West: The Sun From Another Star

The morning sunlight streamed in as the thick curtains were opened. I stepped out onto the balcony to enjoy the breeze, a cup of hot coffee in my hand. Even so, my mood couldn't improve, despite the beautiful new day.

 

I needed to wake up early because today was the day my neighbour was leaving for his hometown. I had prepared my documents a long time ago and checked them one last time last night to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything before going to bed. Just as I was about to fall asleep, a notification from a chat app that I had forgotten to turn off popped up.

 

It turned out to be a photo of the person curled up on the ground, with a car wheel in the frame. I guessed it was a parking lot, and it wasn't hard to guess it was a pub's parking lot. That person wouldn't leave places like that very often. My neighbour sent me the photo, along with a message that said something like, 

 

"It's done."

 

At the time, I just replied "thank you" without thinking much because I was sleepy. But now, thinking back, I realise that his "dealing with" the other person probably wasn't because of me. They probably had an argument or something while drinking together. Either way, I'm grateful. To be honest, that photo gave me a good sense of satisfaction.

 

That's it… finally it's over.

The story between me and that person.

 

Last night, before bed, I spent almost an hour video-calling my friends, detailing everything. They were a little worried when they learned I was going abroad with my neighbour, just the two of us. Initially, everyone offered to come along, but after consulting with my doctor friends, the answer was: "No, absolutely not."

 

They said my neighbour really hated anyone interfering or knowing about this. Even the doctors' group hadn't asked anything. Just as I suspected, even now that he has to take me, he doesn't look happy about it. But it's unavoidable.

 

I thought there was nothing to worry about because I could manage on my own, but it seemed like the people around me didn't think so. Besides my constantly worried friends, my father had repeated it hundreds of times: I shouldn't go out alone or stray too far from my companion.

 

With my impulsive nature, I often deviate from my planned itinerary whenever I go anywhere. Initially, I intended to sneak away for a few days after finishing my business with the neighbour, but my father guessed my intentions and forbade it completely. Once he knew, there was nothing I could do.

 

I decided to ask Mew to look after my cat, Jeon. Mew agreed immediately, even suggesting I bring Jeon over early so we could have breakfast together and then leisurely head to the airport. It's always better to have extra time. I completely agreed because whenever I travel, I like to prepare thoroughly beforehand. Being rushed makes me feel restless and uneasy.

 

Looking at my watch, the short hand pointed to 7. I finished my hot coffee and went back into my room, not forgetting to pull the curtains and lock the balcony door. I had already packed up Uncle Jeon's belongings last night, neatly arranged in a large bag.

 

I texted my neighbour to ask if he was ready to leave, but there was no reply. The message remained unread. I didn't know what time he planned to leave because our flight was in the afternoon. However, I needed to get out quickly to meet Mew, so I went out and knocked on his door.

 

I knocked for quite a while and loudly enough before the landlord finally opened the door with a visibly annoyed expression. His hair was dishevelled, and a faint smell of alcohol wafted through the air. He wasn't shirtless, but I didn't mind.

 

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice slightly hoarse.

 

"Let's get ready to go."

 

"What time is it now?"

 

"7 o'clock."

 

"The flight is in the afternoon."

 

"I have to go out now."

 

"Are you kidding me?" he said, about to close the door, but I quickly spoke up.

 

"I have a date with Mew."

 

"Mew?"

 

"That's Tonfah's boyfriend. I was planning to stop by."

"Stop by Fah's place? What for?"

 

"I asked Mew to look after Uncle Jeon for me, and then I'll stop by for breakfast."

 

"Cats? And then you're going to see Mew? What the hell?" He frowned, his expression growing more annoyed. Perhaps still half-asleep, he looked a little groggy.

 

"I was planning to bring Jeon over to Tonfah's room and leave him with Mew."

 

"Oh... did you make an appointment beforehand?"

 

"Hmm."

 

"Okay, ten more minutes," he said before closing the door.

 

I went back to my room to wait. Initially, I planned to go by myself and meet him at the airport if he didn't go. But it would be more convenient to go together, since he had his plane ticket with him.

