Waiting on the Rain by Freddy MacKay

Author:Freddy MacKay [MacKay, Freddy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mischief Corner Books

* * *

A tug on Jira’s head had him looking up at Fon. “Arai na?”

“Making sure you have a hair clipping for your krathong.”

“Ah. Okay, okay.”

“Focused much?” she asked.

“Just making sure all the krathong are water worthy.”

“Sure you’re not trying to avoid Phra Suwit? Or us?”

“Aao. Maybe. A little… both…”

“Khun roo seuk ub eye mai?”

Jira waved his hand. “Bplao, bplao, bplao.”

“Khun roo seuk gang won mai?” Her fingers swept through his hair. Easy, comforting. Much like a mother trying to calm her child.

“Phom roo seuk sab son.”

Fon slid down and sat next to Jira on the mat. She picked up a lily and added it to the banana leaf, making sure to place it to show off the colors. Next, she adjusted the incense and fiddled with the candle. Not once did Fon pressure Jira for a conversation as they nitpicked over the baskets.

The krathong were ready. There wasn’t a reason to delay facing Phra Suwit anymore, but Jira found himself lacking the confidence to face the old monk again. Jira let out a frustrated puff and rocked on his heels. Confused and not sure why.

“Did you expect him to be upset with you?”

“Khrap. Or surprised. Definitely a little surprised.”

“Parents—and Phra Suwit raised you so he really is—know more about their kids then they let on sometimes.”

Jira grunted in agreement and continued to fiddle with the leftover banana leaves.

“I don’t know Phra Suwit very well, but…” Fon paused long enough for Jira to get uncomfortable and make eye contact. “But to me he seems happy for you. Very happy. Let an old man be happy for his kid. Phra Suwit isn’t going to scold or yell or anything you’re worrying about.”

Wow. Jira hadn’t thought he’d get so choked up, but here he was, choked up with his chest feeling tight and ready to burst. Even a breath, sharp and long like a hiss could not settle the emotions surging inside him. He shook. So much had changed so quickly. Jira had thought he wanted it all, but faced with Phra Suwit’s knowing eyes, it was overwhelming.

All of it. So much.

Fon wrapped an arm around Jira’s shoulders and gave a yank. He leaned in, seeking out a solid presence despite the warmth blanketing the city. More than any friends or acquaintances he knew, Fon felt unflappable. To press in, to feel her solid presence, not asking for anything or requiring answers, helped relax the tension building within. She held him close, reassuring and exuding unmeasurable patience.

“Khob khun,” Jira whispered.

The squeeze on his shoulder helped settle the rapid beat of his heart.

“Okay… okay.”

“These are lovely.” Fon helped pick up the krathongs and put them into the boxes. “You have a talent for finding the beauty in simplicity.”

“Khob khun.”

“The others are already by the water.”

“Khrap.”

The buzz of insects kept them company as Fon and Jira made their way down to the river, treading carefully with their goodies. Heat curled around them in a hug. Close and familiar. Almost taunting in its nature. It made Jira want to shed his skin.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.