His and Mine / ZNN

8. Heart Flutters

“Okay, your turn.” Nunew tilted his head to the side a bit which made Zee laugh noting the baffled expression on the boy’s face. “Your turn to tell me something about yourself. I’ve already told you so many things about me.”

Nunew thought that that was fair so he started talking while both of them were plating the food they ordered.

“Well, there’s nothing interesting about me. I don’t really know what to tell.” Nunew said as he was going around.

“Nunew, I don’t need you to tell me stuff like what I told you. Just things at the top of your head. You can start with that.”

“Okay, so I am an only child. My parents are into the textile business. It’s something my grandad passed to my dad. My mom and an uncle are helping him with it.”

“Textiles you say? Have I heard of it before? Zee asked while spooning rice into his mouth.

“You might have, it’s called CWR Mills.”

“Hey! Your family owns that? We handled PR for your collection like, two years ago!” Zee was astonished. CWR Mills is one of the established textile companies in Thailand. It keeps up with the latest trends and what is more admirable is that it hires people who are deaf and mute. One of the advocacies of the owners, he read from somewhere. He now understands when Nunew said that his parents were busy. A business like the scale that they have is a feat to keep running.

“Oh really? I’m sorry, I’m not really particular about the business since I do not have a passion in that area. My parents do not force me into it either They know how much I love the Languages and as long as I do good in my studies, they just let me decide things on my own.” I am proud however that they continued to hire people with physical disabilities. I kinda requested that from them.

Zee just signaled for Nunew to continue, explaining that he was just surprised when he heard the name of the company and would really like to learn more of what he was saying.

Well, when I was little, I had a nanny who was hearing impaired. We would communicate via sign language and she was always with me because as I said, my parents were busy. She was very intelligent but since she has a disability, not many employers gave her a chance. My dad saw potential in her and decided to take her in as one of her personal assistants in the company, she did excellent. Only, I lost a nanny. Nunew laughed.

Zee loved the sparkle in Nunew’s eyes as he told the story. He was having trouble not staring at the boy.

“That’s a noble thing to do, giving opportunities for all. That’s something to be proud of.” Zee commented. He remembered that when he read the article about this. He thought that it was a brilliant practice that other companies should take on.

“My grandma supported that decision. I just happened to tell her that when I visited her one time, she encouraged me to talk to my dad about it, you know, since he’s in charge of the business now. There were challenges when they started. I remember mom said that they had to take particular training and courses to better prepare the workforce, but everything was worth it in the end.” Nunew shared thoughtfully.The lad was quiet for a bit, then sighed. He was thinking of other things to share.

“My friends, you already met them. We have known each other forever and I enjoy their company a lot. If not in our flat, were usually at Nat’s. It’s our designated hideout. When Uncle and Auntie, Nat’s parents, decided to move to Chiang Mai, Mark converted the den into an area where we can hang out. We stayed there all the time, well up until we left for college and had the flat.”

“Wait, may I just ask something? I’m being nosy I know but I’m just really curious.” Zee spoke. Nunew stared at him which he took as a go signal so he continued. “Nat is with Max, Net is with James and I think I saw Tutor and Yim sneaking kisses at the dance floor during the wedding so, they’re an item too. So, you’re the only one in your group of friends who’s single?”