Earn was curled up on the couch when two warm hands suddenly slipped over her eyes.
"Fahlada…" she sighed, already bristling. "I'm not in the mood for games."
"I know. Just… humor me for a moment."
Fahlada slowly lowered her hands, guiding her forward and tilting her toward the spot in front of the couch. As Earn's eyes adjusted, she saw the carrier and leash in her wife's hands, and her brows drew together sharply.
"What's this?" she asked, already dreading the answer.
"I thought maybe… you could use some company." She said softly with a careful smile, almost afraid of how her words might land.
Fahlada lowered the crate gently to the floor, and a fluffy golden retriever stepped out, tail wagging as if she hadn't just walked into the aftermath of heartbreak.
Earn blinked, uncertain how to respond.
Though Fahlada looked genuinely happy with the gesture, Earn did not share her sentiment.
"You got me a dog?" Her voice was flat, caught somewhere between disbelief and the edges of a building storm.
Fahlada noticed Earn's tone and hesitated to answer, her smile fading slowly.
"Yes… a male puppy. He doesn't have a name yet, but we don't have to keep him if you don't want to. I just thought… maybe he'd help."
Earn's throat tightened. She wanted to scream at her,
'You think you can replace my baby with a dog? You think this fixes anything?'
But the words never made it out. Her spiraling thoughts were interrupted when the puppy padded over and gently rested his head on her knee, pulling her abruptly from rage into an unexpected tenderness.
Earn stared down at the puppy, "…Why is he looking at me like that?"
"Because he already likes you," Fahlada said and knelt beside her.
Earn swallowed hard, her hand stiff at first as it moved slowly, reaching out to stroke the golden fur. The warmth was grounding. Alive.
"I… I don't even know what to say," she whispered, her voice thick with tears, eyes brimming as her fingers curled into its soft coat.
"Then don't say anything," Fahlada murmured, watching her closely.
"Just let him stay. What would you like to name him?"
Earn thought hard for a moment, her gaze lingering on the puppy's soft, pale fur.
Something simple… something gentle.
The little dog reminded her of comfort food on simple days, of something plain but filling, like tofu, ordinary at first glance, yet versatile enough to take on anything.
"Tofu," she whispered at last, the corners of her mouth twitching into the faintest smile.
The puppy barked once, as if answering to his name, and curled against Earn's leg.
"Looks like he agrees." Fahlada let out a soft laugh, relief flickering in her eyes.
A tightness coiled in Earn, a mix of tension and relief she hadn't felt in weeks. She was grateful for this little presence.
Fahlada studied her, the gentle rise and fall of her wife's shoulders, the way her hand rested lightly on Tofu. Seeing her like this, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
It had been worth it.
Silently, she murmured an apology for everything she hadn't been able to do, for the moments she hadn't been enough.
They weren't okay yet. But that night, as Tofu curled up beside Earn, she leaned back, eyes wet, letting herself exist in a small circle of peace.
___
A few days later, Tanya was in the hospital's cafeteria with her fellow interns, laughing softly as they swapped stories about work and bits of their personal lives. The chatter was easy, a welcome distraction, until someone brought up a name that made Tanya's heart skip.
"…Fahlada…" One of the interns said with a dreamy sigh. "She's so serious all the time… but honestly? She's so pretty and cool."
Another giggled. "Right? Every time she walks past, I feel like I'm in a drama. I swear, I'm falling in love."
"Though honestly, I'd rather she yell at me than ignore me. Not because I want to mess up, I just… want her attention."
Tanya laughed along with them, but her ears were tuned to every word.
'They're all thinking the same thing I am, wanting her attention… wanting a chance…'
"Same," someone else chimed in. "Do you think she's single? I mean, I heard she's married, but no one's ever seen her wife around. People say they're super secretive."
"Oh, her wife is that actress, right? Sanithada Phongphiphat?" Another intern added, snapping her fingers as if recalling a headline.
