Those Eighteen Days..! - English

 

Those Eighteen Days…...!

Kuru Aravinthan

1.        Wild Boars.

 

Saturday, 23^rd June, the morning sky was clear. As it was a school holiday, as usual, they took their cycles and proceeded towards the house of their football coach after saying “Bye” to their parents. Though they were small, they enjoyed playing football. Every child has a preference for a sport. These children loved football. As they reached the house of their coach, they saw Thaama, his sister standing at the gate.

“Aunty, we are ready, is uncle ready?” asked Doam. He was the leader of this group. Whenever she saw these energetic children, she looked back on her past when she too was a footballer. After marriage, family responsibilities made her take the side-line. Her brother Chantawong, due to his prowess in the game had become the coach for these children. Due to family pressurehe had become a Buddhist Monk in his childhood but later gave it up and became a football coach. When Chantawong was leaving, Thaama looked at him and said, “As soon as practice is over, come back soon.” “Shall come soon sister”, said Chantawong while leaving.

They had organized a football team called the “Wild Boars” with the keen and interested children who were adept at playing football. Riran was the youngest in this group. Mig, Doam, Mack and Bonk were 13 years old. Reran, Biv and Dell were 14 years old. Noad, Nick and Sil were 15 years old while Ree and Nite were 16 years old. Chantawong who was also called Haig was 23 years old. He was the coach and insisted on regular practices for which the boys fully co-operated. They were trained to taste both victory and defeat. Without ruminating on their defeats, they had learnt to study their weak points and be determined to do their future.

Like army discipline the lads had learnt to take orders from their coach and act collectively under all circumstances. They little realized that these good qualities that they had imbibed would one day save their lives. The 12 boys and their coach on cycles proceeded towards the practice grounds.

All of them were tired after the strenuous practice. The youngest was eleven years old and the eldest was 16 years old. Others were in-between. As they were preparing for the oncoming tournament, they stopped their practice and retired to a nearby eatery for a cool drink. After the drink, Nick said, “We have completed our practice early, shall we relax for some time?”. Though the others were hesitant to accept Nick’s suggestion, all of them wished that they spend some time leisurely somewhere.

“Where shall we go? Shall we go to the park close by?” asked Nite.

“No, all of you go home your home folks will be awaiting you” said the 25-year-old coach Chantawong.

“No master. Today is a holiday. So, let us all go somewhere and be jolly” said the boys in chorus.

“I know a place. It is a little far and we have to climb a hill” said one of the boys.

“It will take only a short time, so let us go” said the boys mounting their cycles. “I am not coming” said Sil.

“Why man, it is a short time. If all of us go it will be very enjoyable” said Mack.

“No. you know that I too like to join but if I get late there will be an earthquake at home” said sil.

“Alright, your wish” they said. “Shall see you tomorrow” and started cycling.

Of the wild boars only Sil returned home on account of the strictness at his house. When they reached their destination through a jungle path, the sky was overcast. It appears it is going to rain, let us go back home before that” said the coach.

“There is a cave behind the park, let us do a quick round of the place” said the boys and pedaled their cycles faster. When they were rounding the park, they saw the hills and the cave. They went closer to see. Tourists, cameras in hand were going in and coming out of the cave. The boys too felt the desire to see what inside the cave.

“May we go inside and see?” enquired Nite. Coach Chantawong was hesitant. He realized his responsibility of taking the children home on time. “We have come so far, what is there in going inside to see a little to see a little” the boys felt. They were all keen to go in and see.

At the entrance to the cave there was a graffiti of a coy couple laughing with a cupid’s arrow bearing the names of those who had drawn the graffiti. As the boys saw that they thought that the graffiti drawers were very good at drawing and proceeded inside the cave.

“Shall we write our names on the cave walls?” asked one interested lad.

Noad and Nick by eye and sign language recollected coupling the names of the teachers that they did not like with the names of some female teachers and writing them on the school toilet walls.

“We can be back in ten minutes” said the boys begging permission from the coach to enter the cave.

As they proceeded the path became narrow and they decided to park their cycles by the fence and hastily proceeded towards the cave. Realizing that it was not prudent to send the children alone, the coach Chantawong too accompanied them inside. The thought of taking them back safely home was in the back of his mind.

After a short distance inside the cave, the path was uneven and it was dark. The movement of some tourists was noticed. They were returning back to the entrance. The boys, however, were in a jolly mood, laughing, narrating funny stories and without their knowledge climbing. True to the maxim that a calf does not realize fear and danger, the children despite the depleted supply of oxygen inside the cave, were climbing the limestone outcrops and going up and down.

