Chapter Twenty-Seven
Lawan grabbed Malee’s arm as she bussed a table and yanked her around, frantically signing to her. They’re here!
Who is here?
Kai and San’ya. Uncle Rama just drove them down from Denver. They’re in the back talking to Father.
Malee’s eyes slid past her sister to the door to the kitchen. As the long winter gave way to spring, this had been her worst fear. She had known somewhere in the back of her mind that her father had planned something like this; Lawan had told her as much months ago, but now that it was real, she felt sick to her stomach.
Malee wanted to be a good daughter—the obedient, respectful, helpful daughter her father expected of her. And she tried every day to be that. Even though her business was doing very well, and her silks were selling, Malee still worked long hours, making time to help out at the restaurant, especially at busy times. She still did everything her father asked of her.
But this? To actually let her father try to arrange a match for her? She didn’t think she could go along with it.
Have you seen them?
Lawan nodded. Kai is tall and good looking. He smiled at me.
Oh God, her sister sounded smitten already.
And San’ya?
Her sister looked away. He is…
He’s what, Lawan? Tell me.
He’s older, Malee.
How old?
I think he is almost our father’s age. I heard them talking. He is a widower who lost his wife several years ago. They have no children. He wants children.
And I’m supposed to be his second wife and give him these children?
Lawan shrugged. I don’t know what Papa is thinking. Perhaps he is a good man.
What does he look like, Lawan?
Lawan hesitated.
Tell me, sister.
He is short and bald, with bad teeth.
Malee shoved the gray tub of dishes at Lawan and dashed out the front door. She ran all the way to Aunt Tan’s, stumbling up the stairs, her vision blurred by the tears she tried to hold back.
She burst in the apartment, surprising her aunt who was sitting on the sofa.
Malee, what a nice surprise—
Aunt Tan barely had time to sign the phrase before Malee collapsed at her feet, her head falling onto her aunt’s lap.
She felt her aunt stroking her head and patting her back.
Finally, when her sobs subsided, Aunt Tan tapped her shoulder, and Malee looked up.
My dear sweet child, what is wrong?
Malee was so upset, she couldn’t form words, so she signed, The Thai boy father wants to marry me to…
Yes?
He’s an old man, Aunt Tan. Lawan said he is father’s age. He’s an old, short, bald man with bad teeth.
What?
It’s true.
I will talk to your father. This nonsense must stop.
Malee felt anger replace her despair. She slashed the air violently with her signs. Is that all father thinks I am worth? That no normal boy my age would want me because I can’t hear? Does he think I have no value?
I’m sure that’s not it.
I think that is exactly it.
Malee, then you must decide.
She wiped the last of her tears away. Decide what?
Decide the life you want.
She stared at her aunt blankly.
If it’s Max you want… you have to want him for him, not because he’s an escape from your father. Malee, your life is not your father’s. How you will spend it and whom you will spend it with is for you to decide. You must live this life for yourself—no one else—if you are to truly find the freedom you so desperately want.
The tears came again, and Malee fought them back. I ruined everything with Max. He doesn’t want anything to do with me anymore.
That’s not true. If that man loved you, then he will listen to you if you go to him and tell him you made a mistake.
I’m afraid he’s moved on.
Bring me that pretty little box, the one where you keep those notes he wrote you.
Aunt Tan.
My child, please, do as I ask.
Malee got up and went to her room. She picked up the decorative tin box on the nightstand and brought it back to her aunt.
Aunt Tan patted the cushion next to her, and Malee sat.
Open it, my dear.
Malee pulled off the lid. Inside was a stack of neatly folded notes.
Only you know if the man who wrote those notes is the man who deserves you. Only you know if he is the man you want.
It’s too late.
Malee, there is still a chance. But don’t wait too long, my child. Go to him. Now. Right now.
Malee closed the box and stood. I need to think.
Aunt Tan took her hand and squeezed it. I love you, Malee.
I love you, too, Aunt Tan.
Could you help me to bed, dear? I think I’ll lie down and take a nap. I feel tired today.
Are you okay?
I’m fine, dear. Just tired.
After Malee helped her Aunt to bed and covered her with an afghan, she bent and kissed her on the forehead.
Aunt Tan grabbed her arm as she straightened. Malee, you must go to him.
I’m afraid, Aunt Tan.
He’s loves you. He’s waiting for you to go to him and admit you were wrong.
I’m not sure he is waiting.
Where’s your backbone?
Aunt Tan it’s not so simple.
Yes, Malee, it is. It’s very simple. Go to him. Promise me.
Okay, I promise. Now get some rest, Aunt Tan.
Her aunt’s eyes closed, and Malee slipped quietly out of the room. She shrugged into a jacket that hung by the door, and as she was about to turn the knob to leave, her eyes fell on the tin box she’d set on the sofa. She went over and picked it up, carrying it with her as she exited the building.
Standing on the sidewalk just outside the door, she stared across the street at Brothers Ink. Then she gazed down toward Thai Garden. She couldn’t go back there. Not now. And she just wasn’t ready to face Max yet. She needed to think.
Her eyes lifted to the mountains on the horizon at the end of the street, and she knew where she would go.