Chapter 2
That night, as Lingling slept soundly, Orm couldn’t take her eyes off her.
She walked toward the bed and quietly sat on the floor beside it, watching Lingling’s peaceful face.
Orm’s thoughts raced. Life is cruel. How could she fall for someone without knowing if she could keep her forever? How can I love someone I’ve just met, yet be willing to give her everything? How is it possible?
Before she realized it, tears slipped down her cheeks.
She wiped a tear from her cheek, frustrated with herself. Love wasn’t supposed to happen this fast, this deep. But it did. And the cruelest part? She didn’t know how much time they had.
Orm reached for Lingling’s hand, careful not to wake her. Even if I can’t keep you forever, she thought, I’ll love you for as long as I can.
Lingling lay still, her eyes half-open, watching Orm’s shadow move across the room.
She listened to the soft footsteps, the careful way Orm closed the door behind her.
She had been awake the whole time.
She felt it…the weight in Orm’s heart, the silent questions she wasn’t asking out loud.
Lingling wished she could take that pain away, but she knew she couldn’t.
Her chest ached.
Orm was falling for her. And Lingling… Lingling was falling too.
But love wasn’t fair. Not when they both don’t know how much time she had left.
—
The next morning
Orm sat on the edge of the bed, gently shaking Lingling’s shoulder. “Hey, good morning. Breakfast is ready.”
Lingling groaned, burying her face in the pillow. “Huh? You cooked?”
Orm chuckled. “Silly. I ordered room service.”
Lingling peeked at her, eyes still half-closed. “Oh.”
Orm reached for her hand, pulling her up. “Come on, before it gets cold.”
Lingling let herself be led to the table by the window. A beautiful breakfast spread was waiting..fresh fruit, warm bread, and coffee that smelled rich and inviting.
Lingling sat down, looking at Orm. “You didn’t have to do all this.”
Orm shrugged, a small smile on her lips. “I wanted to. You should start your day with something good.”
Breakfast was filled with laughter. Orm kept cracking jokes, some terrible, some surprisingly funny, and Lingling couldn’t stop laughing.
“You seriously think that’s funny?” Lingling teased, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.
Orm grinned. “Hey, you’re the one laughing. That means I’m hilarious.”
Lingling shook her head, still smiling. “More like ridiculous.”
Orm gasped dramatically. “Wow. After all the effort I put into entertaining you?”
Lingling chuckled, taking a bite of her food. “Fine, fine. You’re funny. Happy?”
Orm leaned back in her chair, smirking. “Very.”
—
After breakfast, Orm and Lingling went to the beach for a day of fun.
They started with free diving, swimming in the clear water. Lingling was a little scared, but Orm held her hand, guiding her.
Next, they rode a jet ski. Orm drove first, going fast over the waves while Lingling held on tight, laughing and screaming. When it was Lingling’s turn to drive, she swerved on purpose just to hear Orm yell.
They visited different islands, enjoying the views and taking lots of pictures. Their last stop was Similan Island, with soft white sand and the bluest water Lingling had ever seen.
She looked around in awe. “This place is beautiful.”
Orm smiled. “I told you I’d make this trip special.”
After a while, Lingling and Orm were resting on the beach, the sound of the waves in the background.
Lingling lay under the shade of a tree, feeling the cool breeze. She looked at Orm, who was lying beside her with her eyes closed and a peaceful smile.
Lingling turned to Orm and said softly, “This has been fun. It helped me forget all the worries.”
Orm smiled and nodded. “I’m happy you’re enjoying it.”
Lingling leaned closer to Orm and, without thinking, kissed her on the lips. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Orm’s eyes opened, surprised at first, but then she smiled. She reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind Lingling’s ear. “No need to thank me. I’m just happy to be here with you.”
Lingling smiled, feeling warm inside, and relaxed next to Orm, feeling grateful for this moment.
—
The night was calm, and the stars shines brightly in the sky.
Orm and Lingling sat by the balcony of their villa, enjoying the peacefulness of the night. The sound of the ocean waves made everything feel even more serene.
Lingling walked over and rested her arms on the balcony next to Orm. “What are you doing?” she asked, looking at Orm with curiosity.
