Kaewta's horizon

Story: Chamnongsri L. Rutnin (Hanchanlash)

Illustrtion : Kanjana Dumsopee

List of Characters:

Pipob: A bank executive. Age 46.

Tipaya (Nickname Tip): A university professor, and the wife of Pipob. Age 42.

Kloyjai: An active university student, daughter of Pipob and Tipaya. Age 21.

Kaewta: The teenaged daughter of Pipob and Tipaya. Mildly intellectually disabled. Age 18.

Pin: The family housekeeper.

Nid: A university professor, a friend of Tipaya’s.

Dohng: A severely intellectually disabled young man. Son of Nid.

Krit: A teacher at the special needs school for the mentally challenged.

Sira: A male youth who attends the special needs  school.

Sawidhri : A teenaged girl who also attends the special  needs school.

Non speaking roles:

Male Teacher.

2-3 Mentally disabled females.

2-3 Mentally disabled males.

Doctor no. 1

Doctor no. 2

Nurse no. 1

Nurse no. 2

Act 1, Scene 1

Waiting room of a child psychiatry clinic: Nid is leading Dhong inside. A nurse walks in from the opposite side of the room. Nid is a respectably dressed professor in her forties. She seems restless. Dhong is a tall 15 year old who is severely intellectually disabled. Nid tugs Dhong in order to get him to follow her.

Nurse: Oh, hi Good morning Please wait for a moment. (Eases Dhong into a nearby chair and looks at Nid). How’s he doing? I haven’t seen him in quite a while, (talking to Dhong) my, you’ve grown a lot.

Nid: Do you know when the doctor will be available?

Nurse: Well, he has another patient with him and after this he’ll have to write a quick report. He’ll also have to go check up on another patient upstairs. (Turning to face Dhong with an endearing smile), won’t be long now, though.

A distraught Tipaya walks out of the examination room, it is clear that she has just been crying.

Nurse: (Looks up), Hello Miss.You were quick.

Nid: Tipaya, what are you doing here?

Tipaya: (Surprised) Oh, Professor Nid. Uh… (Looks from mother to son).

Nid: (Slightly embarrassed) That’s my son, Dhong. He’s Pohm’s brother. (Turns towards the nurse and explains) We teach at the same university. (Turns back to Tipaya), It never crossed my mind that you would be here.

Nurse: I’ll go check on the doctor.

Tipaya: I didn’t know… I um… thought you only had Pohm and Piek.

Nid: (She reaches in and grabs a small plastic bag containing a napkin. She reaches over to Dhong and methodically wipes away the saliva dribbling from his mouth). (Absentmindedly). Oh, we didn’t really want to let everyone know. Rumours spread like wildfire you know. Whenever he goes out, Dhong is treated like something different.

Tipaya is at a loss for words, Nid glances at her and continues to clean Dhong.

Nid: My mother said it was because we chose not to name him with a “P” like his siblings. That’s why he’s the way he is. But honestly, I think it’s complete hogwash. (Keeps the napkin and closes her purse. )

Nid: How about you, Tipaya? What are you doing here? You’re not having problems with…Kloyjai, right?

Tipaya: (Starting to tear up) Yes, I mean no…She’s fine. It’s…

Nid: Are you okay, Tipaya?

Tipaya: (pulling herself together) Yes. You remember I had to take leave last year?

Nid: That’s right. Last year. I covered your lectures for you.

Tipaya: Well, it was my youngest …she had a seizure. I wasn’t there. I should have been there. But I wasn’t. A lack of oxygen they said.

Tipaya: She’s turning four this year. (Starts to cry) My daughter, she… she won’t speak, or play, or smile. She only cries, and each time she does, its always for so long, and then there’s the rocking; back and forth, back and forth, sometimes for hours. (Sobs).

Nid: (Interrupts) But she’s human. I used to weep for my son, just as you are. But after a while, I doubt there are any tears left. (Turning towards her son) Dhong, no!

Nid reaches towards her son, who has managed to lodge his fist into his mouth. The purse is opened once again, and another tissue emerges. Nid wipes Dhong’s fist and chin.

Nid: What’s her name, your daughter?

Tipaya: Kaewta.

Nid: And the older sister, Kloyjai, right? How old is she now?

Tipaya: Seven.

Nid: Kloyjai and Kaewta, that’s adorable. Their names both start with the same letter, and yet Kaewta is how she is. Now I can get my mother to stop complaining.

Tipaya is clearly trying not to laugh. She fails and bursts out with elated laughter. Nid sees this and smiles.

Tipaya: So, do you come here often?

Dhong starts rocking back and forth, very slowly. He hugs his knees to his chest and continues to rock.

Nid: Oh no, it’s just that, lately…lately he’s been acting differently. Dhong, please, stop. (Whilst speaking, Nid unclasps Dhong’s grip on his knees and firmly sets them on the armrest. She systematically sets him into a normal sitting position.)

Tipaya: And uh, have you attempted to develop his learning capacity? I’ve heard that you have to start training their brains in the earlier stages.

Nid: Of course. We did send him to a special school. But I don’t have time to take care of him myself, I have two other children who need me too.

Tipaya: Does he still attend the school?

Nid: He used to. But the transportation was such a fuss, and I struggled to get him there and back. They never had the transportation that they do today, you know. (Dhong starts to rock again). Dhong! Stop!

NId: Dhong, look what you’ve done. Now you’ve gotten your pants all wet.

Nid opens her purse once again, but this time the plastic bag is a much larger one, and from it, Nid pulls out an even larger napkin, possibly a small towel. She gets Dhong to stand up in order for her to wipe the chair. Dhong immediately starts to run to and fro. Nid lets out a small yelp and the nurse comes running out to help Nid catch Dhong.

Nid: Honey, are you alright? Where does it hurt? Tell me, where it hurts.

Dhong grimaces and points to his stomach.

Nurse: Aw, Dhong, you have a stomachache?

Nid: He seems to be doing that a lot lately.

Nurse: (LeadsDhong into the examination room. Dhong looks back at Nid, reluctant to leave her). Come, Dhong, let’s have the doctor take a look at you.

Nid: (Wipes the chair that Dhong managed to wet and then calmly places the towel into the plastic bag. She stuffs the bag into her purse. She speaks whilst doing so, and finishes talking just as she closes her bag.) When he was younger, he used to cry for hours, it drove the whole house mad. But now he tells us where he’s hurt. He doesn’t usually wet himself like this.Must be the excitement.

Tipaya is frozen in shock and speechless at what she has witnessed. Tipaya’s hands find their way to her lips in an attempt to contain a sob. Nid looks up and calmly starts to speak, carefully selecting her words. Nid does not look at Tipaya as she speaks.

Nid: When he was smaller, I once carried him up to the balcony. I was about to step off the ledge of the fifth floor with him. I thought that dying together would take away the burden on our family. But, I’m glad that I didn’t. A year later, their father died. Phom and Piek weren’t even in middle school.

Tipaya: I never knew…

Nid: You see me the same way everybody else does. The woman who works as if her life depended on it, the professor who never paid attention to anything else apart from getting her job done and going home. (Laughs and speeds up her speaking), That’s true though, My whole family, our wellbeing depends on my income. (Walks towards Tipaya). You’re smart. (Nods at the nurse as she grabs her bag and starts to walk in, but right before she leaves, stops to look at Tipaya). You have to be strong, be stronger than I ever could. For your daughter.

Nid walks out of the room. Tipaya stares at where she was standing as if Nid was still there

Act 1, Scene 2

At Pipob and Tipaya’s house:

Pipob is calmly sipping coffee. Six-year-old Kaewta is sitting comfortably on Tipaya’s lap while her mother reads from a children’s book to her. The book is set so that Kaewta can see the illustrations clearly. Stuffed animals and other children’s books lay scattered on the floor.

Tipaya: (Pointing at an image in the book) A puppy! A large puppy! What sound does it make? Ruff! Ruff! Ruff! (Turns the page) A cat! A kitty cat! How do you meow? Meow, Meow, Meow. (Flips back to the previous page) Kaewta, who is this? It’s the puppy! How does he speak? Ruff! Ruff! Ruff! (Turns the page) What is this? He’s the cat. Cat, cat, cat!

