Does it hurt? There, there.”

“Sob, it hurts, hurts, it’s agony, I…can’t breathe.”

   “Well, your throat was slit, how could you breathe? But how can you speak?”

“Sob, huh.”

   “You…no, Miss.” I decided to speak, extending my hand to shake her to bring her to her senses so she could listen to me, but when my hand touched the icy cold skin of the person…the ghost in front of me, she stopped crying immediately, the cries gradually quieting down, her eyes slowly moving to look at me.

“Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!”

   She screamed. I was slightly taken aback, before the woman’s figure disappeared.

Did she scream to scare me, was she surprised that someone was there, or was she embarrassed because she was naked?

   Whatever.

I soaked in the water for a little while longer, then got out of the tub when I was satisfied. I removed the plug from the bathtub, and as the water level went down, I saw hair stuck in the drain.

Hair?

   “Long hair too,

And it’s definitely not mine.”

“Don’t make my hair fall out, how did this get clogged? I don’t want to keep pulling it out. Next time, tie your hair up.” I mumbled in slight annoyance. Why do I have to deal with someone else’s hair?

   I walked out of the bathroom since I wasn’t wearing my bracelet while showering, which allowed me to see the woman in the tub once. Now, I saw the woman who hanged herself walking by. I thought she would just pass me, but she stopped and slowly turned to look at me. I looked back, confused.

“Uh…is there something you want to say?”

‘…Nothing.’

   Ah…she answered, her voice slow and strangely echoing.

‘Thank god…that you closed the door.’    ???

  

WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 1: Friends

   Arthit

   “Wow, this is a beautiful snake.”

“It’s normal.”

“Wow, why is this room so gloomy, Phii? Open a window, you’ve got one after all.” Jo’s wife walked around the room because he said he wanted to see my room, which was fine, let him look if he wants. He went ahead and opened my curtains quite boldly.

“I just got back.”

“Why does it smell like this? Did something die, Phii?”

“It’s smelly as shit, but I’m fine.”

“Really? So, what does it normally eat?”

“I bought some meat for it, like chicken.” I answered, referring to the snake. I keep a snake, a light yellow ball python, in a glass tank.

“How much was it, Phii?”

“Two or three hundred thousand, I guess. This pattern is hard to make.”

“What if it slithers out and falls off the building?”

“Then it’s fucked.”

“Are you really living alone on this whole floor?”

“Yeah, why? But your friend moved in, didn’t he ?”

“Yeah, there are two of you . Look after my friend well, okay?”

“What’s that about?”

“Man, do you know anything about the next-door room? They say it’s haunted.

Have you seen anything?”

“Ugh.” I sighed, bored at the thought of the next-door room, “I see it every night, damn it, it’s annoying. Tell your friend to tell it to stop dragging the table and chairs so I can sleep.”

“…” North went silent for a moment before taking a deep breath to compose himself, “Wait, Phii? Every night? My friend won’t die of fear, will he ?”

“If your friend is scared, why did he  move in?”

“Phii, but he  said he wasn’t scared.”

“If he is not scared, that’s good. But why move in? I thought I’d be living on this floor alone until I graduated.” I said, because ever since being haunted daily, everyone on this floor moved out except me because I was too lazy to pack and move, plus the condo owner, Pao, gave me a fifty percent discount.

“Well, the condo owner gave a seventy percent discount, so my friend agreed to move in.”

“Seventy? Why did he get a bigger discount than me?”

“You live next door, you should get a big discount. Why not move into that room?”

“Too lazy to move stuff, screw it. Get out, I’m going to sleep.”

“Why sleep now, it’s still early.”

“I’m going to sleep, leave, and close the door.”

“Yeah, yeah, playing games tonight?”

“Yeah, after I wake up.”

“Got it.” North’s voice came before he walked out of my room, not forgetting to close the door. I hoped his friend who just moved in wouldn’t make too much noise because just the sounds of crying, laughing, dragging chairs, and things falling from the next room every night were enough.

Why not move, you ask?

Well, I’m too lazy to move my damn stuff, there’s too much of it. Why should I move? They should move. They’re already dead, why keep bothering me, damn it.

Exhausted from a full day of classes, I drifted off to sleep.

…

Daotok

   I flopped down on the bed, feeling extremely tired after hours of arranging things. I looked around the room; it was quite nice actually. The condo owner had replaced everything with new items. From the sofa to the bed to the bathroom fixtures, it was all spacious too. I could put a lot of my stuff here.

I immediately picked up my phone to call as soon as I remembered.

(How’s it going? Moved into the new room yet?)

   “Yes, Pa. When can you send Mr. Jeon over?”

(I  isn’t free, will next week be okay?)

   “Yes.”