…..

I carried Uncle Jeon's box of belongings along with two suitcases, a backpack, and a wheeled suitcase, and left the room.

 

"Huh? Why did you bring a cat?" he asked, puzzled, when he saw me.

 

"I told you to take it to the courier."

 

"Oh, did you leave it in Fah's room?"

 

"YES."

 

"What was its name again?"

 

“Khajornsak. Just call him Jeon,” I replied. That made him raise his eyebrows, his face showing surprise.

 

"Khajornsak? Is that a name?"

 

"Yes, a person's name."

 

Then, we both went down to the parking lot. I loaded the luggage into the trunk and settled Jeon in the front seat. It didn't take long for the car to stop in front of a high-end apartment building. Thinking back, I'd never been to Mew's place before. The neighbour must know the way, so I followed him. We got into the elevator, and it stopped at an apartment.

 

"Come in." Mew, who opened the door, smiled and welcomed us inside. I took off my shoes, placed them neatly beside me, and brought Jeon inside.

 

“Jeon~” Mew called out affectionately, gently touching Uncle Jeon. Uncle Jeon looked at Mew with a bewildered expression, perhaps because it was his first time meeting a stranger.

 

"Thit." Tonfah, Mew's boyfriend, called from the sofa, "What time does the flight depart?"

 

"Afternoon."

 

"Oh, so what are you planning to do here so early?"

 

"Just stay in your room, move over a bit," the neighbour said, then sat down on the sofa next to Tonfah. I ignored them and turned to look at Mew and Uncle Jeon. Jeon didn't seem to dislike Mew, as he didn't show any signs of discomfort. If they lived together longer, he might even like Mew.

 

"Where are its supplies?"

 

"I brought everything," I said, pointing to the large bag I was carrying. Mew came over to check; inside were a bed, a litter tray, toys, and food.

 

"If we run out of food, do we have to buy this exact same kind?" Mew asked. I nodded in reply, "Shall we have breakfast now?"

 

"YES."

 

"Go."

 

I followed Mew to the dining table; honestly, this apartment is spacious and very clean. The four of us sat down at the table. I sat next to my neighbour, opposite Mew. After washing his hands because he had just touched Jeon, Mew started scooping food.

 

"Did Mew do all of this himself?"

 

"Fah helped a little."

 

"Not much, Mew does most of it," Tonfah replied.

 

I turned to look at the dishes laid out on the table. Although I didn't know all the names of the dishes, they looked very appetising. When I started eating, I realised they tasted just as good.

 

"What do you think?" Mew asked.

 

"It's delicious," I replied, giving a slight smile. Mew's smile widened even more.

 

"So eat plenty, Dao often has stomach problems."

 

"Yes." I nodded slightly, lowering my head to continue eating. Actually, I didn't want anyone to know I was sick, but that time I had to be hospitalised, so it was discovered. Since then, I've often been pressured to eat properly.

 

"Have you finished eating?"

 

"YES."

 

"Alright."

 

"Thanks for breakfast, it was delicious."

 

"Well, it's good that you enjoyed it," Mew replied with a smile, then took my plate to clear it away.

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

I sat on the sofa, killing time and waiting for my afternoon flight. I had to get up early this morning because the kid next door dragged me out of bed; he said he'd be coming over for breakfast at Tonfah's house and leaving his cat with them. It wasn't so bad, though; a free breakfast was nice, even if it was a bit early.

 

"Where are you planning to go?" Tonfah asked, sitting next to him on the sofa.

 

“Hawaii, LA, and then San Francisco,” I replied. Hawaii is where my vacation villa is located, LA is where my mother was treated, and San Francisco is my home.

 

"Yeah, that must be exhausting. How many days did you travel?"

 

"I booked the tickets five days in advance. If it's not in time, I'll reschedule, but I expect to make it. It takes a day to get from Thailand to Hawaii, six hours from Hawaii to LA, and about two hours from LA to San Francisco. And I'm not going anywhere, just stopping by to take a look and then coming back."

