Chapter 5

It had been almost a month since Homlom had entered the lives of the grandfather and grandson duo. By now, Grandpa Kloi had grown much less wary of him, though he still wasn't brave enough to call him by name as he wished. As for Homnoi, the more Homlom got to know him, the more adorable he found him. Homlom never tired of being around the little boy. During the day, he would bring books to help teach the boy while waiting for school to reopen, which might take a while due to the severe pandemic.

The familiar sound of a phone rang from his bag, and Homlom had to set down the tiffin carrier. The phone number displayed on the screen made him frown with unease.

Tatthep

"Kind Uncle!"

"Whoa!"

Thud!

Homlom was startled by Homnoi's sudden call, causing him to drop his phone. He looked mournfully at the shattered remains of his beloved mobile phone. The little boy stood there, pale-faced. Homlom had to turn his attention away from the phone, now with a thoroughly cracked screen, confirming that the old, worn-out cemented floor of the temple was still quite solid. The chubby figure approached the trembling boy, whose eyes were brimming with tears.

"Homnoi."

"Hic, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

Homlom felt a pang of affection as he saw Homnoi raise his hands in a wai, tears streaming down. Even though he had never had it, he knew that the rectangular device of Kind Uncle was very expensive. Homnoi feared being hated. Kind Uncle could scold or hit him, but please don't hate him.

"You...you can hit me, Kind Uncle. Hic...go ahead, hit me." The small arms extended towards the person in front of him. "Please...please don't hate me. Don't hate me."

"Homnoi..." Homlom murmured softly, watching the boy plead, his arms trembling as he offered them to be hit. "No, don't cry. Why would I hit you? You didn't do anything wrong."

He did regret the phone, but it wasn't the boy's fault. Homnoi ran out to greet him like this every day. Homlom admitted he was distracted, as Tatthep had called him several times since last night. Of course, he hadn't answered. That’s why he stood in a daze, pondering whether to block the number. But now, it seemed unnecessary. It was better this way. He could change his number and phone all at once.

Moreover, no matter how expensive technological device might be, it couldn't compare to the feelings of a child. Homnoi hadn't meant to break it. Was it wrong for the boy to run to him with joy? If he scolded the boy, how heartbroken would he be?

"I'm sorry...hic, I'm just happy that Kind Uncle is here."

"I know, don't cry anymore."

With gentle hands, Homlom wiped away the tears from the small face before remembering he had a handkerchief with him. He carefully dabbed away Homnoi's tears, removing the smudges on the pale face, revealing a rosy complexion, especially the tiny, adorable nose that made him want to nuzzle it.

"May I kiss your cheek?" He wondered if he should ask the little boy's permission, fearing the child might feel uncomfortable or displeased. Fortunately for Homlom, the boy nodded shyly.

Homnoi twisted with embarrassment. Apart from Grandpa and Grandma, no one had ever kissed him. But if it was Kind Uncle, he really wanted to be kissed. Kind Uncle’s body was soft and fragrant.

Homlom planted a kiss on the soft cheek, then nuzzled his nose against the little boy's gently. He inadvertently lifted Homnoi up, causing the boy to freeze but then hugged his neck tightly. They looked at each other, and Homlom saw the little one holding him while bowing his head, occasionally glancing up curiously.

He was puzzled. "Why?"

"Kind Uncle...is holding me."

"Do you not like it?" Homlom worried, wondering if the boy felt uncomfortable.

"I'm happy."

Ah...

The soft voice spoke with a happy smile, making Homlom's heart melt. Indeed, this was the first time he had held Homnoi. Seeing the child's joyful demeanor, Homlom tightened his embrace and spoke gently, making a promise.

"Then, from now on, I'll hold you often, okay?"

Grandpa Kloi had just finished cremating a body and walked slowly back home. Not finding his grandson, seeing only food served on a plate, he went to look for him at the old, dilapidated pavilion a few steps from the temple. Nowadays, the little rascal liked to be there because someone came to see him every day. The sight of the benefactor teaching his beloved grandson brought tears to the old man's eyes.

The grandson of Lady Laor-Ong not only brought food every day but also taught Homnoi. Sometimes, the Venerable Brother helped teach too. Grandpa Kloi was deeply moved by the kindness shown to him and his grandson by someone they hadn't known for long.

