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Zee was nervous. After a long time, he has come for a talk show, and he didn't want to make any mistake. Unintentionally saying something which could trigger the petty people on the internet... He didn't want that.
It has been going smoothly till now. He is calm and collected, and quite enjoying the interview.
The host asked Zee, "We’ve heard you say before that your parents are quiet people, they don’t talk much. How is your relationship with them? Do you get to share your problems with them, or when times are hard, do you go to them and just, you know, find comfort or something?"
Zee: Uhhh.. sometimes I do, yes. But only like in passing. Like we are sitting for dinner and they just ask if I had a good day, and I’m like yeah.. it was ok, or I just say it wasn't that good. But yeah that’s it. Actually my parents have always been strict, khap. So there’s not much I share with them, because I think now that I’ve grown up, what use is burdening them about all these things, you know.
I mean, unless it’s affecting them directly, I don’t tell them anything. They’ve given me the support in whatever I want to do, so that’s enough for me. We don’t really talk much, but I think they are proud of me.
They must be since my dad keeps on sending twitter links to my events in the family group chat, hahaha. So yeah..
Host: Well, then you must have someone that you can talk to freely right, about whatever’s on your mind. Honestly, who the person is doesn’t really matter khap. As long as you have someone to lean on.
Zee: Chai, chai. Everyone has to have that person khap. I usually talk to P’Aof if something is going on professionally. Or even Nhu. I can usually talk to him.
But mostly I just try to let the issue pass, or just do my own thing as best as I can. I don’t really prefer to share khap. In some ways, I don’t want my issues or troubles affecting other people’s mood or day. So I just keep it all to myself if it’s not something too disastrous. Chai.
Host: oh well, if you handle things well by yourself and if that makes you feel better, works for you, then yes, you don’t have to share with anyone. Everyone is different in how comfortable they are in letting others in their troubles.
But, I know, and you know, that every one of us, some time requires that motivation, that affection, that support from someone who’s dear to us. So, we have something for you to see na hub.
Zee: Huh? Ohhh, it must be that video something na khub. Don’t tell me it’s Nhu, I know he wasn't free these days for all this video stuff,
Host: Lets see then, can you please play the video khub
"Zee, my Lhuk, Sabaidee Mai?"
As soon as he saw his mom’s face on the screen, Zee’s breath hitched. His mom! That was his mother on the screen. She was never the one to involve herself in all this media things. And she had agreed to make a video for his show appearance? He didn’t even know about it!
"Zee, Lhuk, Sabaidee Mai? I hope you had a good night’s sleep yesterday. You are working so much these days na.. Take care of yourself Lhuk. Don’t get sick, I know you are so enthusiastic about all your work, but take a break na.
I know, you have a hard time some days. From the hectic schedule, and from the people online. But I want you to know that we are so proud of you na Zee. So, So proud. You think that we don’t know what goes online but we keep an eye on everything na.
We know about all your achievements, all your events, and all your struggles. I just want you to know that never once we have believed in all the rumors about you Zee. We know you, we are your parents. You are none of the things that those people say that you are. Always apologizing for the things that you didn’t do my Lhuk.
Even if you unintentionally did something wrong, don’t forget that all of us, your fans, your family, your friends, P’Aof, Nunew we will always have your back na. You don’t have to take the burden all on yourself na.
Don't listen to those people online. Ever. You are that child who used to give your lunch to the children sitting outside your school. And then used to come home shouting I'm hungry, I'm hungry. Hahaha…
Don’t lose your goodness my Lhuk. We might not say it to you, but we are so glad to have you as our son."
Zee didn’t know how to stop his tears, he was just a smidge away from full on sobbing. He had somehow controlled himself but when his mom started talking about him apologizing to people, he had to cry.
Every time he apologizes for the petty rumors online, or for something that is inconsequential in his life with his friends, and family, he gives away a part of himself. And to see his mom acknowledging that, it healed something inside him. Tears streaming down his face, he hadn't taken his eyes off of the screen even for a moment
Zee was hastily wiping his tears that didn’t want to stop, when suddenly a hand was placed on his head from behind. He turned suddenly, and couldn’t help the sob that freed itself from the depths of his heart. His Mae was standing behind looking at him with so much affection, and he jumped and hugged his Mae, hiding in her arms, and sobbing.
She stroked his back, his arms, patted his head, but Zee just wanted to stay like this, he didn’t want to continue with the interview.
Somehow he calmed a bit, and took his mom’s hand and brought her over to the sofa to sit beside him. A production staff came and handed him tissues and Zee gave a broken laugh.
"I’m sorry, I am already thirty one this year, and I'm crying like a child. Khowtod khub"
"Aye Zee", the host said. "Again apologizing unnecessarily. And, I want you to get this thing straight, in today’s world age is just a number. A ten year old child can be more experienced and mature than a 60 year old. You don’t have to apologize for showing emotions na."
Zee sniffed. "It’s just that, my Mae has never come in public. And Mae! You never even told me about this. And you are here how? I mean…"
"Haha, Zee, you have to ask P’Aof about this. He came with the team at our house na. at first I was just going to send you the video. And then P’Aof suddenly said, if zee doesn’t cry over this video, I’ll go dunk myself in ice cold water."
Zee smiled, his eyes going all crinkly while he tries to stop his lips from spreading fully.
"Then P’Aof said, maybe I should come to the show, give you encouragement. And I wanted to show you that we are always with you. So, here I am na."
Zee smiled at his mom, taking her hand hands in his, and playing with them.
"Khopkhunkhap Mae, thank you really", he said softly, as if not wanting anyone to here this. "It means a lot to me."
The host smiled, and asked Zee, "I know that we wanted to show this to the audience, but Zee we do need your permission. Are you okay with this being aired? We can always cut it out na."
Zee thought for a moment,
"I think my fans would be happy to see me happy. I don’t want anyone to think that this is all for show, or to gain sympathy, but yeah, I want to show my fans how much they mean to me. I mean I am not always thanking them, or showing love to them, but that's just how I am, I would prefer to work harder and better for them, to entertain them and keep them happy. I just can’t always express myself in words, and I want them to see me as how I am, Not what other people say."
The host smiled at Zee and said, "Without even asking you have already thanked your fans and shown love to them. And now the production manger is signing from behind that you have another schedule na.. He’s getting frantic, look at him."
Zee laughed and wai’d to everyone and went to the green room with his mom.
He was happy today. His heart was feeling lighter after many, many years.
He was happy.