Kong Kuan Si Vid
On a cold Saturday morning, Christian makes his yearly visits to take flowers to put on his parents grave. It has been 7 years since they have passed, but the pain still lingers. After the visitation, he begin to walk back into his car. When he reached his car and about the open the door, another vehicle slowly makes a turn and parks right beside him. She slowly opens a door to an old car, but her smile was from cheek to cheek. She greets him with the most sincere “Hi” and walked into the Church. Before he could even get a salute in, she had gone inside. He didn't want to follow her, so he drives away to meet his buddies for a late lunch.
Scene 2: Restaurant
Christian drives into the parking lot of a Thai restaurant called Siam Garden in the city with his nice wheels. He opens the door to see his three buddies (Logan, Suk, and Sam) talking out loud and misbehaving themselves as always. Sitting right beside them were three young ladies waiting for a friend of theirs who was running late. As they sit quietly waiting for their fourth party to show up, Christian’s friends get louder and louder. All they talk about is money, girls, sports, and cars. Logan sees Christian and waves for him to sit down. Christian takes a sit next to his best buddy, Logan.
Christian: Hey guys, what’s up? Did you guys wait long for me?
Logan: Nah, not really man. So, what did you do all morning?
Christian: I had to run some errands. You know, the usual.
Sam: Yeah, probably had a late night last night with that girl, what’s her name?
Christian: Cut it out Sam, you play around too much! Yo Suk, what’s up with you?
Suk: Nothin much man/dog. Just got up half an hour ago. I’m tired as heck man/dog.
Christian: Why are you so tired? Did the three of you go out again last night? I can’t believe you guys. You guys are a bunch of party animals.
Suk: What about you dog? Don’t act like you didn’t do anything special last night.
Meanwhile at the table next to them.
Noy: Geez, can they lower their voice?
Lunda: Just ignore them.
Noy: Man, Souk’s late again. That girl’s never on time.
Joy: Don’t worry about it Noy, it’s been only 10 minutes. That’s a record for her.
Lunda: Yeah, remember she showed up half an hour late for Jung’s wedding?
Noy: Yeah, that was a little embarrassing walking into the middle of the ceremony like that
Joy: But she’s our girl and we love her for that.
Souk pulls her car in slowly, right next to the same one that she had seen at the Church earlier. As she enters the restaurant, Christian’s friends notice her and all of their attention shifts towards the door. Noy waves to her to take a sit, right behind Christian. He looks up and notices her. As she walks to take her seat, Christian's eyes followed her. After she sat down, he turns around from his seat and starts a conversation.
Christian: Hey, have I seen you before?
Souk: I think so. Aren’t you the guy that I saw at Church this morning?
Christian: Oh yeah, now I remember. Probably forgot something hah?
Souk: Yeah, I had to get something.
Christian: I’m Christian. These guys are Logan, Sam, and Suk.
Souk: Hey, nice name Suk. That’s my name too.
Logan whispers softly to Sam and Suk.
Lo: Yo man, I didn’t know you had a girl’s name. That’s funny!
So: These girls are my friends. They are Noy, Joy, and Lunda.
Ch: It’s a pleasure to meet you ladies.
So: Nice meeting you.
Ch: You as well.
Over at Souk and her friends table
Lun: I can’t believe you just had a conversation with that guy and his friends. They are so rude and obnoxious.
Joy whispers softly to her friends.
Joy: Only his three friends are like that. Christian seems like a nice guy.
Noy: Yeah, he just got here. I haven’t heard him say a bad thing yet.
Souk smiles...
So: Sorry for being late AGAIN ladies. I forgot our schedule at Church and had to pick it up on the way.
Log: Yo man, what were you doing at a Church?
Ch: I told you, I had errands to run man.
Log: Oh, sorry. I forgot about that man.
Ch: It’s all good. Hey, I’m starved, let’s order.
On a late Fall Saturday evening, Christian and his friends head out to Hershey’s Christmas Candylane lighting for the coming Holiday Season. As they stroll down the Park, little do they know that they will again run into Souk and her friends.
Logan: Hey guys, is that the girls that we met at the restaurant?