Pipob: (Looks up at Tipaya and carefully pours water into a glass) Honey, aren’t you feeling tired? (Hands the glass to Tipaya) Here, have some cool water to freshen yourself up. Enough with the kitty cats and the puppies, dear. Here, we should start reading this one, “Training Your Special Child”.

Tipaya: Thank you. (Drinks the water and hands it back to Pipob and opens the child’s book once again) Look, Kaewta, look! What is that? It’s a bird! He flies high! High up in the sky. He can sing…

Pipob: Enough, enough. We promised Khloyjai to take her to the movies, and its showing at 5. We have a bit of time alone… (He puts his arm around Tipaya, try to turn her towards him, moves his face closer to Tipaya’s as if to kiss her on the lips).

Tipaya: Pipob! Our daughter is right here, aren’t you in the least bit embarrassed?

Pipob: Of course not, she has no idea what’s going on.

Tipaya: Oh, you. She’s right here.

Pipob: (Sighs) Do you realize that ever since, ever since we learnt that Kaewta was like this… we’ve never had the opportunity to spend time together. We should go on a break, just the two of us. It’ll only be a few days.

Tipaya: Even now?

Pipob: (Suddenly looking sad).Yes..even now, we’re barely holding up, and we need all the income we can get.

Tipaya: (Jokingly) You should’ve married a rich man’s daughter.

Pipob: Yes, but I chose a brilliant and beautiful professor instead.

Tipaya: (Laughs and opens the book once again) Kaewta! Look! Who’s that?

Pipob: (pleading) Tip, please. You must be getting tired.

Pipob lightly pokes Kaewta in the stomach, Kaewta remains stiff and pays no attention. Pipob and Tipaya exchange glances. Tipaya heaves a sigh. Pipob starts to move back, but changes his mind.

Pipob: (Teasing his daughter) Are you tired? Is the baby tired? (laughs and pokes Kaewta lovingly)

Kaewta giggles and reaches out her hand to poke her father twice. A gaping Pipob turns to look at his wife and finds that she is also speechless with surprise . The telephone starts to ring from another room and Pipob walks out the door to pick it up. Tipaya continues to show Kaewta the illustrations in the book. Pipob’s voice echoes from the hallway

Pipob’svoice: Yes, this is Pipob speaking. Yes, Tipaya is here. (A shocked voice) The balcony?

Tipaya: Little birdy, flies, up, up, up!

Pipob’s voice: (His voice is trembling, this catches Tipaya’s attention and she looks up) Pohm doesn’t know yet? Oh no, it was the maid who was watching Dhong?

Pipob: (Hastily walks into the room) Nid just called, Dhong just fell off of their balcony. I’m going to drop him off at the hospital.

Tipaya: Why can’t Nid do it?

Pipob: She called from the hospital.

Tipaya: Really? Why?

Pipob: Cancer …Intestines.

Tipaya: (Caught off guard) Oh. I didn’t realize… She took leave, but…

Whilst Tipaya and Pipob are talking, Kaewta is staring at the illustration on the page. She uses her finger to trace the picture and starts to mumble to herself. No one seems to notice. Tipaya is about to close the book, but Kaewta looks up at her father, and lets out a gurgling laugh. She starts to speak loudly, but stumbles on her pronunciations.

Kaewta: (Points at the image) Birdy! Birdy! Up, up!

Pin walks in and is staring at Kaewta, confused.

Pin: Kaewta! What did you just say?

Pipob: Honey, can you tell daddy what you said?

Kaewta: Birdy! Flies, up, up, up!

Tipaya puts her arms around Kaewta and carries her up. She affectionately rubs her cheek to Kaewta’s, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. Pipob plants a kiss on Kaewta’s other cheek.

Pipob: Daddy’s brilliant little one. (Looks up). I have to go.

Pipob leaves.

Tipaya: Kaewta…I have to go help Dhong. (Hands Kaewta to Pin and follows Pipob out of the door.) Honey, I’m coming too.

Kaewta: Birdy! Birdy! Flies high, up, up, up!

Act1, Scene 4:

It is around 2 a.m.. We are in the same room, however, there is a piano set in the middle. It is 12 years later.

21 year old Kloyjai, has just come home. She is dressed in a short skirt and loose top and carries a light purse. Tipaya is facing Kloyjai, wearing a robe. Kloyjai looks exasperated while Tipaya is worried.

Kloyjai: Yes, I can take care of myself.

Tipaya: But it’s two in the morning, and you never called to tell us that you would come home this late. Where were you?

Kloyjai: (Walks towards the piano starts to play a soft tune with one hand. Sarcastically, she says) Can I learn a new song? Today?

Tipaya: (Exasperated) Please don’t do this again. At least tell us beforehand, it’ll save me a lot of worrying.

Kloyjai: You worry about me?

Tipaya: If I wasn’t concerned about you, what would I be doing awake at 2am?

Kloyjai: Mom, you shouldn’t have to. (She adds cheekily) I’ve memorised that incantation.

Tipaya: (Laughs) What incantation?

Kloyjai: (sarcastically) Oh, just the one you’ve always taught me. “Kloyjai, please, I can’t help you right now. I’m busy with your sister”. And now, at 2 am. You finally have time for me. Maybe I should come back at this time, every day?

Tipaya: (annoyed) Oh, don’t be ridiculous.

Kloyjai: I’m gonna go check up on dad before I go to bed. (Yawns) I’m so tired. (Is about to walk out of the room, but Pipob walks in).

Pipob: You’re finally back? (Walks in and pinches Kloyjai’s cheeks).

Kloyjai: (Speaking faster and sucking up) Daddy, please don’t scold me. I’m sorry. (Hugs her father) This won’t happen again.

Pipob: Promise?

Kloyjai: Um.. How about this? If I plan to get back after 10, I’ll call you so you’re not all concerned. Wait, make that 11.

Pipob: (Laughs) Sure, sure. So, can you tell us where you were?

Kloyjai: Of course, Daddy, of course. Chanin’s plane landed in the morning and he wanted to celebrate my graduation. He even bought me these gorgeous earrings! (tilts her head to show them the earrings) aren’t they beautiful?

Pipob: (Adoringly) He seems to be bringing you a gift every time he flies. Did the celebration really take that long?

Kloyjai: Oh, that. We um, went out a bit too. At Blank Ink’s. Daddy, don’t make that face! This was the first time I’ve ever drunk!

Pipob: And how do you like it?

Tipaya: (Confused) Who is this Chanin? Do you know him?

Pipob: He’s an assistant pilot. Kloy’s boyfriend, or is it fiancé now?

Kloyjai: Oh, daddy. Let’s just say he’s my husband to be now. Oh, and have you seen that belt that you bought? My friends seem to love it.

Pipob: You can wear it now? You just told me yesterday that it was too loose.

Kloyjai: I punched in another hole and now it fits perfectly. (Spins around) Pretty Chanin says so. (Remembers that her mom is still there) Mom, you should go sleep now, its getting late. (Pipob and Kloyjai walk out of the room. Kloyjai is humming a familiar tune).

Pipob: Aren’t you teaching in the morning?

Pipob leaves.

Tipaya bends down to pick up a textbook that has been left opened and face down. Kaewta is in her pajamas, however, she is also wearing a thick, black leather belt. She innocently rubs her eyes, looking half asleep. Kaewta is plump, unlike her slim sister. She has pale white skin and a beautiful face. Kaewta is 19 years old. Her actions are like those of a normal person, soft and graceful.

Kaewta: Mommy? I heard people talking. It’s late, why aren’t you sleeping?

Tipaya: Your sister just got home honey. She was talking with me and dad.

Kaewta: She only just arrived? She must be tired.

Tipaya: Probably not, dear.

Kaewta: (Not listening) I’m going to bring her some cool water. She must be tired, right?

Tipaya: (Holding Kaewta back) It’s alright Kaewta. Your sister has just gone to bed.

Kaewta: I’m going to bring you some cool water. You’ve been reading books all night, you must be tired, right?

Tipaya: No, dear. I’m not thirsty. Why are you wearing a belt to sleep?