 

"Yeah. Remember to take good care of him."

 

"Me?" I was surprised.

 

"Thit, you're the one who asked him for this," Fah said seriously. "What did you ask him to do? I heard it had a negative impact on him, right? Seeing spirits is really tiring."

 

“…”

 

"The truth is, he wasn't obligated to help you. But look, he still agreed to help, even travelling all the way to the other side of the world to support you. Has he ever complained or shown any displeasure towards you?" Fah asked.

 

Looking back, it's true that it never complained. Or perhaps it complained inwardly without my knowledge. But whatever the case, it never showed any signs of displeasure in front of me. Its demeanour was always calm, sometimes so calm it was like talking to an automated machine, only responding with a simple "hmm."

 

"Never," I replied.

 

"Besides, that bartering deal about the dog-chasing stick—what you did didn't bring any significant value to him. So, just treat him 

well."

 

"Yeah, yeah, I know," I replied, sighing involuntarily.

 

Fah was right. I'm not sure if it's because he's a good person or for some other reason, but whether I like it or not, he's always willing to help me. I feel truly grateful for it.

 

“What do you usually do in your room on your days off?” I started the conversation. Fah, who was watching TV, turned to look at me. “Don’t tell me you read a book.”

 

"Read a book."

 

"Damn, aren't you going to do anything else?"

 

"Watch a movie, then cuddle with Phoon to sleep."

 

"Yeah, that's fine," I replied, sighing as if I were fed up.

 

"Yeah, and where's your snake?"

 

"I gave it to my brother."

 

"Which guy?"

 

"You wouldn't know," I replied, since it was a friend from another department, and Fah certainly wouldn't recognise him. "I initially planned to send it to Jo, because North said he wanted to keep a snake. But after thinking it over, I was afraid that idiot Jo might eat my snake."

 

"Crazy? You even know how to use that word?" Fah asked, raising an eyebrow, because I rarely use unfamiliar Thai words. Don't ask why, because I'm mixed-race. Before, I failed Thai every semester; it was so difficult that it drove me crazy. There were some words whose meanings I didn't even understand. Being able to speak and read it now is a blessing.

 

"Isn't that cool?" Then he raised his eyebrows, teasing Fah.

 

"So why do you think Jo would eat your snake?"

 

"I don't know. Anything can happen with someone like Jo, you know?" I said, shaking my head slightly.

 

My biggest worry is that my snake might bite North because it's not used to the smell. Even though it's not venomous, if it bites North, his husband will probably strangle it to death right there and then. He might even cook it and eat it out of sheer anger. Then he'll simply transfer the money to me to buy a new snake, and that's it.

 

"I was thinking of sending it to you and Hill, but that didn't work out either."

 

“We’d accept cats, but no snakes. Phoon probably wouldn’t like that,” Fah replied. “And you know Hill, he doesn’t like anything strange in his room.”

 

"That's why I asked someone else to send it," I said.

 

"Yeah. By the way, how did your conversation with your junior's ex go?"

 

“It’s alright, I guess. That kid looks innocent, but he curses really badly.” I replied, causing Fah to raise an eyebrow slightly. “But that bastard really is a bastard. Has he told you about the things he did?”

 

"Yeah, I told him. I also advised him not to come back. But all you did was yell at him, right?"

 

"I'm going out for drinks with him."

 

"With Khram?"

 

"YES."

 

"You're the type who goes with anyone who invites you." Fah shook his head slightly, "So? Did you get along well?"

 

"Nothing much. But on the way home, he peed on my bike wheel, so I kicked him hard." I recounted, causing the person next to me to chuckle softly.

 

"Did you really kick him?"

 

"Yeah. He's in the hospital now. I called my dad and told him to send someone in another car, and they can take him to the hospital as well. I don't know if he'll live or die, but I won't go easy on him."

 

"That must have been quite serious. I wouldn't dare say I feel sorry for him, but peeing on someone's tyre is really going too far."

 

"Not only outrageous, but despicable, you understand? Thinking about it still makes me angry. He gets drunk and does whatever he wants; it's all rubbish." I muttered, getting more and more irritated the more I thought about it.

