know you. You think I don't but I do. I can see into hearts-hearts
wanting to be men, wanting to end boyhood. You've heard those stories
about men who became more than that from drinking a bit of this. The
stories aren't true. They are stupid. Nobody has ever done anything
like that; but the real parts of the stories are gaining courage and
strength. My husband was in his teens when I saw him for the first time
doing what you are about to do. I watched him the way those girls over
there are watching you now. Anybody would have second thoughts about
this. Anybody would. It tastes horrible because it is strong in
courage and strength for those with the courage to drink it. If you can
do this you will never run away from anything again. Instead, you will
have it on the run. This is your only time to conquer your fears and do
something naughty while the police are sleeping. Whatever you do, make
sure that you put a few coins in the box to help the Red Cross." She
pointed at the plastic box at a distant corner of the table. While
Suthep inserted a few baht into the hole she directed herself to Kazem.
"Are those two your brothers?"
"Yes," he said.
"I know you won't make them ashamed of you. It's just fifty baht
each. Look. People are staring at you. You've got to do it. Drink!"
"Drink, money man," reiterated Suthep.
He glared at Suthep. "Hey, I'm not paying for me alone. I'll do
it for the pure pleasure of seeing you stand there all night looking
into your cup." Kazem paid for three cups. Jatupon stood there stiff
and frightened. Starting from the oldest to the youngest they drank
down their beverages. The liquid molecules of hell were a hundred
times that of the airborne ones from Kumpee's socks and shoes. All of
them choked and coughed. All of them swallowed some of the blood
heathenishly but spit out most. It was followed by a sip of watery and
caffeinated whiskey that had been diluted and adulterated in cola.