Kong was Sitting on the porch, listening to the creaks of the wood as he rocked back and forth in an old, comfortable rocking chair, waiting for Roger to arrive. The crunch of tires on gravel draws his eyes to the black Mercedes pulling up the driveway

'Who's that in the passenger seat with Roger ??'

Kong looked more closely and was shocked to see his father

'Dad ?? Why didn't he tell me??'

Kong was quivering with excited energy as he waited for the car to stop. As soon as the vehicle paused, Kerkerai hopped out and held Kong in a tight embrace before Kong's mind could even catch up to the fact that his dad was actually there

"Dad !! I can't believe you're here!! Why didn't you let me know you were coming??"

Kerkerai released Kong and held him at arms length

"Wouldn't be much of a surprise if I told you"

A giggle behind him draws Kong's attention and he turned to see Rose with her hands clamped over her mouth, fighting a huge smile

"How long have you known ??"

"Two weeks...."

Kong couldn't hide his grin, he was thrilled to find his dad in front of him

Arthit shuffled to Kong's side, his hand finding a resting spot on the small of Kong's back

"Hello..... Sir"

Kerkerai's surprise at Arthit's greeting was clear on his face

"Hello,Arthit. Nice to see you again"

When Arthit offered nothing in return Kerkerai gave Kong a questioning look, to which he simply respond with a shrug. Even though Arthit was making excellent progress with speaking in sentences and picks up new words daily, there were still many social customs that elude him

After a moment of awkward silence, Rose ushered all of them inside the house for dinner

Conversations were easy once they were all settled around the table. Kerkerai and Roger told them about the nerve wracking long journey of their's to reach Viang. and Rose and Kong filled them in, on Arthit's progress in last few weeks

"So they have him working on reading ??"

Roger questiond, seeming truly in awe

"He just started on the alphabet this week and some simple word recognition, like his name. Gulf wanted us to start having him watch television with closed captioning to give him context for the words. he believes that will be more helpful to him than beginner reading books"

Rose explained

"Have you tried that yet ??"

Roger asked

"Not yet, but I'm hoping to this week"

"How long are you going to be here, Dad ??"

Kong jumped in

"At least a couple of weeks. Got to spend some time with my only son. Oh God....can't even remember the last time I took off from work, though I am the boss in my office"

Kong was excited by the idea of spending some time with his dad. It's been a while since they just hung out together

"What's there to do around here, Kong ??"

"I'm actually not sure. I haven't gotten out much dad "

"What do you say to exploring with your old man tomorrow ??"

"Sounds good..."

Kong replied with a smile

***************************

Kerkerai opted to stay in the cottage with Roger. That way Rose could have all her guests rooms open. Luckily there were just the five of them right now, a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle around their house recently

Kerkerai has asked for the day to be just the two of them, Dad and Son, and reluctantly Kong agreed

Arthit wasn't happy when Kong told him that he will be staying with Rose and Roger. Kong did his best to explain to Arthit that it was important for him to spend some time with his dad

"Kong is leaving me ??"

The tone of Arthit's voice damn near killed Kong, and he almost begged his dad to let him come with them

"No, no...no..."

Kong rushed to explain

"I'm just going to spend the day with my dad. I'll be back before you go to bed. I promise"

Arthit's eyes were so troubled it twisted Kong's heart to look at him

"Kong be back ??"

Arthit's hands tighten around Kong's, his gaze lowered, concentrating on their entwined fingers. Pulling his hands from Arthit's grip, Kong placed them on his cheeks, forcing Arthit's eyes to meet his own

"Arthit, I will be back. My dad missed me, and he just wants to spend a little time with me. Okay??"

"Arthit miss Kong too"

Moisture glistened in his eyes and it took everything in Kong to swallow the lump in his throat and speak to him again

"I know and I'll miss you too, but I will be back soon"

"Kong... let's go"

Kerkerai's voice came abruptly behind them

"Give me just a minute, Dad"

Kong called over his shoulder

Shifting his attention back to Arthit, he pulled his head towards him until their foreheads meet. Arthit's watery gaze meets Kong's and kong put every ounce of conviction he possessed, into his voice

"I will never leave you. Okay ??"

