We were standing in front of Dad's room. I grabbed Jao Pat's wrist just as he was about to knock. This didn't feel right—we shouldn't be interrupting.
"What are you chickening out for, Jao Peem?" "Why are we meddling in other people's business?" "What 'other people'? She's our homeroom teacher. She begged us for help—ignoring that would be ungrateful. 'Gratitude is a student's greatest virtue,' remember? 'Do good and you'll prosper.' Isn't that what those senior teachers are always droning on about? Don't tell me you forgot."
On the ride home, she'd brought it up. She said she never intended to end up living with our dad. Things had just spiraled out of control, and she was desperate to get away from him. That was why my brother and I were now standing outside the Minister's bedroom.
Knock. Knock.
Jao Pat went for it. I didn't stop him, but I didn't help either.
"Are you in there, Ms. Kawinthida? Yoo-hooo—Ms. Kawinthida!" Jao Pat called, cupping his hands around his mouth.
Knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock!
My brother must have thought the door was a drum. I swear, if it opened, I'd smack him upside the head. "They're probably finished by now. Since you're going that far, why don't you just use a hammer?" "Good idea." "I was being sarcastic!"
I crossed my arms, watching him, annoyed that we were wasting time on something so pointless. "Did you forget what she promised us in return?" 'If you help me, I'll do anything you want.' "Stop acting like you've suddenly found a conscience and help me. You know as well as I do—you're rotten to the core, big brother."
Knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock!
"Ms. Kawinthida…" In the end, I helped him anyway. Truth was, we actually admired her—mostly for her unconventional teaching style and the way she never lost her temper like the other teachers did.
"Ms. Ka—"
The door swung open. Dad stood there, looking like he'd just walked into a hornet's nest. "What do you want?" His voice was as cold as ever.
He was wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. You can probably guess for yourself why he'd taken so long to answer.
"We came to see our teacher. Is she in your room?" Jao Pat asked. "She is. So what? Whatever it is, we'll talk tomorrow. Act your age and stop behaving like children."