That night of the first full day in hospital, they all slept in the room. Lek had the couch and Mike and Craig slept on a couple of spare blankets on the floor, but on Tuesday morning, it was obvious to Craig that Lek was suffering with her back. During breakfast, which was provided for Soom by the hospital, and by Mike for himself and his in-laws from the café in the foyer, Craig asked his wife whether she wanted to move into a hotel nearby.
“We’re all right here, aren’t we? It’s nice and cosy – all being together, old Thai style.” It might have been old Thai style, and even still going on in the village, but Mike had never known it in Bangkok with his family.
“You slept because you were worn out, but I saw that your back was stiff this morning.”
“Yes, OK, but a strange bed often affec