Orm smiled, her gaze still on the sky. “Watching the stars. You know, they say if you see a shooting star, you can make a wish.”
Lingling laughed softly. “You really believe that?”
Orm turned to her with a serious look. “If it means I get to be with you more, then yes. I’d wish for that.”
Lingling’s heart softened. She could feel the sincerity in Orm’s words. She looked at Orm, unsure of what to say. “You really would?”
Orm nodded, her eyes warm.
Lingling felt a mix of emotions. She wanted to protect herself, but a part of her couldn’t deny the feeling she had when she was with Orm.
“Do you really think I’m worth it?” Lingling asked quietly.
Orm’s hand gently reached out to Lingling’s. “I don’t just think of it, I know it.”
Lingling stared at Orm, feeling her heart race. She wasn’t sure what to do with all the emotions.
Orm moved closer to Lingling, her hand gently resting on Lingling’s waist.
She kissed her deeply, her lips moving with a passion that made Lingling’s heart race.
For a moment, nothing else mattered, just the two of them.
When Orm pulled back, she placed her hands on Lingling’s chest, looking into her eyes, waiting for a sign.
Lingling didn’t hesitate. She helped Orm unbutton her top, each button slowly coming undone as she matched Orm’s movements.
Orm kissed her again, this time, more urgently, her lips trailing down Lingling’s neck. Lingling closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of Orm’s touch.
“Are you sure?” Orm asked softly, her breath warm against Lingling’s skin.
Lingling tangled her fingers in Orm’s hair, pulling her closer. “I’m sure,” she whispered, her voice steady.
Orm carefully guided Lingling to the bed, their lips still locked together as they moved.
Slowly, she lowered Lingling onto the soft sheets, never pulling away from the kiss.
Their bodies pressed together, the moment between them growing more intimate as their connection deepened with each gentle touch.
—
The next morning, Orm woke up first. She looked at Lingling, who was curled up next to her, holding her close. They were both naked, and the warmth of the night still filled the air.
Orm smiled and kissed Lingling softly on the lips.
Lingling rubbed her eyes and looked at Orm, smiling. “Good morning,” she said softly. Then, she stretched her arms, yawning a little.
Orm smiled. “We’re heading back to Bangkok later. Do you want to eat breakfast now?”
Lingling shook her head. “Let’s stay like this for a while.” Then she hugged Orm tightly, burying her face in Orm’s chest.
—
They flew back to Bangkok, and everything went smoothly. Orm carried the bag as they stepped off the plane, smiling at Lingling.
They walked towards the parking area where Orm had parked the car. Just as Lingling was about to get in, she suddenly felt dizzy and passed out.
Orm immediately rushed to her side, lifting her up in her arms, panic flashing in her eyes.
“Lingling, stay with me,” Orm called, her voice shaking. She quickly pulled out her phone and called for help, her heart racing.
Orm found herself standing in the hospital, watching as the doctors checked Lingling.
Lingling looked pale and helpless, and Orm’s heart feels broken seeing her like this.
Wave of guilt washed over her, she couldn’t help but blame herself for Lingling’s exhaustion.
She wished she could have done more to prevent this, but now all she could do was wait, hoping Lingling would be okay.
The doctor came out of the room, his expression grim. He walked up to Orm, his eyes filled with concern. “Lingling’s body is getting weaker,” he said quietly.
Orm’s heart sank.
The words felt like a heavy weight pressing down on her chest. “How bad is it?” she asked, her voice shaky.
The doctor took a deep breath. “Even if she undergoes treatment, there’s no guarantee. Her condition is serious, and her body hasn’t been responding well. She’s been overexerting herself, which has only made it worse.”
Orm felt the world spin around her. She could barely process the words. “So… there’s a chance she won’t make it?”
The doctor nodded, his face full of sympathy. “I’m afraid so. But we’ll do everything we can. She needs rest, and we need to start the treatment immediately.”
Orm stood frozen, the fear tightening around her chest. Guilt rushed in.
She had been so focused on everything else that she hadn’t noticed how badly Lingling’s health was deteriorating.
