The moon hung low in a cloudless sky, scattered by millions of tiny stars that twinkled like fairy lights strung across the heavens. The night air was still, broken only by a soft breeze that rustled the frangipani leaves. Its pale blossoms glowed in the moonlight, releasing their sweet scent into the air. The tree stood tall by the banks of the Chao Phraya River - serene and fragrant, in stark contrast to the turmoil in the hearts of the two young men beneath it. 

They were both dressed in white - not for mourning, but for hope. 

A symbol of release. 

Of new beginnings. 

"Khun Kla, do you believe what the reverend monk said?" The taller one of the two turned to his companion. "That if we're meant for each other, we'll find one another again, no matter how many lifetimes it takes?"

"If P'Chan believes him," Kla replied softly, "then I do too". His voice was almost a whisper, light enough to be carried off by the wind. 

"Are you ready, N'Kla?" Chan asked, resolve evident in his tightened eyes. He used the term he reserved only for when they were alone - when the world was kept out by locked doors. 

Instead of answering, Kla rose to his toes and pressed a final kiss to Chan's lips. A silent goodbye. 

A promise sealed in touch. 

Hand in hand, they stepped into the river, letting the current carry their sorrow, their love, and their defiance away. 

"I will find you again." The words echoed once, before fading away. 

A vow. 

In the distance, a temple bell rang. 

A breeze stirred the petals of the frangipani.

Time folded - 

and the world began again.