As all of them were in a jolly mood none of them observed the signboard that read, “Do not proceed further, unsafe.” Though the board had been in existence for a long time, only the first timers would care to observe. The people of the village ignore the warning given and go in and out of the cave.

Some tourists were taking photographs while some others were taking selfies. In some places the path was narrow and long. As the children were talking to one another and laughing, they did not realize the time going. Further their idea to write their names on the walls made them proceed further and further.

After traversing a long distance, the coach said, “Enough, let us turn back” and started towards the entrance.

During their return they did not see any tourists. Then it dawned on them that they had spent a long time inside the cave. Suddenly they heard a sloppy sound. When they bent down to investigate, they realized that water had got into their boots.

Before they could fully understand what was happening, “Master flood is coming inside” shouted Mark whose voice echoed within the cave. “Are the flood waters coming in?” questioned the coach, who for a moment froze.

 

2.        Search inside the unknown cave…….!

 

As the path to the cave was undulated, the water that came in through the entrance began to fill up the hollows. They remembered having passed a large low-lying area while walking into and inside the cave.

Chantawong soon assessed that these waters were reaching them after filling up that large low-lying area, which they had passed. He guessed that because they saw an overcast sky when they came up to the cave, it might have rained heavily outside.

“Master, let us go outside quickly” said the voice that went in front. All of them attempted to go forward, but they could not walk fast in the water.

“Master water has come up to my knee”, the voice from front shouted. Nevertheless, they continued their forward movement.

“Master, water has come up to my waist level. I do not know to swim” shouted Mark once again in subdued tone. This rang a warning bell in Chantawong’s mind.

“All of you come back”, he ordered. The next moment of all of them stood round him in knee-deep water, fully wet.

“Count” he ordered. One, two, three they counted up to 12.

“Good, we are all safe. I do not think it is advisable to continue going out of the cave” said the coach.

“Why Master? It is only a short distance, if we walk quickly, we can go out” said one.

“They will be searching for us at home, let us go Master” begged another almost crying.

The children did not visualize that their childish wishes would endanger their lives.

“No, do you remember passing through a large valley while coming inside? That must be full of water now. Even if we go from here towards the entrance, we will have to pass that valley. Some of you do not know to swim. So, we will be trapped unable to go out or come in. Therefore, staying in a safe place is the best.” said the coach.

“Then what are we to do? Can’t we go home?” asked a frightened lad.

“We shall all go to a higher place and stay there for some time, till the flood waters subside and then we can go out”, said the coach and without waiting for their reply asked “All of you agree?”

“It will be dark inside” said a frightened lad. “No other way. Ensuring your safety is top priority. The water level may rise at any time. Some of you do not know to swim. So, let us go to a higher elevation. What do you say?” asked the coach.

“What you say is correct. The water level may rise therefore going to a safe place is the best”, said all of them and began retreating.

At one point the path bifurcated. They did not know which path to take. A name board stated it was “Wong junction”. Instead of taking the path lower, they took the path going higher.

“Water may come up to this lower path at any time therefore let us follow the path leading higher” said the coach and all followed. The path leading higher was narrow and they had to walk in single file. When they found a place where all 13 of them could be accommodated, they sat down.

As they were children and had exerted themselves from morning, they all soon fell asleep.

Thinking of the dangerous situation that they were in, the coach kept awake. Legally, he was not a citizen of Thailand. If this fact became public, the repercussions would be serious. Further 2 or 3 children in the group too were not Thai citizens. They were from Myanmar, Laos and China and therefore were very under privileged, without basic facilities. The parents of the children were anxious and worried that their children had not returned. They contacted one another and the message frightened them.

Normally, they would have come home soon after practice, suspicious of a possible cycle accident etc., loomed large in their minds. When they went to enquire from Chantawong’s house, his sister Thaama was equally anxious and worried. She got terrified when she heard that the children too had not returned home.

The whole village was agog with the news. Finding no answer to their anxious queries, the parents marched to the Police Station. The Police after recording their statements swept into action to trace the missing 13.

First, they informed the local media sources hoping that by listening / reading the news, the public will volunteer information.

Unconcerned to the sad drama that was unfolding in the village, the Monsoon was pouring. While wondering where to begin, where to search, like a flash of lightening came the news that 13 cycles, locked up were resting on the fence near the cave. The guard at the gate had heard the desperate message over the radio and had contacted the Police.

“Do you know how many cycles are there? asked the Police.

