The hospital smelled of cold metal and disinfectant sharp, sterile, unfriendly.
Ratchanon "Ray" sat on the narrow stool beside the bed, his back hunched, his fingers tightly wrapped around his mother's thin hand. Naruemon's skin felt warm, but weak… too weak. The slow rise and fall of her chest was the only thing grounding him in that moment.
Every few seconds, a machine behind him beeped in steady rhythm, but to Ray, it sounded like a reminder. A reminder of everything he had done wrong.
His eyelids were heavy from lack of sleep. He hadn't blinked much; he was afraid that if he did, she would stop breathing. Her face, usually lively and bright from greeting customers at her little noodle shop, looked pale under the harsh white lights.
Ray's grip tightened.
He never thought he would see her like this.Not because of him.
A warm, steady hand settled on his shoulder.
Ray didn't look away from his mother at first. Only when the hand gave a gentle squeeze did he finally turn his head slightly.
It was Dome their neighbor, his mother's closest friend, someone who had been in Ray's life for as long as he could remember. He wasn't rich, not even close. He worked simple jobs around the community, helping wherever he was needed. But he was dependable. Present. Kind.
He looked at Ray with tired eyes filled with worry.
"Ray," Dome murmured softly, "she's in good hands now. She'll pull through."
Ray swallowed but said nothing. His eyes drifted to the window on the other side of the room. The sky outside was a blur of grey clouds and fading daylight. He stared at it so long it lost shape, melting into nothing.
Just like he felt like nothing.
His chest tightened painfully.
And then the memories returned.
He didn't even try to stop them.
Flashback – Two Days Ago
The hallway of Suksawat High was loud, chaotic, and reeking of sweat and cheap perfume. Students whispered as Ray walked past, their eyes darting away to avoid his gaze. Some stepped aside quickly, pressing themselves against the lockers as if he were carrying a contagious disease.
Ray didn't focus on any of them.
He walked at his own pace slow, heavy steps, shoulders back, expression blank but intimidating.
A boy about his age sat on the floor nearby, cradling an injured arm. His glasses were cracked, and his eyes were red with tears. Ray didn't even remember pushing him that hard. Maybe he had. Maybe he hadn't. It all blurred together.
Emotions were something he had stopped paying attention to long ago.
He made it halfway down the hall when a rough hand clamped down on his shoulder.
"Enough," the teacher snapped. "Principal's office. Now."
Ray rolled his eyes. "Again? Seriously?"
"Move."
He didn't fight it. There was no point. He shoved his hands in his pockets and walked ahead, ignoring the heavy silence around him.
When he entered the office, the first person he saw wasn't the principal.
It was his mother.
Naruemon sat stiffly in a wooden chair, her apron still tied around her waist, stained with soy sauce and oil. She must have closed her shop early losing income she could barely afford to lose just to rush here.
Her fingers were clasped tightly together, knuckles white.
Her eyes widened with relief when she saw him… then filled with fear, as if bracing for the worst.
The principal cleared his throat.
"Mrs. Naruemon, your son has assaulted another student. Again. This is not a minor incident this boy may need stitches. And this isn't Ray's first offense."
He turned his attention fully to her.
"Ma'am, with all due respect, your son does not belong here anymore. I'm advising you to transfer him immediately."
Ray watched the words hit his mother like physical blows.
She nodded repeatedly, apologizing softly, her voice shaking. She bowed her head again and again, as if trying to make herself smaller.
Ray felt a sting of guilt but shoved it down. He didn't want to feel anything.
The walk home was filled with his voice.
He talked nonstop joking, deflecting, acting as if it were all a small misunderstanding.
"Mae, he started it...."
"You know me, I'm not a bad person, it's just.."
"Don't let it stress you, okay?"
"It'll work out, trust me."
But she didn't speak. Not a word.
Her silence pressed against him heavier than any lecture.
When they stepped inside their small, cramped house, Naruemon closed the door calmly.
Then she turned to him.
Her hands trembled.
Her lips trembled.
And then.....
SLAP.
Ray froze. His mother had never hit him before. Ever.
He stared at her, stunned, his cheek burning.
Another slap this one softer, but filled with heartbreak.
"I work… every day," she cried, voice cracking. "I work until my bones ache! I save every baht so you can stay in school, so you can live better than I did!"
Her hands pressed against her face as tears spilled out.
"And this is what you do?"
Her voice rose to a broken scream.
"Hurting people? Getting suspended? Throwing your future away?"
"Mae!" Ray stepped forward, his eyes stinging. "Mae, listen!"
"I must be a terrible mother," she choked out. "I must have raised you wrong. I must have failed you."
Ray shook his head quickly, reaching for her. "No! Mae, you didn't....please, don't say that..."
But then her breath hitched.
Once.
Twice.
Then suddenly rapid and shallow.
"Mae?"
He felt her sway.
"Mae....Mae!"
Her chest rose and fell too fast.
Her hands clutched at nothing.
And then she collapsed.
"MAE!"
Ray caught her before she hit the floor, panic ripping through him like lightning.
"Somebody help!"
His voice cracked.
"Please.....someone help!"
