It's been a week, since that incident and Kong and Rose, were worried about Arthit, because Arthit has been so quiet lately, not that he has ever really been noisy, but he has been communicating so well till few days back, now it feels off to have him go back to nonverbal communication. Ever since his episode, which Dr.Mew classified as a psychotic break, Arthit has been virtually silent.

The words psychotic break sent Kong into a near panic state until he looked up its actual meaning. Apparently, it's merely a generic psychiatric term for any loss of contact with reality. He would say that it's more than fair assessment of what happened to Arthit.

Today he has been a little more talkative, in comparison to whole past week, he asked Rose, early this morning, if she had any of his father's stuff, he can look through. She was a bit surprised, but maybe it's part of the process he needs to go through

"Here is one more box. Are you sure you really want to check all these ??"

Rose asked, worry writing all over her face

"Well, that's the last of it. There are some letters, newspaper clippings, possibly some music"

Arthit just nodded silently, without uttering a word. It felt odd, but Rose don'tget the feeling that he wasn't talking due to a set back. She get the feeling he was trying to figure things out. He seems deep in thought. She just hoped his dad's old things can help him, gave him whatever it was, he was looking for, and not be another painful reminder of what he doesn't have

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

Arthit's POV-------

Mom looks worried......
When I ask about Dad's stuff.

I think, me remembering, scared her a lot. It scared me, too.

I can't get it out of my mind.
I keep seeing it.

Everyone is watching me a lot.
I don't like it......

It feels like they are waiting for me to...to...freak out.

Mew told me all about what happened, but I don't really remember very well.

I have been seeing Mew more.
I like talking with him.

He is calm.

He told me not to feel bad about not talking a lot, and just talk whenever I'm ready.

After Mom finally gets Dad's boxes of things from the top of her closet
I go into my room to look at them alone.

Today is the perfect day to look through this stuff, since Kong is with his Dad.

I know if he was here he would want to look with me and I wouldn't be able to tell him no. I could never tell him no.

But I want to do it alone.

Kong has been different, he has been quiet, too.

When we are alone, I get the feeling he wants to say something.

He will open his mouth, then turn pink and look away.

I don't know what it is.

The box has lots of papers.
I pull out a stack with a rubber band around it.

It kind of looks like a bunch of letters.

Gulf has just started working on my reading.

The more we work on it, the more I remember.

But, there are big words on these papers....bigger than I can handle.

I set the letters aside and reach for the next thing in the box.

It's a paper in a frame.

I try and sound out the words on the paper, but it's hard.

They aren't making sense. Maybe doing this alone was a bad idea.

I wonder what Prem is doing today. He has been here to visit several times since that day.

Mom says he is my school friend.

I remember few of my friends but Prem looks so different now.

Sometimes he brings Wad and sometimes he just comes alone.

Maybe I can get him to come today and help me with these letters and papers.

Prem gave me his phone number and said I can call him anytime.

I make my call to Prem quick.

I have my own phone now.

Prem says he can be up in half an hour. Until then I go back to my room and look through the boxes.

There are some CDs.

These must be songs my dad liked. There is plastic on the case.

He never opened it.

I rip the plastic and open the case. It's hard to get the disc out.

I've never used one of these. Kong always puts on any music we listen to.

I do exactly what I've seen Kong do many times, and it works, the stereo starts making sound.

The music is loud and fast.

Too loud.

I turn it down.

Now I can hear the words better.

I go back to looking through the box while the music plays in the background.

I find several pictures tucked in one corner.

They are faded and some of the corners are ripped.

Familiar faces look back at me, my dad is in the picture in a green gown with a funny looking hat, and my grandparents.

I remember them. Papa and Nana...I remember. Papa liked model airplanes and Nana liked to knit...

I remember. Papa died when I was seven and Nana...Nana is in a nursing home... I remember.

The song changes while I think of Papa and Nana, remember their house...their laughs.

I Like this music.

I find another picture of my dad. This one is him standing in front of a car with a big smile.

I don't know anything about cars, but it's pretty with the black paint and a gold bird on it.