Sam: Yeah, I think that’s them.
Suk: I couldn’t tell man/dog, I forgot my glasses again.
Logan: Are you sure you forgot your glasses, or maybe you meant to forget it, so you don’t look like a nerd?
Ch: You’re right Logan, that is them. Hey, let’s go say hi. Maybe they would like to join us.
Log: Come on man, what do you want with them anyways. When we were at the restaurant, all they talk about was Church this, Jesus that, and planning out about their little youth group. Kinda boring, know what I mean? And who cares about that stuff anyways. She’s not your type dude. I know you.
Ch: Chill man, I just want to say hi. Geez, this boy’s nuts. Hey, if you boys are scared, I’ll go by myself.
Log: Just playing with ya man. You know I got your back. We’re right behind you man.
Noy: Hey, isn’t that Christian and his friends.
Joy: Where?
Lun: Over there silly. Oh, my gosh, they’re heading this way.
Noy: I wonder what they want now.
Ch: Hi Souk, Joy, Noy, Lunda
Souk: Wow, I’m surprised you remembered our names
Ch: How can I forget a face. Hey, isn’t this the third time that we ran into each other? Must be a sign or Something?
Noy whispers to her friends.
Noy: What a cheesy pick-up line?
Ch: I’m sorry, you said something Noy?
Noy: Oh sorry, nothing important?
Ch: Would you ladies like to join us?
So: yeah sure.
While walking into the park, Souk and Christian’s friends went ahead of them, but the conversations that they had seemed endless. As the night drew to an end, they exchange numbers and the group went their separate ways.
Scene 4: Phone Conversations and Souk’s House
The very next day, Christian calls Souk to ask her to dinner.
Phone rings:
Souk’s dad: HELLO!
Christian hangs up the phone thinking he has the wrong number and then dials again to make sure that it is the same one. Again, Souk’s dad picks up the phone.
Souk’s dad hesitate for a moment.
Souk’s dad: HELLO!
Ch: Sabaidee. Kor thord nar. Souk purn u ban bor. (Hello, Sorry, but is Souk home?)
SD: Pou dite ni? (Who is this?)
Ch: Ka noi seu Christian. Ka noi phen moo Souk. (My name is Christian. I'm a friend of Souk.)
SD: Souk lao bar you. (Souk is not here.)
Ch: Kall toad ti lope guan. Kall hite barg Souk wa ka noi toll ma dite bar? Kop jite lie the. (Sorry to bother. Can you tell Souk that I called. Thank you very very much.)
Souk: Hi dad. Who’s that?
SD: Nobody.. Wrong number.
Souk: Oh, thanks dad. I’m heading out to Bible study with Noy and them OK? I’ll be home later. We might grab something to eat afterwards. So, don’t wait for me. Tell mom that I’ll take care of her Doctor’s appointment early in the morning. She needs to get her pain checked up.
SD: Oid, I don’t know why you go to Bible Study anyways. Driving cost money. And what have you gotten from Church yet? They pay you little or nothing at all, and you still want to work with them. All of your friends have normal jobs. I told you to go to school for Engineering or to become a Doctor, but no, you had to go for Christian Education and that nonsense. We do have bills and stuff to pay you know.
Souk: Bye dad.
Souk’s mom enters the room as Souk leaves...
SM: Where are you going again? I swear this girl never stays home...
SD: She’s going to do her God thing again. I don’t get her. Why can’t we have a normal daughter like everyone else does. We live in this crappy house. We have one car for the three of us and all your daughter cares about is her God. Maybe she’s going out with some boy. Don’t let me catch her though. That will be the last of her...
Scene 5: Deja` vu at The Restaurant
After Bible study, Souk and her three friends head out to their favorite hang out spot. As they entered the restaurant, she notices that Christian was sitting by himself. He had just gotten there and was about to place the order when he notices Souk and her friends. He stands up and walks over to them.
Ch: Hey, how you guys doing?
So: Good. We just got done with Bible Study, but got hungry afterwards. So we decided to come to our favorite hang out place. You’re here alone?
Ch: Yeah, the boys are out again and I didn’t want to join them. Say, you wanna join me?