Back to Present – Hospital Room
Ray blinked, pulling himself out of the memory with a gasp. His heart was racing. His hand still held his mother's, afraid to let go.
Dome stood beside him, silent but steady like a pillar holding Ray up when he couldn't stand on his own.
A soft knock came before the doctor stepped inside. He looked at Ray with gentle eyes.
"Ratchanon," he began, "your mother's heart condition is delicate. You know that. Stress makes it much worse."
Ray lowered his head. "I know…"
"She's stable now," the doctor continued. "Out of danger. We'll discharge her today. But listen to me you must avoid causing her any emotional strain. She needs peace."
Ray nodded quickly. "I… I'll take care of her. I promise."
The doctor smiled faintly. "Good."
Later, they took Naruemon home. Ray walked slowly, supporting her as if she were made of glass. He helped her lie down on their old, worn-out bed, adjusting the pillow under her head.
She still didn't speak.
She looked past him, eyes distant, tired.Ray felt something inside him crack.
Dome stepped to the door, hesitated, then said quietly, "Let them rest." He gave Ray a supportive look and slipped outside, closing the door gently behind him.
Ray sat beside the bed, watching his mother's shallow breathing, her frail shoulders, the exhaustion etched into her face.
And for the first time in his life…
Ray was terrified of the person he had become.
The quietness was unbearable. She had yelled at him earlier, slapped him even that hurt less than this crushing silence.
"Mae…" Ray whispered, leaning forward. "Please talk to me."
No answer.
His throat tightened. He reached for her hand slowly, afraid she might pull away but she didn't. Her hand lay limp in his.
"Mae… look at me, please."
Still nothing.
Ray's voice cracked. "You can hit me, shout at me, curse me if you want. Anything. Just… not this. Don't ignore me."
His mother blinked, finally turning her head slightly to look at him.
That tiny movement broke him.
The tears he had been holding back spilled over. His shoulders shook as he lowered his head, gripping her hand with both of his.
"I'm sorry," he choked, the words tumbling out of him. "I'm so sorry. I didn't think… I didn't know it would hurt you like this. I never wanted to make you cry. Mae, I'm sorry… please forgive me."
His mother watched him quietly, her expression softening with every tear that fell. Ray wasn't someone who cried easily. She had only seen him cry once as a child. Seeing him like this now trembling, desperate melted the last of her anger.
Slowly, she reached out with her free hand and placed it gently on his head.
Ray froze, then leaned into her touch like a lost child finding home.
She stroked his hair softly. "Ray…" her voice was weak but warm, "I will forgive you."
Ray looked up quickly, eyes red and wet.
"But…" she added gently, wiping his cheek with her thumb, "if I forgive you, will you really listen to me? Truly?"
Ray nodded hard. "Yes. Anything. Mae, I'll do anything you say. Just… don't ever get sick because of me again. Please."
She cupped his face. "Then promise me."
Ray swallowed. "Promise… what?"
"Promise me you'll never bully anyone again. No fighting. No trouble. No hurting others. You study. You become someone I can be proud of."
Ray took her hand in both of his, lifted it to his forehead, and kissed it softly.
"I promise," he whispered. "Everything you say. Everything… for you, Mae."
She exhaled shakily, relief flooding her features. A small smile tugged at her lips as she tapped his cheek lightly.
"My son," she murmured. "Don't break this promise."
"I won't," Ray whispered. "Never again."
Two Days Later – Morning
The morning sun seeped through the thin curtains, painting soft golden patches across the tiny living room. Ray stood in front of the mirror, straightening the stiff, clean tie of his new uniform for the twelfth time. His hands were shaking slightly, though he tried to hide it.
A knock came from the door.
Dome stepped inside with his usual bright grin, holding a bag full of groceries.
"Good morning, young man!" Dome announced. "Are you ready for your new journey?"
Ray gave a half-smile. "I guess…"
Dome placed the grocery bag on the counter beside Ray's mother.
"These are for the shop," he said. "So you don't have to go out today. I'll help take care of the customers."
Naruemon smiled, touching Dome's arm gratefully. "Thank you, Dome. You always help us too much."
"Nonsense," Dome waved it off. "Family helps family."
Ray rolled his eyes dramatically. "Okay, okay, stop being soft. I'm the one who's nervous today."
He walked over to his mother, opening his mouth to express his worry.
"Mae, I...."
She cut him off gently but firmly. "Remember your promise."
He sighed. "I know, I know… be a good boy, study hard, no trouble, no complaints."
She patted his face. "Exactly."
Ray leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Yes, pretty lady. I remember."
He turned to Dome with a teasing salute. "Uncle Dome, take care of her and take care of yourself too."
Dome laughed and shooed him with a hand. "Go, go! You're going to be late!"
Ray hurried out, adjusting his tie one more time as he jogged toward the street.
Arriving at the New School
Sathorn Prestige School rose before him like a palace sleek, white walls, spotless windows, manicured gardens. Everything looked perfect. Too perfect.
Ray stopped at the gate, staring up at the gold-lettered sign.
He took a deep breath.
"Fighting, Ray…" he muttered to himself. "No trouble. Remember your promise."