The next picture is my dad as a little boy sitting on red bike; it makes me smile.

I find another picture, this one makes my throat feel tight and my eyes sting.

It's my dad and mom together, they are wearing fancy clothes...his are black, hers white.

It's their faces that make me feel choked up. They look so happy and...hopeful.

I spread the pictures across the floor in front of me, looking at each one.

Closing my eyes, I let the memories fill my mind.

"Hey, What's up Arthit"

Prem's voice startles me.

I think, maybe I fell asleep.

He's standing in the door, a grin on his face.

"Good choice of tunes, man."

I jump up and turn the music off.

Prem picks up the pile of letters from my bed.

"This what you need help with ??"

I nod and pick up the pictures off the floor.

"I'll see if Aunty needs any help and leave you both to your things"

I didn't notice Wad was here until just now.

Prem turns to watch him go.

He has a smile on his face...a certain smile, I've seen it before.

I remember Dad looking at Mom like that, Now Roger looks at mom like that.

Aim looks at May like that and sometimes Mew looks at Gulf like that too.

I wonder if they feel the same thing I do when I look at Kong, aching chest and wiggly stomach.

"You want me to just start with the first one ??"

I nod again and take a seat on the floor.

Prem sits down on my bed and starts to read.

'Rose, I'm so sorry that I'm missing our first anniversary. Spending the night up to my eyeballs in spread sheets is not how I envisioned this night. Promise I will make it up to you. Love you so much! Your hubby'

'Love you so much' Mom has said that to me,

I know it's something good, but I'm not exactly sure what it means.

"Want me to keep going ??"

"Yes...please,"

I tell him.

Prem unfolds the next letter and begins reading.

'Son, Thank you so much for the pictures of little Arthit, he is such a dear. He looks so much like you, your hair used to stick up the exact same way. Tell Rose good luck with that. I'm proud of you son, you've grown up to be a fine young man, and I know your mother feels the same. Looking forward to meet all of you in next holidays. Love ya, boy. Dad'

That was about me. My grandfather wrote that to my dad about me.

"Keep...keep reading. Please"

Prem laughs and keeps reading.

He reads letter after letter.

Lots are from Mom.

There is even one from me.

Prem hands it to me. I can read this one myself.

'Daddy, I love you. From Arthit'

Prem opens the last letter.
He looks at it and hands it to me.

"This one is to you."

"Me ??"

I look at the paper Prem hands me.

It has curly writing on it.

I can only read straight writing.

"I can't read curly letters"

I tell him and hand him back the paper.

He clears his throat and begins reading.

'Dear Arthit, Today is Father's Day, my first as a dad. I'm writing you this letter today in hopes that you will read it someday and know what I was feeling today. You are an amazing little man, even at only a year old. I feel I can't watch you enough or hold you enough. I'm so excited to get to know you, to see how your personality will turn out, and honored that I will have a part in shaping it. I can't promise I will always be the best father in the world, but I can promise you I will try the hardest. I can't wait to teach you things, like how to throw a ball and how to ride a bike. I love you, my son.

My throat feels like it has a rock in it and my eyes burn.

Prem is wiping at his eyes and looking away from me.

I move from the floor and go look out my window.

"It's okay to be sad, Arthit"

Prem's voice is quiet, he sounds sad.

I don't feel sad.

I feel...mad...... Really mad.

"Why ??"

I yell, turning from the window.

Prem looks surprised and confused.

"I am not sure wh..."

I don't let him finish.

"Why did she do it ?? I am angry with her !!"

I yell loud, it hurts my voice.

"It's okay, man. You should be angry. It's a horrible thing she did to your family. I remember your dad, he was great with you, loves you a lot"

I can't talk anymore.

My whole body is shaking.

I look away from Prem and stare back out the window.

I feel...feel...cheated.

I think that's the right word.

I never got to know my dad or my mom.

I didn't make friends or learn to drive.

She took all that.

She stole it all.

My fingers hurt from squeezing my hands tight.

"Would you like me to stay or do you want to be alone ??"

"Alone"

Prem understands. I like that.

"I am going to find Wad. Call me, if you need anything"

Prem whispers before stepping out the door.

