Vehicle Ad Chapter 24

 

Welcome to Chapter 24 of the 'Vehicle Ad' podcast.

The morning sun shines brightly as Dang navigates the bustling market, filled with vibrant stalls and the enticing aromas of fresh produce. She has her heart set on preparing a delicious Northern Thai breakfast for Itim, hoping to surprise him with a hearty meal. As she picks out fragrant herbs and fresh vegetables, she overhears a group of sellers gossiping nearby.

 

“Did you hear about that girl?” one of them whispers, glancing her way. “Living with a guy before marriage… what a shame.” The words sting, and anger flares up within Dang, but she takes a deep breath, reminding herself to stay calm. She knows that people often cling to outdated views, but it still hurts to hear such judgment.

 

Determined not to let their words ruin her morning, she focuses on the task at hand. With a polite smile, she approaches the sellers and engages in light conversation about the fresh ingredients. “These tomatoes look great! I’ll take some for my breakfast,” she says, trying to maintain her composure.

 

As she gathers her items, Dang resolves to rise above the gossip. She understands that her choices are valid, and her love for Itim is real. With each step through the market, she reminds herself of the joy and strength that comes from living authentically, determined to create a warm, loving home, despite the opinions of others.

 

Once back home, Dang sets about preparing a traditional Northern Thai breakfast, her heart lightening with each step. She carefully washes the fresh vegetables she picked from the market, the vibrant colors inspiring her as she thinks of Itim. She decides to make *khao soi*, a rich coconut curry noodle soup that always reminds her of home.

 

She starts by sautéing garlic and onions in a pot, the aromatic scent filling the kitchen. As she adds the curry paste, the flavors begin to blend beautifully. Dang pours in the creamy coconut milk, watching as it swirls and thickens, then tosses in the soft egg noodles and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. She loves how this dish brings comfort and warmth, just like her love for Itim.

 

While the soup simmers, she prepares a side of pickled vegetables to accompany the meal, adding a tangy crunch that perfectly complements the richness of the *khao soi*. Finally, she plates everything with care, arranging it neatly and garnishing with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

 

With a satisfied smile, Dang sets the table and lights a candle, creating a cozy atmosphere. As she waits for Itim to wake up, she feels a sense of pride in her cooking, knowing that she’s preparing something special for them to enjoy together.

 

As Itim stirs awake, the delicious aroma of Dang's *khao soi* wafts through the house, pulling him from his dreams. He stretches and heads to the kitchen, his heart warming at the sight before him. Dang has set the table beautifully, with steaming bowls of the rich coconut curry soup, pickled vegetables, and lime wedges, all ready for their breakfast.

 

“Good morning!” Dang greets him with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I made your favorite!”

 

Itim’s face lights up as he takes a seat, the warmth of the meal and Dang’s enthusiasm filling him with joy. They dive into the delicious *khao soi*, savoring each bite. The flavors burst in his mouth, and he can’t help but compliment her cooking. “This is incredible, Dang! You always know how to make the perfect breakfast.”

 

They share laughter and stories over their meal, the conversation flowing effortlessly as they enjoy the cozy atmosphere. Each spoonful is not just nourishment but a reminder of the love and care that goes into their shared moments.

 

As they finish breakfast, Itim reaches across the table, taking Dang’s hand in his. “Thank you for this. It means so much to me,” he says sincerely. They share a contented smile, feeling grateful for each other and the life they are building together.

 

After finishing their breakfast, Dang takes a deep breath, ready to share what had been weighing on her mind. “Itim, I heard some gossip at the market this morning,” she begins, her tone a mix of frustration and resolve. “Some sellers were talking about me, saying things like how it’s shameful for a woman to live with a guy before marriage.”

 

Itim’s expression shifts to one of concern. “I’m sorry, Dang,” he replies softly, squeezing her hand. “That must have hurt to hear.” He can see the anger still flickering in her eyes, and it pains him to know she’s facing judgment.

 

Dang nods, trying to keep her emotions in check. “It does sting, but I know that our relationship is built on love and understanding. I just wish people could see that instead of clinging to outdated beliefs.”

 

Itim leans closer, his voice earnest. “You shouldn’t have to defend our choices. What we have is real, and I’m proud of us. I’m sorry you had to deal with that. I wish I could protect you from all the negativity out there.”

 

His words bring a smile to her face, and she feels a sense of relief. “Thank you, Itim. It means a lot to me that you understand.” They sit together in comfortable silence for a moment, knowing that they can face the world as long as they have each other’s support.

