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Inside Nuoy's wooden living room, daylight filters through open windows. Nuoy stands beside Ek who waves shyly toward Nuoy's smiling family seated near a woven mat.
I am Nuoy. Today my cousin Ek visited from the city. We ran to my house, laughing. I introduced Ek to my family. He waved; he rarely visits. "Your home feels warm," said Ek.
By the clear river under bright midday sun, Nuoy crouches on a smooth rock while Ek points excitedly at silver fish sparkling beneath the water’s surface.
We walked to the clear river. Fish flickered like stars. "It is so clean!" Ek cheered. Next, I showed him the golden fields. "Harvest is soon," I said. We peeked inside the granary.
In the sunny orchard, Ek stretches on tip-toe to grasp a ripe mango overhead as Nuoy steadies a woven basket below, rows of leafy mango trees and temple rooftops visible beyond.
We visited the monks' temple. Paths were tidy; bells chimed. "They help keep everything neat," I explained. At the orchard, ripe mangoes scented the air. Ek reached up; I held the basket. We went home to rest.
At the bustling outdoor market lit by late-afternoon glow, Nuoy and Ek stand beside a bamboo stall, smiling as they share a steaming sweet rice cake, baskets of colorful produce surrounding them.
After resting, we visited the market. Steam curled from sweet rice cakes. We shared bites. "I love my surroundings in my community," I said. "I really like your community, Nuoy," Ek said. "Where next tomorrow?" he asked.