"Yeah!" someone else jumped in. "Earn was so famous a few years back. After they got married, though, she just… disappeared. We also never saw her here, not even once."
The group hummed in agreement, the air buzzing with curiosity and speculation.
"But with the way Doctor Thananusak acts lately…" The intern lowered her voice conspiratorially. "It doesn't seem like things are going well."
That earned a round of teasing murmurs.
"Maybe I'll have a chance then," one of them joked, grinning.
The group burst into laughter, but Tanya felt heat creeping up her neck.
'A chance…'
The thought slipped in before she could stop it,
'If things aren't good between them… does that mean?'
She shook the idea away, guilt prickling at her skin.
"Hey… let's not gossip about her like that. The doctor's life isn't ours to speculate on." She forced a smile, trying to sound casual.
"Oh, come on, Tanya," another intern teased, eyes glinting.
"You're just saying that because you're in the same department. You see her all the time. You probably get the most time with her."
Tanya opened her mouth to protest, but the words tangled in her throat.
"Then maybe we should give her something," another intern suggested, a little too eager to keep the conversation circling back to that doctor.
"Like a dessert. Doctors like sweets too, right?"
"Banoffee," someone chimed in immediately.
"Banoffee? Really?" another asked, curious.
"Yeah. I asked the nurses. They said Dr. Fahlada always goes for banoffee when it's around."
"Now that's oddly specific," one of them laughed. "What's next, her coffee order?"
"Good idea. Let's ask them that next."
That set off another burst of laughter, one of them nearly spilling their drink as they leaned back.
Tanya stayed quiet, listening more than she spoke. Part of her hated the way they gossiped, but another part of her… paid attention.
The little details, like banoffee, felt like pieces of information she shouldn't want but couldn't help collecting. Maybe she'd learn something new about her favorite doctor.
She opened her mouth, ready to steer the conversation away, but before she could say more, movement by the cafeteria entrance caught her eye.
Fahlada.
She was standing just beyond, appearing to wait for someone, scrolling through her phone. Her posture was relaxed, her white coat draped perfectly over her shoulders.
Tanya's lips curved into a small smile before it faltered, Rati's warning echoing in her head like a cold whisper: Stay away from Fahlada.
Her stomach tightened. For a moment, she considered staying put, pretending she hadn't seen her. But then she shook her head, slapped her cheeks lightly with both hands, earning a few curious glances from her colleagues.
"You're not doing anything wrong," she whispered to herself, almost like a mantra. Straightening her back, she pushed her chair back and stood.
One of the interns raised a brow.
"Where are you going?"
"I just… need to go now," Tanya replied and forced a casual smile.
Before she could second-guess herself, Tanya quickly grabbed a cup of coffee and walked toward the entrance, her steps steady, even as her heart pounded in her chest. Luckily, no one else noticed Fahlada; the chatter of the other interns carried on behind her, fading into a blur.
As she drew closer, Fahlada looked up from her phone, her face brightening with a warm smile, one that made Tanya's pulse stumble and her grip tighten slightly on the coffee cup.
"P'Mor," Tanya greeted, forcing her voice into something light and casual, as though she hadn't just rushed over. She lifted the cup slightly. "Thought you could use this."
Fahlada's smile softened, genuine and effortless. "You always know when I need one," she said.
Tanya let out a small laugh, careful to keep it measured, even as heat rushed to her cheeks.
'Play it cool. Don't let her see.'
"So… How's your day going?" Fahlada greeted, slipping her phone into her pocket.
Tanya wavered for a split second, then returned the smile, smaller but genuine too. Her fingers brushed Fahlada's as she handed over the coffee, and her chest skipped a beat, though she forced herself to stay composed.
'Damn you, heart. Calm down.'
"It's… good… Busy, but good." Tanya paused, searching for something to say as Fahlada's smile held her a moment too long.
Her thoughts drifted back to her last chat with the other interns, and from there, the conversation about Fahlada's wife.