"Okay, Kong"

"You'll have a great day with your mom and Roger"

Arthit pulled Kong in a tight hug

"Hey.... I bet if you ask real nice, your mom will bake those chocolate chip cookies you love the most"

Kong saw a small smile crossed Arthit's lips as he moved from his embrace

"You going to be alright ??"

Arthit's bright eyes gazed at Kong, a little red rimmed, but no traces of tears now. He took a deep breath, and Kong got the feeling Arthit was trying to put on a brave face for him

"Kong come back fast"

Arthit's simple words brought a huge smile on Kong's face

"I will...... Have a good day Arthit"

Kong pressed a quick kiss to Arthit's cheek and hurried off to join his dad, not daring to look back

*****************************

Kerkerai doesn't say much on the way into the town, and Kong was, kind of lost in his own thoughts, trying not to feel guilty for leaving Arthit behind.

Kong was not paying any attention to where his dad was driving until the car came to a stop

"Why are we at Viang Outfitters, Dad ??"

"Fishing licenses and a few supplies. Thought we could do a little fishing today "

When Kong told his dad that he was fine with anything, he should have stipulated anything except fishing

'How could I forget that my dad loves fishing ??'

"Dad!! I'm not sure where to fish around here. Maybe we should try something else"

Kong suggested, hoping he will get out of a day on a lake

"I got it covered, Kong. Did a little searching on Roger's laptop last night. Turns out Viang is a prime area for salmon and steelhead fishing"

"Lucky me!!!"

Kong replied sarcastically but his dad gave him a bright smile in return, Kong's sarcasm completely lost on him

After getting a license for each of them and a boxed lunch, they were back out on the road

As they head back out of town it dawned on Kong that they have no fishing poles or tackle, and it sets him to wondering what Kerkerai has up his sleeve

It isn't long before Kong saw exactly what he has in mind. Kerkerai brought the car to a stop in front of Rivers Resort and Guide Service. Since they clearly don't need a place to stay, they must be there for the guide services

"Really, Dad ?? A guide service ??"

"Sure. I found this place online last night. They provide the gear and a guide and they guarantee a catch"

Well, if his dad was happy, Kong was happy too. He promised him a day together, just the two of them, and if that was what he wanted to do, then Kong was okay with that

Kong climbed out of the car, determined to have a good day, despite his personal dislike for fishing

They met a friendly faced, middle aged, women when they walked into the resort. She introduced herself as Rachel and handed them several brochures on types of area for fishing, while she went to find a guide for them

When Rachel returned, she was accompanied by a man roughly the same age as Kerkerai with long jet black hair streaming from underneath a black cowboy hat

"Hello, I am Anthony, My wife told me you are interested in doing a little fishing"

Anthony's warm smile lights his entire face, and kong has the feeling he and Kerkerai will get along really well

"Hey... I am Kerkerai Suthiluck and this is my son, Kong"

"So you're Kong. My son mentioned meeting you"

Kerkerai looked back and forth between Anthony and Kong, raising an eyebrow at Kong's direction

Kong's only response was a shrug

"His name is Stud. You met him in the grocery store"

'Ah yes, Stud. Mr. Overly-Helpful...I knew our encounter with him would become town gossip'

Kong gave a little nod, acknowledging that he remember, hoping the subject will drop there

Kerkerai and Anthony started to talk about, where they will be heading to fish

"What kind of pole do you want, Kong ??"

Kerkerai asked, while looking the gear over

"Ummm, anyone that works"

Kerkerai rolled his eyes and continued testing various poles

"Kong ?? You ready ??"

Kerkerai's voice pulled Kong out from his thoughts, and he turned from the window to face his dad.

"Yep, let's do this"

Surprisingly they dosen't get back in the car, but instead headed out across the property along a small path into the woods.

