The Lovers

Every year a carefully planned arrival is made to the shore of Kep. Arrangement of flight and months in advanced booking of Knai Bang Chatt, “Rainbow around the sun” resort. The lovers return for swims in glowing, cleansing plankton seawater. They take boat trips to off shore Rabbit Island to lounge in each other’s arms where no one else had been. They make love with sworn secrets. They eat the crab prepared by granny Om, who can concoct the perfect meal from ancient spices to enhance their sexual desire. She is familiar with their love for each other for they have returned to her shore year to year. Crabs tossed in green Kampot pepper garnished with edible flowers accompanies their bottle of Vina Maipo Rose from Knai Bang Chatt. The cheap Chilean wine slows their movements of passion with a basket of European condiments, chocolate and cinnamon sticks they would sit to a sundown before boarding a fisherman’s boat back to the main shore. On the pontoon of Knai Bang Chatt’s Sailing Club a table is set with sweets they would savour into the night. When in bed, after a nice playful swim in the affinity salted pool they collapse into each other’s arms holding onto a star lit night full of magical dreams. The sounds of creatures large and small serenade their deepest love for each other.

It has been over a year now the couple has not returned. Granny Om waits not knowing who to ask. Why hasn't the couple returned for her rapturous spicy crabs? Are they alright? Have they found a better shore? Everyone wanted to know.

Another year had past but only tourists who only visit once come month after month. Kep does not miss them when they are gone. It misses only the couple, whose hearts are true and pure.

One day, to everyone’s surprise, half of one returned with a suitcase in his hand. No one had recognised him at first for he had grown gaunt with a full bearded face. His eyes were hallowing full of deprivation. Lines of sadness and incessant state of sorrow had changed his appearance.

"My beloved is gone," he came to say. "She had been snatched away from me by a vehicle accident, and I’m the one who killed her. Is this where I can find her again?"

Speechless, the staff of Knai Bang Chatt dropped to their knees and wept. "We are so sorry, dear brother."

"We, too, are waiting for her return. Let us take your suitcase to your favourite sea view suite. There, a frangipani for your lover’s beautiful black hair. On the sheets and towels her scent remains and by the pool a bouquet of orchids she had ordered. She isn’t gone. You’re not her killer. You’re only a man with a fate. She is here and in the sun by the sea she calls out your name. Let her go so you can live and love again. Through your kindness she will be reborn, and when you’re ready you can open your heart for another. You have our deepest condolences. Stay awhile."

The man stayed until light returned to his eyes, a smile cracked from his sorrow, his composure assured and confident, his face radiant and hopeful.

Kep was his longing until the day he died. Her shore the arms of his beloved calling him out to sea.