Mint held up her phone and shook it to catch her husband’s attention. “Sweetheart, next week will be the second anniversary of Lom’s death. We need to do something to distract Fah.”

“How about a family trip somewhere?” said Khun Adi.

“Did someone mention a trip?” asked Run as he and Mek entered the living room.

"Hello, stranger," said Mint as Run bent down to sniff-kiss her cheek. 

"Very funny, Mom, I've lived with Mek for a year already, when will you stop teasing?"

"I have accepted it but that doesn't mean I won't miss my baby boy," she said, playfully pinching his cheek. Mek watched and laughed. 

"Are you two taking a trip?" asked Mek.

"We're discussing it," said Khun Adi. 

"To distract Fah," whispered Mint. Fah was in his bedroom and she didn't want him to hear the discussion. "Last year he took his vows and lived at the temple. This year he's home and Lom's parents are still in the news which might remind him of Lom's death anniversary. I don't want him to become like he was during those first few months after Lom died."

“Oh, the second anniversary. Run and I were talking about that with Manao and her brother, Kasem, the other day,” said Mek.

“What if we all go? The whole family—which includes Mek—as well as Manao, Ohm, Win, and Khun Korn?” said Run. “That way, Fah’s friends will have time with him too.”

“That's a great idea, where should we go?” asked Mint.

“Koh Samui!” said Run and Mek in unison. They looked at each other and burst out laughing.

“Don’t you think that would remind Fah of that day? You two were heading to Koh Samui for the couple’s trip you never took. I think we should choose somewhere else,” said Mint.

“Jomtien,” said Khun Adi, looking at the others for their approval.

“That sounds perfect,” said Mek. Run nodded in agreement.

“Jomtien has fantastic restaurants and fewer tourists this time of year. Plus, there are bars for everyone's taste!” Mint leaned over and squeezed her husband’s hand. “It's a wonderful idea, sweetheart. When will we talk to the others about it?” 

“I can call my uncle, Ohm, and Win,” said Mek.

“I'll call Manao and Kasem,” said Run.

“Why don’t we invite everyone over for dinner tonight and share the news? I can tell Kwan to plan on ten for dinner," said Mint. 

“That sounds great. I'll pay for everyone's hotel and transportation,” said Khun Adi.

"Dad, did I ever tell you how much I love you," laughed Run. He and Mek gave Khun Adi a thumbs-up sign. “How are we going to explain a big trip to Fah? Won’t he realize why we’re doing this?” asked Run.

“Leave it to me to explain why. Whether we do something or not, Fah will be aware of what day it is,” said Mek.

“Really? Are you sure you can come up with a believable reason?” asked Run.

“I’m 100% sure, the same way I’m sure of my love for you.” Mek leaned over and quickly kissed Run on the cheek taking him by surprise.

“I love you, too, but I don’t have to be so cheesy and annoying about it,” said Run as he used his shoulder to wipe the kiss off his cheek. Mek and Mint laughed.

“Does Fah ever call anyone?” Run asked quietly. In the past year, Run had graduated and taken a job as an editing assistant for a film company. He felt guilty for not visiting his half-brother as often as he should. 

“No, honey. When the three of you brought him home that day, your father hid the burner phone so he wouldn't keep looking at the pictures of Lom's dead body. As for his smartphone, he said he had no one to call and not to pay for it." Mint sighed.

"The way Lom and Fah loved each other, I hope Fah can move on. He's too nice, and too young, to spend the rest of his life alone," said Mek. "It wasn't fair, the little bit of time they had together."

“Let’s make those calls for dinner tonight. Tell me if anyone hesitates about coming and I’ll give them a call as well,” said Mint trying to bring back the happiness of moments before. Run and Mek went outside to make their calls while Mint went to speak to Kwan.

Several hours later the house was full of laughter and chatter. The family and guests were in the living room catching up with each other. 

“Has Fah come out of his room today?” asked Mek.

“No. He spends every day in there reading and sleeping. I’ll go get him,” said Run.

“Let me, please!” asked Tin.

“Sure, you can go. You’re the only person he listens to these days anyway,” said Run. Tin ran out of the room and the sound of his feet slapping against the floor of the hall could be heard by everyone. A few minutes later he led Fah into the living room and found a seat for him. Manao made her way over to Fah's side.

“What’s going on?” asked Fah, as Manao hugged him. Looking over her shoulder he waved to Ohm and Win.

Khun Adi stood up. “Everyone, please take a seat and quiet down so I can explain why we invited you tonight.” Those standing went to find a seat, Ohm chose to sit on Win’s lap which made Tin laugh.

“I can take over from here,” said Mek, gesturing for Khun Adi to take a seat. “Let me say how wonderful it is to see everyone again, some of us haven’t spoken for a while.” Ohm and Win nodded their heads in agreement. Across the room, Khun Korn raised his glass to Khun Adi and Mint. “We are very excited to tell everyone that we will be enjoying a vacation together next week in Jomtien!” 

Mek yelled the town's name loudly. Some oohed and aahed, another person gasped, and Fah said, “What? No, I’m not going anywhere.” Manao shot Fah a dirty look and whispered, “Shh.”

“But you have to go!” said Run.

“Why?” asked Fah.

Mek stepped between them and said to Fah, “Because of this…”  Taking a few steps closer to Run he held Run’s hand in his. Slowly he knelt. Manao gasped and Ohm let out a loud, “Oo-wee!”