Tyson runs in past Prem and paws at my legs.

I sit down on the floor and let Tyson climb in my lap.

It feels good to hug Tyson tight and feel his warm kisses.

I feel less mad. It's still there...the anger, but not as strong.

I feel like I can think now.

Tyson stops wiggling and lies across my legs and goes to sleep, but only for a few minutes.

Tyson wakes up and runs from the room barking. He isn't mad, it's his happy bark.

I look out the window to see Kong pulling in front of the house.

Tyson jumps around the car till Kong gets outs and picks him up.

He hugs him tight, pushing his face into his fur.

I am ready for Kong to be back.

I missed kong.

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

Kong was fed-up, this day was bad.... Definitely up there in one of his worst days ever.

"Hey, buddy"

He couldn't think of a better welcome home from his shitty day than energetic puppy love...well expect for Arthit. He can really use an Arthit hug right now. He scooped up Tyson eagerly and burried his face in his soft, warm fur. Puppies have magical qualities, kong was sure of it. They have a way of making you smile no matter what.

"You're back early. Rose said you would be gone till after dinner"

Wad's cheerful voice greeted him from the porch.

With reluctance Kong set Tyson down and watched him run across the yard after a squirrel.

Slamming the car door, he made his way to Wad.

"Wow, that's quite the long face. Bad day ??"

Wad knows him well, like Aim. Though, Kong was sure the strain of the day was clear on his face.

"You have no idea"

Wad put his arms around Kong's shoulders and Kong allowed himself to sink into the offered comfort.

"Let me run in and tell Prem what's up. He can keep Arthit occupied and we'll take a walk, and you can tell me what happened"

Wad is only gone a few minutes before returning with a bottle of water and a box of cookies

They were a short way from the house before Wad inquires about his day

"It was awful. Dad has completely stepped over the line and possibly lost his damn mind. I thought it was just going to be the two of us today, but no. He had friends there. Young, single, male friends"

Wad stopped them both in their tracks, looking at Kong with a stunned expression.

"You are joking ?? He didn't really try and set you up, did he ??"

"Believe me, I wish I was joking. It was a nightmare"

Kong told Wad the details of the day, how he has been avoiding his dad, ever since Arthit's breakdown, but finally gave in and agreed to a quiet dinner at his house so they could talk.

Kong told him, how surprised he was when he arrived to find his Dad in a chipper and talkative mood. That alone should have tipped Kong off to the fact that he had something up his sleeves

As soon as Kong walked in the kitchen and saw the table set for more than two people, he should have run out the door.

Dr. Knott and that boy Stud pulled up in front of Kerkerai's house a minute apart.

"Wait, who ??"

Wad interrupted and kong quickly fill him in, on how Kong was already acquainted with these guys.

To his credit, Dr. Knott seemed genuinely surprised to see kong there. Stud on the other hand came strutting up to the house with a cocky grin.

"Why didn't you just leave right then ??"

Wad asked

"I don't know...I should have. I guess I wanted to give my Dad, the benefit of a doubt that this wasn't what it looked like"

They wonder over by the stone cottage and took a seat on the steps.

"Dinner was the most uncomfortable thing ever"

Kong told Wad how Kerkerai kept making little remarks about him, How Kong is the best son, how easygoing, how smart and intelligent...like he wasn't even there. Kong felt like a animal at a livestock auction, and despite him repeatedly kicking his Dad under the table and whispering "Dad" in mortification, he seemed oblivious to Kong's humiliation.

It wasn't until dessert when the shit really hit the fan. Stud asked about Arthit, or as he put it, "That guy" And before Kong could answer, his dad piped in with

"He's just his caregiver, nothing else"

That was it for Kong.

He informed Stud and Dr. Knott, it was time for them to leave. Knott was very gracious, looking almost as mortified as Kong felt. He apologized several times and told him to give Arthit his best regards.

Stud didn't take the hint as easily, asking Kong several times if he would like to meet him for coffee later. Kong tried being polite, but he was either stupid as hell or just a super cocky son-of-a-bitch...or maybe both.