 

Finally, Fah had to give up his sofa so I could take a nap. I have to say, his sofa had practically become my second bed. I was so used to it that I fell asleep as soon as I lay down. I slept soundly until I heard someone calling and felt a gentle shake.

 

"Meat, it's time."

 

"Huh? What time?"

 

"Now it's time to go to the airport, of course," Fah's voice rang out.

 

I opened my eyes, still half-asleep, and sat up. I saw Fah standing behind the sofa, and when I glanced around, I saw the kid from the next room waiting. I got up from the sofa and went to the door.

 

"Have a safe flight."

 

"Yeah," I replied, waiting for the kid to finish talking to Fah's wife before we both got out of the car. Throughout the drive to the airport, only soft music played in the car; no one spoke a word. It was unlike the journey there.

 

"This."

 

It didn't answer, just silently looked out the car window.

 

"What's your name again?" I asked, not remembering clearly. I think I'd asked North once before. Calling him "the kid with the blue hair" or "the kid next door" didn't feel right, since we'd be staying together for a few more days anyway.

 

“Daotok.”

 

"Huh?" I unconsciously frowned. The name sounded strange, which is probably why I couldn't remember it. "What a strange name."

 

"YES."

 

"?"

 

"Thank."

 

“…”

"Because you helped."

 

Finally, I spoke, my eyes still fixed on the road ahead. After all, I'm not the kind of ungrateful person who wouldn't show gratitude when someone helps me, especially when they've gone to the trouble and wasted their time because of me. Moreover, there's no guarantee we'll meet here this time. It's really like gambling; in the end, both of us might waste our time.

"Yeah, nothing," it replied, its voice as slow as ever. I didn't turn to look at its expression, but I'm sure it was still that same expressionless, lifeless face. To be honest, I'm starting to feel uneasy thinking about going back home to look for my mother, or anywhere else I can think of. It's like: What if I don't find her? But what if I do find her?

 

I used to think that if I couldn't find her, maybe it was time to accept the truth. But now, I'm not sure if I can handle it anymore. I mean… I'm starting to be afraid of the truth. Maybe it's better to just turn around and go home now?

 

“…” When the car stopped at a red light, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that the person next to me had turned to look, so I looked back. “What is it?” I asked.

 

"Nothing. It's just... you're driving quite slowly."

 

"Really?"

 

"YES."

 

I remained silent, not responding. It turned away before the light turned green, and I pressed the accelerator. Perhaps I had slowed down without realising it, probably because I was lost in thought.

 

Upon arriving at the airport, we both quickly boarded the plane. I walked ahead and sat down. A moment later, the other person sat down beside me. They took out a novel and began to read. I turned my face away, looking in another direction.

 

Normally, when I'm on a plane, I tend to sleep because I don't know what to do. But this time, it seems I won't be able to sleep easily. How can I sleep when my head is full of random thoughts?

 

About half an hour after the plane took off, the kid next to me was still engrossed in reading a novel and listening to music, completely oblivious to everything else. He seemed to be reading a detective novel. Having nothing else to do, I glanced at him briefly.

 

"Hey," I called.

 

"Hmm?" it replied without turning around.

 

"Do you have any other books? Can I borrow one to read?"

 

"Ah." He pulled out another novel and handed it to me, then went back to reading.

 

I looked at the detective novel in my hand. Normally, I don't really like reading novels. Textbooks alone are boring enough; why would I need to read something else? But right now I have nothing else to do. If there's something to distract me, something to distract me from everything, that would be nice.

 

"Do you have any other headphones?" I asked.

 

"No more."

 

"Lend me one side."

 

"Are not."

 

"Let's split it up a bit."

 

"Are not."

 

"He's so stingy," I muttered. I had originally intended to listen to music, but I'd forgotten my earphones. I wanted to ask him to listen with me, but he was so aloof, refusing to give in. After a while, he sighed, took off one earphone, and gave it to me.