“Run, we’ve known each other almost our whole lives. Everyone thought I was a wild man who had non-stop fun. What no one knew was that I wasn’t happy. Until you agreed to date me and changed my life forever. Every day you make me laugh, you inspire me to be better, you encourage me when things get tough, and I can't imagine going through life without you.”

At this point Manao squeezed Fah’s shoulder, knowing it must be hard for him to watch this. Why does the happiness of some people have to cause another person such sadness she wondered.

Mek continued, “You always say I embarrass you by constantly telling you how much I love you, but,” Mek paused as he pulled out the ring box. “Run, would you spend the rest of your life with me? I promise to make you as happy as possible and devote my life to supporting your dreams.” Mek, who rarely showed any vulnerability, had tears in his eyes.

“Let me see the ring first,” said Run. Ohm laughed in the background.

“Run, I didn’t raise you to be materialistic!” said Mint. 

“Mom, I’m kidding, calm down," he paused and then turned back to face Mek and said, "Yes!” He watched as Mek slipped the ring on. They stood and hugged. 

Manao noticed the tears in Fah’s eyes and whispered, “I'm sure this is hard for you but please come to Jomtien and help your brother and your friend celebrate. This is important to them, you are important to them.” Unable to speak, Fah nodded. 

Khun Adi stood up. “As a father of a groom, the hotel and transportation costs are on me!” 

Khun Korn stood up. “As a proud uncle of the other groom, all meals, drinks, and snacks are on me!”

Everyone clapped and people stood to congratulate the newly engaged couple. After everyone spoke to them, Mek and Run realized Fah had never left his seat. Whispering to each other they tried to decide if they should approach him or give him time to adjust to the news. Sensing he was the subject of their discussion, Fah walked over to them.

“Congratulations you two.”  He smiled as he spoke, but his eyes failed to match his face.

“Thanks, Fah,” said Mek.

“Are you okay?” asked Run. “I know you were planning on spending your life with Lom and I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.” Mek shot dagger eyes at Run for mentioning the “L” name but said nothing. 

“I have to be, right? He’s gone forever and I can’t expect my friends and family to never find happiness because I’m sad, can I?” Fah spoke in a monotone. “I wish you a life of love, health, and happiness. May you never know heartbreak.” Fah hugged them both and then returned to his room. 

“Should I bring him back?” asked Run.

“Leave him be. He must be dealing with a lot of emotions now, he needs some space,” said Mint.  Tin tugged at her hand. “What is it, baby?”

“Kwan says dinner is ready, let's eat.”

“Okay, thank you, baby.” Loudly she announced, “Dinner is ready, follow me, everyone.” She led the group into the dining room. Manao slipped down the hall to Fah’s room and knocked. 

“Come in.”  Manao entered, shutting the door behind her. 

“Are you going to eat with us?” 

“I’m hungry but I can’t sit and smile while everyone talks about weddings and happy couples.”

“Do you want me to bring you a plate?” 

“Yes, but can you do it so nobody notices I’m not there?” asked Fah.

“Fah, you're Run’s brother and Mek’s friend. Everyone will notice. In case you forgot, all the people around that table love and care about you. I’ll tell them you’re not feeling well and bring you a plate. Would you like me to eat with you?”

“No, I don’t want to ruin the night for you or take you away from celebrating with Run and Mek.”

“Being with you doesn’t ruin my night. If you want company tell me, I’m happy to spend time with you.”

“No, please bring me a plate but eat with the others. I’m not even sure if I’ll eat right away.”

“But you are going to go to Jomtien, right? I’m not going to go if you decide to stay here and sulk.”

“Sulk! I’m not being a child. I lost —,”

“Lost Lom. The man you loved. The most important person in your life. Yes, we all get it and we all feel horrible and none of us will ever fully understand your pain. At the same time, you didn’t lose your family or friends. We are still here for you! But the way you ignore us, you might as well have lost us as well. You don’t talk to us, you don’t want to see us, you don’t eat with us. Was Lom the only one of any value to you?"

Manao hadn’t meant to say all of this but it slipped out in an angry rush. She was horrified to discover she had been yelling. The silence outside the bedroom door alerted her that everyone had heard her outburst.

 “I'm sorry, Fah, oh God, I’m so sorry. Let me bring your dinner, I’ll be right back.” She bolted from the room. Fah sat on his bed, dazed and hurt.

Walking past everyone with her head down she made a beeline for the kitchen and got a plate of food from Kwan. She took it to Fah’s room, knocked lightly, and announced herself. Although he didn’t reply, she entered anyway. 

“Here’s dinner. Kwan said there’s plenty more so if you’re hungry don’t be afraid to ask, even if it’s later tonight. I’ll bring you dessert when it comes out.”

“You don’t have to, this is fine. Thanks for bringing me this.” Fah spoke quietly but for the first time in months, his voice was full of emotion. “Manao, you know I love you, right? I love everyone out there. I just can’t…I try… I don’t know how to let go, how to move on. Every night I fall asleep and Lom is still alive in my dreams. Every morning I have to wake up and remind myself he’s gone." 

He looked at her, his eyes red and puffy, his lip trembling. She wanted to say it would be okay but it sounded pathetic even to her. She waited for him to continue. 

"I should have let them abduct me. Maybe they wouldn’t have killed him if they had me. Or even if they were still going to kill him, maybe they would have killed me too and I wouldn’t have to go through this.” 

Manao sat down next to him and they hugged. Fah cried silently, his shoulders moving up and down, as he held onto her, finally releasing much of what he’d held inside for the past two years.