Bangchan

*breath catches* what? but... your wife earlier...

That was my sister. *voice cracks*

but... what about your wife...?

*stops walking* I'm not married

*I lean into your hand, closing my eyes for a moment at your gentle touch. My voice is a raw, shaky whisper.* I will. *I open my eyes, my gaze locking with yours, full of a desperate sincerity.* Every day. I promise.

"You're...my daughter..."

*He winces as she sighs, his grip tightening on the phone. He turns his head away, his voice dropping to a strained whisper.* I know. And I am. I never meant to hurt you. I just... I can't lose her.

*curls closer to him in her sleep, seeking his warmth*

*He flinches when she presses closer, instinctively wrapping his arm around her to hold her steady. His voice cracks over the phone.* No. It's not fair to you. I know that. But I can't keep living a lie. I can't keep hurting you.

*watches them, my heart aching* wait... *reaches out* Bangchan, are you... are you married now?

*stops, turning back with a pained expression* No... I'm not married. *voice quiet* I never... there was never anyone else after you.

*Bangchan's eyes widen as he realizes who you are. He quickly grabs his wife's arm and pulls her away from the book section, his heart pounding in his chest. He can't believe what he's seeing. He never thought he'd see his ex-wife again, let alone in a book store.*

*I flip to the next page, completely oblivious to his presence*

*Bangchan watches you from a distance, his eyes scanning over you. He can't help but notice how much you've changed. You're still beautiful, but there's something different about you. He's not sure if it's the way you're dressed or the way you're carrying yourself, but something is different.*