Kaewta: (Lovingly touching the leather belt) Dad gave it to me.

Tipaya: Yes, but he bought it for you to wear during the day, so you can be pretty (Reaches out to unbuckle the belt) Here, let me help you take it off. Sleeping in it will only be uncomfortable.

Kaewta presses on her mother’s hands to stop her from undoing the belt.

Kaewta: (Proud) I like it. I put it on all by myself. I didn’t even ask for Pin’s help.

Tipaya: (Sighs. She looks at her daughter lovingly) Up to you. I just wanted you to sleep well.

Kaewta curiously runs her hands smoothly across her waist and touches the belt.

Kaewta: I sleep better like this. When I wake up and feel the belt around me, I feel safe.

Tipaya: (Laughs and pats Kaewta’s shoulders) Time to go back to sleep. (Kaewta strays towards the piano.) No, Kaewta. It’s late, and everybody is asleep.

Kaewta: I’m going to play softly, I can help daddy sleep.

Tipaya: (Puts her arm around her daughter’s elbow and starts to lead her off stage.) No, dear, it’s late.

Act 1, Scene 5

At Pipob and Tipaya’s house:

Kaewta is playing the piano with her mother standing next to her. Kaewta is attempting to impress her mother with her abilities. The song that she is playing has a delightful and catchy tune.

Kaewta: (Stops playing) Do you like it?

Tipaya: Yes, but you’re not playing with your left hand as much, so yesterday’s was a bit better.

Kaewta: (Thinking) Hmm, I don’t remember yesterday’s. I only have today’s song today. 

Tipaya: It’s the song you played for daddy yesterday.

Kaewta: Um..Oh. Oh, the song I played yesterday. The “today’s song” of yesterday. Um, I don’t...something like this?

Kaewta plays the same tune, but her left hand plays a different role. Kaewta’s left hand deftly challenges her right, playing more and more. Pipob walks through the door holding a briefcase. He walks straight towards the pantry and starts to make a cup of coffee. The moment her father walks in, Kaewta’s song is noticeably more lively, vying for Pipob’s attention. When Kaewta’s talents failed to impress her father, she immediately stops playing and walks towards him.

Kaewta: Daddy, you seem tired. I’m going to get you some cool water. (Walks out).

Tipaya: (Helps Pipob make coffee.) How was it, at the bank today?

Pipob: Quite busy. It’s almost payday. 

Kaewtaa walks into the room with a glass full of water. She hands it to Pipob and stares at him.

Pipob: Thank you, honey. But, I’m going to drink some coffee first. So, what did you do in school today?

Kaewta: We stopped making sail boats. Now we’re building a train. I’m in the group where we stick the train stickers together daddy!

Pipob: Mhmm.

Kaewta: There’s a new teacher today. He’s very good at drawing pictures. He’s also good at moulding.

Tipaya: What’s his name?

Kaewta: His name is (pauses to think) Krit.

Pipob: Tipaya, don’t forget we have that company event this Saturday.

Tipaya: (Attempts to hide her lack of interest) Pin’s on a break too. We’ll have to get Kloyjai to watch Kaewta. (Sighs).

Pipob: It’s a big event. We have to be there.

Kaewta: (Impatient) Daddy.

Pipob: Mmm, yes?

Kaewta: Did you get a lot of customers at the bank today?

Pipob: Not really dear.

Kaewta: (Worried).Then you can’t pay for the piano right daddy?

Pipob: Of course I can. We’ll be out of debt by the end of this month. (Frustrated). Don’t eavesdrop on our conversation. Don’t talk to me about matters you don’t understand. It only aggravates me.

Tipaya: (Hugs Kaewta’s shoulders) Pipob, please.

Pipob: (Looks stressed. As he pats Kaewta’s head, tears start to form in his eyes. Pipob starts to walk away offstage). Alright, alright, it’s been a busy day.

Tipaya eases Kaewta onto the piano seat.

Kaewta: (Her voice devoid of emotion) Daddy is tired because we have to pay off the money for the piano.

Tipaya: No, honey. This has nothing to do with the piano.

Kaewta: (Monotone) There weren’t a lot of customers at the bank today.

Tipaya: No, there weren’t. (Tipaya looks towards Pipob who has just walked back on the stage. Pipob seems annoyed.) Kaewta, stop repeating things honey. Let’s play the piano.

Kaewta looks after her father who has just left the stage and starts to play her composition, “Daddy”. The song stumbles inconsistently upon broken tunes. There are no chords and the song exhales an air of confusion. As she is playing, Kaewta starts to rock back and forth, but very slightly. She feels all alone.

Tipaya: (Rushes to embrace Kaewta tightly. She shakes her softly.) Kaewta, daddy’s in the shower. He’ll be here soon. Kaewta, he’s coming.

Kaewta stops rocking but seems to slowly collapse in Tipaya’s arms.

Kaewta: (Like a machine) I won’t repeat things. Daddy doesn’t like people who repeat things.

Tipaya: Yes, yes. I know.

Kaewta: Mommy, I want you to meet Mr.Krit.

A stylishly dressed Kloyjai walks in.

Tipaya: Wow! (teasingly) You look happy! What’s going on at work?

Kloyjai: Good news mom! “Siam Air” wants me to drop by next Monday!

Pipob enters the room and Kloyjai gleefully runs to him.

Kloyjai: Dad! I got the job! Aren’t you excited? Chanin was cheering me when he heard!

Pipob: Wonderful! (Pats her shoulder) I’m so proud of you! But, this must mean we won’t be seeing you very often anymore.

Kloyjai: Of course you will! This means I can fly to Phuket to see you.

Tipaya: Kloyjai, about Phuket, dad’s not one hundred per cent sure that we’re moving. Oh, you’re going to be in the air for so often! I’ll be so worried!

Kloyjai: Mom, you should be happy, because this means you get to spend more time with Kaewta. (Proudly looks at her sister and teases her).

Kaewta: You’re flying on an aeroplane?

Kloyjai: Yes.

Kaewta: Daddy, who can fly higher, the bird or the aeroplane?

Kloyjai: Hey, Kaewta, can I borrow your belt tomorrow? I’ve barely seen you in it.

Kaewta: (Confused) What…

Kloyjai: (Annoyed) The belt dad bought you.

Kaewta: But I wear it to sleep every night.

Kloyjai: For whom, Pin? (Laughs)

Kaewta: It helps me sleep.

Kloyjai: Let me wear it tomorrow, please?

Kaewta: (Shifting incomfortably) You won’t take it for long right?

Kloyjai: (Stares at her sister) Fine. You can keep it.

Pin: (Walks into the room) Dinner’s almost ready. Mrs. Tip, did you want to help fry the vegetables?

Pipob: Come, Kaewta. Let’s go eat.

Tipaya walks out with Pin. The two are followed by Kloyjai. Kaewta walks out with Pipob.

Kaewta: (looks up at Pipob) Daddy, who can fly higher, the bird or the aeroplane?

The stage is left empty and the lights are dimmed to show that dinner time has passed. The lights brighter up again when Tipaya and Pipob walk into the room. Tipaya starts to make coffee.

Pipob: (Serious) About Phuket, we don’t have that much time left, there’s a problem at the headquarters there.

Tipaya:  (Hands him the coffee without looking at him) You’re not changing your mind?

Pipob: I have to travel next Monday. There’s a job on Wednesday.

Tipaya: (Tipaya, slightly hurt, looks at Pipob and starts to fiddle) What about me and the children?

Pipob: You all can come with me, if you follow me (stares at Tipaya) We’ve already discussed this. There’s a deadline you know. In this house, we have to pay our own rent. In that house, the bank will be paying it for us! What else do you want?

Tipaya: How about my job?

Pipob: I told you, just resign. Phuket is the city of the rich. You can tutor someone’s rich kid. Think about the rent. Think about the income this job will get me. We’ll be free of all our debt. (Paces) I’ve done it your way every time. At fifty six, I finally got the job. (Laughs proudly)

Tipaya: How about Kaewta? Did you know that just last week, she made over a hundred trains per day? Altogether that’s 1050 trains. She’s so proud that she can help you raise mone(y. Do you even realize how happy this makes her?

