The faint, rising sun was accompanied by a drawn-out yawn. Likan stretched, shaking off her sleep, and hurried to the bathroom to get ready. She quickly fried an egg, prepared some rice porridge for her family, and left the house. Her home environment was a complete mess strewn with empty liquor bottles.
Meanwhile, Hana had a wonderful evening. Her parents, a high-ranking military officer and a busy doctor, finally gathered for a rare, quiet, and dignified dinner. Hana was not only the smart and pretty daughter of well-known figures but also consistently ranked number one. Everyone in the village knew and praised her.
She happily cycled to school, greeting everyone she met.
Suddenly, Mala, Sing Sing, and Ta Ta ran past in a gust of wind, rushing towards the school. Likan, who was walking and yawning, instantly woke up. 'They come to school this early too?' she wondered.
Then, Siv Siv accidentally bumped into Likan, causing both of them to fall. They quickly got up. Likan remembered the events of the previous evening and asked, "Why is everyone here so early?"
Siv Siv replied, "Starting tomorrow, we are rotating shifts for study preparation."
Likan simply nodded, thanked her, and they parted ways, heading to the same class.
Likan walked, a faint smile on her face. 'Their lives seem so happy and easy. I want that too, but it doesn't seem to fit me.'
On the football field, four boys were passing a ball; three were joking around while the fourth, waiting for his chance, was kicking the ball toward the classroom. Suddenly, the ball bounced and rolled right to Likan's feet. She tried to step around it, but one of the boys, Lay, called out, "Hey, can you kick the ball back for us?"
"Oh, sure," Likan replied, kicking it quickly and rushing away.
Another boy, San, muttered, "Why is she in such a hurry? Does she fear Lay's voice, or are the two of you that intimidating?" He elbowed Phat and Dan.
They continued their banter until they reached Class 12 c, the class where all mix students were gathered.
In that class, there was a girl with a fierce yet beautiful face named Mey. She was sitting calmly, chewing gum. She was notorious no one dared to mess with her or her things.
Suddenly, a student whispered, "The notorious but beautiful 11th-grade girl, the social media star, sent three girls to our 12th-grade class!"
Mey just sat there. The visitors arrived the four boys: Lay, San, Phat, and Dan. They were surprised. San took his seat, and they chatted amongst themselves before the teacher arrived.
Then, the three 11th-grade girls Mao, Thang, and Lin walked in. They stopped at Mey's desk.
"Mey? Mey?"
Mey looked up. "What do you want?"
"Oh, playing dumb now? You should know. We just came to tell you to mind your own business!"
Mey stood up and walked closer. "Kids who play dumb need to be disciplined."
Just then, the teacher arrived. The 11th-grade girls were skilled actresses, instantly acting as if nothing was wrong. The teacher collected the phones, and the students, looking miserable, began class.
In Likan's class, the class president, Mu Tu, was also collecting phones. Hana and Siv Siv were chatting before the teacher arrived.
After the lesson, the teacher announced that the homeroom teachers had called a meeting with the three class presidents: Mu Tu, Neaya (F), and Lida (F).
When Mu Tu returned, he announced, "Starting tomorrow, we only have class from noon until evening, for those taking extra lessons. On the 1st, we have the exam. Regarding the New Year's preparations so we have the" songkran" at school and the teacher said anyone willing to help the 10th and 11th graders can do so if they have time. We have a break on the 6th and return on the 23rd. The teacher sent the memo to the phones, but the teacher called us in to specifically remind us to warn those with too many absences."
Hana joked, "Why doesn't the class president warn our friend who absent?" Everyone laughed and agreed.
Mu Tu replied, "I know, but our class is generally good, and he's just one person."
Likan was preoccupied, wondering if she was allowed to work this evening. The bell rang for the next class. The teacher called Likan up to the board to solve a math problem with a partner. Hana offered, "I can go!"
The teacher said, "Hana, pair up with Mu Tu. If no one else volunteers, I'll choose."
Liv (a quiet boy often bullied by Mala) went up. Likan, who had not reviewed the practice problems (Math required constant practice, which Likan had neglected), was stumped. Liv, however, solved it correctly, while Likan stood still, smiling wryly as the teacher looked disappointed.
