"Have you finished eating? Today your aunt asked the cook to prepare only your favorite dishes."

"I'm satisfied, Aunt Phanee."

Atjima replied as she placed her cutlery on the plate and grabbed a napkin to wipe her lips. Even with her favorite dishes in front of her, she didn't feel as hungry as she used to. Lately, she only ate what she needed to get through the day.

"How about dessert to finish? Lately, I've noticed that you eat little and still work too much. Your body may not be able to handle it."

"No need, I'm really satisfied. Excuse me."

With a calm expression, she stood up and walked away from the table in Aunt Phanee's house, as she had done every day since she moved back in. Three months had passed since Atitaya had left that house.

Now, her girlfriend was happy in Hua Hin, working and being well taken care of by Apo and Lada, which made her feel a little more at ease.

But when it came to longing, Atjima couldn't remember a single day in the past three months when she hadn't thought about her little guinea pig.

Even though they exchanged messages every day, the more she read, the more she wanted to hear her voice. When she heard her voice, she felt the urge to see her. Although Hua Hin wasn't that far away, the fact that she could only see her once or twice a week wasn't enough to ease the longing of having her always by her side.

As a result, Atjima became a new version of herself: more apathetic, distracted, and uninterested in anything around her. Her body was there, but her mind was elsewhere. However, she had responsibilities to fulfill, and the workers around her were already commenting that her condition was worrying. Naturally, Aunt Phanee had noticed as well.

"Kaprao, why did it take you so long to answer?"

[You're the one in a hurry. I answered as soon as I saw it.]

"I waited through three whole rings."

[If you're in such a hurry, next time call and leave the line open for 24 hours.]

"Great idea, I accept!"

[Exaggerated! I'm not even that clingy.]

Atjima laughed, finally feeling at ease in her room. Away from Aunt Phanee's watchful eyes, she picked up her phone to call her girlfriend, making video calls every night. Even though they couldn't hug each other, just talking to her eased some of the longing.

"Kaprao, what are you doing?"

[Talking to you, obviously.]

"Smart girl! I mean before I called."

[Oh, I was packing some things. I took the day off today, and Lada asked me to go out and do some shopping.]

"Having a lot of fun, huh? Have you already forgotten about me?"

[How could I forget? Lada only called me because she noticed I was bored.]

Having things to do made her miss Atjima a little less, but even after three months in Hua Hin, Atitaya still didn't feel used to the place.

She wanted to go home, to her girlfriend's arms. But it seemed like the problem with Phanee was still far from being resolved.

If nothing had changed in three months, would it take three years for them to be accepted? Or ten, twenty, thirty years? Would they only be able to be together when they were old?

Maybe Atjima could wait...

But she doubted Kaprao had as much patience as she did.

"If Aunt Phanee didn't have an appointment tomorrow, I would go to Hua Hin this week."

[Take Aunt to the doctor first. You can visit me next week.]

"You're so cute."

[I'm your girlfriend, aren't I?]

"If we were close, I would hug you and cover you in kisses."

[Hang in there, there's only a week left.]

Atjima pouted in disappointment and almost lost it when Atitaya, mischievous as always, sent a kiss through the phone.

She could usually go to Hua Hin three times a month. But on weeks when Aunt Phanee had doctor's appointments, she had to accompany her. For the past three months, Phanee had been taking medication and undergoing therapy regularly. Although the results of her treatment were confidential, she seemed willing to continue.

[What are you thinking about? It suddenly went quiet.]

"I wanted to know what Aunt Phanee thinks about the two of us."

[She never mentioned anything to you?]

"Never. Ever since the day you left home, she's acted as if nothing had happened. She never mentions your name or asks about you."

[You must be happy without me around.]

"But I'm not well at all. I'm dying of longing. Don't you feel sorry for me?"

[You're good at waiting. Hold on a little longer.]

"Three months is already too long!"

Atjima threw herself onto the bed, exhausted, and watched Atitaya through her phone screen as she organized the groceries while they talked. Her girlfriend was like a hyperactive guinea pig, unable to sit still.

