Chapter 5 — Unique Scent

Co Dien's finger stopped. He turned his head to look at her. Tham Niem reached out his hand.

“I say, you can use a little more force. There's no need to fear that I'll break every time.”

She raised her head to look at him. “I'm not fragile.” Co Dien bent down to look at her hand. Small, white hands. The palm is open, the lines are clear. He slowly reached out and grabbed her. This time is not like before. His fingers tightened. Not a gentle, tentative grip anymore, but a truly firm grip. Her hand was completely wrapped in his palm. Warm. Solid. She felt his thumb gently brush the back of her hand. One. Then another one. It's like sketching each of her joints. Tham Niem's heart was beating so fast that he was going crazy. But she did not withdraw her hand. Just let me hold it. The leaves of the ginkgo tree outside the window are turning yellow. Sunlight fell through the leaves and lingered on the two clasped hands.

—

One November afternoon, Tham Niem fell asleep on the sofa in the laboratory. Last night I stayed up late writing an essay so I was so sleepy I couldn't open my eyes. Originally planning to read a book, I read it forever and then fell asleep without realizing it. In her sleep, she felt someone approaching. Next, Co Dien's jacket gently covered her body. The scent of pine wood enveloped her. She didn't open her eyes. Not intentionally. Just want to smell that scent for a while longer. Then she felt — His fingers touched her hair. Very light. Like touching a feather. From the top of the head, slowly slide down to the ends of the hair. Then stop. He withdrew his hand. Tham Niem heard him walking towards the computer. The sound of typing on the keyboard rang out again. She closed her eyes tightly, the sound of her heart beating in the quiet laboratory echoed clearly. He just now — Was he stroking your hair? Why is he stroking her hair? Is it checking? Or — She didn't dare to think anymore. But the corner of the mouth cannot be lowered no matter what.

—

December 24. Christmas Eve. When Tham Niem came out of the library, it was already dark. Today Co Dien said he didn't need to go to the lab, he had something to do. Tham Niem walked alone to the dormitory. A bit empty inside. She scolded herself. Since when did you become dependent on me? It's just a day without seeing each other. Before meeting him, she had lived well for the past twenty years. Going to Ginkgo Avenue, she stopped walking. Ginkgo leaves fell all over the ground, turning yellow, spreading out to form a road. The streetlights cast light down, looking like a bright yellow river. She stood there looking. Then someone called her from behind.

“Contemplation.”

She turned around. Co Dien is standing behind her. He wore a long black coat and a scarf wrapped loosely around his neck. Carrying a bag in hand.

“Why are you here?”

“Looking for you.”

“Didn't you say there was something going on today —”

“Fool you.” He spoke in a very matter-of-fact tone.

Tham Niem froze, then couldn't help but laugh.

“Why did you trick me?”

“I want to give you this.”

He passed the bag over. Tham Niem opened it. Inside is a scarf. Dark gray color, very soft to the touch. It was exactly the same scarf as the last time she complimented him on his beauty.

“When did you buy it?”

“Last week.”

Co Dien looked away. “It's cold.” Just three words. But Tham Niem understands. *It's cold, old lady you're empty, last time you said my scarf was beautiful, so I bought it, wanted to give it to you but didn't want you to think I was waiting for you on purpose.* That's why I lied to her and said I had work today. That's why I waited on Ginkgo Avenue in the evening. Tham Niem took out the scarf and wrapped it around his neck. Your scent. The smell of pine wood. Clean. Warm.

“Isn't it beautiful?” She looked up at him.