She walked past Hana. Hana whispered, "What's wrong, Kan? You seem unfocused."
Likan snapped out of it, saying, "Nothing."
During the second break, a few 10th-grade students came looking for Likan. She made a questioning face. Her classmates wondered aloud if they were looking for Hana.
"No, we're looking for someone named Kan," they said.
Everyone in Likan's class was surprised. "Oh, Kan! The juniors are looking for you!"
Likan felt intensely embarrassed; she was usually quiet and unnoticed. 'Is it too much to ask for just a little privacy?' she thought, annoyed. She looked at the junior students.
They immediately linked arms with her. Likan hated it. "We have more work for you to write! Hurry up, the teacher needs it this evening!"
Likan replied, "I'm busy today."
The two looked at each other, smiled, and released her arm. "We don't know about that. Just get to the library and finish it, Sis! Gotta go, bye-bye!"
Likan was shocked and silently cursed them for being lazy. She only dared to do it behind their backs.
She walked past the storage room and heard a strange sound. The door seemed ajar but was locked from the inside. 'People never mind their own business, but when it comes to others, they don't care. But Now it's up to me to worry about this,' she thought.
Likan carefully pushed the door with her finger, but it wouldn't budge. Suddenly, her hand was slapped from inside with a loud 'SLAP!'
She jumped, nearly crying out. The door opened, revealing a fellow student, tan!
"What? Was the door not shut properly?" tan said, pushing Likan's arm away. "Go , go away!" He shut the door again. Likan was left stunned that he was sleeping in there and had smacked her hand as if nothing happened.
She walked on, eating the snack she had packed, complaining that her stomach was rumbling because she hadn't eaten breakfast and had no money for lunch. She rushed to the library to complete the work and had to write for the juniors.
At the library, Likan muttered, "Hmm, the librarian isn't here?" She was met by Vi, the junior assistant, who led her to a corner by the window and listed the work Likan needed to do. Likan wrote quickly. Vi went to record the borrowed and returned books.
Suddenly, Vi complained that her stomach hurt. Likan asked, "What kind of pain?" Vi laughed, "I have cramps and need to use the bathroom." Vi told Likan to watch the desk.
"Teacher! Teacher!" a boy called out, holding a football. He intentionally dropped the ball to get the assistant's attention. Likan saw him and felt annoyed.
The boy was San. He asked, "Where is the teacher? And the assistant?"
Likan answered, "That would be me!"
San chuckled mockingly, "Hmm, if you're going to lie, at least make it convincing. Well, do you know this book?" He showed her a picture. "It's a very old book, and this library has so many books. It's not guaranteed to be here!"
Likan replied while writing. San sat on the desk, watching her write, and praised her, "You write quickly and neatly!" Likan was startled. "Oh, neat? Why?" she asked, surprised to find San right behind her.
San then went to look for the book, checking every shelf, but couldn't find it. He opened the window for fresh air. Likan immediately told him to stop, saying, "Don't open it so wide, you'll bother people." She returned to logging the borrowers.
San looked at the notebook it was for the 10th-grade class. He was confused but didn't ask. "I'm leaving now. Tell the assistant to keep looking for this book."
'This person has a strong presence. I haven't seen him in a long time, and we've never spoken like this before. Why is he back?' Likan thought,and continuing to write. San had reminded her to help the assistant find the book.
Likan decided to skip the next Geography class. She stayed writing. Now The library also was quiet, and she longed to sleep for a bit.
In the evening, Likan returned to work. She was determined. This time, she didn't break any dishes, but she was still slow. The boss told her to hurry up; there were too many customers.
"Yes, sir," she said, washing dishes and feeling her stomach rumble. The old lady (Auntie) chuckled, telling Likan to open her mouth. The auntie quickly took a piece of bread from her apron pocket and put it in Likan's mouth. Likan had no choice but to chew while working.
Today, a boy name Yin preparing to close the store. And likan approached the pretty older sister, Khai, to apologize for yesterday, explaining that the broken dishes were her fault, not Khai's.