Kong finally just told him Arthit and him, are dating. He seemed to take the hint, at least Kong hoped so. Either way, he left after that

"Did you confront your Dad ??"

Wad asked

"Oh yeah, you can say that"

Kong turned to his Dad, the minute Stud's car was out of sight

"What the hell were you thinking, Dad ??"

Kerkerai's eyes went wide at the sound of Kong's voice

"I...I...just wanted to help"

he stammered

"And you thought this was the best way to do that ??"

Kong was screaming by this point

"You're floundering, Kong. I think you need to do something real with your life. You liking boys, over girls was already Hard for me to accept"

Kerkerai might as well have slapped Kong in the face, the hurt was about the same.

Judging from Wad's gasp he was thinking the same.

"You know swearing usually isn't my style, but this was one time to make an exception.....
'What the fuck is that supposed to mean ??' I asked him"

"You actually swore at your dad ??"

Wad seemed a bit impressed

"Yeah, though I regret that. It just pissed him off.
'Don't you talk to me like that, young Man. You may be an adult, but I am still your father'......... Kerkerai's eyes were serious. I had never seen him this mad, not at me anyway. And he went on....... 'I think you need to see what else is out there, Kong. You don't go to regular college, you don't have a job and I don't know what's up with you and Arthit, but it doesn't seem like its going anywhere' "

When Kong finished speaking, he was breathing harder, his irritation showing through once more.

Wad, like the true friend he was....
Was absolutely furious, he called Kerkerai every name in the book and a couple others Kong wasn't sure he made up.

"That's not all"

Kong told him

"I gave it right back to him. I said, 'Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dad. Rose pays me a good amount for working for her in 'Stay and Dine' you know, so I do in fact have a job. I am going to go back to college, it's only been a semester! I fumed at him. What is the deal with Arthit all of sudden? I thought you liked him' "

Wad interrupted Kong, in the form of a raised eyebrow. Apparently he had the same idea.

"Just wait"

Kong said

"Dad said, 'Kong, I do like Arthit. I'm still concerned you are investing too much in this boy. I've been watching him the last couple of times I've seen him and he just isn't like other guys. I just want what's best for you. My boy' I rolled my eyes at him and called his bluff. 'You tried to set me up with two different guys today. That's not concern, that's crazyness' my Dad, at least had the decency to look ashamed"

Kong shrugged and said

"I told him that even though he doesn't agree with all of my decisions, he doesn't have to. If I make a mistake, it's mine to make.
It doesn't matter to me that Arthit isn't like everyone else. It's one of the best things about him. I can't define what he is to me, but he is important"

Wad nodded in understanding, laying a hand on Kong's shoulder

"I also said that if he has anymore concerns about my personal life, then talk to me and not make an attempt to set me up with anyone"

Wad quietly piped in

"Please tell me he apologized"

"Oh yeah, but he kind of spoiled it by trying to justify his actions again. I just left at that point. He wasn't happy about it, but if he's still making excuses, then he doesn't really get it"

Wad leaned in and pulled Kong into a hug

"He will come around"

"I hope you're right. I don't want this to cause a rift between us"

"You need some cheering up"

Wad informed him

"What do you say to a movie night ??"

Kong nodded his head, feeling his heart lighten as he watched Wad stood up to his feet

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

Arthit POV ---------
(Arthit thoughts are in italics and his dialogues are in bold letters)

"Oh, Wad, not this one, it makes me bawl"

Bawl? What is that ??

"Come on, Kong. This is my favorite. Please, please, please!!"

Kong falls next to me on the couch and waves his hand at Wad.

"Fine, put it in. But I am holding you responsible for my blubbering"

Kong is using a lot of words I don't know.

Kong curls up next to me and I am happy. I don't care what movie we watch, I would rather watch Kong.

He sees me watching and points to the TV.

"The movie is starting"

I guess I can watch him later.

Words come on, and I try to figure them out.

"A Walk to Re... Remem ... Remember"

"Good job"

Kong whispers, taking my hand.

I feel warm inside.

I watch the people on the TV.

There is a girl and a boy.

They don't seem to like each other.