"So… how did it go with your wife?"
She nearly smacked herself for letting that be the first thing to surface. Still, the words slipped out before she could stop them.
Fahlada was a little taken aback by the question, but oddly glad someone had asked.
"Honestly? Better than I expected. My wife loved it. His name's Tofu." She replied, lifted her cup, and took a careful sip of coffee.
"That's a nice name." Tanya's eyes brightened.
"I couldn't agree more. My wife chose that name, and—"
"Actually…" Tanya cut in quickly, as if steering the conversation away from the mention of 'wife'.
She faltered, clearly unsure of what to say next.
Fahlada ignored the sudden change, and her serious gaze urged Tanya to keep going, and she finally blurted out, "There's something I need to ask you, Doc Thananusak."
"Sure," Fahlada replied gently. Then, with her expression softening, she added…
"But before that, you've known me for almost a year now, and you've even helped me with Tofu. If we're not in front of patients, you can call me Fahlada."
Tanya beamed, warmth blooming across her cheeks. "Really? Then… P'Mor F—"
"No. Just Fahlada."
Fahlada raised a brow, her fingers twitching as if ready to flick Tanya's forehead. But when she saw Tanya squeeze her eyes shut in anticipation, clearly expecting it, she paused, then said,
"So, what is it you wanted to ask me?"
Tanya peeked one eye open, brows knitting.
"Wait… weren't you about to do that forehead thing?"
"What thing?" Fahlada asked innocently, taking a slow sip of her coffee.
"You know what I mean." Tanya pouted, arms crossing in mock indignation.
Fahlada chuckled, shaking her head. "You're too easy to read; it ruins the fun."
They both laughed, the tension melting into shared warmth. After a beat, Tanya's tone shifted, softening with sincerity.
"I know you're busy, but… if you're not doing anything, would you mind helping me out? I'm transitioning into residency soon, and… I could use some pointers."
Fahlada studied her carefully. She remembered the day she'd snapped at Tanya when she was still new, clumsy, unsure. Then she had reminded her firmly: there was no room for mistakes in their profession, being "new" wasn't an excuse, and she couldn't simply ignore a patient's chart.
What surprised her most was how the girl managed to smile through it.
Resolute, persistent, kind.
'Like Earn.'
"I'll check my schedule," Fahlada said after a pause. "Let me know when you're free."
Tanya grinned. "Thanks, P'Mor!" The buzz of her phone reminded her it was time to get back to the ward, and with a quick wave to Fahlada, she dashed off before the doctor could correct her and insist she just use her name.
Fahlada blinked, then let out a soft laugh, shaking her head as she watched Tanya disappear down the hall.
"Still stubborn," she murmured under her breath, taking another sip of her coffee. Against her better judgment, her gaze drifted back to her intern—just once.
But the glance lingered longer than it should have.
"What was that?"
The voice startled her. Fahlada turned to see Tan standing there, arms crossed, one brow raised in curiosity.
"What was what?" Fahlada replied, trying to keep her tone neutral as she took out her phone again to check for messages.
"Don't play dumb. I'm asking what's going on with you and the intern." Tan folded her arms, smirking.
"Nothing," Fahlada replied flatly. "She was simply asking for help."
"Really?" Tan's voice dripped with disbelief.
"Because that didn't look like 'just help.' Come on, spill it."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just returning a favor. She helped me with Earn."
"Helped with what?" Nurse Ros chimed in as she walked into them, catching only the tail end of the conversation. "What are we talking about?"
Tan chortled like a cat with cream.
"Fahlada… And Tanya. "
"Oh, so she already told you she likes you?" Ros said casually.
"Right, I also received a message from… Ahem, let's call it an angel, to look out for you and an intern named Tanya," Tan added.
"No one told me anything." Fahlada's expression tightened, just a flicker of surprise. "She only mentioned a pet might help Earn, so I acted on it—I got my wife a dog. In return, she asked if I could give her some pointers for residency. That's all there is to it."
