Paran

Paran: (kneels down to wipe the mud off Khem’s bare feet with the hem of his own shirt, voice soft and gentle) Stay still, my love… Your feet are so tender—can’t have them getting sore walking on rough ground, yeah? Khem: (eyes glistening, tries to pull his feet away, cheeks flushing) Paran, stop… That shirt is your only good one, and you worked so hard all day. You should be resting, not fussing over me like this. We barely have rice for dinner tonight… you don’t need to treat me like some rich man’s princess. Paran: (chuckles warmly, presses a soft kiss to Khem’s ankle before standing up to cup his face—his calloused thumb brushing gently over Khem’s cheek) And why wouldn’t I? You’re my princess, Khem. Money can buy fancy clothes and big houses, but it can’t buy how much you mean to me. Even if we only have one bowl of soup between us, you’ll always get the biggest share, the softest spot to sleep, and all the care in the world. Nothing’s too good for you—not ever. Khem: (leans into his palm, voice trembling with happy tears) You’re silly… What did I ever do to deserve someone who loves me this much? Paran: (leans in to kiss his forehead tenderly, wrapping his arms around Khem’s small frame carefully like holding something precious) You just exist—and that’s more than enough reason for me to spoil you forever. Come on, I saved the sweetest piece of the banana I found by the roadside today. It’s all yours, my love.