He pushed his shoulders back, clenched his fists tightly, and stepped forward.
But the moment he crossed the gate…
A strange chill crawled down his spine.
The air felt heavier.
The students passing by didn't look friendly they looked cold, alert, watching him from the corners of their eyes. There was something off in the atmosphere, something hidden beneath the polished surface.
This place didn't feel like the school from the brochures.
It felt… wrong.
Ray paused, frowning.
But he shook the feeling off, forcing himself to breathe normally.
Don't overthink.
Don't cause trouble.
Just study.
With that thought, he stepped deeper into the school hallway.
Unaware of how drastically his world was about to change.
Ray stepped into Class with a polite knock, expecting the usual morning chatter but what he found was chaos.
Students were scattered around the room: laughing, shouting, throwing paper, fighting over snacks, scrolling on phones.
Ray blinked.
This is a school?
His new English teacher, Anong, stood near the board with a helpless, tired smile the kind a kind-hearted teacher wears when she has already given up trying to control her class.
She turned toward him, relief softening her voice.
"Oh! You must be the new transfer student."
She gave him an encouraging nod.
"Come in, dear. Introduce yourself."
Ray stepped forward politely, clearing his throat.
"Hello, I'm Ray"
No one turned around.
No one paused.
No one even noticed him.
He looked at the teacher awkwardly.
Anong gave a small laugh, shrugging in apology.
She whispered, "It's okay, Ray. They won't listen even if I shout."
Ray blinked. "Why?"
She smiled warmly at him, her eyes kind.
"Ray, I'm Anong your English teacher. You can sit there, darling."
She pointed toward an empty seat near the middle row.
He nodded and walked to the desk. A boy was already sitting beside it quiet, neatly dressed, glasses on, nose buried deeply in a thick book. He didn't even glance up when Ray sat down.
Ray placed his bag on the table, raising a brow.
Not even a hello?
Ajarn Anong began her lesson, but the class barely listened. A few students mocked her pronunciation, some talked loudly over her, others scrolled through their phones like she didn't exist.
Ray watched silently, jaw tightening.
This school really wasn't what the brochure promised.
When the bell rang, Ajarn Anong hurriedly gathered her books and slipped out before the class could get worse.
Ray sighed deeply and finally turned to the quiet boy next to him.
"Hey," he tried gently. "I'm Ray. Nice to meet..."
The boy stood up without a word, hugged his books tightly to his chest, and walked away, leaving the classroom with quick, small steps.
Ray stared after him, unimpressed. "…Okay."
He barely had time to process when two faces suddenly appeared in front of him far too close.
Both boys grinned wide, like puppies that found a new toy.
"HI!" the first one chirped proudly. "I'm Oat, and that..." he thumbed toward the boy beside him, "...is my twin brother Ice. But I'm more handsome."
Ray lifted a brow. "…Sure."
Ice gasped dramatically. "So mean! We're trying to make friends with you!"
Oat nodded eagerly. "You're new, so we'll show you around the school!"
Ray shook his head. "No, it's fine. I can..."
Too late.
Both twins grabbed his arms like human handcuffs.
"LET'S GO!"
"TOUR TIME!"
Ray groaned as they dragged him into the hallway.
"Do you two always kidnap new students?" he muttered.
"Yes."
"Absolutely."
They said it in perfect unison.
As they passed the large windows overlooking the courtyard, Ray stopped abruptly.
"Wait."
Below, on the benches near the fountain, sat two girls, both looking like some actress like they were filming a drama. Beside them stood two boys, tall and confident.
And in front of them…
A chubby boy, clutching a pack of chips to his chest, eyes watery, shaking like he was ready to cry.
Ray frowned sharply.
What… is this?
Oat leaned closer. "Ah, that's today's drama episode."
Ice wrapped an arm around Ray's shoulders casually. "You'll get used to it."
Ray didn't take his eyes off the scene. His expression hardened.
"Who are they? And what are they doing to him?"
Ice snorted. "The boy is Pong our class Mr. Fatty."
Oat nodded sadly. "He gets bullied almost every day. Chips stolen, lunch stolen, sometimes he gets pushed into the pond."
Ray's jaw clenched. "And the people bullying him?"
Oat and Ice looked at each other dramatically.
Then both pointed toward the group below.
"And those," Oat announced, "are the bullies of this school."
Ice continued with flair, "The five monsters. The rulers. The nightmares."
Oat counted on his fingers:
"Nin and Anya the real bitches of group."
" then Pol and Kit the bastards"
Ice finished the list with a deep breath.
"And Thann… the leader."
Ray's gaze shifted to the boy sitting lazily with the girls Thann.
A smug smirk on his lips.
Sharp eyes.
Confident posture.
A boy who didn't need to lift a finger to be feared.
At that moment, as if sensing Ray's presence, Thann slowly looked up.
The others followed Pol, Kit, Nin, Anya.
For one brief second, everything seemed to freeze.
Five pairs of eyes locked on Ray.
Five smirks appeared at the same time.
A silent, dangerous welcome.
Ray kept staring at them, unblinking.
And the five bullies continued smirking.
As if they already knew ,Something was about to begin.