Nawin did not know what to say. “My God, I haven’t seen you in 12 years, my boy. You’ve grown up. You have money and nice clothes. Who’d ever think we’d meet again and in Montreal of all places.”
Nawin laughed bitterly “Don’t use that word, Jatupon, with me. Okay? I hate that word. You didn’t need to emerge. My lessens about life are all my own, now.”
“Can you face life without clinging to anything?”
“It is the way of the Buddha”
“But is it your way?”
“Sure, why not? If I choose so I can do anything. If I choose, I can swat you out of existence.”
“The only friend you’ve ever had?”
“Sure, why not? Just like with a gnat.” He slapped him on the head and the mosquito seemed to shrink.
“Please don’t. Who will drive you then if you get rid of me? You killed my ancestors in your buckets of laundry soap and slapped them into your palms like a sport. I think that is enough.”
“I can get into another cab if I choose. I can stop the coke if I choose. I don’t need women or anybody least of all you. But you know, you aren’t so bad. You certainly aren’t scary any longer. Maybe I’ll let you stay.”