“Yes Sir, thirteen” replied the watchman.

“Did you see anything else?” the Police officer queried.

“Yes sir, a short distance away from the entrance I saw a football and a pair of boots.

“Any other findings?”

“No sir. I could not go too far into the cave because the flood waters are rushing into the cave.

So, it was confirmed that the children were trapped inside the cave. The officials driven by humanitarian feelings, began prompt action.

The Police informed all stations about the problem. Social service organizations, local politicians and V.I.P.P promised help and support. This incident that happened at Tham Luang Cave in northern Thailand was brought to the notice of the Prime Minister of Thailand.

As International assistance being sought, the attention and concern of all countries turned towards Thailand. It was everyone’s desire that the Wild Boars should be rescued and everyone started praying that the children should be alive and rescued to safety.

 

3.        Where are the Wild Boars?

 

Sunday, 24^th when the Police arrived at the site of the cave, they saw the unattended 13 cycles. By finger prints and other clues, they first established the fact that the cycles belonged to the Wild Boars.

On questioning Sil, the only one who did not join the others, they found that they had wanted to climb a mountain, but Sil did not know where actually they went.

The parents who had assembled near the entrance to the cave, confirmed that the cycles belonged to their children. Therefore, the investigators concluded that the party would have entered the cave and got stuck there.

Going inside the cave was a problem because, the late June Monsoon had flooded the place. Rain waters had filled up all the low-lying areas of the path leading to and inside the cave.

Search by the air force with a helicopter tried to find any other way of entering the cave. Where the helicopter could not negotiate, drones were deployed to find alternate ways of entering the cave. As volunteers and the army were searching high and low for alternate ways of entering the cave, the cave was full of water. The divers from the Navy were called in.

 

Monday, 25^th June  

 

The Naval Divers tried to enter the cave and proceed. They could not progress because the water was turbid, and the continuous rain was discharging more water into the cave.

 

Tuesday, 26^th June

 

The Parents were all anxiously waiting for news of their children. The Naval divers attempted to go through the cave, the second time. But as the path was narrow, they could not proceed further. Moreover, as the Naval divers had no experience in diving inside caves, other plans were discussed. To cut short time, and obtain expert help and advice, the authorities approached the “Scooper Divers” from abroad.

 

Wednesday, 27^th June

 

Responding to the emergency 30 American Troopers arrived at Thailand airport. Along with them 3 British Divers too came. They started working at once. At the same time, helpers came from China, Myanmar, Australia and Japan.

Ben, who came from Belgium saw two troopers talking at the entrance to the cave.  He said, “I am Ben from Belgium” and introduced himself. “I am Richard Stanton and he is John Volanthen” said one of the two. One was a fire fighter and the other was a computer expert.

“So glad to meet you all. We shall work together” said Ben and they separated. Though the search parties were searching they could not locate where the children were.

The two British divers, at the risk of their lives ventured into the cave. They went through the narrow path full of water. Visibility was poor due to the murky water. Above that oxygen too was scarce inside the cave. The oxygen canisters that they carried with them could not be negotiated through the narrow path. Therefore, they had to return the base.

 

Thursday, 28^th June

 

It was pouring rain. As the rain waters were gushing into the cave, it was decided not to attempt any diving today, hoping the rain would cease.

As the path inside the cave bifurcates, to prevent losing direction volunteers innovated rope-guides from then entrance to the cave.

 

Friday, 29^th June

 

Relatives of the missing children were praying for the rain to cease, at the entrance. As this incident had become a National issue, the Prime Minister off and on came up to the entrance of the cave and re-assured the parents and relatives and consoled them.

 

Saturday, 30^th June

 

It was a week since the children went missing. The search parties thought that the children would have found shelter at “Patraya beach”, a place inside the cave. The divers waded inside but they could not proceed far. They had been used to diving in the sea. They could not manage the narrow paths and muddy waters, so they came back, halfway.

 

Sunday, 01^st July

 

To wade through turbid waters along narrow paths needed special preparation. Canisters of oxygen, food supplies, first aid equipment were all got ready and taken inside the cave and felt halfway, in a safe place for future use.

 

Monday, 02^nd July

 

The British Divers believed that the children would be at “Patraya beach”. So, they made a determined effort and reached that place but there was no one there. They communicated this fact to the people at the entrance to the cave.

“It is raining heavily and your supply of oxygen is low. So turn back without proceeding further” were the instructions they got.

The two Britishers did not realize that the attention of the whole world was on them. Their duty consciousness, discipline and training came to the fore.

