The next morning after drinking some of the left over broth, we set out at dawn to the train station in the town. The forest was dense and our movement were slowed down by the thick scrubs.
My hands and legs were scratched all over by the thorns. The mosquitoes were having a feast. My legs and hands were swollen from all their bites. We stopped once awhile to drink and eat some wild berries.
It was a stark contrast; from living in a mansion to surviving in the dense forest running away from the Japanese soldiers.
"We have to be very careful. I saw some Japanese soldiers cycling through the forest when I went out to collect some water this morning. If they catch us then we will be in big trouble," whispered Chen.
I nodded my head to signal that I understood, not daring to make any sound.
Chen was in his late twenties when the war started. He is a very strong and handsome man with sharp features. He started working for my father when he was fifteen years old. He is smart and soon he was promoted to be my father's personal assistance. He helps my father both in the business and running of the household. That was how he became our butler.
After many hours of walking we reached the edge of the town. Chen signaled for me to wait behind the bushes.
"Wait here. Let me check the surroundings to make sure it is safe," said Chen.
He then walked out of the forest and surveyed the surrounding areas.
After awhile he came back.
"Alright I think we are safe. There are no signs of any Japanese soldiers around. Let's go," said Chen.
Together we walked out of the forest onto the road which would lead us into the town ahead.
Everything seemed so quiet and still. There were wreckage everywhere due to the bombing which happened two nights ago. The nearer we got to the town the more devastated the damages were.
At some parts, there were dead, decapitated body lying around the roads. It was too gruesome to look at. Chen covered my eyes with his hands.
Children were crying on the streets looking for their parents while wounded survival were being carried to the nearby hospital on stretches. Some British soldiers can be seen running around.
As we walked nearer to the train station, many people were crowded around the ticket booth. Everyone was trying to get a ticket out.
Chen managed to navigate us through the crowd into the station. After the station master checked our tickets we were allowed in. We found a bench to sit on.
"Wait for me here. Don't go anywhere. I will be back," said Chen.
I nodded my head. After 5 minutes or so, Chen came back with a packet of hot buns.
"Its your birthday today. You should have something nice to eat. Eat up while its still hot," said Chen.
"Thank you," I replied.
"You should eat too," I said to him while passing him a bun.
We sat there in silence eating the delicious hot buns. It seemed like ages since we had a proper meal. I thought about my parents and grandfather. This brought tears to my eyes. Chen noticed and he gave me a hug.
"Don't worry, Sabrina. You will always have me. I will never leave your side. I promised your father that I will take good care of you," he said.
Then he took my hands and started to wipe them with a piece of wet cloth. He gently wiped away the dirt on both of my hands. Then he applied some ointment on all the scratches and mosquitoes bites.
Our train to Bangkok will arrived soon....