(You didn’t move into some weird room, did you? Heard it’s cheap.)

   “Don’t worry too much, let me talk to Dad for a bit.”

(What’s up, son?)

   (When are you coming home?) a deep voice with a clear British accent came through the line. I responded in English.

“I just got back to school, Dad. Send me some photos of Mr. Jeon.”

(How’s the new room?)

   “It’s very spacious, convenient too.”

(That’s good. I’ll come visit when I have time.)

   “Okay, that’s all for now.”

(Okay)

   Then I hung up. The person I was talking to just now was Papa and Dad, to simplify, I have two fathers. Papa is my biological father, and Dad is his partner. My Dad is English, and they got married there before he moved to Thailand with Papa. We live happily together, the three of us. My mom has remarried too.

Hmm, I’m too lazy to talk about home stuff, let’s leave it for now.

   The reason I moved to a larger room was because of Mr. Jeon. Mr. Jeon is a black Cat, with one blind eye. I found Mr. Jeon near the old dorm and decided to take him in. Since then, my life has had meaning, like finding the other half of my heart that was lost. I worked hard to move to a new room so I could bring Mr.

Jeon with me.

   I checked the time and saw it was past 9 PM. I sat down at my desk, turned on the desk lamp, opened my tablet, grabbed my stylus, and continued working.    Time passed until nearly midnight. I got up, stretching lazily, intending to take a shower, looking at the bracelet in my hand with a slight hesitation because I wasn’t quite ready to deal with it.

   I have something different from most people, something I myself don’t know how to describe. I can sense strange energies that most people can’t, including the rather annoying feelings of others. If someone is sad or angry today, I can feel it as if it expands and rushes towards me. If they’re sad, I feel it too, which can be quite bothersome.

   But to pick up on these subtle emotions requires some concentration. So, I don’t have much of a problem with it since I don’t need to focus on reading someone’s feelings, except for some friends I genuinely care about, like when I’ve read Cat’s feelings before.

   The bracelet my grandmother gave me helps suppress my sensitivity. It stops me from seeing or feeling those strange energies. I’m not afraid, but seeing or feeling them doesn’t make me feel good. Even if I don’t see everything, I can still feel it.    I decided to take off the bracelet, and the weight of the sensations hit me immediately.

   Hmm.

   “Let’s talk then.” I said into the empty room, but it wasn’t empty in my current perception, though I still couldn’t see anything. I don’t know why, but I don’t really want to see either.

“I’m the one paying the rent for this room, so I’m the owner. Check the contract if you want, so you have no rights here whatsoever. If you can, please leave.”

“…”

Of course, there was no response.

   But the sensation intensified.

   It seemed like I’d made her angry…

   Why get angry? I was just stating the truth, wasn’t I?

   This is exactly why it’s so annoying.

   I took off my clothes to get ready for a shower, walked into the bathroom where the floor was surprisingly wet. How did it get wet? I hadn’t even been in the bathroom since I moved in.

   “You are wasting water. Next time, please fetch water from somewhere else.”    I said that before turning on the shower. The sound and warmth of the water hitting my skin made me feel a bit more relaxed, but after a while, the bathroom light started flickering on and off. I sighed again, choosing to ignore it and continued my shower.

Eventually, the bathroom light went out completely. I dried myself and stepped out of the bathroom.

Locked?

   From the outside.

   “…”

First question…why would a ghost lock me in the bathroom?

   Second question…how am I supposed to get out? My head’s wet, and I’ll catch a cold if I stay like this.

   “Open it.”

“…”

“Don’t be stubborn, please.”

“Speak clearly. I won’t do anything bad, I’m still dealing with my own sikarma.”

“…Hic, huh, hic.”

   I heard crying from behind me. I turned to look but saw nothing because it was pitch black. I remembered there was a woman killed in the bathtub. I squinted towards the tub, and after a while, my eyes adjusted to the darkness enough to see a faint silhouette.

“Are you naked?”    “Huh, huh, sob.”

   “I’m naked too. Men and women shouldn’t be naked together in the bathroom. I’ll close my eyes then.” I slowly closed my eyes as I said, wrapping the towel tighter around myself to make sure the woman couldn’t see me, “Did you lock me in here?”

“Huh, huh, sob.”

   “We’ll talk later. I’m cold now, I’ll bring my laptop into the bathroom to work, which will annoy you more is that okay?”

“Huh, sob.” the crying got louder. I frowned, not understanding what she wanted. If she didn’t want to talk, why lock me in the bathroom? Then I heard the sound of the bathroom door unlocking.

“Okay, I am going. So, do you want someone to talk to or not?”

“Sob, sob, huh…sob.”