Grandpa Kloi sat under the Orchid tree, gazing lovingly at his dear grandson, watching for a long time without feeling hungry or tired until the afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting shimmering light, indicating late afternoon, when he saw Homlom, his benefactor, gently cradle the little boy's head, who had fallen asleep, to rest on his lap.

Homlom gazed at the little boy sleeping with his head resting on his lap, peering over the thick book. He cast a gentle glance before turning his attention back to the book in front of him. He couldn't help but think how fortunate he was compared to many others, not having to struggle too much in life. Over the past few months, he hadn't taken on any translation work, yet he still had money to spend and time to be with Little Homnoi before he had to send him off to school.

The breeze rustled the branches, and sunlight filtered through the large trees, unable to shield the two on the pavilion from the natural light. The boy's pearly eyelids fluttered as the light hit them. Seeing that, Homlom gently placed his thin scarf over the boy's eyes. He was too lazy to wear a collar every day, so he opted for a scarf instead.

It wasn't as effective as a collar, but in a temple area like this, there probably wouldn't be any Alpha coming to bite his neck.

"Mmm...Kind…Uncle."

Homlom couldn't help but smile fondly as the little boy mumbled in his sleep. However, the next words left him stunned.

"Kind… Mom...my."

The sleep-talking words were incoherent, yet strangely, they made his heart tremble. The little one's mommy must have been kind too.

"Mr. Lom, are you tired?"

The raspy voice greeting him made Homlom look up from the book. It was Grandpa Kloi, slowly approaching. Homlom offered a friendly smile. Though Grandpa Kloi still called him Mr., Homlom was glad that Grandpa Kloi dared to call him by his name, unlike before.

"Not at all," Homlom replied, then asked, "Have you eaten yet, Grandpa? I've prepared some food for you, covered with a lid."

Grandpa Kloi wasn't one to lie and didn't want to deceive his benefactor, so he merely gave a faint smile. Homlom immediately understood, showing a slightly stern expression. Grandpa Kloi was even more stubborn than his grandson, sometimes too considerate. "Please eat, Grandpa. Your body won't be able to handle it otherwise."

Grandpa Kloi said nothing, comforted by the concern shown to him. In his heart, he saw Homlom as a son or grandson, yet in practice, he felt he couldn't reach out due to his own self-deprecation. The conversation between the two people of different generations didn't continue. Homlom didn't want to scold him too much, so he chose to remain silent, but he didn't return his attention to the book, fearing the old man might think he was being ignored.

"My daughter, Little Homnoi's mother...her name is Ponfa. As for his father—"

The tremor in the old man's voice made Homlom look up. Lady Laor-Ong’s grandson was taken aback, his eyes trembling uncontrollably as he listened to the old man's tale without quite believing his ears. He had always been curious about Homnoi's past but never had the courage to ask. Who was he to delve into someone else's family matters?

"Grandpa...are you sure it's okay to tell me this?" After all, he was just an outsider.

But the old man smiled gently. "It's alright to share with family. Grandpa wants to tell you."

The unfamiliar term and the old man's words, calling him family, made Homlom smile broadly. He wasn't someone who opened up easily, but he accepted the two because he felt a connection. The more he got to know them, the more he felt bonded, empathizing with and admiring the struggles of the young boy and the old man. He wanted to help them have a better life. Before he knew it, he wanted to be their family and support.

Homlom couldn't quite explain the joy in his heart from being accepted.

His beautiful eyes gazed into the distance; the scent of various flowers planted by his grandmother calming him. Yet, Homlom's thoughts kept circling around the story Grandpa Kloi had shared. There was nothing to worry about, but it was strange that he couldn't stop thinking about it.

Grandpa Kloi and his wife had a daughter named Ponfa, a beautiful woman, as seen in old photographs shown by Grandpa Kloi. The family of three's life was quite difficult until one day, Ponfa met a job agent and went abroad to work as a housemaid with a salary nearing a hundred thousand. Initially, she sent money back to her parents, but it wasn't much, and eventually, she lost contact until...

"After years of disappearing, she returned with a child in her belly. She said the wealthy house owner took her as a wife but only wanted the child, not her. She refused, ran away, and shortly after giving birth, she died."

