Part 15
The next couple of days was hard, especially for Arrisa. She couldn't believe that her brother was really gone; off to war. There's really no telling if he will home in one piece, even if he had promised them that he will come back alive and well. Arrisa just stayed in her room, not wanting to show her face to Sayla, fearing that her pain will rub off to anyone who looks at her.
Outside, the horrid rain kept pouring its wet sorrow. And inside, there was a storm in everyone's heart. Aside from enjoying Nami's youth and innocence, Arrisa and Sayla once again faces a deep heartache knowing that the man they both love is out there somewhere. They'll never know if he's being shot at or if bombs are coming his way. Ever since he left, the women has been waiting eagerly for mails, hoping and prating that it is Thanatorn writing them to tell them that everything is okay so far. Once they recieve the letter, then they'll know that's when it's okay to reply back with letters and care paclages. But five days have past, and still nothing.
Arrisa sat on the bed, hugging her pillow, and was going over her family album when there was a knock on the door. On the other end, a soothing voice called out.
Sayla - Arrisa? It's me.. Can I come in?
Arrisa quickly hid her family album under her pillow, not wanting Sayla to see her distress. She also wiped her tears away.
Arrisa - Urh.. P'Sayla.. go ahead, it's unlocked.
Sayla opened the door and poked her head in. She walked in with a huge smile on her face and hands behind her back, as if she has some terrific news to report.
Sayla - Arrisa.. guess what a bird brought in?
Arrisa - A bird?
Sayla - Yes, silly... you know, back in the old days, dove's would send messages to people. That's how they communicate.
Arrisa - That's silly, P'Sayla.. that only happens in fairytales, and... unfortunately...
Arrisa sighed and lowered her voice.
Arrisa - We do't live in a fairytale, instead we live in realty where we were born to suffer a never ending sorrow.
Sayla - Nonsense!
Sayla smiled cheerfully.
Sayla - Fairytales are based on real life you know. It really happens that way, that's why people are able to write about it.
Arrisa - It may be based on real life, but it's so exaggerated! And.. a bunch of lies..
Arrisa hugged her pillow and pouted. And she then raised her head realizing that she may be bringing Sayla down with her negativity.
Arrisa - Uhrr... Sorry, P'Say.. I'm so bad. I'm making things worst. (Sigh) You're the one who just came out of the hospital, and yet, you're so optimistic about things.
Sayla - It's okay, Nong Arrisa. I know exactly how you feel. Sometimes you just got to believe... that's all.
Sayla then slowly brought an envelope from the back of her. She smiled warmly while showing the envelope to Arrisa.
Sayla - Look what I found, Arrisa. A letter from P'Torn.
Arrisa's eyes widened and she quickly snatched the letter out of Sayla's hand and eagerly ripped it open. Sayla just laughed, happy to see Arrisa excited and joyous for the very first time in a week. Once she ripped the envelope to shreds, she unfolded the letter and read it out loud.
To my favorite ladies,
I want to start off by letting you all know how much I miss you. I sleep peacefully at night knowing that you guys are safe in our home. So please continue enjoying your days okay? Doing so will make me happy, and it will give me the courage to continue on. I have a really funny partner, his name is Kade. Everytime he opens his mouth, I laugh really hard. So it's not that bad here.. Right now, it's about 10:00PM and I'm doing my nightly guard. And then tomorrow, we'll have a day of training and then off I go to defend our country.
How's my baby girl? I bet she's getting prettier and prettier, just like her Mother huh. And what about my baby sister? Still naughty as usual? And my beautiful wife.. thank you again for understanding me. Please take care of eachother okay? I will be home soon. By the way.. the food's not bad at all.. we have our own personal chef, but you know what? I'd rather eat Arrisa's burnt chicken any day. (Hehe)
P.S.
Write me as much as you can. I'll be looking forward to your letters. Oh, and please give Nani lots of kisses for me.
Love always,
Thanatorn
By the time Arrisa finished reading the letter, both the ladies have big smile on their faces. Arrisa then carefully folded the letter and reached for a box and placed it safely inside.
Sayla - See.. everything will be okay, Nong Arrisa.
Arrisa - Yes.. but still..
Sayla - He will come home to us before we know it. So in the meantime, let's write him lots of letters and bake his favorite treats and send it over. How about the three of us go shopping today and get a care package ready?
Arrisa - Okay, gimme 5 minutes.
Sayla - While you get ready, I'm going to get Nani ready then.
Arrisa - Do you need any help, P'Say?
Sayla - No.. I've got it. Thanks. Oh.. and how about we cook Pad'Thai tonight? I'm craving for that right now.
Arrisa - Sounds like a plan, P'Say.
Arrisa giggled and rose from her bed. And right when Sayla was about to leave the room, Arrisa called out to her.
Arrisa - P'Say?
Sayla - Hmm?
Arrisa - Thank you...
Sayla gave Arrisa a warm smile and left the room. When she got to the middle of a living room, suddenly there was a sharp pain that shot up her back, stopping her from going further. She stood there, trying to wait out the pain, hoping that it was nothing.
Please.. not now.. Please... Sayla uttered softly.
And then, as if something powerful was listening to her, the pain miraculously went away. That's when Sayla took a deep breath and continued to get Nani ready for the outing. She was about to let anything happen to her. She vowed to stay strong and healthy for Thanatorn, so when he get's back, they can be a happy family again.
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At the training ground, Thanatorn kept focused of the commander General as he pointed to a map showing the ins and out of the terrain. The object was to capture Sukham Sone and his men, so that they could stop terrorizing the city and their own nation. For years, many civilians have been protesting for Sukham to be overthrown due to his dictatorship, but no one was ever succesful. They just end up being exiled or killed. And now, there is help from the North and the civilains were more than happy to have the Thai troops in their little providence.
Kade poked Thanatorn's rib to get his attention to mimick the big and strong, but balding general. He's always trying to crack jokes or make people laugh; to him, humor will make everything easier.
Kade! I'm trying to listen to the General, Thanatorn whispered.
Haha.. man.. it's easy, just find the bastarrd and kill! We don't need no lessons, Kade laughed in a whisper.
Shhh! This is important. We need to study that map, Kade. Thanatorn protested.
Alright, alright.. man.. but I need a beer and a smoke, after this.
Just when Kade said that, a loud overpowering noise came towards them. And one of the soldiers knew what it was.
GRANADE!!! EVERYONE, SEEK SHELTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A soldier yelled.
Immediately, Kade and Thanatorn ran to the nearest dirt pile and crouch down and shielded their heads, just when the Grenade exploded. There were screams coming from the tent that they were in. That's when Thanatorn realized that some people didn't make it out of the tent. Thanatorn stayed in a soldier crawl position and panted. He had to feel for his arms and legs to make sure that he was still alive. The entire area was very smokey that it was harrd to see who was who and what was around them. And then through the smoke, he heard Kade's voice, a confirmation that he was still alive.
Kade - That was close. You okay man???
Thanatorn - Yeah... I'm... I'm okay.
Part 16 coming up.