They had roughly travelled 2 ½ miles inside the cave, walking, crawling, diving and swimming. Traversing that Same distance back was going to be tough without having accomplished the work they had come for.  Feeling sad that they were not lucky, they decided to rest for some time.

“After coming so far we could not find them; maybe they are not in the land of the living” they thought very sadly, of the children.

Volanthen who was leaning against the cave wall and resting, felt something touching his foot. Adjusting his head lamp, he looked closely and his eyes widened. “Hai Stanton, see this” and he called his colleague. Stanton came closer and took what he was holding in his hand. “Sports boots! This is what the children would have worn. That means, they must be somewhere here”.

“Yes, they must be somewhere here, let us search” Said Volanthen.

“Sure, I am confident that they must be around somewhere” said Stanton.

Forgetting whether they had enough oxygen to go back, enthusiastically they proceeded forward, looking around and calling out.

“We’re here” came a child’s voice from the opposite high ground. Volanthen could not believe whether it was fact or fiction.

The pathway was flooded but Volanthen’s happiness knew no bounds. He felt as if he has seen God himself. “Did I hear that voice?” he doubted and looked at Stanton. The happiness on Stanton’s face confirmed that they had actually heard a child’s voice.

“You are there, where?” shouted Stanton.

“Here” came the reply.

“How many of you?” asked Volanthen unable to proceed on account of the water.

“We’re 12”, the reply came from the other side.

“12”, there should be 13” shouted Volanthen, fearing they had lost one.

For 10 days these children had been in the dark cave, without food, wondering whether they would survive. The children were talking in their mother tongue which the Britishers could not understand.

One of the boys Adun Sam who had studied in Burma for some time, knew a little English and he answered. “No, including our Master we are thirteen” said Adun Sam.

This answer filled the hearts of the Britishers with untold gladness.  Volanthen was relieved to hear that all of them were there.

When the children folded their palms and saluted them according to their culture. Volanthen thanked Almighty for bringing him there and also felt that the children were entrusting their lives to him.

The English-Speaking boy asked, “What day is today?”.

“Monday” Volanthen answered.

“You all have been trapped here for 10 days”, Volanthen further said. “We’re hungry” said that boy.

This touched the 2 divers, and they were wondering how these children could be so alert without food.

“You all are very brave. The fact that you all are alive is very encouraging. Please wait, food will come tomorrow” said Volanthen. Not willing to spend any more time, they started back to the entrance.

Adun Sam known as Dull by his friends who had studied in English, had migrated to Thailand recently. Feeling happy that the children were safe the two Britishers, dived, swam, walked and did their best to reach the cave entrance.

The anxious and worried crowd at the entrance breathed a sign of relief when they heard that the children were alive and safe.

The whole world that was following this rescue operation too was jubilant. The news media carried pictures of the British Divers conversing with the children. People in various parts of the world got the feeling that their own children were being rescued. At the same time, there was another sector of the local and global community who were just not bothered about this touching incident and were indulging in their own pleasurable activities.

 

Tuesday, 03^rd July

 

With medical assistance, medicines and food a party entered the cave and met the children. Arideo of this was realized, at the request of 14-year-old Nite’s Mother, Nite’s birthday was commemorated inside the cave. While all this was going on, the relevant officials were burning the midnight oil devising plans to get the children out.

 

 

4.        Is this called Sacrifice?

 

What to do next was in the minds of all the experts and qualified personnel present. Various suggestions were being put forward. Three ways of bringing them out were discussed. One was to make them come through the water with the appropriate protective gear. The second one was to pump out all the water from the cave and then bring them out. The third was to drill an aperture from the top and take them out. As the world was watching as to how the children are going to be rescued, it was necessary to act carefully and prudently.

More rain was expected in the coming week. That would send more water into the cave. The social service volunteers present were prepared to render all assistance.

 

Wednesday, 04^th July

 

Several water pumps were brought to pump the water out of the cave. Nearly 120 million liters of water were pumped out of the cave. An unidentified group of volunteers had brought a pump and were engaged in pumping the water out. But they were so exhausted, that they fell asleep. One of the officials on duty, suddenly observed that the level of the water inside the cave was rising. It did not take him long to discover that water was being pumped into the cave. After turning off the pumps at once when enquiries were made, the persons responsible for this grave mistake could not be identified.

It was surmised that this must have been an act of sabotage. Who were the people who did not wish the Wild Boars to come out safely? Some had had played with the lives of the children.