The moist ground squished under his boots as Kong followed behind the guys. He could hear the rush of the water from the river, long before he layed his eyes on it. When they finally stepped out from the trees they find themselves on a small rock outcropping next to the fast moving water

"Okay, I've set you each up with a spin cast rod and a drift marabou jig. Kerkerai, I've got you both on a ten pound test line"

Kong knew all that was for their safety as Kerkerai helped him pick all the gear and knows exactly what he's fishing with. However, Kong was going to need a fisherman to English dictionary to have any clue as to what Anthony just said to him

Kong and his dad fell into an easy silence, and Anthony stayed a short ways from them, presumably to gave them some privacy

"How's work going dad ??"

Kong asked as he untangled his pole wire for the third time

Kerkerai took his pole, untangling the wire and casts it into the water before handing it back to Kong

"About the same. Busy as always, and wishing things weren't so hectic"

Kong knew his dad was working hard and he wants Kong to join his business soon, but Kong never been interested in the business world. Kong knew his dad never wanted to live this high profile life himself, he was a simple man, wished to have a simple life as well. He had never wanted to live in Bangkok. That was Kong's mother's wish, but when she passed, Kerkerai already had a good steady buisness, settled in Bangkok city, and with a toddler to raise on his own, he couldn't afford to leave. Knowing his dad, Kong thought he would be perfectly content in some little hole-in-the-wall town, like Viang

"How's Charlie and Maria doing ??"

A small smile pulled at the corner of his mouth. That's a good sign

"How...how are things going with them ??"

Kerkerai just smiled and nodded his head

"They are getting along well"

"So, How are you going to adjust there..... Now Roger being out of the picture, and Charlie being busy with Maria ??"

Kong asked

Kerkerai's gaze shifted sideways to Kong, an unreadable look on his face

"I will be busy with work, and Charlie will be there whenever I need him"

"Won't you be alone there ?? "

Kong said with a guilty face

"It's okay.... I will be fine"

Was his only reply

"Come on, Dad, I'm trying here. You could put out a little effort....talk to me, please"

"What!!! I am taking to you"

"We're supposed to be spending time together"

Kong's frustration came out with a whine

"We are. We're fishing"

"Dad...I was kind of hoping we could talk"

Kerkerai finally gave Kong, his full attention

"Is everything alright, Kong ??"

"Yeah, Dad. I am just...just worried about you"

Kerkerai looked completely baffled

"What are you talking about ?? It's my job to worry about you, kiddo"

"Dad I am not eleven. You don't need to worry about me all the time"

"Just because you're grown up doesn't mean I don't worry about you, you are still my little son"

"And just because you're my dad doesn't mean I don't worry about you"

Kong knew he has Kerkerai's full attention now and judging from his expression he doesn't like the idea of Kong worrying about him

"With Roger and me gone, I just worry about you being lonely dad"

Kerkerai's face turned unexpectedly soft

"I miss you everyday, Kong"

Kerkerai told kong, closing him in a crushing hug

"I love you son, please take care of yourself and try not to worry too much about your dad, Charlie and Maria are taking good care of me"

****************************

At the house

"Arthit, would you like to come inside with me ??"

Rose was hoping she can take his mind off Kong being gone

"No.... Arthit Wait for Kong"

Arthit's hands were shoved deep in his pockets, his posture hunched as his eyes stay glued on the gravel driveway

"Kong will be gone for hours, sweetheart. The day will go faster if you, we.... go find something to do and stay busy"

Rose couldn't tell from his expressions if he understood or not...either way he slouched into the house behind her

After several shoulder shrugs and a few No's, Arthit finally opted to help his mom in the yard. Rose has a sneaking suspicion it was so he can keep an eye on the driveway, but at least they were doing something

It's not long after they start, Arthit was raking leaves that Rose saw Roger emerged from the woods. She tried her hardest not to watch his smooth gait as he crossed the yard, but she failed miserably. Roger looked handsome today, the light blue of his sweater enhancing the color of his eyes and the still chilly morning putting a hint of color on his cheeks. His smile brightened under Rose's scrutiny.

"Could you use a hand ??"