Her eyes blurred with tears, but she quickly wiped them away, unwilling to show weakness.
“Please, do whatever you can,” Orm said, her voice breaking.
The doctor gave her a reassuring look. “We’ll do our best.”
Orm turned back to the room, her mind racing. She can’t lose Lingling—she can’t. Not this soon.
—
Orm waited for hours, her eyes never leaving Lingling’s side, filled with worry. She stayed there, hoping Lingling would wake up soon.
Finally, Lingling’s eyes fluttered open. At first, everything was blurry, but as she focused, she saw Orm resting beside her. Orm’s head was on her arm, looking tired but calm.
Lingling smiled softly, feeling warmth in her chest as she watched Orm sleep, not wanting to disturb her.
A few minutes later, Orm stirred awake. “Hey,” she said softly to Lingling.
Lingling smiled weakly. “You should go home,” she said quietly.
Orm frowned and shook her head. “I will stay here. Until you’re better.”
Lingling smiled softly, her eyes tired. “You don’t have to stay,” she whispered, gently holding Orm’s hand.
Orm shook her head. “I want to stay here. I’ll stay until you’re better.”
Lingling let out a quiet sigh. “You don’t need to worry about me.”
Orm looked at her with a serious expression. “I’ll worry about you, but I’ll stay with you. I’m not going anywhere.”
Lingling closed her eyes. She didn’t have the energy to say more, so she just let herself rest, knowing Orm was there beside her.
—
Days, weeks, and months passed. Lingling continued her treatment, and Orm never left her side.
She took a break from flying to take care of Lingling, staying with her through every hospital visit, every painful procedure, and every sleepless night.
But instead of getting better, Lingling grew weaker. Her body felt heavy, her energy fading little by little. Some days, she barely had the strength to get out of bed.
Orm saw it all…the way Lingling’s hands trembled, the way her once-bright eyes dulled with exhaustion.
At night, when Lingling was asleep, Orm would sit by her side and cry silently, covering her mouth to muffle the sound. She didn’t want Lingling to see her pain. She wanted to be strong for her.
Every morning, Orm put on a smile, even when her heart felt like breaking. “Good morning, love,” she would say, her voice gentle, brushing Lingling’s hair away from her face.
Lingling would smile back, though it was weaker than before. “Good morning,” she would whisper, reaching for Orm’s hand.
Orm held on tightly, as if holding Lingling’s hand could stop time, as if she could keep her from slipping away.
She knew their time was short. But as long as Lingling was still here, still breathing, she would keep smiling, keep fighting because she wanted Lingling to keep fighting too.
—
One night, Lingling curled up in bed, crying in pain. Her joints ached, her bones felt like they were burning—everything hurt.
She tried to stay strong, but the pain was unbearable.
Orm sat beside her, holding her trembling hand, trying to be strong.
But when she saw Lingling’s face twisted in agony, tears streamed down her own face.
She couldn’t hold it in anymore. “It’s okay, love. I’m here,” she whispered, even though she felt helpless.
She grabbed her phone with shaking hands and quickly called for help. Minutes later, they rushed Lingling to the hospital.
Orm sat in the ambulance, holding onto Lingling’s cold hand, whispering prayers under her breath. She had never felt so scared in her life.
When they arrived, the doctors took Lingling inside, leaving Orm standing alone in the hallway. She clenched her fists, her heart pounding in her chest.
Please, please don’t take her away from me.
She didn’t know how long she waited, but finally, the doctor walked towards her, his face unreadable.
Orm felt her heart stop before he even spoke.
He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry… but she might not have much time left.”
Orm’s world crumbled in an instant. Her legs felt weak, and her chest tightened as if all the air had been sucked out of the room.
“No…” she whispered, shaking her head, refusing to believe it.
The doctor placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You can go inside now. Spend time with her. Say your goodbyes.”
Goodbyes.
The word echoed in Orm’s mind like a cruel joke.
She swallowed hard, her whole body trembling as she forced herself to move.
With slow, unsteady steps, she walked toward the door, her heart pounding with every step.
She isn’t ready to say goodbye. She would never be ready.
