Page 61 - TEARS OF SUFFERING

TEARS OF SUFFERING

Everyone waved to him as the car pulled away, producing
a cloud of smoke.

They trudged back into the house quietly. Ugyen looked
at Samphel’s bed as he rubbed his arms in comfort. He
visualized Samphel lying there and when he realized it
was just a flight of fancy, he sniffled. So he curled up on
his knees behind the door and sobbed bitterly.

Au Lham’s sharp voice reverberated across the empty
room. “Come, Ugyen. Tea’s ready.”

Ugyen wiped his tears and went out to the living room.
Au Lham and Ama were staring through the window in
silence, as much as he felt lonely.

“Come,” said Ama, dragging out the chair. “Sit here.”

Au Lham poured tea into a cup. “Have tea,” she said in
a sad-tone of voice.

It was the first time someone in the family left for a
faraway place for a long duration. They sat sipped tea
without talking much, but Ugyen was affected the most.

Ama phoned the doctor. “Hello, Apa. Samphel left. I
hope you’ve briefed the driver well. He is venturing out
for the first time.”

“Don’t worry,” replied Doctor. “He will be fine. The
driver would call us.”

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