This story is the author's first long short story. It talks about love in one form. which happens slowly Not sure if it will be to the taste of readers or not. After reading, how do you feel about it? If you like it, don't like it, please share your opinion.

Warning

All rights reserved in this short story. You may not alter, reproduce, or distribute any or all of this short story. Including all pictures without the written consent of the author who owns the copyright. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

I think people who grew up 20 years after the advent of human communication infrastructure which has become progressively more advanced and modern than when I was a teenager They're missing out on a lot of things, unfortunately. But, that's just my opinion.

But the group of people who just opened their eyes to the world when I was entering the full bloom of adolescence He may not feel like he missed anything. You get the point I'm talking about, right?

One thing I'm sure everyone can agree on is this. The generation that was born was exposed to the use of mobile phones. It is the main communication tool that no one can live without. There will be special impatience. They are not often known for tolerance. Even in small matters found in everyday life

It's like having a bomb set for a limited time with you all the time. which is always ready to "blow up" at any time If there is anything that makes you feel dissatisfied Not as expected And I think that's scary. It shouldn't be like that.

I myself used to have a history of waiting for someone a long time ago. At the age of 28 years, he was past the age of maturity. I feel like I am a fully grown adult, having experienced quite a bit of life after graduation. And he's not too old because he hasn't reached number 3 yet. It is a time of very important choices.

The pressure that you still can't find a boyfriend. While a close female friend who is alone Got married and gave birth to a cute baby a long time ago. Until I began to think that I would have to be alone for the rest of my life.

And then the wind of fate blew him in

I still remember well the day I decided to leave my comfort zone. To face a man I had never met before. In a rather upscale restaurant with cool air conditioning. and sit and soak in the atmosphere of the mesmerizing place One night in the middle of summer

We first met by accident. Before gradually developing a relationship Through talking and sending electronic letters that we are familiar with called e-mail. Of course, when I was a child Surely you have ever learned to write a letter by putting a pencil or pen on a piece of paper.

According to the international format that no one knows. Before folding the finished writing, place it in an envelope with a stamp. and walked further from the house to drop into the red kiosk that had been on the sidewalk along the road before. But when I reached working age The advent of spider webs in the world behind the computer screen has changed people's communication to a whole new level. which was very amazing in that era

A website that is a gathering place for people who like to talk. A lot has sprung up. They all create a space for people who have never met before. He had a place to vent whatever was on his mind. Let others know while hiding under a pseudonym. There is no need to reveal important personal matters to anyone. For this reason

Discussion boards on various websites Therefore it is like a popular center. that everyone who knows how to use a computer wants to chat I'm not the type to talk to strangers blindly. But that day, I was looking for second-hand books that I wanted to read. Will it be cheap enough to be affordable? It appeared that there were none.

In the end, I started a thread myself, looking for books I was interested in, and then provided a contact email. Weeks passed by and I almost forgot. But suddenly one day While checking email as usual in the early evening I saw that a new letter had arrived. It was someone I had never talked to before.

hello

I saw you posted an announcement on the Pantip website. Looking for a book I feel like this book is quite rare. Because there are no new editions of the book. The last time it was printed was a long time ago. I apologize for the long post. Plus there isn't anything you're looking for. I'm just glad there are other people looking for the same book.

It shows that you, too, must know the value of this book no less than me. We may like similar novels. which is normal as far as I know There are very few people who like to read this genre in Thailand, especially women. So I was so happy that I couldn't hold back. Until I have to type something to come to you. I apologize again. Hope this doesn't bother you.

From a crazy person who reads books ^ ^

I confess I am a little disappointed. The text says he doesn't have the book I'm looking for. But there was joy and excitement. that people saw the post and contacted me back Even though it's against the objective But at least he likes to read books that I think very few people will like because of this.

The joy of talking with people who share the same interests outweighs the disappointment. That made me decide to reply to the letter immediately.

hello

Thank you very much for contacting us. Even if you don't have a book. I'm glad to know that other people also enjoy this author's books. Close friends often say that I am a strange woman who reads this kind of work. Anyway, I wish you good luck. I've searched until I finally found it, just in case, assuming you can buy it first. If you've finished reading If you don't mind

I may repurchase it if you agree to sell. Or you can request to rent and read. After reading, I will return it immediately.

Uh..I'm sorry for typing something self-centered like this.

From a strange woman ><

Two days later, a second email from the book nut read:

hello

I can't express how happy I was to see your email response. Let me tell you that your pen name is very chic and cool. I'm guessing you used words your friends used to describe you instead. After listening to it, it's very cool. Haha. Thank you for typing the answer. I think at most you'll just open it and read it and be indifferent. Which I'm glad I guessed wrong.