 

Thursday, 05^th July

 

Without blowing that dangerous incident out of proportion, the officials declared that future any volunteer help should be cancelled through the officials. As the quantity of the oxygen inside the cave was depleting, oxygen was sent through the pipes inside. The children were 2 ½ miles away from the entrance. Some volunteers carried canisters of oxygen to the place where the children were diving, wading and walking through water.

 

Friday, 06^th July

 

37-year-old Saman Kunan, a guard at the Thai airport, heard about this incident and came to help. He had worked as a diver in the Thai Navy earlier. Returning after delivering canisters of oxygen to the children, his own stock of oxygen came to an end. He began to swim into the murky waters. Observing this, his colleagues took charge of him and rendered first aid. But he passed away.

This was the first loss of life in this whole operation. Giving one’s life to save the lives of others is the supreme sacrifice. This sad incident created fears and doubts in the mind of rescuers.

When the plan to bring the children through the water going to be implemented a media person asked, “If a trained and experienced diver like Saman Kunan could meet with this fate, how will the children survive?”

In a reply to this Ben said, “You must keep in mind that there are two types of divers. One set is proficient in open water diving, the other set specializes in diving narrow creeks and caves. The second set of divers have to be specially trained, for diving inside the caves like this.

“Then Saman Kunan’s death?” asked the media person. “He has had no experience in diving inside caves. His desire to be of assistance and his enthusiasm, led him to his death. His intension was noble. May his soul rest in peace!” replied Ben.

“You did not tell, who you were?” another media person queried.

“Oh! I forgot! I am Ben from Belgium. I have experience in diving inside caves” said Ben.

“What is the special difficulty in diving inside caves. It is water everywhere? asked another media person. There was no time to answer all their questions.

“We shall meet again with better news” said Ben moving towards the entrance, Ben saw two persons conversing.

“Happy to meet you. I am Ben from Belgium” said Ben introducing himself.

“I am Ric Stanton and he is John Volanthen” said one of the two.

“I know” said Ben. “You are now world known characters”

The Officials at the entrance were discussing various plans of bringing the children out. As the children did not know to swim any small mistake would be fatal.

If this plan did not succeed, they had to wait till the monsoon was over, which might take another 3 months. Everyone’s prayer was that any plan should bear fruit and the mental and physical health of the children should be safe -guarded.

Time was running out without any decision. The meteorological department had forecast that the rain would be increase in a week’s time. “What will happen to my son?” was the question looming in every mother’s mind. The officials finally decided to bring the children out of the cave through the water.

 

Saturday, 07^th July

 

The statement of the main official that it would be dangerous to bring the children out by fixing oxygen pipes, disturbed the minds of the parents. The particular official had to quickly beg pardon from the parents for his alarming statement.

 

Sunday,8^th July

 

The rescue operation began. A helicopter and an ambulance were at the ready. Nearly 90 divers took part in this operation. Only 13 foreign divers and 06 Thai-divers totally 19 were entrusted with the task of getting the children out. As the children had not eaten for 10 days, liquid food was first administered. In addition to their physical ability, the children’s mental ability too would have to be seen to.

 

The children were to made through the murky waters with the face masks led by one diver and followed by another. The children had to be dragged through the water and the diver following the child would ensure that the child progresses forward. They had to climb hills and go down valleys. Further, the cave was dark.

 

As the children see their parents, they were wondering what their reaction would be. Will they get scolded?

Even if everything went off according to plan, there would be several to ask questions, pass comments and fix the blame on someone.

As if sympathizing with the rescue effort, the rain had slightly abated. As the volunteers had pumped out a large amount of water from inside the cave, the divers started their work without any delay.

Once the rescuers reached the place where the children were, they had to prioritize who should be taken out first etc. The children were all administered anti-anxiety pills. They were then donned with face masks and the divers carried them on stretchers. Four children were first brought out and rushed to hospital by ambulance.

 

Monday, 09^th July

 

Following the same pattern of rescue, another four children were brought out of the cave. One of them on medical advice was rushed to hospital by helicopter.

 From the entrance to where the children were was 2 ½ miles. To reach them it took 6 hours to bring them to the entrance, took another 6 hours. The rescuers were exhausted and temporarily called off the operation. On what basis the first 8 children were chosen to be rescued was not revealed.

As the parents waiting outside did not know who the 8 children were, doubts and fears enveloped them. They were wondering why the rescue operations had been put on hold.

Bringing up the balance five was postponed to the next day. The rescuers were resting but their minds were occupied with the task of rescuing the balance five.