"Sigh."

Homlom sighed as he recalled the story Grandpa Kloi had told him. So, the man wanted only the child, not the mother.

In summary, Homnoi's father was a wealthy man and a foreigner, but Homlom didn't know which nationality. When he asked Grandpa Kloi, the old man wasn't sure because his daughter left without consulting her parents. The only thing he was confident about was that Homnoi's father was likely Asian, as the boy didn't show any Western mixed-race traits.

Since the man wanted only the child, it meant that one day, Homnoi's father might come looking for him and take him away. It was supposed to be a happy thought, yet Homlom felt worried and anxious. If the boy he loved and cared for had to leave for a faraway land one day—

"But it's been four or five years now," Homlom muttered, not denying that he was trying to comfort himself.

It would be better if that man no longer wanted Homnoi, because from now on, he would be the one to take care of the boy.

Crash!

"Ah! I'm sorry, Mr. Lom!"

The sound of breaking glass snapped Homlom back to reality. He looked at the young girl kneeling on the floor, trembling. Not far from her were shards of glass and milk spilled all over the floor. Homlom sighed at the clumsiness of the new maid. He heard she was only fifteen, brought by her aunt to work for Grandma during the school break to earn some money. Even though the house already had many workers, Grandma was kind enough to let her work here, better than having the girl dragged around by her aunt from place to place.

"How many glasses have you broken now?" he asked in a calm voice.

"I...I'm sorry. I'm really sorry."

The image of Little Homnoi raising his hands in a respectful gesture flashed in his mind. The girl seemed very frightened. As mentioned, Homlom, though not as stern as Mrs. Laor-Ong, was still a strict person.

Homlom sighed. "Clean it up properly."

"Yes, yes."

The girl hurriedly went down the stairs to get cleaning supplies, just as Inpha walked in. Homlom watched his brother sit down across from him, his face glowing under the bright light, making Homlom smile unconsciously.

"What are you smiling about, Brother In?"

"Nothing... I just think you've changed," Inpha said, pouring warm lotus flower tea for himself and his brother.

Because the school was on a long break, Inpha hadn't had the chance to go back to teaching the kids, unlike Klinmok, who had returned to the capital almost a month ago. Next month, he would probably come back home, as Grandma insisted that the youngest visit often. With all the three older siblings staying at Grandma's house, the youngest would always want to come back home.

"In what way?" Homlom raised an eyebrow.

"In the past, you would've scolded in a calm voice, not caring if it was intentional or not. A mistake is a mistake."

Hearing his brother's words, Homlom's straight shoulders slightly slumped. "Was Lom really that bad?"

Inpha smiled gently. "Not really, but you were too rigid, like Mok, who's so playful it's exhausting." The elder brother shook his head, amused by the different personalities of his younger brothers. But it seemed Homlom had changed for the better.

"Since you met that boy, I think you've become much more relaxed. Do you realize that?"

Homlom paused. It's not like he didn't realize it; ever since he met and got to know Homnoi, he smiled more often and found joy in the little things. Like today, when Homnoi managed to write all forty-four Thai consonants, it made him beam with pride, proud of the boy and himself for patiently teaching so well. Perhaps it was because the little one learned quickly and was easy to teach, even without much prior knowledge.

"Lom likes myself when Lom is with him too," the young man smiled.

"And how was today? Did you use the book you borrowed from me?"

When asked about the boy, Homlom immediately sat up straight, eager to share stories about the little one with his brother. "Yes, we did. Homnoi really liked it. He's quite a fast learner."

Inpha listened to Homlom talk about Homnoi while cleaning the roots of the White Coral Vine to dry them and prepare herbal tea for tomorrow. The elder brother listened with a smile as his younger brother spoke, every sentence filled with the name of the pale boy who often got messy. His eyes, resembling their mother's, sparkled with happiness. Every word was full of love and affection for the child, overflowing and impossible to contain.

The two brothers chatted for quite a while, with more than half of the conversation revolving around Homnoi. When the time was right, Inpha instructed the workers to store the cleaned herbal roots in the kitchen downstairs. He wasn't as good at staying up late as Homlom.

