Vehicle Ad Chapter 9

Welcome to Chapter 9 of the 'Vehicle Ad' podcast.

When Soda arrives at the massage parlor, he is greeted by several staff members. They ask him if he has an appointment with a therapist or if he would like to choose one on the spot. Soda, feeling overwhelmed and eager to find some relaxation, responds that he is looking for a therapist to help him unwind. The staff quickly assist him in selecting a therapist and guide him to a comfortable room where he can start his session.

 

The therapist at the massage parlor begins by greeting Soda warmly and asking him about his specific needs and areas of tension. Soda mentions his headache and overall stress from the evening's unsettling experiences. The therapist then helps Soda settle onto the massage table and starts with a gentle warm-up to relax his muscles.

 

Using a blend of techniques such as Swedish massage for relaxation and deep tissue work to target specific areas of tension, the therapist focuses on relieving Soda's headache and easing his stress. Essential oils and soothing music further enhance the calming atmosphere. Throughout the session, the therapist checks in with Soda to ensure the pressure is comfortable and effective.

 

As the massage progresses, Soda begins to feel the relief and relaxation he was seeking, allowing him to unwind and alleviate the physical and mental stress from the night.

 

As the therapist works on Soda, an eerie shift occurs. The woman ghost, still shimmering with a ghostly blue light, begins to approach the therapist. Slowly and imperceptibly, the ghost merges with the therapist, her ethereal form melding into the living body.

 

The transformation is subtle but unsettling. The therapist's eyes begin to glow with a faint blue light, mirroring the ghost's spectral hue. This sudden change causes a chilling atmosphere to settle over the massage parlor, though Soda, lost in the relaxation of the massage, remains unaware of the ghost's possession.

 

The therapist continues the massage with an unsettling calmness, the blue light in her eyes casting an eerie glow that adds an otherworldly dimension to the otherwise mundane setting.

 

As the winter wind seeps through the cracks of the massage parlor's windows, a sudden chill envelops the room. Soda, already feeling the effects of his headache and the disorienting atmosphere, shivers as the cold air intensifies. The draft adds an uncomfortable layer to his unease, making him feel even more unsettled.

 

Despite the warmth of the massage table and the soothing motions of the therapist, the icy wind cuts through the space, heightening Soda's sense of discomfort. The ghostly presence, now intertwined with the therapist, seems to amplify the cold, creating an eerie contrast to the otherwise calming environment.

 

Feeling increasingly unsettled by the cold draft and his lingering headache, Soda requests a hot water service to warm himself. He asks the staff at the massage parlor if they can provide a hot water treatment or if there’s a way to make the room warmer. His discomfort is palpable as he seeks relief from the chilling atmosphere that has permeated the space, hoping that the heat will help alleviate both his physical and emotional discomfort.

 

The ghost, now inhabiting the therapist’s body, suggests that Soda take a bath in hot water infused with Thai herbs to soothe his discomfort. The ghost presents Soda with several herbal options, each known for its unique benefits. The choices include:

 

1. Lemongrass: Refreshing scent that relaxes muscles.

2. Kaffir Lime Leaves: Revitalizing aroma that invigorates the senses.

3. Galangal: Warming effect, often used to ease aches and pains.

4. Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory properties with warm, soothing effects.

5. Mint: Cooling sensation that relieves tension.

The ghost asks Soda which herb he would like to use for his bath, offering him the choice to tailor the experience to his preferences and needs.

 

Soda chooses mint for his bath, hoping its cooling properties will help relieve his discomfort. The therapist, now possessed by the ghost, prepares the bath for him.

 

In the softly lit room, the therapist fills the tub with hot water, then adds a generous handful of fresh mint leaves, letting them steep to release their invigorating scent. The water turns a pale green, and the refreshing aroma of mint fills the air. As the therapist helps Soda into the tub, the ghost watches with an ethereal presence, ensuring everything is prepared to soothe Soda's senses. The coolness of the mint contrasts with the warmth of the water, creating a relaxing and aromatic bath experience.

 

The ghost, now inhabiting the therapist's body, leans in and kisses Soda. Taken aback and feeling the eerie chill of the ghostly touch, Soda pulls away and protests, “Don’t do this to me.” His voice is filled with confusion and distress, trying to comprehend the surreal and unsettling experience he's undergoing.

 

The ghost, still in the therapist’s body, looks at Soda with a pained expression and apologizes, “I’m sorry.” The ghost’s voice, though gentle, carries a haunting undertone, reflecting the sorrow and regret that seems to resonate from within.

 

Soda, trying to ease the tension, responds, “Don’t think too much. It’s okay.” His voice is calming, aiming to provide some comfort amidst the unsettling situation.

 

The ghost, still inhabiting the therapist's body, speaks with a mournful tone, “I’m sad because my lover doesn’t remember me. I just want to be remembered and feel that connection again.” Her sorrowful words reveal the depth of her longing and the pain of being forgotten by someone she once cherished.

 

Soda, touched by the ghost's anguish, responds with empathy, “I understand how painful it must be to feel forgotten and disconnected from someone you loved deeply. It’s hard when memories and feelings are lost. Even though I don’t know your story, I can see how much it hurts. I hope you find peace and a way to reconnect with those memories.” His compassionate response reflects his sensitivity to the ghost’s emotional struggle and his desire to offer solace.

 

Feeling a sense of relief from expressing empathy, Soda decides to focus on self-care and asks for a massage. He requests the therapist to help him unwind and soothe his tense muscles. As he settles into a comfortable position, he looks forward to the calming effects of the massage, hoping it will further ease his stress and provide some physical relaxation after the emotional intensity of the evening.