So: Sure, why not? What do you say girls?
Noy: Ahh...OK.
Ch: Souk, did your dad tell you that I called? I told him to tell you that I called.
So: No, he said someone called and they had the wrong number. Hmmm? Anyways, did you want something?
Ch: Nah, just wanted to ask you to dinner, that’s all.
So: Well, here we are right?
Scene 6: Different scenes of Christian and Souk
It’s been a couple months since they had first met. Many phone conversations have been exchanged. Many dates have been taken. The two seemed to be in love. Three months later, the couple decided to make it official and became girlfriend and boyfriend. Their family and friends never saw it coming. They still don’t approve of them being together. But with love, anything is possible. And the two have made it this far already. Who could imagine that a shy young Youth Leader from a very traditional Buddhist family and an aggressive methodical young Bank Investor who had everything he wanted, except for a family and someone to love and who would love him back would end up being so happy together.
Scene 7: John 3:16
Forward to Fall of the following season, and the young happy couple meets at a cafe for one of their dates. During the times that they were together, the two have talked about Souk’s faith and her God, but Christian kept on beating around the bush to avoid conflict and conversation. She even invites him to her Church many times before, but each time she asked, he would give her an excuse. She figures after so many times, why ask again. Christian walks in and eyes her from far away.
Ch: Hey hon, what ya doing?
So: I’m trying to plan out my lesson for this Sunday, but I’ve been having this terrible headache.
Ch: Did you take any medications for it?
So: Yeah, I took some Advil already.
Ch: You want me to get you something stronger?
So: I’ll be alright. Say, could we cancel our movie for tonight? This headache is killing me.
Ch: Sure, anything I could do to help?
So: I’m just doing a lesson on John 3:16. I don’t know if you know where it is, but could you please help me out by reading it and telling me what you think? I need another person’s view on it?
Ch: For God so loved the world that He gave His One and ONLY begotten Son, that who so ever believed in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
befuddled and interested, he reads the whole verse to himself again.
Ch: Wow, this is very interesting. I’ve never heard of that before.
So: So, what’s your opinion on that verse?
Ch: Well, to begin with, why would someone sent their Son to die for someone else?
So: It’s called unconditional love. He loved each and every one of us so much that He sent His Son, who is a King to be a servant to show that He cares for us and loves us dearly, no matter who we are or who we have been.
Ch: If he loves every one of us, why does He allow innocent people to die? What about the innocent babies that never grew up to be an adult? What about people who died as a result of war? What about the drunk that killed my parents? How can He say that He loved every one of us? How can God allows such a thing if He loved us so much?
So: I don’t know the answer to those questions hon, but I know for sure that when someone dies, He mourns with us. And about your parents, I’m pretty sure God will deal with that guy justly because He’s a just God and every time that you think of them and misses them, He feels your pain. No one else does. I’m pretty sure he can answer that for you when you see him.
Ch: I don’t know. It’s just frustrating. Ever since they pased away, I have no one to care for me except for you. I’ve been celebrating the holidays by myself for so long now. True Logan and my buddies are my friends, but it’s different. They have their families too.
So: Hey, why don’t we celebrate this holiday together. Just you and me.
Ch: what about your folks?
So: Nah, they don’t mind. I think they’re starting to like you? They asked about you many times before.
Ch: What did you tell them?
So: The truth. That you’re a nice guy and all. Nothing bad hon. And that I like you a lot and that you’re become a very important person in my life. Plus, I told them that you had a good job.
Ch: Geez, thanks a lot. Maybe we can spend the holidays with them then? I don’t want to take their only daughter away.
So: That would be sweet. Maybe we can do that.
Ch: Hey, when does Church start again? Maybe, I can pick you up this Sunday and go to church together?
So: That would be sweet. Are you sure?
Ch: Of course I am. I’ll pick you up at 9.
So: Sounds good. I’ll tell my parents.
Scene 8: Souk and Parents At Their House
Souk walks in while her parents watch Thai movies…
So: Hi mom and dad.
SD: Where were you. Noy’d been calling all day.