"You should go to bed now, Lom, and make sure to close the windows. I heard there's a storm coming tonight."

Homlom glanced at the sky and the clock, realizing it was past ten. The late-night breeze combined with the cool air of the riverside, traditional Thai house, surrounded by large trees, made his body shiver. The sound of distant thunder seemed to warn him; it seemed like it would rain heavily tonight, just as Brother In had said.

In the dead of night, Homlom woke up with a start from the sound of thunder. The plump figure groggily sat up. The rain outside splashed against the bedroom window, making a loud noise. Fortunately, Brother In had warned him beforehand, otherwise his bedroom would have been soaked by the torrential rain. The weather was so cold that he didn’t need an air conditioner. Grandma’s house was already cool all night long, but with both rain and wind, it was colder than any other night.

The owner of the room lay down on the thick mattress again. However, this time, Homlom couldn’t fall asleep. He picked up his phone to check and saw that it was only three in the morning. Homlom was anxious and worried about the grandfather and grandson duo. He didn’t forget that they were living in a small shack that was almost completely unsafe. And it was even more worrisome as the rain was so heavy.

Finally, Homlom got up and turned on the light. He grabbed his coat and Omega collar, put them on, picked up his car keys, and went outside to wait. His beautiful eyes watched the pouring rain, praying it would ease up a bit. Each passing minute felt incredibly long, just like the relentless downpour. Fortunately, it started to lighten up a little.

Driving out of the house at three in the morning to go to the temple several kilometers away, amidst the rain and strong wind, was not a sensible idea. Yet, Homlom felt anxious; a certain premonition made him uneasy. Trying to force himself to sleep was nothing but torture.

"Where are you going, Lom?"

Homlom was about to step down the stairs when he suddenly halted, glancing toward the voice to see Inpha standing there with a stern look. The young translator sighed slightly. He had tried not to turn on the lights in the middle of the house, but even with the heavy rain, his brother's hearing was still sharp.

"Lom’s going to the temple."

"The temple? It's only ten minutes to four," his brother’s face was stern when he saw Homlom remain silent. "Homlom."

"Lom’s worried about Homnoi and Grandpa Kloi. Lom'll drive slowly, Brother In, so Lom can reach the temple by morning." Staying home would only make his heart restless.

Inpha maintained a serious expression. "Can't you see it's raining? Go back inside. Wait until sunrise. Your dear Greenie isn't exactly reliable."

"Lom’s waited long enough, Brother In. Lom’s waited until the rain eased up this much. Please let me go, Brother In. Lom'll take the pickup truck," Homlom persisted. Though the wind was still gusty, the rain had lightened considerably. It was true that it wasn't entirely safe, but if he waited and it started pouring heavily again, he'd end up worrying at home all day.

"You said yourself that the storm might last all day. Lom promises that once Lom see Homnoi and Grandpa Kloi are safe, Lom'll drive back immediately and won't stay all day. Please, Brother In...please," he pleaded with his brother to understand. He was worried sick about Homnoi.

"Then wait for me."

Seeing Homlom's determination, Inpha softened. The storm that raged the previous night was indeed severe. He had seen the living conditions of the grandfather and grandson and couldn't help but worry. He hoped they had taken shelter in the ordination hall. The slender young man went to get his Omega collar and soon emerged from his bedroom, leaving Homlom quite puzzled.

"I'm going with you. I'll drive."

"What about Grandma?"

"She's asleep, and Auntie Nom is watching over her. Don't worry," Inpha said, ruffling his brother's hair. "Let's go...let's go."

"Thank you, Brother In!"

Homlom suddenly broke into a wide smile, now only hoping that his strange premonition was just his imagination. And when they reached the temple, he wished to see the bright smiles of the grandfather and grandson waiting for them, or at least hoped they were sleeping peacefully.

Inpha drove carefully, and by the time they reached the temple, it was almost dawn, just as Homlom had told his brother. But because of the light rain, the sky remained dark and gloomy. Inpha and Homlom stopped to pay their respects at the ordination hall briefly, considering it inappropriate to just walk past to the back of the temple.

"Are Venerable Father and Venerable Brother out collecting alms in this rain?" Inpha muttered. Although the rain wasn't severe, the droplets were still quite heavy.