Pipob: Kaewta will never be a normal person. Even now, no one will believe how far she’s gone. We’ve helped her so much. Tipaya, I’ve had enough. (Sarcastic voice) This is your fault.

Tipaya: (Angrily turns her head) This is nobody’s fault! We’re the reason that she’s here. If we died before her…

Pipob: (Shouting in anger) If! If!

Tipaya: (Attempting to get her emotions under control) If I quit my job and someday you don’t come home, then what? Kaewta is proud that she can work. She’s in her own world. How can we take that away from her? She won’t have a job, she won’t have friends!

Pipob: (Yelling) I’m only inviting you. You don’t have to come!

Tipaya: You should go and visit Dhong. Pohm’s made a home for him in the room at the back of the house. Go look. You love Kaewta.Well, you used to love her so much.

Pipob: My flight is in the evening. Think it through. (There is a moment of silence. Pipob’s face shifts from that of anger to sorrow.) Tipaya, you’ve changed so much. Remember when we were newly married? You use to drag me to the theatres, we would watch marathons.

Tipaya: (Giggles) Really? I don’t recall that. But I do remember when we went to celebrate my pregnancy with Kloyjai. We were having dinner at the “Erawan” and it cost almost half of your salary! And the moment we got home, I had evening sickness. It was such a shame! (Laughs)

Pipob: (Laughs) That’s weird, I don’t remember any of that. (A moment of silence passes and Pipob stands up to leave) Well, what else is there?  Even memories… We can’t even remember recall the same things.

Pipob walks past Kaewta at the edge of the stage. Kaewta is relentlessly trying to clasp her belt, but in vain. Pipob stops and stares at his daughter, feeling confused.

Pipob: (Looks kindly at his daughter) Here, let me.

Kaewta glows with delight as her father meticulously secures the belt.

Act 1, Scene 6

In “factory-room” of the Special School for the Educable Children:

Kaewta, Sawitree, Sirah, and others are all carefully pasting colourful sitckers on rows of sticker trains. On a nearby table, boys and girls with a lower IQ are actually sticking individual trains into a long line before passing the trains on to Kaewta’s table for Kaewta’s table to paste animal stickers on the window of the train. A male teacher is overseeing the “train making” table while Krit is looking after Kaewta’s.

Sawitree: I’m done.

Male Teacher: (Pours a pile of unassembled sticker trains onto her desk) Here, there’s about sixty cars, so you could probably make thirty more trains.

Sira is the same age as Kaewta. Although he is bigboned, he speaks and acts in a feminine manner. Sira seems frustrated as he can’t seem to be able to stick the stickers properly. Finally, he gets up and calls Krit.

Sira: Mr.Krit?

Krit: Yes? (Walks towards Sira)

Kaewta looks after her teacher, but catches herself and quickly looks back down hastily continues to stick stickers. After a while, Kaewta starts to count the stickers, taking her time.

Sira: There’s not enough glue. The stickers won’t stay in place.

Krit: Let me have a look (tries sticking the sticker). It seems to be working fine.

Sira: (Frustrated) Whenever I stick them, they’re always crooked. It’s the glue! Look at Kaewta, her glue is better.

Kaewta: How do you know?

Kaewta looks up from her work and smiles at Sira, then continues to do her work. She has nimble fingers that seem to dance along the page as she flawlessly pastes the stickers.

Sira: (Stands up and gazes at Kaewta’s work) See? Her glue is great. The stickers all go in the right place. Please, sir, can I have better stickers?

Krit: Kaewta, would you trade some stickers with Sira?

Kaewta quickly selects and passes the stickers to Krit with a bright smile. Krit passes these stickers to Sira.

Krit: Alright, Sira. You now have the good stickers. Now, aim carefully and make sure to look at the outline of the train… yes… easy does it… perfect.

Sira: I told you so. The glue is  not good. It is really bad. Bad.  So baadd. Here, here, here, it’s straight.

Krit: (Chuckles softly) Make sure to go slowly, you’ll get better at it (Picks up Sira’s work to admire). Hmm… (Speaks to Siralike a pal)  Now… Sira, what isn’t so good?,  The glue or your mood?

Sira:  The glue. (There is a moment of silence. Sira looks at Krit and starts to laugh. Sira looks at him and admit grudgingly)  Angry.  Not happy

Krit: How come?

Sira: Well, Kaewta.  She doesn’t  believe me.

Krit:  What doesn’t she believe?

Sira:  Peking Demon is inside my maid.  The demon pinch me.

Kaewta: All right, All right. You’re maid is … p..pos… ..sessed.

Krit:  (Looks at Kaewta, surprised) Possessed?  You know the word, possessed?  Where did you learn it?

Sira: And I talked to Kaewta but she doesn’t answer, she keeps saying that she wants to stick on more stickers.

Kaewta: (Slightly embarrassed) that’s because you talk too much. It’s too much talking.  I want to do this..I want to finish this.

Sira: She only wants money.  She says she want money for her dad.  Her dad pays for her piano. She loves piano. Kaewta makes up songs.

Kaewta: I… I… (Looks at Krit as if confused)… He talks.  Talks.  He makes too much noise in my ears.

Male Teacher: (From the corner of the room) Allright everybody! Break time. Everyone count the amount of trains you’ve done. Write it down on your work sheet.  Like this (Demonstrates) I’ll go around checking.  Then go for lunch in the main room now.

Everyone starts to count their work, some quickly, some slowly. It is clear that Kaewta has completed more trains than others.

The characters start to come off stage except for the male teacher and Krit who are checking the trains. Refusing to leave the room, Kaewta peeks after Krit.

Krit: Aren’t you going to eat?

Kaewta: I’m not very hungry. My dad tells me that I get fat too.  I am big.  I am heavy and he won’t carry me any more. (She pauses as if feeling sorry for herself.) My mom tells me I’m not fat.

Krit: And who do you believe?

Kaewta: (Confused) Can I believe Dad.  I believe Mom? (Krit chuckles) Daddy likes to talk to Kloyjai more.  Kloyjai is pretty, slim.  Her boyfriend, Chanin,knows how to fly, too. Chanin also only likes to talk to Kloyjai.

Krit:  They like to talk to you too.   I like to talk to you..

Kloyjai:  (Look happy.  Then turns sad) Sometimes dad gets annoyed with me.  Sometimes he says I don’t understand what they’re talking about.  (Stops… Thinks) He doesn’t say, but I know. I know he wants to say I don’t understand what they are talking about. (Starts to repeat) Daddy thinks I’m too fat, but I can wear the belt he bought me.

Krit:  (Watching her thoughtfully)

Sira: (Walks into the room and listens to the last part of the conversation) you’re not fat. This is perfect. Sawitree…. (cringes) she’s too thin….so thin… Bones here, here. (Looks Kaewta up and down). I think you’re just about right. You have a pretty face too, (looks at Krit) Right?

Kaewta is anticipating Krit’s answer.

Krit: You’re not fat. I bet your dad was just teasing.

Sira: When are we going stop making these things? (Points at the trains with a disgusted look on his face)

Krit: Are you bored of trains?

Sira: Not bored.   But why stick up these animals?  They live in Zoos.  Animals don’t ride trains,.  Never saw giraffe in trains.

Krit: It’s a children’s toy.

Sira: Kids know giraffes are in zoo. 

Krit: Come, come. Let’s go prepare ourselves.  Lunch in 15 minutes.

Sira walks out.  

Krit still clearing up certain things on stage.  Kaewta lingers.

Kaewta:   Can I stay? 

Krit:  All right.  (Looks at time.) For 10 minutes.  (Goes on with some task)We’re changing the stickers next week.

Kaewta: Really? That’s great!

Krit: Oh, you don’t like the trains either?

Kaewta: Oh no. I love trains. I love riding on a train to visit my grandmother in Prae (is suddenly still) Daddy says that a train needs tracks to run and that the tracks are all made of metal. I feel bad for the trains.

Krit: (Interested) Why?