SM: Don’t tell me you were with Christian again.
So: Yeah, we were at the cafe all night. I have this terrible headache and we didn’t go anywhere . Do you have any Advil? I can’t shake it off.
SM: I have the Salon pads and some Tylenol.
So: Thanks mom. Oh, Christian’s picking me up to Church tomorrow morning, so the two of you can have the car. I’m going to try to sleep it off. Good night mom. Night dad.
SD: Wow, he’s finally giving in.
So: Dad, you guys know he’s a good guy and that I cared for him a lot. And he feels the same about me.
SM: I’m glad he does, but I used to be young once too.
So: Don’t worry, nothing’s going on. My head’s killing me. Good night again.
Christian knocks on Souk’s door to find her mom in front of him.
Ch: Good morning mam. How are you?
SM: I’m good, thank you. Come in.
Ch: Thank you, is Souk ready?
SM: Let me go check. Have a seat.
She leaves the living room and comes back shocked to find Souk still in bed.
SM: She’s still in bed. She said her head hurts a lot. She doesn’t look too good. She wanted to know if you could lead the lesson for her. She said that you guys spent a while doing it yesterday at a cafe.
Ch: I’ve never done it before.
SM: She knows, but she said that it should be fine because she has the whole lesson outlined for you. Plus, you have experience with your presentations and all. Just read the notes. She doesn’t want to cancel church because of her. She wanted you to come back after church OK. We’ll have lunch prepare for you.
Ch: Tell her that I hope she feels better and that I will stop by.
SM: Good luck Christian.
As Christian smiles and leaves, Souk prays for him. He felt uneasy at first, but as he got into his car, and paused for a moment. He felt at ease and thought of Souk’s smile and face. Souk’s friends was very surprised to see him there, but they were very happy that he could join them...Christians first time at Church was a challenging one, but he got through it with flying colors. Afterwards, he and Souk’s friends decide to go visit her.
SM: Welcome guys. Come in. We have lunch ready.
Noy: Where’s Souk Mrs Nalaphong?
SM: She’s still in bed.
Noy: Let me go get her.
SM: So Christian, how did it go?
Ch: It went very well thank you. I thought I would never make it, but it felt different when I prayed the prayers that Souk had written out. It felt like I was saying that prayer.
SM: I’m glad to hear that. Ready to eat?
Ch: Sure.
As Christian begins to take a seat, Noy comes out yelling to call 911, Souk has a very high fever and she said that her head is hurting real bad. She looks like she is in so much pain and she cried non-stop. Christian gets up from his seat and runs into her room.
Before he entered her room he said:
Ch: Don’t call 911. I’ll take her to a nearby hospital.
SM: Let me get her stuff and I’ll be there with Noy shortly.
As the both of them get in the car, Christian keeps on talking to her. Encouraging her and telling her that everything’s going to be OK. She was so weak and in such a pain, that all she could do was give him a slight grin.
Scene 10: The Bad News
When the both of them got to the ER. They rushed her to a private room. After an hour of testing or so, a doctor came out with a downcast face.
Ch: Doc, is she alright?
Dr: I’m afraid I have some terrible news. Are you her brother?
Ch: No sir, I’m her boyfriend. But her mom is coming here in a moment.
Dr: You might want to sit down for this. Souk has a brain tumor that is incurable and she only has about a month to live. Has she ever complained about this before?
Ch: She had mentioned it before, but it usually goes away after she takes a couple aspirin. But not until yesterday, it was her first time really complaining about it.
Dr. I’m sorry to tell you this, but I will leave it up to you to tell her family OK?
Ch: I will sir. Thank you. And Doc, here’s my license, credit card to have the bill sent to me OK? Please dont let her parents know. If you need more information, just come and get me.
As the Doctor walks away, Souk’s parents and friends runs down the hallway to see Christian hands on his face. Christian explains to them what the Doctor has passed to him and her mom faints. But, they got her on the chair as she cries nonstop. After a while when everyone was calm. They couldn’t visit her until later on when everything was clear and they were allowed to do so. They all took their turn to wish her well, and then left. Finally there were only the Nalaphongs and Christian by her bedside.