"Lom doesn’t know, and Boonchai isn't here either." He was puzzled by the absence of anyone in the ordination hall.

The two brothers walked to the back of the temple, familiar with the path as they had been there before, especially Homlom, who visited so often that it was almost like a second home. But on a day as dark and gloomy as this, he had to admit it was quite frightening. Luckily for Homlom, his brother was with him. As they got closer to the grandfather and grandson's hut, Homlom felt increasingly uneasy.

"Lom...Lom!" Inpha called out to his brother in alarm.

Homlom quickened his pace when he saw the figure of Venerable Brother in front of the hut, not waiting for Inpha, who was holding an umbrella, until his own body was soaked by the large raindrops. Not only was Venerable Brother Aidin there, but Venerable Father and Boonchai were also present. With all of them there, how could he not be anxious? Inpha's call for Homlom caught Venerable Brother's attention, making him turn to look.

"Brother..."

"Greetings, Venerable Father, Venerable Brother." Homlom raised his hands in respect as he saw Venerable Brother Aidin holding an umbrella for Venerable Father, who stood calmly.

"Wh...What happened?"

Homlom's heart pounded as he followed his brother's gaze into the small hut. The first thing he saw was the feet of someone lying still. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was indeed Grandpa Kloi. Beside the old man was a small figure kneeling with his face buried in his grandfather's chest. The child's body was visibly trembling. Even with only the light from a lantern, Homlom noticed the small feet were dirty with mud and small stones embedded in the soles.

"Grandpa Kloi has passed away. Homnoi ran to fetch Venerable Father and me just at five this morning."

The young boy, Homnoi, woke up with a start as rainwater leaked through the roof. He tried to wake his grandfather for a long time, but the other didn't stir. The boy began to cry in fear and distress because his grandfather's unresponsive state reminded him of what had happened to his grandmother. Amidst the pouring rain, the small boy ran through it to the temple, soaked to the skin, calling out for Venerable Father and Venerable Brother with a sobbing, frightened voice.

"I'll have Boonchai take Grandpa Kloi to the temple, but Homnoi won't let go. He's holding on tight...as you can see."

Inpha turned away from the scene, just like Homlom, who raised his hand to cover his mouth to stifle a sob. He was deeply attached to Grandpa Kloi, and even more concerned about Homnoi. The boy had run through the heavy rain, along a dark and lonely path; how could he not be scared? Even when he arrived with his brother, with an umbrella and flashlight to guide them, he still felt anxious. During that time, Homnoi, his little guy, must have been terrified.

"Lom, he might want to stay like this for a while," Inpha cautioned when he saw his younger brother about to approach the grandfather and grandson, one of whom had already passed away.

The young translator looked at his brother and spoke firmly, "Lom can't leave him alone, Brother In."

Homlom slowly crawled on his knees towards the boy. The closer he got, the more he heard the sobbing. He raised his hands in respect to Grandpa Kloi, who lay peacefully. The old man's face was more serene than when he was alive, his wrinkled body growing cold. The elderly man was quite old; Homlom knew this day would come eventually. He just hadn't expected it to be so sudden, especially since yesterday the old man had accepted him as another grandson...

Homnoi's body was wet, the boy clinging tightly to his grandfather, not looking up at his surroundings. Of course, he heard his Kind Uncle's comforting voice, but now he had no smile left to show his Kind Uncle.

"Homnoi..." Homlom whispered softly, "You're not alone, little one. I'm here with you."

Homlom didn't pull Homnoi away from Grandpa Kloi's body. Instead, he chose to embrace the trembling little figure, letting the boy know he didn't intend to take his grandfather away and that he would always be by his side. As time passed, Homlom heard the sobbing grow more heart-wrenching, and suddenly the small voice spoke in a painful lament.

"No one is with me anymore. Everyone has left me. They've all left. Hic, waah."

"But you have me, right? I'm here with you. I'm not going anywhere."

"Hic, waah."

What should he do? How could he ease the pain in Homnoi's heart? What should you do, Lom? What should you do...

Homlom was frantic with fear, terrified that he might never see the cheerful smile of the little boy again. He pleaded desperately, hoping that this nightmare wouldn't steal away the boy's beautiful smile, and that fate wouldn't be too cruel to this child.