Roger asked once he reached the yard

"Yes, that would be wonderful"

Rose smiled at him

Roger sets to work helping Arthit bag leaves, showing him how to scoop the largest amount of leaves into the bags

Rose took a moment from her bulb planting to watch them work. They were very at ease with each other...natural...effortless

Roger's manner with Arthit brought a smile on her face. Roger definitely has a father's touch. Rose's heart squeezed at the word father. Not the painful twinge of the past, but a hopeful, happy twist for the future

"So what else do you think we should do today, Arthit ??"

Roger and Arthit were helping Rose to put the yard tools into the shed. Extra hands has made that a short job, something that used to take her half a day in past

"Cookies...."

"Sentence please, Arthit"

Even though Arthit was making daily progress, he still needs frequent reminders

After a deep breath he started again

"Mom and Arthit bake cookies"

Rose smiled brightly to encourage him. Gulf will be tackling the use of 'I' next

"I think we can arrange some cookies. Would you like to join us, Roger"

"I remember your cookies. They're delicious, wouldn't miss them for anything"

Arthit hurried around the kitchen as soon as they entered the house, setting out everything Rose will need. His actions made Rose laugh, So much a boy in a man's body

In a few minutes they have their dough mixed and the first batch of cookies in the oven. Arthit stepped to the small television on the counter and flipped it on

"How is that working for him ??"

Roger questiond. When Rose looked at him with confused eyes he pointed to the closed captioning that was showing on the screen. Rose's eyes shifted to Arthit and a smile crossed her face watching him. His brow was furrowed and his lips moved as he tried to follow along with the words running across the screen

"Gulf just introduced this approach to him this week, and he's doing well so far. I don't think he is recognizing words yet, but he is getting faster at repeating after the dialogue"

"It's an interesting approach...very creative"

"Mew felt it would detrimental to Arthit's self esteem if they started him on a program intended for children"

Roger looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking

"That makes sense, they are trying to awaken what's already there, not teach a new concept. Does Arthit get along with them ??"

"He does. Gulf is such a free spirited person, he really thinks outside the box when it comes to the best ways to help him. Mew is a very kind and gentle soul, and he has a real natural way about him, a lot like you "

It was not till the words left from her mouth and Roger tinged the slightest bit pink that Rose realized she just complimented him. She offered him a smile before quickly looking away. She thought that she needed to engage her brain more when she speak, not that she wanted to take back what she has said...she meant it, but she didn't intend to blurted it out like that.

***************************

It was late when Kong and Kerkerai made it home. Arthit was almost dozing off, on the couch and despite his mom's suggestion that he should go to bed, he continued to stay up, waiting for Kong

"Kong come, Arthit wait"

That was his only reply, every time Rose asked him to go in his bedroom

When Kong stumbled in the door he looked exhausted and damp, completely....

"Don't ask...."

Was his only explanation for his disheveled appearance

Arthit all but jumped off the couch and tackled Kong as soon as he was in the door

"I told you I will be back"

Kong's voice was muffled against Arthit as he hugged him tightly

"What did you do today Arthit ??"

"Cookies...."

Arthit replied

"Ah.... so you talked your mom into making cookies"

"I think I managed to hide a few from Arthit for you and your dad"

"Oh Thank you so much, but dad was really tired so he went ahead to bed. He's going out early again tomorrow...more fishing"

"We'll miss you, tomorrow too"

Kong turned from Arthit to face Rose

" No, I am not going. He made friends with our guide, and he's going to join him and some of his friends tomorrow. I think I will save the cookies for later, I just want to go to sleep, I am dead tired"

Kong and Arthit headed to their bedroom. Rose knew Kong will probably end up staying in Arthit's room. But..... It doesn't bother her anymore. She has come to trust Kong completely and She accepted the fact that Arthit won't be able to survive without Kong.

She knows that, Arthit loves Kong.
And Kong loves him too just as much as Arthit.

🌞🌜🌞🌜🌞🌜🌞🌛🌞🌛🌞🌛🌞

A/N: Thank you so much for reading and appreciating this story. I am so greatful for your wonderful comments. Please keep reading and voting 💖💖