Kaewta: (Confused) I don’t know. (Works quietly for a little bit) A train is forced to run on its track right? Without the railing, the train won’t be able to move…

Krit: You don’t like the tracks? Is that why you feel bad for the train?

Kaewta: (Looks up at Krit and tries to think of an answer) I’m not sure.

Krit pulls out a cutter blade from his shirt pocket and starts to cut out some stickers in preparation for the next acitivity.   Kaewta watches him work for and then continues to paste stickers.

Kaewta: Do you ride trains?

Krit: Of course, that’s how I get back home to Ubol (pronounced Ooh-Bohn).

Kaewta: Is Ubol in Prae?

Krit: Not quite. Prae is in the north, while Ubol is in the northeast.

Kaewta: The east is where the sun comes up right? I remember that Miss. Phensays sotaught me this. I never knew that trains could ride all the way to the sun. That’s wonderful.

Krit: (Looks at Kaewta but mutters to himself) ‘Wonderful’.She believes that a train can reach the edge of the horizon?

Kaewta: I’d like to take Daddy and mom on a train, and we can ride up to where the sky touches the ground. But the horizon is just so far away.

Krit: Kaewta, you won’t get there. (Thoughtfully to himself as he looks at her.) The tracks won’t let you.

Kaewta: My grandma’s house at Prae has a lot of really tall trees. Does your house in Ubol have these tall trees too?

Krit: No, there’s not that many trees around where I live. There’s  lots of paddy fields for growing rice.  When we stand in the middle of the fields, we can see the sky in every direction… you know, you can see the sky everywhere you turn. You can see a few trees here and there, but the fields spread out.  Like squares of green velvet.  In some places you can hardly see where it all ends.

Kaewta: (Is quiet for a while) When you look up, do you see any birds?

Krit: (Awaken from his own thoughts) Of course.  Birds love paddy fields. 

Kaewta: Do you think that Chanin’s aeroplane can fly higher than those birds?

Krit: Yes, airplanes have strong engines.  They can fly higher than the birds.

Kaewta: I think flying as high as a bird is good enough. Aeroplanes are really loud right?

Krit: (Interested) Yes.

Kaewta:  I don’t like engine noise.  It boom boom big in my ears. The booms are too big.  Voice of leaves are so nice.  They whisper.  Nice, nice whispers.  And little laughs, little laughs.

Tipaya walks in but stands at the door listening in on the conversation.

Kaewta: If we flew up on an aeroplane together, the boom boom wouldn’t let us to hear the sound of the sky right?

Krit: (Starting to get cautious) No, we probably won’t hear the sky. Do you like birds?

Kaewta: Yes. Could you draw me a picture of a bird up in the clouds?

Krit: Of course. (Drawing and listening to Kaewta’s words, they both seem to be at ease with each other’s presence)

Kaewta: I like seeing the birds fly. Sometimes they stretch, stretch, stretch out and their wings.  Like they want to touch the clouds.   Just like in you’re drawing , and sometimes they fly higher and higher…

Krit: (Still drawing) The birds seem to disappear into the clouds, like this yes?  (Holds up his drawing for her to see)

Kaewta: (Giggling) Yes, yes. I love it when they do that, and some bird sweep the skies with their wings and ,make those beautiful  (Kaewta makes arches with the full length of her right arm, them joyeously open wide both arms swirling herself to create arches almost like an awkward yet beautiful dance)  I beautiful, beautiful, beautiful in the sky.  And (breathlessly) colours, colours  too.  (Stop and thinks)  they’re called, umm…

Krit: Rainbow.  (After watching Kaewta with something close to fascination)  Rainbow, Kaewta. They’re called rainbows.

Tipaya walks in as Kaewta is speaking and stares at the two of them without either of them knowing it.

Tipaya: You must be Mr.Krit.

Krit: (Wai) Yes.

Tipaya: I’m here to pick Kaewta up for lunch and then take her to the orthodontist’s .

Krit: Yes, MissNongNutch already let  me know.

Kaewta: I don’t want to go yet. Mr.Krit hasn’t finished my drawing yet.

Tipaya: You like the nice dentist right? Let’s not make her wait, dear.

Kaewta: I don’t want to go.

Krit: I’ll color it in tomorrow for you, but please just go with your mom first.

Kaewta grudgingly collects her things.

Tipaya: Mr.Krit, are you new at teaching?

Krit: Yes, I just moved here this semester.

Tipaya: If you don’t mind me asking, what did you major at in school?

Krit: No not at all. I have a degree in Psychology.

Sira walks in.

Kaewta: (Angrily) I don’t want to go see the doctor today. I don’t like it when you pick me up early.

Sira: (Walks in to greet Tipaya with a ‘wai’) SawasdeeKrub, Ma’am. Why won’t Kaewta talk to me (teasingly) She only likes to talk to Mr.Krit, here.

Act 1, Scene 7

At Pipob and Tipaya’s house.

A disheartened Kaewta is sitting at the piano, playing ‘Daddy’. She is rocking slightly. Although Tipaya is listening to her daughter play, she doesn’t come in to console her and allows Kaewta to grieve alone. Kaewta is quiet but continues to rock. Tipaya finally walks across the room and places a hand on Kaewta’s shoulders but Kaewta recoils from her touch. Kaewta stands up and stares blamingly at Tipaya.

Kaewta: When is daddy coming back?

Tipaya: (Hurt) He’s told you already. Next month. Daddy told you this right before he boarded, at the airport, remember?

Kaewta: (Raising her voice until almost screaming) You fought with daddy, that’s why he left. Daddy loves me. He loves me. He wants to stay with me. You fought with daddy. You drove him out!

Tipaya: No dear. Daddy went to work. Remember? He told you. Kaewta, I love you too.

Starts walking towards Kaewta, but Kaewta steps away.

Tipaya: I love you Kaewta.

Kaewta suddenly goes still while Tipaya cautiously walks towards her. Tipaya carefully pulls Kaewta into a hug, and Kaewta starts to cry in her mother’s arms.

Kaewta: I love you too, but I miss daddy so much.  I want daddy to hug me. (Sobs. She then looks up at her mother and starts to speak in a hardened tone) Why did you have to fight with daddy?

Tipaya, overwhelmed, steps out of the embrace. There is a spotlight on her as everything else goes dark.

Tipaya: (To herself) Fight with daddy?

Pipob’s voice echoes in Tipaya’s mind.

Pipob’s Voice: The application of psychology in developing agricultural communities. Guest speaker Professor Tipaya can’t leave the lecture, but she can leave her high fevered baby at home alone with a maid. At home alone  to suffer a seizure. A seizure so severe that it damages the child’s brain beyond repair. I’ve never said a word about this to hurt you. I used to love you so much, Tipaya. But you, you with your guilt… oh, the guilt made you obsessive.  Actually, you have always been obsessive.  You know with what?  Success, Tipaya.  Success in everything you set out to do.  Your career.  Yes, and marriage.  Well, That, until your failure with Kaewta.  Right?  You baby became a mental retard because of your obsession with career success.  You had to succeed in something else, right?  In developing your little girl from the predicted 6 year-mental age to as far as far as any living mother can do, yes further than any living mother can do.  Yes, yes.  The obsession took over again didn’t it,  Tippaya?  And in the course of it you have succeed in blighting love.  Love between usI don’t even know if I can still feel love anymore. Tipaya, everyone respects you for the things you have done… the wonder mother, how much and how well you have helped our Kaewta. (Bitter Chuckle) Professor Tipaya, adept in the field of human development, but I’m human too. You seem to have forgotten that. Be careful Tipaya, the sin that you’re so set on cleansing is going to bring upon your downfall. You’re simply too good at what you do, and it will consume you.

Act 1, Scene 8

At Pipob and Tipaya’s house: the same setting as before.

Kaewta is playing the piano profusely, her nimble fingers dancing on the keyboard. Kaewta is softly playing the song, ‘Daddy’. A stylish Kloyjai walks in humming.

Kloyjai: Where’s mom?

Kaewta: She’s at..um.. I don’t know.

Kloyjai: I just got back from Phuket. Dad told me to tell you that he misses you.

Kaewta: (Suddenly brightens up) When is daddy coming back? I miss him.