Souk: Dad, mom, don’t you have to go work in about 6 hours. Why don’t you get some sleep.
Ch: Yeah, it’s OK. I will take care of her. I have a couple of PTO time and some vacation days left.
SD: Are you sure? We don’t want to make it a burden on you?
Ch: No, not a problem. You guys get some rest and I’ll take her home once the hospital discharges her tomorrow afternoon. Have a good night
SM: Thank you Christian. We’ll see you tomorrow at home OK. Here’s the keys to the house and make yourself comfortable.
Ch: Thank you Mr. And Mrs Nalaphong. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Scene 11: The Truth
After her parents left the room, Christian slowly walks to Souk’s hospital bed and sits right next to her.
Ch: So, how do you feel?
So: Very tired. You’re going to stay here for real?
Ch: But of course. Why wouldn’t I?
So: What about work?
Ch: Don’t worry, I’ll just call off. I would rather be here with you then go to work.
So: So, what did the doctor say? When am I going home?
Ch: The doctor just said you have a migraine. He prescribed you some medications. You should rest. If you need anything, I’m right here.
As she closes her eyes to sleep, Christian prays to God for the very first time. The ironic thing is that instead of asking something for himself, he’s asking for someone else. After praying, he looks over at her sleeping, and his face became sadden and he wept. But instead of feeling alone, he felt an Arm wrapped around his whole body as if a real person had been there holding him tightly.
The next morning the took her home. Takes her to her bedroom and rest her gently on her bed.
Ch: Could I get you anything else?
So: I’m all right for now. I’m pretty beat from the drive.
Ch: I should let you rest. If you ever need anything, I’ll be outside with your parents.
So: You don’t have to stay. It’s OK.
Ch: No, I would love to. It would give me more time with your parents.
For the whole week, Christian calls off work so that he could be by her side. On that very next Sunday, Souk goes to the hospital again. This time, it was worse. Christian, not wanting to tell her again about her situation, comforts her saying that it was another bad migraine. He suggested that he takes her to another hospital with a top notch doctors and facilities. He was willing to spend everything for her so that she could be well…He takes her a new hospital, but her condition got worse, and the doctor gave her the same timeframe as the previous doctors, but wanted to keep her for 32 hours to evaluate her situations. Because he wanted to be there for her and take care of her, he calls off again for the next three days. On Thursday, he calls back to work, but was told by his boss, that he had cleaned out Christian’s desk. Having no more money and no job, Christian sold all that he had to pay for her hospital bill.
Taking her home from one of the hospital visits. He notices that her conditions got worse than before, but decided not to tell her.
God, Christian and Souk
While Souk was laying on her bed, Christian sits beside her……
Ch: How do you feel?
With a slight grin Souk said:
So: Couldn’t be better
Ch: I’m glad to hear that
So: So, how’s your job?
Ch: It’s all right. So, what do you want for Christmas?
So: I’ve already gotten everything I’ve ever prayed for. I have God. I have my parents. I have my friends. And for the past 2 years, God has blessed me with you. I couldn’t have gotten a better gift. How about you? You’ve always been unselfish. You’ve always been there for me, even now. I guess that’s why I love you so much, and I would hate to lose you.
Ch: You’re not going to lose me. I will always be here for you.
Silent pause
So: Christian, I’m dying aren’t I?
Ch: No, you’re doing fine. You just need a lot of rest.
So: Please don’t lie to me. I’ve known all along that you have been keeping this from me. I know the reason that you kept it from me was because you wanted me to think that I was doing fine, and I really appreciate it. But please no more lie. I only have so much time to be with you, and I want it to be the most memorable and honest one. So, is it true that you have paid for my entire hospital bill and have sold everything that you have to try to make me better?
Ch: I did it because I love you. I didn’t want you to have more stress in your life or for you to think about anything else. I’m sorry for keeping that from you. I figured if I didn’t tell you, it would be better off.
So: Please don’t apologize. You did nothing wrong…. Is true about your job too?