Suddenly, Atitaya took out a paper bag, hesitated for a moment, and then smiled mischievously.

[Atjima, I have something to show you.]

"What?"

[It's pretty, isn't it? Lada helped me choose.]

"Hey! A bikini?!"

[I don't know when I'll use it, but since it was cheap, Lada said it was better to buy it before it ran out. I can wear it at the resort pool.]

Atitaya proudly showed off her bikini, while Atjima, who had been lying down until then, sat up, visibly upset. Her mind was already running wild.

"No way! I'll bring a robe to cover you! That bikini is too small!"

[It's fashion, Atjima. Want me to try it on now?]

"I'm already getting the car keys. Wait for me there!"

[At this time of night? Where are you going?]

"Get that bikini and hide it from everyone."

[Don't be crazy! I was just kidding.]

"I'm already stepping on the gas!"

It took a long time for Kaprao to calm her girlfriend down and explain that she had just been teasing her.

Even though they were far apart, they still managed to argue and tease each other. They had always been like that. Was there any other couple who showed love in such a unique way as they did?

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Phanee's next appointment is in two weeks."

"Actually, Atjima, you don't have to take me every time. If you're busy one day, you can ask Pann to accompany me."

"No problem, I'll do it willingly."

"But I feel bad. Your work is already overloaded, and I'm still a burden to you."

"When I was a child, I remember you taking me to the doctor. Now that I'm grown up, I want to take the best care of you. You don't need to feel bad."

Atjima spoke with seriousness and determination. Although Phanee did not accept the love between Atjima and Atitaya, taking care of her was something Atjima wanted to do with all her heart. She did it not out of obligation, but because she hoped that the wounds in Phanee's heart would heal, so that one day Phanee could be as happy as she deserved.

"It looks like the doctor adjusted the medication, didn't she?"

"The doctor reduced two medications. The treatment is progressing well."

"See? Phanee is amazing. Soon you won't need to take any more medicine and will be strong and healthy again."

"I'm not really sick. These medicines are expensive."

"Take your medication as prescribed and follow your doctor's recommendations. This way, your heart will be strong, and you'll be able to stay with me for a long time."

"If I live that long, won't I bother you? Old, grumpy, and bossy like I am?"

"No way. I want you to stay with me for a long time. I want to love and care for you as best as I can."

Phanee looked at her beloved niece. No matter how much time passed, Atjima would always be her dear, caring, and considerate niece.

Like now, when Atjima approached and hugged her affectionately, taking care of her with all her love and care, making her feel important—even if Atjima also had to share her love with someone else.

The love Phanee received was always immense...

"Atjima, before we go home, can you take me somewhere?"

"Sure, where do you want to go today? I have the whole day free."

"I want to visit Pawin's grave. Let's go to the temple and visit his mother."

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Time flies, doesn't it?"

"Yes, time always passes quickly."

Atjima responded to Phanee's comment as the two stood before the niche containing the remains of Atjima's mother, Pawin, in the temple near the house, as Phanee had wished when she suggested the visit.

"When Pawin passed away, I was still carrying Atjima in my arms to visit the temple. And now, time has passed, Atjima has grown up, and I have grown old."

"Phanee is still strong. You will be with me for many years to come."

"In a few years, maybe I'll join Pawin."

"Don't talk like that. The doctor said Phanee should think positively."

"I'm just telling the truth that no one can avoid. One day, we will all die, but those who remain must keep living."

Atjima looked at Phanee, who was speaking seriously. She reached out to touch Phanee's shoulder, full of love and affection.

She knew that the person who raised her had always loved her and wanted the best for her. Atjima never forgot the kindness and gratitude she felt toward Phanee.

But sometimes, the overwhelming love of her elder made her uncomfortable when it came to accepting or complying with certain requests, as in the case of her relationship with Atitaya. Fortunately, recently, Phanee had not tried to force Atjima to meet her friends' children. Since Atitaya moved away, Phanee had allowed Atjima to take full care of her.

"When I made a promise to Pawin, I was confident that Atjima would grow up happily. I thought it would be easy, but looking back, perhaps I failed."