 

Tuesday, 10^th July

 

From early morning there was a flutter of activity at the entrance to the cave. Famous, foreign media correspondents, parents and others were anxiously waiting for the arrival of the rescuers. Thunder and lightning that shook the area passed away in a short while. Everyone felt that it was their own child that was trapped inside. They were all praying.

When the rescuers got down from their bus at the entrance to the cave, everyone looked at them as ministering angels. No one cared about their colour, creed, nationality or language.

As the rescuers went inside the cave, the anxiety and expectation of those waiting outside increased.

She had come with her friend. She was gaging at the entrance to the cave without batting an eyelid. The breeze that did not understand her frame of mind was praying on her hair and often covering her beautiful face. Not minding that, she shoved the hair back and continued gage at the entrance. She was expecting something.

“Elisa, why are you so silent? Tell me” told her friend. “No, nothing” said Elisa. “No, no there is something. Usually, you are very talkative. I am surprised that you are so silent” said Elisa’s friend.

“I will tell you, but you must not tell anyone else. Alright?” replied Elisa.

Very reluctantly Elisa Showed a photograph of a youth on her cell phone.

“What are you saying? This fellow?” the friend asked in surprise.

A shy smile appeared on Elisa’s face.

“From where has this started? You did not tell me?” said the friend.

“He speaks to me very lovingly, often. We talked as friends but the night before coming here, only, he expressed his love for me” said Elisa.

“What did you tell him?” asked the friend.

“I too like him very much. But……”

“You’re feeling shy it appears. Leave it. What did he say?” asked the friend.

“He said, that Elisa meant, gift given by God” said Elisa.

“Is that so?” the friend commented pretending.

“When he asked me, I did not tell him anything” said Elisa, sobbing.

“Just wait. All are looking at us” said the friend and Elisa wiped the tears with her handkerchief.

“When you forced me and brought me here, I thought you were genuinely interested in the trapped children. Now I know the real reason for your coming here”, said the friend.

Unable to express her feelings openly, Elisa clasped the hands of her friend. “Do you know Elisa that girls express their love or liking to someone in three different ways. One, they will tell it quite frankly. Second, they keep quiet and express it at the appropriate time. Three, they are debating within themselves, whether they should tell or not. Now, the third method may lead to a disappointment”, explained her friend.

“I love and like him. Will he come?” asked Elisa. “Don’t be afraid. If both of you truly love each other, God will not abandon you. Your prayers will be answered. He will come in search of you” said her friend.

Consoled by the words of her friend, Elisa looked at the entrance to the cave, praying for her lover.

Everyone was being brought out of the cave. Finally, the coach came out. The blame for this whole episode rested on him. No one thought what could have happened to the children if the coach was not with them. Non could deny the fact that the coach had looked after the children for the past twelve days.

It was frightening to imagine the situation if the children had gone into the cave without that adult help.

The 12 children who were trapped in the cave were all in hospital. Nite who celebrated his 16^th birthday inside the cave was 17 now. Mark who was very weak, was the last to be rescued. The world cup that was in the offing was overshadowed by this 18-day rescue operation. The whole world celebrated with Thailand on the successful rescue effort.

Elisa went to hospital with a bouquet of flowers and “Get well soon” card. As she gave him the bouquet, he is pretending and asked, “What is this?” Heart broken by this abrupt response; Elisa started sobbing. He jumped out of his bed, took her hands in his and said, “I told that for fun. Why are you crying for that?”

Casting away his clasped hands, Elisa feigned anger. “Pardon me. That day without giving me a reply, you made me pine for you inside the cave. That is the cause of my making you angry”. He then read what was written on the bouquet card. “God’s given gift, back to you”. Only two of them understood the full meaning of those words.

The nurses who were watching this love drama slowly left the place, smiling to themselves.

Everything does not take place, as people wish. Unexpectedly if anything happens, we have to prudently conduct ourselves and came out of it. Beyond that if anything happens, we can blame it on destiny.

The whole world rejoiced at the success of the rescue mission.

 

Past Script

Days passed. Once again, one morning the same children took their cycles and started. “Aunty, is uncle ready?” asked one of them. “Yes, I am ready” answered Santawong. They all cycled towards the cave. On the way, they bought a wreath from a florist and placed it at the tomb of Saman Kunan and paid their grateful respects.

These words made everyone who read them cry. “He gave his life to save our lives” Underneath that, they wrote their names. Destiny made those children write their names on that tomb. The action of Saman Kunan was a classic example of sacrifice. All conscious beings will be moved by these happenings. Time will pass over them.