 

After their heartfelt breakfast, Itim and Dang decide to head to the print store. The morning sun casts a warm glow as they walk hand in hand, sharing lighthearted conversation about their plans for the day.

 

Upon entering the store, Peter, Itim’s enthusiastic secretary, looks up from his desk and breaks into a wide grin. “Dang! It’s so great to see you!” he exclaims, welcoming her with open arms. She returns his enthusiasm with a bright smile, appreciating the friendly atmosphere.

 

“Hi, Peter! I brought some good energy today!” she jokes, her warmth filling the space.

 

Itim chuckles, feeling grateful for the supportive environment at work. Peter quickly transitions into business mode, pulling out a clipboard and briefing Itim on the day’s schedule. “We have a few important orders to complete, and I want to make sure we stay on track. The new couple T-shirts you designed are ready for printing, and I think they’re going to be a hit!”

 

As Peter explains the upcoming tasks, Dang listens with interest, occasionally chiming in with ideas and suggestions. She feels a sense of pride watching Itim in his element, handling the day’s responsibilities with confidence. The camaraderie and teamwork among them create a positive energy, and she knows they’re all working toward something special together.

 

As Itim and Dang settle into the day’s work at the print shop, a few customers enter, buzzing with excitement about the new couple T-shirts. One customer, a young woman with bright eyes, approaches Dang with an eager smile. “Hi! Are you Dang? I saw your posts online! Could we take a picture together?”

 

Surprised and flattered, Dang beams. “Of course!” she replies, stepping closer to the woman for the photo. Itim captures the moment with his phone, a warm smile on his face as he watches the interaction.

 

After the picture, the customer’s expression shifts to disappointment. “I was hoping to buy one of those T-shirts, but I heard they’re out of stock. Do you know when they’ll be available again?”

 

Dang exchanges a quick glance with Itim, who nods, understanding the challenge. “We’re working on restocking them soon,” she reassures the customer. “We appreciate your support! Please check back with us in a few days, and we’ll make sure to have more ready for you.”

 

The customer thanks them, though her initial excitement dims a bit. As she leaves, Dang turns to Itim, concern in her eyes. “I hate disappointing customers like that,” she says softly.

 

“It’s part of the business,” Itim replies, encouragingly. “We’ll get those shirts back in stock. For now, let’s focus on the positive energy and the fun we’re creating.” His words help lift her spirits, and together they dive back into their work, determined to keep the momentum going.

 

As the day progresses at the print shop, Dang can’t help but feel a surge of pride and happiness. She looks around at the bustling atmosphere, filled with the hum of printers and the chatter of customers, and reflects on how her art has blossomed into something truly special. The couple T-shirts, inspired by her creative vision, are gaining popularity, and she’s thrilled to see them resonating with so many people.

 

Knowing that her designs not only express her passion but also bring joy to others fills her with a sense of fulfillment. “Itim,” she says, turning to him with bright eyes, “I can’t believe how well everything is going! It’s amazing to think that my art is making a difference and even generating income.”

 

Itim smiles back, his pride evident. “You’ve worked hard for this, Dang. Your talent and creativity are shining through, and it’s paying off.”

 

Her heart swells at his support, and she feels motivated to keep pushing her artistic boundaries. The thought of turning her passion into a sustainable venture excites her, and she begins to envision future designs and collaborations. With a renewed sense of purpose, she dives back into the day’s tasks, energized by the possibilities that lie ahead.

 

Later in the afternoon, as Dang takes a break from her work, she finds herself staring at a print of Van Gogh’s iconic *Starry Night* hanging on the wall of the shop. The swirling blues and vibrant yellows always captivate her, sparking a wave of inspiration. With a heartfelt smile, she whispers to herself, “Thank you, Van Gogh, for creating such a beautiful masterpiece.”

 

In that moment, she reflects on how his art has influenced her own journey as an artist. The way he captured emotion and movement in his paintings resonates deeply with her, reminding her to embrace the beauty of expression in her own work. She feels a profound connection to his vision, realizing that his ability to transform feelings into art encourages her to do the same.

 

Motivated by this inspiration, she picks up her sketchbook, eager to translate her thoughts and emotions onto the page. “If only I could create something that touches others the way *Starry Night* touches me,” she muses, channeling her admiration for Van Gogh into her own creative process. With each stroke of her pencil, she feels a renewed sense of purpose, determined to carve her own path in the art world while honoring the legacy of those who have inspired her.