three. storytime

I am Cambodian but I was born in London, England; 22 years ago. My religious beliefs are meant to be private however if you want to know, then I do practice Theravada Buddhism. There is one missing part of my history that I would love to share with anyone who is intrigued about my grandparents' lives.

My grandfather's name got lost in the archives, his name was Pak Samay Mensana. In Khmer, we use the term 'Lok Ta' when talking about a grandfather.

During the Khmer Rouge regime (circa 1975-1979), my dad, his siblings, his parents, and his grandmother; all lived in the jungle. On just one dark day, my Lok Ta Pak Samay endured a fatal end. And we never got to meet.

Lok Ta Pak Samay was getting food ready for his family, like a father would. He was preparing the dead cow to plate up for his family, however unbeknownst to Lok Ta Pak Samay, this cow had been bitten by a snake. Thus, his blood became laced with snake venom and he was met with an extremely untimely death. At the end of the day, Lok Ta Pak Samay provided for his family; my father survived along with his three siblings - would have been four if his youngest brother hadn't been met with the same fate) - and my grandmother Hang Son.

Signing off, burnt toast sweet tea;