“Why is he out drinking in a bar?” I demand. “He sounds like he’s either drunk or someone’s slipped him something.”
Bua sounds more awake when she says, “I don’t know anything about this. When I saw Noi, he was going to bed. Listen, I’ll go check and get back to you.”
Leaving the bar, I begin pacing the small strip of beach that will give me a phone signal. I’m just about to call Bua again when Noi’s number appears on the phone’s screen. I’m so relieved, my legs go out from under me, and my ass hits the sand.
I answer before the end of the first ring.
“Noi? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” he says, voice small. “I’m sorry, P’. I was just giving you a hard time.”
Hand to my heart, I let out a breath. “So, you aren’t out drinking shirtless with a bunch of strange bikers?”
“No, P’. It was a joke.”
Now that I know he’s all right, annoyance edges out some of the fear. “What the hell, Noi? That wasn’t funny. You scared me.”
“I’m sorry, P’.”
“I was really worried!”
“I’m sorry, P’. Don’t be mad at me.”
I explain to him about the danger of someone slipping something into his drink.
Mee Noi apologizes again, and I can tell he really is sorry. We say goodnight.
Disconnecting, I take a moment to stare out at the ocean while the residual fear slowly leaves me. I should have told him off for scaring me like that, but the sincere regret in his voice combined with my sheer relief that he was all right kept me from doing it. Besides, I know I can be unbearably protective of Noi sometimes, so I’m not without fault. Feeling like I’ve just staggered off an emotional roller coaster, I go back to the bar, return Koman’s phone to him, and tell my friends everything’s okay and that I’m going to the hotel.
When I get there, I sleep twelve hours straight.
***
The next morning, I rise early, and after breakfast, my friends and I go to the beach and spend hours playing in the ocean. Hin Hua is one of my favorite getaways—it isn’t far from home, and my parents used to take me, Ten, and Noi there all the time. Once a fishing village, the town lacks the seedier feel of many of the other beach resorts. The weather’s great, and it feels amazing to let go after mid-term exams. But over and over again, I find myself wishing Noi could be with me.
When lunch time rolls around, I check my phone and realize it’s died again. I stop on my way back to the hotel and buy a new charger, then leave it charging by the bed in my hotel room while I spend the next several hours browsing markets with the group. By the time we get back, it’s almost dark. We already ate while we were out, so I wave to my friends and head to my room where I check my now fully charged phone and find that Noi has left me a long text message.
I’m sorry I played that joke on you last night, P. I feel really bad for making you worry. My only excuse is that I was feeling low because I’m someplace unfamiliar, and I couldn’t go to sleep without Fuzzy. And I kind of wished I’d gone with you instead and found another way to get my points. You were really nice not to tell me off because that’s what I deserved.
He sent the text close to one o’clock that afternoon. Knowing Noi, he’s probably been wondering ever since then if I haven’t texted back because I’m mad at him. I press call on my phone and listen to it ring.
Noi sounds subdued when he answers. “‘Wa’dee, P’Sud.”
“‘Wa’dee. I’m not mad at you, so you can stop with the honorifics. I just saw your text. My phone has been in my hotel room charging all afternoon.”
“I wasn’t worried you were mad,” Noi grouses.
Smiling, I shake my head. “I know how your mind works. What are you doing right now?”
Noi begins talking a mile a minute. “We just came in from working outside all day. I really like it. We’re helping create a medicinal garden, and I was put on the herb and spices team. Film—a guy I met who goes to school here—is on that team, too. He’s taking herbology classes and knows everything about them. We’re all going to eat somewhere in town.”
“Sounds like you’re having fun,” I say, happy for him. He never does things like this, and I’m glad he’s meeting new people and making friends.
“I really am. Bua isn’t, though. She says she’s never been so dirty in her life.” He laughs. “Are you having a good time? What have you done so far?”
“We went swimming in the ocean this morning and then we went to a street market and ate and walked around. Tomorrow we’re going to see rescued elephants. I wish you could be here, though.”
“I do, too. Oh, it’s my turn to shower, Sud, I have to go. Thanks for calling. I’ll see you when you get back.”