Kloyjai: (Not listening) It was so fun, Kaewta. Chanin taught me to water ski, I’ve got bruises all over to prove it too.

Kaewta: Bruise how? Are they green or purple?

Kloyjai: Dad’s doing really well, a lot better than he was here, he’s called the ‘Big Boss’ there.  Aurachon’s pretty attached to him if you ask me.

Kaewta: Who’s attached to daddy?

Kloyjai: WanAurachon, whose father owns the beach restaurant. In fact, we just celebrated there, good restauraunt.

Kaewta: Is WanAurachon a girl or a boy?

Kloyjai: Obviously a girl. She’s gorgeous too. Hey, look at this, she got me a bracelet. Don’t you just love it?

Kaewta: And when is daddy coming back? Mom says maybe next week…

Kloyjai: Dad can’t come back next week. Aurachon’s got a guest coming from abroad, they’ve planned a trip together.

Kaewta: Why isn’t Daddy coming back?

Kloyjai: Well they invited him on the trip too. This man is very important you know, he’s a foreigner who’s willing to invest a lot in Thailand. (Pauses) Listen Kaewta, I’m about to tell you something very important.

Kaewta: Wait, I’ll be back in a minute.

Kaewta walks out. Kloyjai is daydreaming with a wistful look on her face. Kaewta walks back in with the belt and Kloyjai pulls her sister into a nearby chair.

Kloyjai: Kaewta, we need to have a little chat. I’m really happy right now. So, so, so happy.

Kaewta is trying to hand the belt to Kloyjai the whole time that Kloyjaiis speaking.

Kaewta: I want you to have this.

Kloyjai: Kaewta, a month from now, Chanin and I will be married.

Kaewta: (Trying to give the belt to her sister) You wanted this belt right? I’m giving it to you.

Kloyjai: (Not listening) Aren’t you happy for me? (Glances at the belt and finally understands what Kaewta is saying) Thank you, but it’s alright. Chanin bought me a lot of those from the states. I know you love it, so you can keep it.

Kaewta: I don’t love it.

Kloyjai: (Instantly annoyed) Fine, whatever, thank you. Are you going to listen?

Kaewta: Yes.

Kaewta: Listen carefully, after Chanin and I are married, we’re going to fly off to Japan…

Kaewta: Mr.Krit says that birds can fly higher than airplanes.

Kloyjai: …for a honeymoon

Kaewta: (Suddenly interested) What happens in a honeymoon?

Kloyjai: Oh.. Uh..Kaewta, do you want to know how he proposed? We were just talking and he suddenly grabs my hand and whispers in my ear, “We’re going to get married next month, Kloy”.

Kaewta: (Very interested) And what else did he do?

Kloyjai: (Stares at her sister, unsure of whether to continue or not) He pulled me into a hug and kissed me twice saying that each kiss was for a child that we would have.

Kaewta: Kissing means that you have babies?

Kloyjai: (Not listening) Once we’re married, I’m going to move in with Chanin. I’ll finally get out of this place.

Kaewta: Are you going to fly there? (Kloyjai is deep in thought and unresponsive to Kaewta’s questions). Kloy…

Kloyjai: Yes?

Kaewta: Mr.Krit’s house is in the east where the sun comes up. The sky there is so large and open, and when you look up, you see birds flying everywhere.

Kloyjai: (Laughs) Well, this teacher of yours is very descriptive. Alright, I’m going upstairs.

Kaewta seats herself by the piano and starts talking to Kloyjai who is humming happily as she walks out.

Kaewta: (Kaewta talks to the piano) I want to go live in Mr.Krit’s house. (Sits still and looks up with determination) Mr.Krit loves me.

Kaewta starts to play the tune of ‘Daddy’ on the piano. However, there is a noticeable difference in that the song is happier and filled with hope rather than anguish and disappointment. The speed varies widely, slow to fast, according to Kaewta’s emotions. The song is inconsistent because Kaewta is composing it as she goes along. Tipaya walks in on Kaewta and listens.

Tipaya: That’s beautiful, what is it called?

Kaewta: ‘Skies’.

Tipaya: This song’s name is quite different from your usual names, how come?

Kaewta: (Thinking) I don’t know. Mr.Krit told me that the sky in Ubol is so broad and open. You could look up and see all the birds.

Tipaya: (Thinking of a way to change the topic) When school closes, we’ll go to Prae to see all the birds.  Do you remember when you found the bird with the broken wing and nursed it back to health?

Kaewta: (Laughs with glee) Yes! I told him to be careful, or else he might break his wing again. He flew up, up, up and right into the clouds. We’re visiting grandma by train?

Tipaya: Yes, just the way that we’ve always have.

Kaewta: I want to ride that train to where the sun sinks into the ground.

Tipaya: The place where it looks like the sun is touching the ground is called the horizon.

Kaewta: Yes, that’s it. I want to take you on a train right to where the sun rises. I want to take Daddy, and grandma and Pin. Oh, and Kloy and Chanin too.

Tipaya: Trains can’t go that far. No one can go that far. We can only see the horizon honey, it’s really far away. It seems like it’s where the sky meets the earth, but it’s only an illusion. Do you understand?

Kaewta: Mr.Krit says that there are trains that can go there. The sun comes up in the east, which is where he lives. He’s going there during the break.

Tipaya: You must’ve heard him wrong dear.

Kaewta: That’s what he said. He also told me that aeroplanes can fly higher than birds, but I think they’re loud, so it’s best if they just fly soundless like birds. I bet the birds love to sound of the sky.

Tipaya: You seem to like Mr. Krit a lot.

Kaewta: I like to talk to him about trees, and rivers, and his house. It’s the same way that Chanin and Kloy talk. She’s told me about their talks.

Tipaya: (Shocked) You must really like him.

Kaewta: I really do. (Thinks) Mom?

Tipaya: (Cautious) Yes, honey? What do you want to ask?

Kaewta: (Nostalgic) When a man holds a woman’s hands, does it mean he wants to marry her?

Tipaya: Why do you ask?

Kaewta: Does it?

Tipaya: (Choosing her words carefully) Not always. It depends on how he holds her hand.

Kaewta: And if he kisses your hand it means that you will have one child? Do two kisses means two children.

Tipaya: (Growing uncomfortable) No, dear. I don’t think you understand. Tell me why you want to know this?

Kaewta: I just do.

Tipaya: (Grabs both of Kaewta’s hands and looks her in the eyes) Did anyone do this to you?

Kaewta delves into imagination and starts to lose touch of reality.

Kaewta: Yes. Mr. Krit.

Tipaya lets go of Kaewta. Kaewta  starts to play ‘Skies’. This time, the song is complete and reflects Kaewta’sinnocence and happiness. All the lights starts to dim the moment that Kaewta starts to play and shines on a corner of the stage: The Kitchen. We can see Pin beating eggs. Tipaya walks into the kitchen and the song fades out slightly indicating that we are now in a different room.

Tipaya: (Holds her hand up to silence Pin’s beating) Pin, listen… Kaewta’s never played something so beautiful.

Pin: (Admiring the song) It’s amazing. (Proud) My pretty child, she’s getting more and more beautiful every day. (Looks at Tipaya) Mrs. Tip, are you alright?

Tipaya: (teary-eyed) Yes, I’m fine. It’s just, this song is incredible.

Pin: Isn’t that a good thing?

Tipaya: It’s been shaped from the song ‘Daddy’ that I named for her. It’s the song that Kaewta would play  every time her father ignored her or hurt her feelings.

Pin: Oh.

Tipaya: But that song, it turned into this. Kaewta named it herself. It’s just so melodious and pure. (Stops to think) And yet, there’s this feeling that I just can’t shake off. This situation, this song, is too good to be true. (The song ends and Tipaya makes up her mind). Pin, I’m going to need to set up a meeting with Mr.Krit this Saturday.

Act 1, Scene 9

At Pipob and Tipaya’s house.

(The stage is clear)

Pin’s voice:   (Offstage) You finally got Dhong back? I’m so relieved.

Pohm’s voice: (Offstage) Haven’t you heard? The police called me to pick him up at the station yesterday. Wheres the professor?

