M-whY

Deer's mom greeted me with a hug and some welcoming Thai phrases that I still haven't learned. Her stepdad chuckled warmly and came out to shake my hand. Everyone else was all smiles, as if their face muscles wouldn't permit any other expression. Maybe they treat all guests this way, but it still made me feel as if I was part of the family.

We had run some errands before coming here, and so Deer pretty much had the rest of the afternoon off. We sat on the lawn, eating lotus seeds, ripe mango, and green mango, which I didn't like at first, but gradually developed a taste for. Cut into thin slices, it had the texture of guava, except a bit sweeter. Chickens strutted about, and the dog playfully circled us, looking for handouts. I gave her a piece of lotus seed. She sniffed, but didn't bite.

Even with all the snacking we did, there was still room for dinner. The straw mat was again laid out (I think this is how meals were eaten every night) and everyone gathered the tray of delicious food.

"You can't sit like this?" asked Deer. I had trouble sitting cross-legged like everyone else.

"It hurts my back."

Deer translated, and her nephew immediately went to the back and brought out a couple wooden boards for me to sit on. I accepted them gratefully. Dinner wasn't as big an event as my first night here, but still had a festive atmosphere. The family talked and joked and had a good time. Even though I didn't understand a single word, the laughter was contagious and I found myself grinning like an idiot at basically nothing.

Night fell, and geckos came out of their daytime hiding places. Even indoors, they could be found clinging to walls. I shared a few sleep inducing drinks with Deer before going back to my room to sleep.

How did it ever come to be that this place would feel like home?

Thanks to everyone for their support and comments! Knowing people are reading keeps me motivated to continue the updates!