 

I took it and put it on. I had no idea what the hell it was playing, but oh well, asking to change the song would be a bit unreasonable.

And that's how it was...

 

I wore one earphone, and he wore the other. We listened to music and read a detective novel to kill time.

 

"Why does the music change so quickly?" I wondered, as the first song sounded quite pleasant, but now it had switched to powerful rock.

 

"I'm changing the playlist," it replied.

 

"What genres of music do you listen to?"

 

"I've heard it all."

 

"Really? Someone like you listens to every genre of music?"

 

"If it's good, I listen to the whole thing."

 

"Yeah."

 

"Oh, suddenly they've switched to Chinese music."

 

"YES."

 

I unconsciously frowned when the music I was listening to, which had been indie rock, suddenly switched to Chinese music. It felt like I couldn't even keep up with the mood change, it was… Honestly, I never thought I'd listen to this genre, but somehow I kept listening and ended up liking it.

 

"This song is great, your playlist is good."

 

"Yes, thank you."

 

"Share it with me."

 

"Which one should we share?"

 

"Everyone, leave."

 

"Okay, let me share it with you."

 

Okay.

 

About two hours later, it put the novel down as if it had finished reading it. It reached for a notebook and pencil and began to draw. Meanwhile, after finishing its novel, I took back its book to continue reading. Besides it, I saw it drawing lines on the paper with its pencil, and out of curiosity, I couldn't help but glance at it a few times.

 

"What are you drawing?"

 

"That scene was from the novel just now."

 

"Oh, that cornfield scene?"

 

"Right."

 

"It's exactly what I imagined," I said, because I had just read about the cornfield scene in the novel, and the image I had in my head was exactly like this kid's drawing. It was as if he were illustrating the book. "Try drawing the scene after the main character runs out of the cave; I can't imagine it."

 

"Yes." He turned to another page in his notebook and began sketching. I watched intently, wondering how this person could draw so quickly and beautifully.

 

"That's a really beautiful drawing."

 

"It's possible to rent it."

 

"Hey, are you offering your goods for sale?"

 

"Just a little."

 

"Are you accepting painting commissions?"

 

"I do all sorts of things."

 

"Not being picky about work, are you afraid of going poor?" I joked a little.

 

Actually, I find it easy to talk to other people, like with North. We became close very quickly. Even though he's not the best-looking guy, he has a lot of friends, all with similar personalities, so he's easy to get along with. As for Khram, I just met him, but he invited me out for drinks, and I went right away. I guess, besides being handsome, I also have a very good personality.

 

I think this arrogant personality was passed down from Jo. He doesn't need anyone to compliment him on his good looks; he probably knew it even when he was still a sperm cell. I'm the same way; I've been handsome since I was a flying sperm cell.

 

I feel a little better now. After overthinking things on my way to the airport, I feel much better. If I don't feel well, I'll just leave it like that; I'll feel better after a while. If I had alcohol and cigarettes, I probably would feel better faster. Unfortunately, they're not allowed on the plane.

 

"This."

 

"What's wrong?"

"Have you ever performed an autopsy?"

"Okay, what's wrong?"

"Does it look similar?" it asked, then showed me the drawing it had made. I raised my eyebrows as I looked at it.

"Can't you imagine it yourself?"

"Well, you should ask someone who has actually had the surgery."

"Yeah, that's fine."

"So, if the surgery is going on, can I go in and watch?"

"Let's ask the teacher," I replied, then continued to focus on the novel in front of me.

I can't believe I'm reading novels, probably because I've never read one before. But once I tried it, I found it really good, and the main character is so cool that it made me want to try being an FBI agent too.

 

"Does it have a sequel?"

"This is a series."

"Is this for the main character?"

"YES."

"Really? That sounds great. How many episodes are there?"

"We've translated three episodes into Thai already."

"Is the rest in English?"

"YES."

"I really want to read more."

 

"You won't find that in Thailand."

"They probably have it at a store in LA."

"Really?"

"Yes, there is."

"So, is it okay to go?"

"If I had the time, I'd like to read more too," I said.

"YES."