"Phanee did a great job. Despite Pawin's early passing, I never felt deprived of anything."

"Can I ask you something? In front of your mother, don't lie to me."

"..."

"Atjima, are you happy?"

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Who is related to Atjima?"

"It's me. I'm her aunt. How is my niece, nurse?"

"The patient was in a car accident, likely caused by falling asleep at the wheel. The doctor is treating her in the emergency room. Please sign these documents."

After receiving the call from the rescue team on Sunday night, Phanee learned that Atjima had been involved in a car accident in Chumphon. Still in shock, she immediately went to the hospital where Atjima was being treated, without informing Akanee, who was away, or anyone else.

A few days ago, Phanee had still been spending time with her niece. They visited the temple where Pawin rested together and spent the weekend as aunt and niece. Although Phanee didn't wait for an answer before, she now found the courage to face the question that had been haunting her ever since Akanee asked it.

"Please don't let anything happen to you, Atjima. Come back to me."

If Atjima left her, there would be no one left by her side. Just as Pawin had left her, her parents had died suddenly, and her ex-husband had become nothing more than an unwanted memory.

Phanee cried and sobbed in despair outside the emergency room. When the patient's phone rang, a nurse brought her personal belongings to Phanee, who was listed as her relative. The call was from someone important to Atjima. Phanee watched the phone ring until it stopped, not daring to answer it.

The phone screen showed a photo of Atjima and Atitaya smiling at a tourist destination. Atjima's smile was radiant, overflowing with happiness—the same happiness Phanee had asked about but hadn't had the courage to hear the answer to. In the past few months, Atjima had seemed downcast and dejected, a sadness noticeable to everyone around her ever since the day Atitaya had to leave the Watinwanich house again because of Phanee.

"It was I who took away your happiness, wasn't it, my dear?"

If there was still time to make things right, if she had the chance to admit her mistakes, the first thing Phanee wanted to say to her niece right now was simple: I'm sorry.

Honey, I'm so sorry...

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Jam!"

"Atitaya..."

"Jam, are you hurting badly? Tell me if you feel pain anywhere."

"Oh, Atitaya, don't hug me so tight. I'm sore all over."

"I'm sorry..."

Atitaya quickly pulled away from the hug, then leaned in again, holding her beloved with concern, distressed after hearing the news. She had never imagined that Jam would have a car accident while traveling from Prachuap Khiri Khan to Surat Thani.

The night before, Jam had been admitted to a hospital in Chumphon. Although her condition was not serious, Atitaya couldn't help but blame herself for what had happened.

If Atjima hadn't traveled to see her in Hua Hin whenever possible, she wouldn't have been so tired that she fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident. In a way, Atitaya felt responsible for this.

"I'm strong, don't worry so much."

"Can you still joke around? I told you not to come back late, but you never listen to me."

"Don't scold me. I'm hurt—I don't want to suffer even more."

"You're so stubborn. If something happened to you, how would I live?"

"Don't cry, I'm fine now."

Atjima hugged Atitaya to comfort her and wiped away her tears. Although she was only slightly injured, her truck would need extensive repairs.

She promised herself that she would listen to her beloved from now on, because if it hadn't been just a minor accident, she might not have been able to keep her promise to always stay by Atitaya's side.

Furthermore, Phanee still didn't accept their relationship, but Atjima knew they would have to face all obstacles together until they found happiness.

"Atjima, how are you?"

"Apo, Lada—you all came?"

"We weren't going to let Atitaya come alone. When we heard you were in the hospital, we came as quickly as possible."

"I'm fine now. Thank you all for your concern. But how did you know I was here?"

[I called several times until someone answered and said you had been in an accident and were in this hospital.]

"Who answered? And where is my phone?"

"Phanee."

"..."

Atjima widened her eyes in surprise. She hadn't imagined that Phanee would answer the call and give information to Atitaya.

This meant Phanee had Atjima's phone, which she hadn't seen since waking up. From the items in the room, it was clear that Phanee had been watching over her through the night.