I don't think the boy is nice.

Mom, Wad, Prem, and Kong seem to like the movie.

Kong has laughed a few times, but he is sniffling now.

I squeeze his hand and whisper

"Are you okay ??"

Kong wipes his nose and looks at me. His eyes are red.

"Yeah, just being sappy"

Sappy ??

I don't like not knowing what people are talking about, especially Kong.

The girl and boy look like they are friends now. I don't understand.

"You have to promise you won't fall in love with me"

A girl on the movie says.

"What does that mean ?? "

"Fall in love?"

I ask Kong.

He looks at me strangely, then gets up and leaves the room.

Wad follows quickly after Kong

I get up to follow him, but Prem catches my arm.

"Let Wad get this one, man, trust me"

I turn to look at Mom, her eyes are concerned.

I feel like I am missing something.

I am frustrated. If Kong is upset.

I want to help him.

Kong left when I asked about falling in love, did my question upset him ??

"What does 'in love' mean ??"

I ask Mom.

"That's a complicated question. 'In love' is different things to different people, but it's basically a tender, passionate affection for another person"

"Does everybody fall in love ??"

"If they're lucky"

Mom says.

"Are you in love ??"

I ask, looking at Mom and Prem.

Mom turns bright pink and looks away.

Prem has a big smile.

"You bet I am. Wad is my whole world"

"What does it feel like ??"

"Well, you're really happy. All you can think about is that person"

Prem says.

"You might feel tingles when you think about them or see them"

Mom adds.

"You might also daydream about them"

Mom's voice is very quiet and her face is more pink, almost red.

"You would do anything to protect that person or make them happy"

I listen to Prem.

I feel all these things for Kong.

"What about an ache in your chest ?? Does that happen when you are 'in love' ??"

"Definitely"

Prem tells me.

My chest feels like it will explode.

I have a name for all my feelings for Kong.

Love.

I love him.

I feel the smile on my face.

Prem laughs out loud and slaps me on the shoulder.

"Go ahead and tell him, I can see you are dying to. I guarantee that will erase the tension between you two"

I leave as fast as I can.

Mom and Prem are both laughing.

I don't know what's funny.

I don't want to know, I just want to find Kong

I hear Wad's voice when I get close to our bedroom.

"Kong, You should just tell him"

I hear Wad say.

"You heard him, Wad, he doesn't know what even it means"

Kong said in sad voice

"You are such a pessimist. Teach him what it means"

"That seems so wrong. I have an ulterior motive for wanting him to know what love is"

"You are making this more complicated then it needs to be. He loves you, Kong. Just because he doesn't know the words doesn't make it less true"

Wad says.

Kong doesn't know I love him.

Mew said words are important, that it's important to tell people how I feel.

I didn't have a word for how I feel for Kong until now.

Wad is hugging Kong when I walk in the room.

"Kong...."

They both look up at me.

"I love you"

"Wh...what ??"

Kong looks at me, eyes wide

Wad gives Kong a quick pat on shoulder and leaves.

I sit down where Wad was sitting.

"I love you"

"But...but you said..."

Kong bite his lower lip, and.....

I want to touch his lips.

So.....

I kiss him.

"Prem and Mom told me. I...I had all this inside me and I didn't know what it was. But now I know that, I love you"

Kong kisses me hard on the mouth.

"I love you too"

He kisses my cheek and eyes. Each kiss he says

"I love you"

He sits on my legs, his knees next to my hips, and he kisses me again and again.

Kong's hands hold my face and I hold his waist, pulling him tight to me. he feels good against me. I want to hold him forever and never let go.

I fall backward onto the pillows. Kong slides off me and lies beside me.

"You are happy now ??"

I ask Kong.

"Happier than I have ever been"

I look down at him and he is smiling happily at me

I will tell kong I love him everyday, just to see him smile like that.

It's his best smile.

"I love you, Kong"

Kong pushes up on his elbow, kissing me again

"And I love you, Arthit...so very much."

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A/N: Thank you all for reading and voting. So.... Finally they said it...
Tell me what you guys think about this chapter 💖💖