"Oh, you're the new dish washer," Khai said.
Yin, who was facing away, turned around and paused, looking at Likan as if he recognized her. Likan felt the same way.
Khai introduced herself, "My name is Khai. And you?"
"I'm Kan."
Khai said, "You two seem to know each other."
Yin quickly denied it, "No, we don't." Likan agreed, "Oh, yeah, that's right."
Khai linked arms with both of them and said, "Then let's go eat together tonight!"
Yin gave Likan a warning look, implying she shouldn't interfere. Likan looked back, thinking, 'What? I'm hungry! He asked, so I'll go!' Khai talked a lot with Likan, and Likan, who was usually quiet, ended up talking a lot as well.
Yin commented, "Kan seems to be as talkative as you, Khai."
At that, Likan instantly felt a sense of threat, regaining her quiet composure. She suddenly announced, "I'm full now, I need to go home." She promised to pay them back when she received her salary.
By the road,Likan saw Hana walking alone; they lived in the same village. Likan tried to walk on the other side of the road, but Hana, who was sighing heavily, saw her, even though Likan had tried to hide. Hana crossed the street towards her.
"Going home, Kan?"
"Um… yes. Why are you walking alone?"
"Oh, my boyfriend and I split up here to go home separately. You know how people in our village talk too much, so we parted ways here."
Likan had nothing to say but thought, 'She's smart, pretty, kind, and has a boyfriend from a private school. She's truly amazing.' Her stomach rumbled.
Hana laughed. "Come on, let's go to eat something " Likan smiled wryly. "No, it's okay."
Hana insisted, "Come on, I'll pay!"
Likan replied, "No, it's really okay. I have to rush home."
Hana then said, "Alright, let's grab something to home and walk together is it okay?I will pay!." Likan's wry smile turned into a neutral one and said nevermind Hana! It's really okay for me. The two walked until they reached their respective homes.
Likan turned down a dark alley. She turned on her flashlight and reached her house. She heard a chaotic sound inside. When she entered, she saw the woman she called Auntie Ja cleaning the house.
"You don't clean up your house; how are you supposed to feel like studying?" Auntie Ja said.
Likan didn't respond. They ate together silently. Likan watched the Auntie who did everything, cooked for her, asked about her well-being, and even gave her money.
Likan slammed the plate and spoon down. "Auntie, why are you doing this? He doesn't deserve you! Why are you struggling with him? He has no stability!"
Auntie Ja caressed Likan's head. "Don't talk about him like that, Kan. He's heartbroken. His state of mind is not better yet."
"His state of mind? He comes home and drinks! He gets drunk and is gone for days, months, and I only see him once!"
Auntie Ja stroked Likan's hair. "You hate him, but he is your father, Kan."
"I know, but I don't want to see you struggle with a person like him."
Auntie Ja patted her lap. "You hated me before. Now you care about me."
Likan fell silent, collecting the dishes to wash. Auntie Ja cleaned the table and then watched Likan washing dishes. "Wow, you wash dishes quickly now and you're good at it!"
Likan's face lit up. "Really, Auntie?" She smiled.
Auntie Ja nodded. "What is it?"
Likan smiled faintly. "Nothing."
The next morning, Auntie Ja woke up, intending to prepare breakfast, but saw Likan had already made it, using the fresh meat and vegetables the Auntie had bought. Likan was surprised that the Auntie noticed. 'How could she not? She cleaned the whole house last night!'
They had breakfast together. Auntie Ja said, "I don't come often; maybe once every half month. I'll leave you some extra money." Likan firmly refused.
"If possible, Auntie, please don't struggle with this house anymore." Likan put the dishes aside, reminding the Auntie to leave them for her to wash when she returned. Before leaving, she also packed some food.
Auntie Ja smiled, seeing Likan pack the food. 'Kan says she hates him, but she still worries.' Auntie Ja sighed, "When will he come back?"then , She left a cash envelope on the table, locked the house, and left.
(Note: The woman Likan calls Auntie Ja is not Likan's mother; Likan calls her 'Auntie' as a respectful term. Her name is Ja.)