I don't know if it's too soon. If you want to take it personally, think about it right now. We're pen pals now. and as a friend I hope that in the future you have something that you are willing to share with this new friend. I'm always happy. The same is true if you don't mind. I will also tell you various stories that I am interested in and would like my friends to hear.

As for the question, if I can buy the book first, can I buy it or rent it? You must be a very considerate person. Because the word "if" has been used 4 times, I'd like to answer right here that I'm happy to send it for you to read without needing to pay any fees. As friends who like the same book Don't forget to let me know if you're willing to be my friend or not.

From a crazy person who reads books ^ ^

I read the letter in one go, barely breathing. I felt my heart pounding as I read the contents. He assumed that we were already pen friends. It's too soon. Who is he? Where is he? Is he a good person or a bad guy? How much can you trust? We don't even know each other's real names. But I was secretly happy that he was willing to send books for me to read if I could find them first.

But that's not the important point. I hesitated, not knowing how to answer him. So give yourself time to not rush to reply right away. Another week had passed since he sent the second copy. Every day I check my inbox. No more emails from reading nerds. He was probably waiting for an answer as well. and didn't dare send it again until there was a clear answer.

I almost lost interest and thought, fuck it. If it weren't for my best friend's naughty friend who said I was a weird woman. I found out about this one day because I accidentally told her on my home phone. She didn't even wait until the end to listen. before reinforcing the truth that immediately made me “jeel” that

“Don't be so stupid, you strange woman. You think of yourself as a very beautiful girl. that men everywhere want to approach Don't forget that he doesn't know anything about you just as much as you don't know him. Don't you think about how brave he must be? who said the friend request first

Even though you may be an ugly woman Bad personality Fat like a collarbone.."

" stop! If you don't stop, I'll put a rag in your mouth.”

“That's really Gazmok. But you probably forget that I'm tens of kilometers away from you. More importantly, you're almost 30. This person might be the last express train that passes in front of your house. What are you afraid of? We won't get to meet each other. Just talking with each other hiding their identities. At least you will have someone you can talk to about things that no one else wants to hear.”

After Grandma Pim opened the potty mouth Teach me until my ears are numb So that night I decided to reply to his second letter. which had been separated for exactly half a month

hello

First of all, I would like to say the word Sorry for the late reply. I thought for a long time about how I should answer you. Not sure if you still want to be friends? I feel a little afraid. Even if you are an adult, your age is not too young. I hope you understand. Thank you for your kindness and friendship that you have extended to me.

Especially about books Let's say I agree. We would talk and exchange various miscellaneous stories with each other. As time allows In just a few days it will be the rainy season. look after your health

From a strange woman :)

I didn't have to wait long at all. After replying I thought he might not be interested anymore and not send the third copy. But it turned out he was online. And the response was shockingly fast.

hello

I don't know if that sounds too real or not. But I want to say I look forward to your email every day with anticipation. At first I believed that you would want to be my friend. But after 7 days have passed I started to lose confidence. You know, when I was typing. Then a notification pops up that a new email has just arrived that I haven't read yet.

At the time, I didn't think it was an email from you. Even so, I can honestly say that I'm extremely happy. As soon as I saw who it was sent from, I quickly clicked to read it. Thank you very much. Don't forget to take care of your health as well.

From someone who is crazy about reading books :))

You know what? If I had a cloth in my hand that I just took out of the water, He probably twisted it until there was not a drop of water left without realizing it. A crazy mood came on suddenly. And keep me distraught for another day and another night Since I was born No man has ever offered to meet or be friends with me before. As for me?

To be the one to approach the man first is absolutely impossible. Well, people don't dare. I don't know what he'll look like. But from reading what he typed I don't think he's bad, I mean, he's usable too. There's a lot going on in his use of words. I think we could be good friends. Yes..pen pal, safe and no strings attached.

For the generation that grew up with each having their own personal phone. Talk and communicate through various channels of applications such as Facebook, Line X, and others that must be used with a smartphone. They probably don't understand much about me. Because of his era, human communication technology

It has evolved greatly from the story I told. Everything has to be fast, immediate, urgent, flustered, unable to wait long, it's like crazy people who all the time keep saying to themselves, hurry up and hurry up. They want to be fast in everything. Find a deep understanding

There are some things that require slowness as well. which is this slow that helps foster various events Various obstacles to be able to alleviate or resolve to find a better way to light

So is my relationship with him. We stayed in touch via email for at least another 2 years, talking about anything that didn't involve some private, taboo topic. The longer the days of exchanging thoughts and feelings through those letters Gradually, I got a clearer sense of his book-madness.

He, too, must have studied the strange woman in me. Until one day, I felt ready to get to know people I could talk to face to face. No need to go through a computer screen anymore.