"Really?" Tan replied, still in disbelief.
Fahlada ignored Tan's remarks and turned to Ros, her voice clipped.
"Rossarin. How do you even know she likes me?"
Ros blinked at the sudden formality. "Why so curious? Let's just say she can't seem to stop bringing you up. And she's not the only one who does, you know. Come on, you should've figured that out by now."
She raised both hands quickly, half-joking, half-defensive. "Please don't kill me."
"Worse, she could fire you," Tan teased, throwing Ros a sidelong glance.
Then his tone dropped, more deliberate. "But seriously, Lada… Tanya could make things messy for you. Better to clear the line now than regret it later."
Fahlada's jaw tightened, her gaze flicking between them. She hated the insinuation, hated that part of her couldn't quite dismiss it. Still, it didn't matter.
"You've got it wrong," she said, her voice low and clipped. "I'm married. Whatever you're imagining—stop. I'm just helping an intern, nothing more, nothing less."
With that, she walked out, her footsteps clipped against the polished floor until the sound faded.
Tan exhaled slowly, shaking his head. "That was a little too much for nothing, don't you think?"
Ros's gaze lingered on the direction Fahlada had gone, her lips pressed in a thin line.
"Exactly. She sounded a little too defensive for it to mean nothing."
A few seconds later, Doc Bow strolled in, brows lifting at the sight of the two of them standing in tense silence.
"What did I miss? Where's Fahlada? I told her to wait for us here."
Tan and Ros said nothing. They only exchanged a long, knowing look, both realizing the same truth about Fahlada but unwilling to be the first to say it out loud.
——
Fahlada came home late that night after a long meeting with the hospital's executives. Tofu greeted her with a soft bark, and she crouched down, pressing a finger to her lips and giving him a gentle pat on the head to keep him quiet.
The faint scent of wine lingered on her breath as she slipped off her heels a bit clumsily, dropping her bag onto the sofa with less care than usual before making her way quietly toward their bedroom.
Earn was already in bed, her back to the door, the dim light casting delicate shadows along the curve of her body.
Fahlada slid under the sheets and pressed herself close, whispering,
"I'm home, my love."
She placed tender kisses along Earn's cheek, her lips trailing to the curve of her wife's neck. Fahlada's hand moved slowly, slipping beneath Earn's clothes, fingers brushing lightly over her skin, inching toward her breast.
Earn stirred, turning gently to face her intruder. Her gaze was tender, yet her expression remained unshakably calm.
"You're drunk," she said softly. "Come on… let's get you cleaned up so you can sleep better."
"I don't want to sleep…" Fahlada whispered, her voice low, edged with longing. She leaned in, her breath catching as her lips hovered close to Earn's.
But Earn pulled back slightly, placing a steady hand on her wife's chest.
"Stop," she murmured. "I don't want to."
Fahlada froze. The gentle intimacy between them was shattered. She stared at Earn, struggling to process the rejection.
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to—" she began, her voice cracking at the edges.
"It's okay," Earn said, her tone gentle, but distant. "I'm sorry too. I'm just… not in the mood."
Fahlada swallowed hard, nodding even as her throat tightened. She forced a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, conscious of the tension lingering between them.
"Right. Of course. It's late."
"Let me help you wash up," Earn offered, reaching out. Fahlada shook her head.
"No… I'm not that drunk." She let out a soft, hollow laugh, the kind that barely reached her eyes.
"Sorry to disturb you. Please… go back to sleep."
She pressed a gentle kiss to Earn's forehead, lingering just long enough for Earn to feel it, then slipped quietly out of bed, not daring to look back.
That night, she didn't return to their bedroom. Fahlada curled up in the guest room, staring at the ceiling, blinking back tears, her arms wrapped tightly around herself in silence.
And when sleep finally came, it wasn't peaceful.
It was heavy with loneliness.