"Phanee..."

"Hello."

Phanee greeted Lada and her partner without showing any intention of arguing with Atitaya, then walked toward the sofa where she had rested the night before. The room fell silent for a moment.

"Phanee, did you tell Atitaya about the accident?"

"Atitaya called so many times that I got irritated and answered."

"Thank you."

Atjima took the phone back and held it, as the tension in the air made it hard to breathe.

Although Phanee wasn't attacking Atitaya, Atitaya was clearly nervous and quiet, which made Atjima feel sorry for her.

"After so many hours on the road, we still haven't eaten anything. Lada, shall we get something to eat?"

"Sure, P'Nam. Atitaya, do you want to come with us?"

"Let Atitaya stay with Atjima."

It was unclear whether P'Nam's suggestion improved the situation or made it worse, as it only increased the tension. In the end, only three people remained in the room, including Atjima, who was still in pain and worried about whether she would be able to intervene if Phanee wanted to argue with her beloved.

"Phanee, have you eaten?"

"I've already eaten. Atjima, are you hungry?"

"A little."

"I'll call the nurse."

"I can call the nurse."

"Stay here."

Atitaya smiled awkwardly as Phanee rejected her and stood up to leave. Atjima took the opportunity to hold Atitaya's hand and encourage her, telling her she was doing well trying to talk to Phanee.

"You're doing well, Atitaya."

"Maybe I should go, Jam. I don't want to bother Phanee."

"No, stay. I need your support."

"But..."

Before Atitaya could argue, Phanee returned with the hospital meal. It was pork porridge, which, judging by Jam's expression, didn't look very appetizing.

"Why are you standing there? Move aside."

"Yes, Phanee."

"Atjima, are you still sore? I'll feed you."

Atjima, slightly dejected, accepted the porridge without complaint, though it was clear she didn't like it. After a few spoonfuls, Phanee sighed and handed the task to Atitaya.

"Atitaya, come here."

"Yes?"

"Help feed Atjima. I'm going to rest."

"..."

The situation surprised both Atjima and Atitaya, but they wouldn't refuse this rare opportunity. Atitaya fed Atjima gently, and she seemed more lively.

"It's delicious."

"Do you... want more?"

"Call me Jam, not 'you'."

"But Phanee is here."

"If you don't call me Jam, I won't recover quickly."

"Jam..."

Atitaya finally relented, calling her affectionately. When they first started dating, Jam had seemed tough, but now she showed a softer, loving side that Atitaya found adorable.

"I need to go soon."

"Where to?"

"Back to Hua Hin. I have to go with Lada and P'Nam."

"Do you have to go?"

Atitaya shook her head, even though she didn't want to admit it. She didn't want to trouble Lada and P'Nam any more than she already had, as she was grateful for their support. Besides, she had responsibilities as an intern and couldn't stay any longer.

"If you're going to make my niece suffer, forget it, Atitaya."

"What? Phanee?"

"Don't think I don't know what's going on. I know you're in Hua Hin with Akanee's brother, Adisorn. And Atjima is always traveling to see you. You're still together, despite what I said."

"You two are still together in secret, and that resulted in this accident. Atjima is pushing herself too hard, driving and working tirelessly. If you go back to Hua Hin, who can guarantee another accident won't happen? And if it's worse, how will you take responsibility, Atitaya?"

"Phanee, it's not Atitaya's fault. I'm not going to break up with her. We love each other very much. Even if she were in Chiang Rai or another country, I would follow her. We won't be separated."

"I'm not talking to you, Atjima. I'm talking to Atitaya. And you won't speak unless I give you permission."

"Phanee..."

Atjima closed her mouth under Phanee's stern gaze and let her continue.

"You can't go back to Hua Hin. You'll have to stay and take care of Atjima until she recovers."

"What?!"

"You still don't understand?"

"Do you want me to take care of Jam? You mean you're allowing me to..."

"I will allow you to stay by her side if you make her happy. If you can't, I'll send you away myself."

"..."

"So? Do you think you can make Atjima happy, Atitaya?"