Ch: I never really liked that job anyways. It was too stressful. Hey, I got to spend more time with you right? This past couple of weeks has been one of the most wonderful time in my life. For once, I never cared about anything material things. All I wanted was to see you well. I didn’t care if I had nothing because I have you. You’ve become a very important person in my life. You’ve changed me. You saw in me that no one else does. You’ve been an inspiration to me. You saw me for who I really am. And I can only thank God for making me a part of your life.
So: And you have become an important person in my life as well. I thought I didn’t need anyone. And that I have all the answers in the world. I guess I thought I was untouchable. You have made me a better person as well. You would never believe how hard I prayed for you each and every time I closed my eyes. I prayed that you will get to know a God that loved me and you so much that He was willing to die for us, even without us asking for it. I can only thanked Him for His unconditional love…In the same way, God has brought a young stubborn, hard-headed man into my life and have cared for me and have loved me without me asking for it. You have been that person Christian, and I love you for it. And now, I could never be happier, because God has answered my prayer.
Ch: You know, ever since you became ill, I’ve always prayed that God will take away your pain and give them to me because more people needed you than I do. I wanted you to be happy. I prayed and prayed, but you have taught me that sometimes, God does not answer our prayers because He knows what is best for us. He has a reason for everything. Even though we might not realize it now, but at the end, we will know.
So: I’m glad that you know that now because it makes it easier for me to go.
Ch: Please don’t say that. I don’t want to think about it. I’m not ready to let you go yet…..
So: Honey, it’s not up to us. It’s up to Him. It’s OK. I’m going to a better place where I won’t be sick anymore. A place where I won’t have this pain anymore…..
Ch: Shhhhhh….Please don’t…Let’s enjoy our time here. You need to rest.
Christian kisses her forehead goodnight and she falls asleep. He cries and prays for her again so that she would not feel pain and that if it’s His will, to make her well again.
The rest of the time that Souk was alive, Christian never left her side, even when she passed away. She passed away in her home on December 25th.
The Nalaphongs had a small funeral at the Church where Souk and Christian first met. All of their closest friends were there. After her parents had stepped down from the podium, Christian slowly walks to meet them and gives them a hug. It was his turn to say his good-byes……
Ch: On behalf of the Nalaphongs and myself, we would like to say thank you to each and everyone of you for being here and showing us your condolence. I don’t have a speech prepared or anything like that. I told her that I wasn’t going to cry, but I miss her already……About 8 years ago, I lost my parents due to an automobile accident and my world was so torn apart, that I didn’t care for anything or anyone. I blamed everyone for my parents’ death. I didn’t want to be around people. I worked nonstop to avoid going to weddings, parties, or holidays. My ethic paid off because I got promoted within six months of being there. I had a good job. I was happy….And so I thought…..
About a year and a half ago, I met a young woman who loved life for what it was. She didn’t have much. What she had surpassed all the money and material that I had. I asked myself how could someone be so happy even thought she had nothing? Little did I know that all I ever needed to be like her was to have God in my life. I was hesitant at first. She kept inviting me to go to Church and prayed for me every time that she closed her eyes, but I kept pushing the idea aside. I had everything I ever wanted, why did I need this God for? I was happy with ALL that I had.
When I found out that she wasn’t feeling well, I thought that I could save her with my money and begged God time and time again to make her better. I wanted to make her well again. I spent as much time with her as I possibly could. I even prayed for God to make her well again. All my money and time didn’t make her better because God did not want her to be in pain again. He wanted His servant home. It was time for her to be with her Maker.
This Christmas, many people will exchange gifts to celebrate the holidays. It’s ironic that the best gift that all of us could ever have does not cost anything, not even one penny. We should all celebrate the gift of life because Jesus came down and died for all of our sins. I was very fortunate, because Souk was the person that made me realized about this gift. I missed her already, but I will see you again.
After the funeral, they began walking back to their cars, Christian walking in the right, Souk’s mom in the middle, and Souk’s dad holding his wife with his left hand walking in the right. Suddenly, Christian stopped and said, this is were we first met. After staring at the spot where her car slowly turned and parked right beside him, he turns to the sky and smiles at His maker and Souk. Souk’s parents eyes follows to the sky and they all smile.
THE END