“The Naga will protect you, Laang Chaai.”
“Yes, Yaai,” the boy swallowed tears and nodded to his grandmother. Even at his tender age he knew that his Yaai’s love would not be enough. Her body bent over like a broken bamboo, the shape of rice-paddy work even with no paddy to bend over.
The wrinkled hand touched boy’s head, devastated to give up her laang chaai. His mother had died in childbirth, yet she never thought of her grandson as an orphan. Till today.
The monks will raise him now.
“Khawp khun khrap” the boy bowed, palms together over heart.
For Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers
Photo prompt: © David Stewart
Glossary:
Naga – semi-divine dragon-serpents in Thai culture which possess supernatural powers and are the patrons of water
Laang Chaai – grandson
Yaai – grandmother
khawp khun khrap – thank you (when said by male)
Na'ama Yehuda 
What a hard choice. For both of them
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Yes, and for both of them, not much of a choice as to WHAT happens, but as in HOW they have it happen and what they make of it. … Thank you for the comment, Niel! So many have had to make similar choices over the millennia – and some still do. It cannot be any less heartbreaking.
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A beautiful, touching story Na’ama
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Thank you, Sadje!
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You’re welcome
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🙂
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Such a heartrending tale. Difficult to let go of a loved one. Beautiful. thank you Na’ama
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Thank you, Susan! Yes, such a difficult decision and one so many in the world still have to do, these days, under duress and conflict, war and despair, and all manner of impossible choices. Glad you liked it, and welcome aboard!
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Poignant, I enjoyed it.
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Thank you, Sandra!
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This touched all the strings to my heart. Lovingly told, Na’ama.
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Thank you, Dale! I remember seeing the little monk children in Thailand, and learning about the Naga and the beautiful culture of Thailand. The photo tapped right into it for me. Sawasdee khap from me to you on this Sunday morning!
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I bet!
Sawasdee khap to you!
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xoxo
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xoxo
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I wonder if she knew she was dying… Beautiful, poignant story.
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Thank you! Yes, I think she did know that, or at the very least that she can no longer provide for him. So many in the world are facing such draconian decisions! Hopefully the monastery will be a gentle place with kind person to continue to raise him.
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You’re welcome and nice to see you back at FF!
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🙂 Thank you, my friend!
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You’re welcome.
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Such a touching tale, thank you for sharing it with us, Na’ama.
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Thank you, Keith! I remember seeing young children in monk school and learning about some of them who live in the monasteries from a young age, some are orphans, many are not. I thought of it when I saw the photo, and of the decision these may entail.
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Na’ama Y’karah,
No easy decision for Yaai. Sweet story with much more story between the lines. I’m doing a happy dance at your appearance on the squares. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, Rochelle! That photo evoked memories of my visit in Thailand, and I was thinking of the photos of children in monk robes, some of whom live in the schools, some of them orphans (certainly not all). That, along with the realities of orphans and children whose families cannot care for them or need to send them away – for their own survival – which we all know too well about … were evoked by this photo.
Glad to pop into FF!
xoxo
Na’ama
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A poignant well written story!
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Thank you! I’m glad it spoke to you, and thank you for taking the time to read and respond!
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