TS Wife

"He said he will need 10,000 baht."

The Thai money was very popular in this country, especially in the
mountains where many things could be bought over the borders. That was
less than 800 dollars and the man probably thought it was a king's
ransom.

"I do not have baht." I shook my head. "But I have 500 dollars,
American, I can pay him now." I had close to a thousand really,
dangerous as it was to carry that much, it was even more dangerous not
to.

"He will take 600 dollars." The interpreter told me. I frowned and
looked at Tam. She stood quietly now, with her head bowed and her hands
behind her back, letting her father and prospective husband decide her
fate. It was giving me little butterflies and I couldn't say no, even
though it was madness to say yes.

I procrastinated, only slightly, by asking Tam's age. It had been on my
mind, although the timing doubtless made everyone think it was a point in
our negotiation. The interpreter told me she was 16, which is a proper
age to be married in their culture. I found that a slight relief, and I'm
still fearful of what my decision might have been should Tam been as
young as I'd first thought.

"I will pay it." I nodded and Tam smiled broadly, fidgeting as if she
might launch herself at me any second while I counted out the money.

Tam's father shook my hand. He smiled and said something to Tam so that
she disappeared and quickly returned with a clay jar of local wine. Her
father and I drank together, celebrating, and I spent more money, having
someone bring food and more drink as neighbors came by, sharing in the
good news. It was heady stuff, the excitement, the friendliness, everyone
clapping me on the back and smiling, all the drinks.

It was barely one o'clock, I realized, I'd been in that town for two
hours and I was married in all but name. It was bizarre and I felt
overwhelmed. The town official, like a mayor, appeared and there were
papers filled out, stamped and signed and notarized. Tam was next to me
and it was the most relaxed wedding ceremony I'd ever heard of. Buying
my first car had been more ritualistic than this had been. More difficult
too.