   “Okay, you can wash your face now, you’re allowed to use the sink, be careful not to get swollen eyes.” I said before opening the door, but how could a ghost in the bathroom lock the door from the outside? Did it go through the wall to lock it and then go back through the wall?

   Whatever.

   I quickly got dressed, dried my hair, put my bracelet back on, and continued working. The bracelet is good because it makes my senses as normal as an average person’s, meaning anything too strong for a normal person to feel, I can feel when I’m wearing it.

I kept working, losing track of time as usual, since it wasn’t the start of the school term yet, I could work late. Once the draft was done, I sent it to the client right away. They sent it back with instructions on what to fix, and I tried to adjust accordingly.

“Ah, for heaven’s sake, they want it smaller than this?”

“Smaller.”

“Hmm, any smaller and it won’t be visible.”

“Then what? If you adjust it further, it won’t stand out. Do you want to add more shadow? It’s evening, how can I add more shadow? If you want a lot of shadow, why didn’t you brief that it’s noon? There’s no light in the evening.”

I mumbled to myself. I’ve had the habit of talking to myself since childhood because I didn’t have many friends, leading me to talk to myself until it became a habit. If I don’t speak out loud, I can’t focus.

And another important thing is:

“What should I do?”

‘Adjust the position, there.’

   “Hmm, good idea.” I said, turning to look at the person who just appeared, a girl about my age with short, wavy brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a white dress with flower patterns, holding a ragged teddy bear in her left hand. She smiled at me kindly.

Emma…

   Do you think Emma is a ghost?

   No, Emma is my imaginary friend.

   When you’re a kid, you often make up imaginary friends to play with, right? I don’t know why Emma didn’t disappear when I grew up; maybe because I didn’t have many friends even as I got older. But it’s not bad, I have someone to talk to, so I don’t feel lonely, and Emma doesn’t tell anyone about my things.

   ‘Michael.’

   “What?”

‘I like the new room, but it feels off somehow.’

   “Really? Hmm, my friends said the same thing.”

“North wore black today, he looked so cute.”

Emma is North’s hardcore fan, but I  can’t tell him that.

Oh, right, Emma calls me Michael because people used to tease me that my name, Daotok, sounds feminine, often calling me a sissy since kindergarten. Out of annoyance, I told everyone my name was Michael when I got to primary school. But by high school, I realized that it was just the name my papa gave me. No big deal, it’s my name. I have no problem with it, and others shouldn’t either, except for North, because he’s North, so I can forgive him when he has issues with my name.

So, if he  doesn’t like the name Daotok, he can call me Michael.

‘Is North close with the neighbor? Why does he spend so much time there?’

   “I don’t know, he’s friends with North’s boyfriend.”

‘North’s boyfriend is handsome, they suit each other.’

   “Yeah, Emma, be quiet for a bit. I’m working on something.”

‘Okay, you should tell Donut to stop staring at you  too.’

   “Hmm.” I replied without much interest. What Emma sees is what I see; Donut is the name of the political science senior who was stabbed to death by her boyfriend while she was still sleeping. She’s been standing there watching me work for a while now.

“I’ve put on the bracelet, why can I still see flashes?”

“Emma.”

‘What did you say? Michael you told me to be quiet, but you also called me , what should I do?’

   “I  should put on the Buddha amulet necklace, right?”

‘That might be good. If it makes Donut go away.’

   “Okay.” I said, standing up from my desk, rummaging through my bag to find the amulet necklace and put it on. I don’t know how much it will help, but it’s better than nothing.

Why hasn’t he left yet?

   I don’t want to talk to him at all.

   To be honest, I’m angry.

   What kind of…ghost has no manners?

   Ah…finally gone.

   Donut walked away from my desk, heading to sit on the bed, probably where he died. I turned back to my work, catching him pacing around the room out of the corner of my eye, which was incredibly annoying.

   I was slightly startled when I heard a sharp, irritating sound. I found Donut scratching the wall with his nails, just standing there staring at the wall while scraping it up and down.

   Why do that?

   Ugh…I put on my headphones and turned on the rain sound to drown her out so I could ignore her. I didn’t want to curse or talk to her, focusing on my work even with someone…a ghost making annoying noises nearby.

   When I need to concentrate in a noisy place, I like to use this rain sound because I enjoy the sound of rain, plus if it were music, it would distract me even more.

   Almost an hour passed when I heard a knock on the door.

   Midnight?

   There’s only me and my friend’s boyfriend on this floor. He wouldn’t come knock on my door, would he?

   I turned up the volume on my headphones to ignore the knocking.

   …I stood up from my chair, my patience exhausted by the continuous knocking, my work wasn’t going well, the client was rushing me, for heaven’s sake.    “Stop knocking.” I said calmly through the door slot, hoping whoever was knocking would hear.

