Page 27 of Status Undefined
“I have a gift for you.”
“Ah! I forgot to get you something!”
“Don’t stress. I’m just taking the opportunity to give you something you need.”
He held out a bag. Inside was a silver-colored box with a picture of wireless earbuds on the front.
“I noticed you’ve been living in the last century with headphones you have to plug in. Time to get with the times, babe!”
I chuckled and hugged him to thank him.
The box had no Thai labels or markings on it.
“Did you order this from the U.S.?”
“Truth is. I always carry several spare pairs. I’m totally paranoid about being stuck without while I’m traveling. One traumatic experience made me take precautions.”
“Yeah? Tell me about that.”
“So now you’re my shrink?”
“C’mon. I’m waiting.”
“Ok. I was 16 and my family took a 10-hour train ride to visit my brothers in upstate New York. I never sleep on trains, so I was planning to listen to music and watch movies. But as the train pulled out of the station, I discovered that my earphones weren’t working.”
“Oh, the horror!” I teased.
“The whole family promptly fell asleep and there I was. I didn’t know what to do with myself.”
“And what did you do?”
“I looked at the scenery and I played Candy Crush – got really good at it, but it was no consolation.”
“Wow. What a trauma. I don’t how you survived to tell the tale!” My mood was improving.
Daniel kicked me.
“Dunno why people pay you for your sarcasm.”
“Oh, I repress it while I’m working – save it all for you.”
“I see. So I contribute to your work. I should be compensated.”
“And how would I do that? I can’t afford to buy mochi at the 7/11.”
“I’m sure we can figure something out.”
He took my hands and came closer. I was about to pay up when…
“Amit! Daniel!” Keren’s voice carried for miles.
“We’d better get back. It’s almost dark,” I said reluctantly, but this part of the park really was poorly lit.
“There you are!” Keren said when we got back. “We’re going home because it’s getting dark. You guys can stay if you want.”
“No. We’ll come too.” I was tired and wanted to be at home.
“Daniel. Give me your address and I’ll call a taxi.” I suspected that Keren was trying to find out where he was staying.