Pin’s voice: (Offstage) She’ll be back soon, she’s on an errand. She’s got an appointment with Kaewta’s teacher at four.

Pohm’s voice: (Offstage) I called the professor last night asking her if I could drop Dhong off. I’ll be back to pick him up in the afternoon. There’s nobody at home, and I don’t really want him to go missing again.

Kaewta walks in and seats herself at the piano while the sound of the conversation flows into the room.

Pin’s voice:   (Offstage) Where did the police find him?

Pohm’s voice:   (Offstage) He was sitting in the middle of the market. Topless.  Someone just took his shirt and he was really dirty.

Pin’s voice:   I bet he took a lot of cleaning.

Pohm’s voice:   Yes, definitely. I have to go soon. But he won’t make a mess, I promise. If he needs o go, he’ll tell you.

Kaewta: (Stands up and walks towards the direction of the voice) Pin, who’s here?

Pin half walks half drags Dhong into the room. Dhong is now 34 years old. He looks pale and is dressed in long trousers and a clean shirt.

Pin: This is Dhong, the man who your parents have been talking about.

Kaewta: (Looks at Dhong as if he were a normal person) Uncle Pohm’s brother?

Pin: Yes.

Pin sets Dhong into a chair. Dhong starts to rock back and forth.

Kaewta: (Greets him with a Wai) SawasdeeKa. (asks Pin) Uncle Dhong is retarded, I mean, disabled like me right?

Pin: That’s not true. You’re good at the things you do. This one can barely even speak.

Kaewta: I’ll talk to him. Uncle Dhong, you are like me. (Carefully sounds out the words ‘intellectually disabled’)

Pin: That’s good. I’m going upstairs to clean. If he makes a commotion, shout for me.

Kaewta: So you want me to call you when he needs the restroom?

Pin: You are amazing.

Kaewta: Pin, could you get some water for uncle Dhong?

Pin: (Adoringly) Yes, Ma’am. I’ll be right back.

Pin walks out.

Kaewta: I’ll stay here with uncle Dhong. (Grabs a pillow for Dhong to rest on) This will be more comfortable. You stay at home all day, so you must be lonely right? When I’m lonely, I play the piano and look at the pictures in books.

Pin walks in and places a cup of water on a nearby desk, she looks up and adores Kaewta for a moment and then walks out.

Kaewta: Here’s some water. (Hands the cup to Dhong who is still rocking back and forth, though less so) Don’t you want some? (Looks at Dhong and is eagerly waiting for an answer, while Dhong further slows his rocking). Here, I’ll help you.

Kaewta feeds the water to Dhong and reaches for a handkerchief from her pocket to clean the water trickling down Dhong’s chin. Dhong stops rocking and looks at Kaewta, who smiles back at him.

Kaewta: I don’t really feel lonely though, because I get to go to school. When I’m at home, I think about Daddy. He’s strong. Mr.Krit is strong too. Yesterday, he carried my work box. (Starting to daydream) He has large hands you know, and they are the same color as the belt that Daddy bought for me.

Kaewta starts to daydream about her teacher but soon remembers that Dhong is there with her. Kaewta stands up and looks for a book.

Kaewta: Daddy likes to buy picture books for me. I love them, and I think you will too.

While Kaewta is choosing a book to show him, Dhong suddenly stands up and starts flailing his arms about and muttering loud, indiscernible noises as he looks downwards. Kaewta rushes towards him.

Kaewta: You need to use the bathroom? (looks downward) Oh, I see. It’s only a tiny cockroach. It’s already gone, you’ll be fine.

Eases Dhong into a chair. Dhong starts to rock heavily. Kaewta tries to calm him down; she puts one of her arms around his shoulders and rocks back and forth slowly with him to alleviate him. It seems to be working and Dhong gradually stops rocking. Dhong puts his head on Kaewta’s shoulders. The scene looks like a mother and her child sharing each other’s warmth.

Pin’s Voice: (Offstage) Welcome, sir. Mrs.Tipaya is not in right now but she’ll be back soon. Kaewta is here though.

Krit walks in and stops at the doorway to appreciate the site of Kaewta and Dhong. Kritstands there trying to comprehend an emotion an emotion that is beginning to form.

Krit: What are you doing, Kaewta?

Kaewta looks up in surprise, once she sees who it is, a smile forms on her face. Dhong does not register any new presence and continues to sit in the same position.

Kaewta: I’m calming uncle Dhong.

Krit: (Cautious) I don’t think you should be… uh…

Kaewta loosens her grip on Dhong.

Kaewta: Did you come to see me?

Krit: (Friendly tone) Are you happy that I’m here?

Kaewta: (Holds her breath) I am more than happy! You should come here more often. In fact, you should come here every day!

Krit: (Chuckles) I can’t come every day…

Kaewta: But I want you to come every day… This is uncle Dhong (to Dhong).You’re better now right? (Eases herself out of Dhong’s grip and sets him so that he can sit by himself) It’s only a tiny insect, so I’m going to let you sit by yourself now. (To Krit) He’s afraid of cockroaches. I’ll go get you some water.

Kaewta is about to walk out but Pin is already bringing the water in.

Kaewta: Oh Pin! Just in time!

Kaewta hands the glass to Krit. Pin leaves, and Krit goes to greet Dhong.

Krit: How are you Dhong? I didn’t know Mrs.Tipaya had a little brother.

Kaewta: Oh no, his brother is a friend of Mom’s. Like a fake brother.

Krit: (Adoring her) Oh, so he must be a fake uncle then.

Kaewta: Uncle Dhong really has a fear of cockroaches, he was shaking all over. So then I tried to soothe him the same way that Daddy once soothed me. Daddy used to hug me tight and I just stopped being scared. Sometimes, I even want someone to hug me the same way that Chanin hugs Kloyjai.

Krit starts to get increasingly uncomfortable. He looks at Kaewta warily.

Krit: Don’t hug a man like that again.

Kaewta: Why can’t I hug uncle Dhong?

Krit: Because, it’s not… not appropriate.

Tipaya walks in to listen to the last snippets of the conversation.

Kaewta: You’re here to talk with my mom about me?

Krit: Yes, your mom asked.

Kaewta: (Excited and happy) Just like the way Chanin came to talk to mommy and daddy about my sister!

Tipaya walks in.

Krit: Oh, I just got here. I was afraid of getting stuck in traffic so I left a bit early.

Tipaya: (To Kaewta) You must be glad that your teacher is here.

Kaewta: Yes, I’m glad. (To Krit) Do you want to listen to ‘Skies’? I wrote it myself. It’s inspired by the stories you’ve told me about your home.

Krit: (Interested) Inspired how?

Tipaya: Not yet, honey. Your teacher is here to talk to me about something very important. Once we’re done, you can play.

Pin walks in.

Tipaya: Pin, could you take Kaewta and Dhong upstairs? To Kaewta’s room? Make sure the door is closed and stay with them too. Only come down once I call.

Pin: Come, Dhong, come. (Leads Dhong by the hand) Kaewta, you too.

Kaewta: But I want to stay…

Pin: Hurry up, dear.

Kaewta: (Indignant) But I want to stay! I want to play ‘Skies’ for Mr.Krit. Can I?

Tipaya: Go upstairs. I’ll call you down when we’re done. Then you can play.

Kaewta follows Pin and Dhong out.

Tipaya: Please, sit. (Krit sits) I doubt there’s ever been a parent who’s invited you all the way to their house for a talk.

Krit: No, not yet. If I do get called to a student’s house, it’s for ceramics and drawing.

Tipaya: You are very admired by Kaewta, which is why I called you here. How do you like the house?

Krit: It’s very lovely…

Tipaya: (Murmurs) It’s very lonely.

Pauses.

Tipaya: Kaewta’s father is working in Phuket. He only visits once a month.

Krit: Kaewta has told me that. She seems to be very attached to her father. I noticed that she used to talk about him quite a lot when he left.

Tipaya: Does she still?

Krit: Not as much as she used to. She used to look tired and drained but now she’s very alert. Kaewta talks a lot more now (Laughs with delight when he thinks of Kaewta) She shows a lot of interest in everything.

