As the weeks passed, visiting Narin's uncle's house became almost natural.
Sometimes we went after school.
Sometimes on weekends.
His family always welcomed me with warm smiles.
Before long, I no longer felt like a guest.
One Sunday afternoon, Narin disappeared into the kitchen to help his aunt.
"I'll be back."
I nodded and remained in the courtyard.
The weather was pleasant.
A gentle breeze moved through the trees.
I sat quietly beneath the shade, enjoying the peaceful afternoon.
A few moments later, someone walked toward me.
It was Korn.
He was carrying two bottles of juice.
"You've been sitting here for a while."
"I like it here."
He handed me one of the bottles.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
For a few minutes, we simply watched the younger children playing football.
Then Korn smiled.
"You know..."
"I was surprised when I first met you."
"Why?"
"I expected someone very different."
I looked at him curiously.
"What did you expect?"
He laughed.
"Someone who talks as much as Narin."
I smiled.
"That would be impossible."
"I realized that."
He looked toward the children.
"I think your quietness makes people feel comfortable."
"No one's ever said that before."
"They should."
At that moment, Narin stepped outside.
"There you two are!"
He looked between us.
"What are you talking about?"
"Nothing important," Korn answered.
"We were just talking."
Narin smiled.
"I'm glad."
"I was worried you'd both be sitting here in complete silence."
Korn laughed.
"Actually..."
"We were."
The three of us laughed together.
As the afternoon continued, we helped Narin's uncle move a few boxes into the storage room.
The work wasn't difficult.
But it was more enjoyable because we did it together.
When everything was finished, Narin stretched his arms.
"I'm exhausted."
"You carried the lightest box," Korn teased.
"I was supervising."
"Of course you were."
I laughed quietly.
The cousins began arguing playfully.
Watching them, I realized how close they were.
As the sun began to set, it was time for me to go home.
"I'll walk Phawin to the bus stop," Narin said.
"I'll come too," Korn replied.
The three of us walked together.
Most of the conversation was between the cousins.
I listened, smiling now and then.
When we reached the bus stop, Korn looked at me.
"It was nice spending the day with you."
"You too."
"See you next time."
"I hope so."
The bus arrived.
I waved goodbye as I climbed aboard.
From the window, I saw Narin and Korn standing side by side.
Narin was talking excitedly about something.
Korn wasn't listening.
His eyes followed the bus until it disappeared around the corner.
Without realizing it...
He had started looking forward to the days when Phawin would visit.
Not because Phawin was Narin's friend.
But because...
Being around him made ordinary days feel just a little brighter.
ns216.73.217.110da2 
and then Add to home screen.