The most exciting, as if going to meet the face of a lover. Even though it was just their first official meeting. Half courage, half fear I'm afraid he'll see my face and be disappointed that I'm not as beautiful and youthful as the picture in his imagination. Then our relationship may have to end. I've asked myself many times.

If his face wasn't handsome, maybe he was black, had a wide nose, no bridge, had acne, wore thick glasses, stammered, wore outdated clothes, acted awkwardly, would I still want to meet him? The answer is Why not? Over the course of 2 years, we communicated through hundreds of emails. I still don't feel disgusted with him at all.

There were only good feelings that gradually increased. Regardless of his appearance and personality. I think I can remain friends with him. Even though they may not move to the level of lovers.

At a small but cute restaurant which is quite a luxurious one

This shop is located right on the corner of the street. I purposely chose this place because it's a famous store in the area, convenient to travel, most people know it and it's easy to find. I believe he must have traveled to the right place. The agreed upon time is 7:00 p.m. and then we eat dinner together. Selected shops sell both main dishes and snack menus.

Desserts such as Thai desserts And there is also Western food to choose from. He said he would wear a sea blue shirt, a white tie, and long black pants. black leather shoes As for me, I told him that I would wear a white chiffon shirt. Attached to a flower-shaped brooch Gray knee length A-line skirt and attached to the novel as well They choose to sit at a table close to the glass near the entrance of the shop. You will be able to see people coming in and out easily.

I was wearing a new shirt that I had just bought the day before the appointment. Fortunately, we were almost half an hour early. In fact, I had planned to be the first to arrive. I want to watch everyone who will pass through the clear glass door and see him first. When you get the seat you want It's a pair of tables and chairs next to the glass wall.

I put the book on the table. Staring outside through clear glass Saw beautiful colorful lights from various shops. Just a moment after I sat down. A female employee came and stood next to the table to take orders.

“Hello, ma'am. What drink should I choose?"

“Please give me a cup of hot cocoa. As for food, we'll wait a while longer. Make an appointment with a friend, wait for them to arrive, then order together."

The female employee smiled brightly. It's like I don't know how to encourage you. Do you know that I made an appointment with a man? What? My appearance and demeanor make it easy for others to tell. It seems that it won't work. I must keep my cool a bit. Letting others guess like this will cause hundreds of thousands of losses. If Grandma Pim found out, she would laugh at me until her jaw dropped.

“I agree to just get hot cocoa.”

She asked again to make sure. I nodded, so she excused herself to go in and send the order to the kitchen. After a while, he walked in with a round tray and served hot cocoa. before asking to go take orders from another table The hot cocoa at this shop is handmade, slightly bitter, fragrant, delicious, and just a little sweet, which is very good. I think I'll just take a sip.

But the plan went wrong because the cocoa was more delicious than expected. And the cup that came was too small. For these two reasons Just take a few sips. The hot cocoa quickly disappeared into the stomach. The former female employee really knows her job well. It was as if she was always watching. As soon as I took the last sip, the last drop disappeared into my stomach. She walked from a distance smiling brightly.

“Would you like another hot cocoa?”

I'm starting to dislike you..Hmph. A cup of hot cocoa costs 80 baht and can be eaten in 5 sips, which equals 16 baht per sip. Hmm..is that cruel? I was doing a quick calculation in my head when a second voice rang out. His stubborn personality began to run rampant. But on the outside, he still maintains a calm demeanor. I can't let her know that I didn't bring much money.

I never thought my favorite drink would be this expensive.

“Just a moment longer. I'll wait for my friends to arrive first,” I claimed. to delay It's good that she doesn't mind. Just ask for permission to put away the empty cup.

7:00 p.m. It's time to make an appointment, but there's still no shadow of the person who might be him. Outside that window Is there something going on on the opposite side of him? I saw people standing together in groups along the road in front of the souvenir shop. Looks chaotic and confused which I have no interest in knowing So he turned his eyes back to the inside of the store as before.

Time passed and I began to worry. restless It had been more than half an hour since arriving at the store. I'm not sure whether or not I'll get an appointment. He might change his mind at the last minute. Or they came and hid outside the store. Some angle I don't know Then he looked into the telescope and saw that the woman he had been talking to for two years via email.

Has an ordinary face, not pretty enough for him to walk in and get to know her. So I decided it was better to go. All sorts of things that I would get distracted by. Looking forward to someone we have made an appointment with. Evenly matched between whether he will come or not. Is it this kind of suffering? Each second is long I look up every time someone opens the door to the shop.

And then have to meet with disappointment again and again. It's like my heart has been pounded and pounded again.

Shockingly, I just now felt it. …When did he have this much meaning in my heart? As I was letting my mind drift away with the memories of talking with him through millions of letters, a "ringing" sound suddenly sounded, letting us know that a customer had walked into the store. She is a middle-aged woman.