Tipaya: Is that so?

Krit: (Thinking) Yes, I think so. Lately, she’s getting better in everything she does. She’s very happy. Yesterday she picked a flower, put it in a vase, and left it on my desk.

Tipaya: You’ve really helped her a lot. More than other teachers have.

Krit: (Chucklees) Thank you. I think it’s because I pay attention to her. Kaewta is a lovely girl.

Tipaya: (Pauses) Lovely?

Krit: Uh… (Changes his tone to a serious one) Her rate of development is…

Tipaya:  Remarkable?

Krit: Yes, that’s it. She’s a thinker.  It’s just, her words… I sometimes have to contemplate them for days.

Tipaya: I’m glad that you… like her… a lot. She even wrote a song you know. It’s called “Skies”. She says it’s been inspired by the things you tell her about your home in Ubol.

Krit: (Laughs heartily) Inspired how?

Tipaya: Well, she told me that the sky there is wide and open and that every time you looked up, you could see birds soar.

Krit: (Getting nervous) And she turned that into a song? It’s a shame, she would be very talented if she weren’t…

Tipaya: (Thinks of Pipob’s words and starts to become defensive) If she weren’t mentally disabled because her mother left her to a seizure?

Krit: Sorry, that’s not what I meant.

Tipaya: (Calms down) Nevermind. (Walks towards the window and stares out at it) I guess it’s about to rain. (Pauses to choose her words) Kaewta asked me to go on a train ride with her, to your home. Where are you from?

Krit: Ubol, Ma’am.

Tipaya: And you’ll let us visit?

Krit:  You can stay for as long as you like. But not many people tend to stay in Esan very long.

Tipaya: If we did stay for long, wouldn’t you get tired of Kaewta?

Krit: Of course not! I’ve never been annoyed with her. You can visit whenever you like.This break maybe?

Tipaya: Thank you. (Pauses) The psychiatrist recommended sterilization a while ago… Do you think Kaewta has the chance to have a family like a normal girl? Or do you think it’s time for me to finally get  it done?

Krit: (Misunderstanding Tipaya. Speaking logically) Well in theory, an intellectually handicapped, if able to take care of him or herself to a certain level, should have the right to have a family.

Tipaya: I’m glad that we both have the same opinion on the topic.

Krit: It’s really up to you, Professor. You’re Kaewta’s mother. Do you think she’s capable of becoming a wife?

Tipaya: I don’t know how far the boundaries of a wife’s duties stretch. I don’t know who set them. But I do know that Kaewta can feel love and pain, she can express them as well. Kaewta can love much more than a normal person can. But the question is not about her ability to love, it’s about her ability to survive. Am I right?

Krit: Yes.

Tipaya: What do you think, Mr.Krit? Can she lead a married life?

Krit: It’s possible. (As he is speaking he thinks about the way that he feels towards Kaewta) But it really depends on the person…

Tipaya: (Begins to hope) On how much he understands her? Who was it that told me that you and Kaewta can carry on a conversation for ages?

Krit: (Confused) Yes, I can talk to her. As a teacher I have to try to understand her…

Tipaya: Yes. You seem to understand her better than anyone else. That’s why she likes you so much. Even the things that you say, she’s managed to turn them into a beautiful song. Kaewta… she is capable of loving. My daughter doesn’t feel hate. What do you say?

Krit: I… um… I don’t understand… It’s true. The things that you say.Kaewta doesn’t seem to have a drop of hate inside her.

Tipaya: Yes. So this break, I’m going to take Kaewta to visit your parents, to make it official.

Krit: (Confused) Visit my parents? Uh… they’ll probably like her.

Tipaya: That’s great. Not that many people would want a handicapped daughter-in-law.

Krit: (Very confused) Yes. Not that many… who are you talking about?

Tipaya: Why, your parents of course!

Krit: Excuse me?

Tipaya: We were talking about whether or not your parents will like Kaewta. They must be really good hearted people to not feel disgusted by the thought their son marrying a handicapped.

Krit: Uh… Professor, I think you must misunderstand… you don’t mean that I would… marry Kaewta?

Tipaya: (Disbelieving) What? I didn’t think you were so… indecisive. 

Krit: I’m not indecisive, ma’am. The thought of marrying Kaewta never even crossed my mind.

Tipaya: But… but then why would you do those things to her?

Krit: (Confused) I… what things have I done? What have you been hearing?

Tipaya: What have you done? Don’t pretend you don’t know

.

Krit is pacing back and forth attempting to understand the situation. Tipaya looks after him.

Krit: I’m sorry, but who has been telling you these things?

Tipaya: Why, Kaewta, of course.

Krit: Kaewta… what has she been saying?

Tipaya: You can’t even recall the things you’ve done to my daughter?

Krit: What things? I’ve only tried to help her as a any teacher should.

Tipaya: How about her? Has she not helped you at all?

Krit: Help me? Help me how, ma’am? I’ve put in all my effort to help her grow as a student… Professor, you know that I’m…

Tipaya: A saint or some sort of angel who’s here to help out a poor disabled girl? (Kaewta walks in, she looks cheerful and happy. She stops at the edge of the stage and listens to the conversation) She’s told me that you’ve been holding hands… that you’ve been kissing her palms… who knows what else she’s said because she thinks of you as her angel.

Krit: (Sighs deeply) …What? (Tries to keep his emotions in check, speaks slowly) Professor, you must know that these… things that you’ve been hearing are only a result of her imagination. Kaewta doesn’t have the ability to distinguish reality from fantasy. 

Tipaya: How can you say that? Knowing full well that she can’t defend herself…

Krit: In that case, I have nothing else to say. Goodbye.

A startled Kaewta tries to follow Krit, but stops at the piano.

Tipaya: (Attempts to belogical, but becoming increasingly irrational.Tipayas behavior increasingly resembles ananimal frantically trying to save its offspring) Wait! We need to talk! It’s obvious that you like Kaewta! Even though she can’t be your confidant in matters beyond her, she can still be there, she can provide warmth. She’s a pure heart, caring, and her IQ is almost border line. No one will be able to tell. If she’s with you, she’ll be able to develop more and more. When her father left, she came to you. You made her want you, knowing full well about her problems. You have to take responsibility for this!

Krit: So now this is my responsibility? I’m a normal man, if I’m going to marry, it would be to a normal woman who can understand my needs. Farewell, professor.

Tipaya: Wait, Don’t go! Wait! (Desperate) What am I supposed to do with Kaewta? She’ll have to… if you marry her and there are any problems, I’ll take full responsibility! No! Don’t go! I’m going to go to the school’s director, and I’m going to make them deal with you!

Krit: Professor, I think it would be wise for you to get real. It’s simply not going to happen.

Tipaya: Men like you are dangerous. There are young girls in that school! I’m going to talk to the director!

Krit: You won’t need to go through all that trouble. I’ll make it easier for you. I’m going to ask to change departments. There, I hope you’re happy. Kaewta won’t be seeing me again. I can’t spend the rest of my life with someone who is mentally disabled.

Krit walks off of the stage. Kaewta slowly slumps onto the piano. She looks down and starts to rock slightly. Kaewta slams both hands onto the keyboard, creating a thunderous, discordant sound. Tipaya runs towards her daughter.

Tipaya: (Screaming) Kaewta…

The lights start to dim while the sound of the piano stabs through the air. The lights slowly dim entirely.

There is a spotlight on Tipaya, we can only see her from her waist up to her head.

Tipaya: What am I supposed to do now? No one… no one’s going to help my with Kaewta… Kaewta darling, your horizon doesn’t exist. It’s only an illusion…

Tipaya looks up, as if reaching for a distant horizon.

Falls to her knees and starts to weep.

The crashing sound of the piano reaches a crescendo then faints out entirely. Note by note, a new tune starts to form. Tipaya regains her posture and stands up. A spotlight shines on where Kaewta is playing the piano with her right hand playing inconsistently like a child learning to walk.

Tipaya: (Gently speaking whilst slowly stepping towards Kaewta) … an infinite illusion.

Lights go out entirely.

Kaewta’s song turns into one that echoes hope in the midst of despair.

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