 

As the therapist’s skilled hands work their magic, Soda experiences an exceptionally soothing and effective massage. The therapist’s techniques are so perfect that Soda feels an immense sense of happiness and relief. The tension in his muscles melts away, leaving him deeply relaxed and content. The combination of the therapeutic touch and the calming environment transforms his mood, making him feel rejuvenated and at ease.

As Soda relaxes in the mint-infused bath, the ghost's presence leads him into a vivid dream where he finds himself transported to a bygone era. In this dream, Soda is immersed in an ancient wooden bath tub, surrounded by the serene ambiance of traditional Northern Thai architecture. The woman ghost, now clad in a beautiful traditional Northern Thai costume, appears beside him, embodying the elegance and grace of a distant past. They share a moment of intimate connection, reflecting on their lost love and the deep bond they once had. The dream unfolds as a poignant and nostalgic journey, allowing Soda to experience the ghost's yearning for a time when their love was alive and cherished.

 

In the dream, as Soda and the ghost are enveloped in the serene atmosphere of the ancient wooden bath, the ghost gazes at Soda with longing in her eyes. She softly asks him for a kiss, her voice carrying a blend of melancholy and desire. Moved by her plea and the deep emotional connection they share, Soda gently leans in and kisses her. The kiss, tender and filled with the echoes of their past love, brings a moment of bittersweet reconciliation and closeness. This intimate gesture in the dreamscape reaffirms the enduring bond between them, even as it remains rooted in the realm of memory and longing.

 

Soda is abruptly woken from the dream by the jarring sound of his mobile phone alarm clock. Groggy and disoriented, he blinks and realizes he's back in the massage parlor, with the therapist’s warm hands still gently working on his muscles. The vividness of the dream lingers, and he feels a wave of confusion and regret wash over him. In a rush of embarrassment, he apologizes to the therapist, saying, “I’m so sorry if I did something inappropriate. I really didn’t mean to cause any discomfort.” His voice is tinged with remorse, reflecting his discomfort with the blurred lines between dream and reality. The therapist, maintaining a professional demeanor, reassures him with a gentle smile, indicating that everything is fine.

 

After apologizing to the therapist, Soda quickly calls a taxi to return home, eager to leave behind the disorienting experience at the massage parlor. As he waits outside, the ghost, still intertwined with the therapist’s form, feels a profound sense of joy and relief. The ghost’s spectral presence radiates happiness, knowing that Soda's feelings in the dream reflected a deep, enduring connection. This realization brings the ghost comfort, as it confirms that the love she once cherished still holds significance in some form, even if only through fleeting moments in dreams. As Soda departs, the ghost’s happiness lingers, mingling with the soft glow of the parlor's lights, a bittersweet reminder of love and longing.

 

As the ghost watches Soda leave, she ponders how to help him recall their past life together. She whispers to herself, “How can I make him remember our shared history? What will it take for him to see the truth of our past and the love we once had?” Her mind races with thoughts of possible ways to bridge the gap between their current lives and their previous connection, hoping to find a way to awaken his memories and rekindle the bond they once shared. The ghost's longing to be remembered drives her to seek answers, reflecting her deep desire for recognition and reunion with Soda.

As the ghost exits the therapist's body, she leaves behind a faint, lingering blue light that gradually fades. The therapist, now alone in her own body, blinks in confusion, feeling disoriented and unsure of what just happened. She looks around, puzzled by the unsettling atmosphere and the peculiar sensation of having lost time. As she tries to piece together the fragments of the recent experience, she is left with a sense of unease and bewilderment, unable to fully comprehend the ghostly presence that had momentarily taken control. The therapist's confusion deepens as she struggles to understand the strange and inexplicable events that transpired during Soda's session.

 

The ghost, still glowing faintly with an eerie blue light, drifts silently to Dang and Manow’s home. As she floats through the walls and into their bedroom, she observes Dang and Manow sleeping peacefully together. Dang lies nestled in Manow's embrace, their faces relaxed and serene under the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains. The ghost watches with a mixture of longing and sadness, her spectral form casting an otherworldly light that dances gently over the couple. She silently reflects on her own past, feeling a deep connection to Soda and an intense desire for him to remember their shared history. As she lingers in the room, her presence remains unnoticed, a spectral witness to the warmth and intimacy of their shared moment.

 

The ghost, overwhelmed by her longing and sorrow, considers an unsettling plan to reconnect with Soda. She decides to use Dang's body as a vessel to fulfill her desire to be close to him again. With a deep, mournful resolve, she focuses her ethereal energy on merging with Dang's form, hoping to briefly inhabit her body to reach Soda in a way that transcends their previous life. As she begins to merge with Dang, she meticulously ensures that Dang remains safe and unaware of her presence. The ghost’s intention is to experience a moment of intimacy and connection with Soda, hoping that this profound act might trigger memories of their past life together.

 

The ghost, now hovering near Dang as she sleeps, reaches out with an ethereal hand to gently touch her face. The touch is soft and tender, imbued with a sense of longing and sorrow. As her ghostly fingers graze Dang’s cheek, the ghost’s eyes reflect a deep, mournful yearning. She silently hopes that by making this intimate contact, she can establish a connection with Soda through Dang, feeling the warmth and closeness she so desperately desires. The ghost’s presence, though subtle, carries an emotional weight, as she seeks to bridge the gap between her past love and the present moment.