“Open it.”

“I won’t open it, stop knocking for once.”

“Open it, damn it!” I was startled when the person on the other side started banging harder on the door.

“Don’t be so violent, are you lonely?”

“I’m fucking lonely then, I told you to open it, you bastard!”

“Why are you such a rude ghost?”

“Fuck you, calling me a ghost again, I’m a person, your damn neighbor, open the door!” The words from the other side surprised me. Oh, so it’s really my neighbor.

I peeked through the peephole to see it was indeed that senior. Initially, I didn’t want to look because I thought it was a ghost, so I didn’t want to see. I slowly opened the door.

“What’s the matter?”

“Tell that ‘Do’ to stop dragging the chair, you bastard, I can’t sleep.”

“Do? …Dragging the chair?” I was a bit confused. If he meant Donut, he wasn’t dragging a chair. He was just scratching the wall with his nails. I turned to look and saw him still in the same spot, his nails completely peeled back, blood dripping down the wall and floor. I hoped it wasn’t really staining. I didn’t want to clean it, “I am not dragging the chair.”

“I’m not talking about you, you bastard, whoever’s in this room, tell them to stop making those weird noises.”

“Okay, I’ll tell them.”

“Yeah, these bastards, I can’t even sleep when I want to.” He cursed, scratching his head in frustration before turning back to his room. I slowly closed the door, looking around the room in confusion.

Who’s dragging the chair?

And why can’t I hear it?

I took off my bracelet because I wanted to find out who was dragging the chair at midnight like this.

…Who else could it be?

   From my research, there are only three bodies who died here, but who is the woman hanging herself right now? She’s in an old, crumpled student uniform, dragging a chair to the balcony to hang herself because there’s nothing inside the room to tie a rope to; there’s no ceiling fan like in the dorms, but there’s a clothesline on the balcony. She dragged the chair there, sobbing, tied the rope, put her head through the loop, and kicked the chair away.

   They say when people commit suicide, they repeat the act. That’s true, I guess.

   Hmm…how should I handle this situation?

   Okay, let’s go buy some coffee first.

   I left the room with Emma following me, heading downstairs to the 7-Eleven to buy coffee and a little snack to keep me going until morning. On the way back to the room, I pondered how to deal with the sound of the chair being dragged.

   Ah…I know. If there’s something standing there already, she won’t need to drag it, right?

   Once back in the room, I put an unused wooden shelf under the balcony railing, wanting to leave a chair there but unfortunately, there was only one chair in the whole room, which was the one I was using. Then I put on my headphones and continued working. I didn’t know if there was any more dragging sound because I wasn’t paying attention, but Donut, who was scratching the wall, had disappeared and gone back to sitting on the bed as before.

I was startled again when I heard something fall from the balcony and hit the ground with a loud noise, so I took off my headphones and hurried out to check, in case the wind had blown something of mine off.

I looked at the balcony to see if anything was damaged, but it seemed there wasn’t. The woman who had been hanging there was gone too. I looked down to the balcony below and saw someone lying there, covered in blood.

Fell from the balcony?

Oh, I read in the news that a senior medical student jumped from the balcony to commit suicide. With that in mind, I thought she might have to jump again, and as I thought, suddenly, a woman from who knows where came to stand beside me. She didn’t even look at me, her nightgown stained with blood, her face smeared with tears, before she threw herself down right in front of me.

I looked down again and saw the body lay in exactly the same position.

Okay…if I were to die, I wouldn’t choose suicide anymore, having to hang myself or jump off a building every day, it’s exhausting.

I walked back into the room and continued working, letting those with duties do theirs. Around three in the morning, the sound stopped.

‘The person in the bathroom still hasn’t stopped crying.’ Emma came to sit beside me and spoke up.

“Yeah, they’ll probably stop when they get tired.”

‘Go comfort them.’

   “I won’t go, I’ve still got work to finish.”

‘Michael you are so cold-hearted.’

   “Yeah.”

‘Okay.’

   I kept working until I felt my body couldn’t take it anymore; I stood up, stretched a bit, and prepared to go to bed. As soon as I lay down, I felt uncomfortable, guessing I might have taken the spot of someone who died there.

Then I’ll move to the other side.

I turned over to the other side, but I ended up flipping back because I couldn’t sleep.

Whoever I’m on top of, let them be. If I don’t sleep on the right side, I won’t be able to sleep at all.

With drowsiness, I easily drifted off to sleep. In the early hours while I was asleep, I dreamt of Donut sitting and watching me from the empty side of the bed, saying he was very hungry and asked for something to eat. In the dream, I replied:

I have no money…

  

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