She stood still and looked around. before finally smiling Then he quickly walked over and sat down at a table deep inside. In fact, he made an appointment with someone he knew as well. Because her table was not too far from the table I was sitting at. So I accidentally overheard what they were talking about.

“Why are you here so late? I've been waiting for you for 10 minutes.”

“Hey, don't blame me. There was an accident on the corner over there. So that made me a little late.”

“Don't claim it. I don't see any connection. Ten minutes is a long time.”

“Why wouldn't it be relevant? I was about to cross the street when there was still half a minute left before the store. But what about that damn potted plant? I don't know who owns it. Actually, I don't even know. How could it be agreed upon? And it happened to be exactly where I was standing preparing to step out of the front of the souvenir shop.

In fact, I probably won't even have the chance to meet you. If it weren't for that man Appeared from nowhere He lunged and pushed me until I fell to the ground holding a frog on the sidewalk. At the same time, a loud cry of warning to be careful was heard from behind.”

“Oh my god! Very shocking Is she okay? ”

The woman who came in later shook her head slowly. But her next tone was rather trembling.

“I'm fine, but the man who saved my life How pitiful He actually pushed me away from that damn clay pot. But I got myself replaced.”

“Really dead!..So what's wrong with him? "

She suddenly trembled. He told the story in a sobbing voice.

“The image still lingers in my mind. As I slowly turned myself up from the ground, He turned around to see who was behind him. He teased me and pushed me until I fell and hurt myself. I saw him lying face down in a pool of blood on the ground. motionless The soil and pots were broken into sharp pieces, some large and some small. scattered near the body

I screamed loudly. People who saw the incident began to gather around. They were all shocked by the situation before them. One person rushed to a nearby public telephone booth to report the incident. But I think he might not be breathing.”

Hearing this, my heart skipped a beat. It was like someone had come and pulled him violently. Both hands gripped the edge of the table tightly. It probably wasn't him. The story was too coincidental. But he is a considerate person. I know this well. However, there were many men who happened to walk by the scene of the incident. The probability that it might be him is very small. Come on.

Don't worry too much. He must have almost arrived. Just addicted to something

“Don't make me afraid. Why did she curse him? It probably won't die. The ambulance will probably arrive soon, right? Someone already called for me.”

“I don't know, but at this time the traffic is congested. Because people are traveling home. Actually, the light from the roadside pole And the lights from inside the shops in that area were quite bright. I think a lot of his blood came out. But I didn't dare look at his head. which was obscured by the soil and plants in the pot

Only his left hand was visible, which was wearing a slightly blue shirt. I didn't even dare to go look in fear, and then I realized that she was waiting. So hurry up and come here.”

What did she say next? I confess that I could not hear at all. My ears were completely shut off. My body was temporarily cut off from the outside world. In my brain I only heard the sentence: ..I saw only his left hand which was wearing a slightly bluish colored shirt. It echoes again and again.

I don't even remember what time I walked out of the store. Maybe be the last one before the store closes. His heart was almost completely broken. I didn't dare run to the opposite side of the street where the man lay unconscious. too scary Is heaven really cruel? I sat and prayed that it wasn't him. Crazy man reading a book It mustn't be him.

It can be any man, as long as it's not him. I've become a cruel, callous woman. I don't have the courage to accept the truth. Even though that night ended with him not showing up to the restaurant as planned. But at least he still exists in my heart. No matter where he is at present.

I believe he is alive. Even though I never received an email contacting me again. But I still send it to him. Sharing the events of my life with my only pen pal. He may have read it but for some reason was unable to reply. Like not being able to come see you at the store. For whatever reason I will…keep waiting.

Today is an exceptionally clear day.

“Hello, ma'am. What drink should I choose?"

The old employees are still smiling and greeting as always. I come to this restaurant every anniversary that falls on my first appointment. This is the 12th time. It is considered that you have worked patiently, diligently, and faithfully in your duties with respect. I like you, and I believe that you remember me too.

“Please give me a cup of hot cocoa. As for the food, we'll wait a bit longer. Make an appointment with a friend, wait for him to arrive, then order together." Her question and my answer remain the same every time, unchanged. And in the past, I would sit until closing time. So he walked out as the last person.

Time flies so quickly No sooner had I reached the 4th floor than the waiter brought hot cocoa to me. Faint white smoke floats gently. The aroma was alluring and enticing. My heart was now calmer than that day 12 years ago. I held a cup of cocoa in the palm of both hands. Lift it up and gently blow out the heat.

Before you take a sip, taste the aroma, slightly bitter and slightly sweet. This is the taste that I like. The same table I'm used to. And the place that I love With a new wait for that person The person I am now confident in telling myself is the person I love.

Crazy people read books.. No matter where you are, whatever you are doing, I will always and forever be waiting for you here.

From a strange woman :)

finish.