But Lingling was waiting for her. And she wouldn’t let her face this alone.
Orm forced a smile, even though her heart was breaking.
She walked to Lingling’s bedside and gently took her hand, feeling cold and fragile it was.
“Hey, love,” Orm said softly, squeezing Lingling’s fingers.
Lingling’s smile wavered, her lips barely parting as she mouthed, Hi. Her voice was too weak to come out.
Orm blinked back tears, her chest tightening. She sat down beside Lingling, brushing a few strands of hair from her face. “I’m here,” she whispered. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Lingling’s tired eyes filled with warmth, but Orm could see the pain behind them.
Even now, she was trying to be strong.
Orm leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss on Lingling’s forehead, silently begging for more time.
Lingling took a shallow breath, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m tired…”
Orm’s heart clenched. She held Lingling’s hand tightly, as if that alone could keep her here.
She leaned in, her lips trembling as she whispered back, “It’s okay. You can rest if you’re tired. I love you.”
Lingling’s tired eyes softened. She tried to lift her hand, her fingers weakly brushing against Orm’s cheek. Gathering all the strength she had left, she whispered, “Thank you, Orm… for everything.”
Tears streamed down Orm’s face. She shook her head. “Don’t thank me,” she choked out. “Just stay with me. Please.”
Lingling gave a faint, tired smile. “I love you,” she whispered. “And I’m glad you’re the last person I have loved… and will love until my last breath.”
Orm let out a broken sob. “I love you too,” she said, gripping Lingling’s hand tighter. “More than anything.”
Lingling exhaled softly, her body slowly relaxing. Orm watched in horror as her fingers slipped from her grip, her hand falling lifelessly onto the bed.
“Lingling?” Orm’s voice trembled. She gave her a small shake. “No… no, please, don’t leave me.”
Silence.
Orm’s breath hitched. “Lingling?” she called again, her voice breaking. But there was no answer.
A sharp sob tore through Orm’s chest as she cradled Lingling’s body in her arms. “Please…” she begged, her tears falling onto Lingling’s skin. “Come back to me…”
But she was gone.
And Orm had never felt so lost in her life.
—
Weeks had passed since Lingling’s death, but Orm still couldn’t shake the emptiness that filled her heart.
It felt like a heavy weight, making every day harder to face. But she tried to push through, doing little things to keep busy.
Today, she found herself standing in front of Lingling’s apartment.
She had come to pack up some of her things. The apartment felt so empty now, each item a reminder of the love they shared.
It was hard to even breathe in this place, where everything felt so alive with Lingling’s presence just weeks before.
After collecting everything she could and loading the car, Orm was about to close the trunk when something caught her eye.
A letter, tucked into the side of her car, near the fuse box.
Her heart skipped. The envelope read “Orm.”
With shaking hands, she picked it up. The handwriting was unmistakable….Lingling’s.
Orm stood frozen, feeling like the world had stopped for a moment. Lingling had left her something.
Orm opened the envelope and unfolded the letter, careful not to rip it. She began to read.
Orm,
If you’re reading this, then I’m no longer with you.
I’m sorry.
I know I’m leaving you with a pain I can never fix, and that thought tears me apart.
But please, Orm… I don’t want you to carry the pain and suffer. I don’t want you to grieve for me forever.
You gave me so much love, so much warmth. I was never alone with you by my side and I’ll be forever grateful. Even when I was at my weakest, you made me feel strong.
I want you to live. I want you to be happy. I don’t want you to be trapped in the pain of losing me. If you find someone else to love, it’s okay. I want you to love again, Orm. It’s the only thing I wish for.
And if you ever miss me, just look up at the sky. I’ll be there, watching over you, loving you from wherever I am.
I love you.
Forever and always,
Lingling
—
Orm stared at the letter, tears streaming down her face. Lingling had known. She knew how hard this would be for Orm, but still, she asked her to keep going, to keep living.
“I love you too,” Orm whispered through her tears, holding the letter close to her chest.
For the first time since Lingling passed, Orm let herself smile, remembering the love they shared, knowing that, no matter what, she would carry Lingling with her in her heart forever.