For a Thai boy of nineteen years, Nakharin had what many would consider a prize job. He was a masseur at one of the few five-star hotels on the beach. He could have easily been a masseur at a four-star hotel but the five-star clientele were nicer to him and gave such excellent tips.
Nakharin was always keen to improve his skills. He would talk to the older masseurs and watch them at work. Often, they shushed him away, but he was persistent. Soon he began to receive the best tips. While he kept some of the money, he sent the rest home to his family.
On the particular week in question he was assigned to look after a tall English lady called Lindsay. Lindsay, who was holidaying with a girlfriend, talked to Nakharin endlessly about her life at home with her ageing parents and unsuitable boyfriends. He wondered how someone with all those riches could make themselves so unhappy.
On the first day she gave a measly tip; Nakharin had to admit he was disappointed.
When, on the second day, as he was massaging her, once again listening to pitiful banalities, some of which he did not understand, he sighed and said:
“There’s too much going on in your mind, Miss Lindsay. You have to let go.”
“But how do I do that?”
“Release yourself into my hands and let the energy flow through your body.”
That night, Eric was standing at the bar. He was depressed. Fed up with his life. Angry at the world. And wondering why he had ever bothered to come on this holiday to this so-called Thai haven.
“Can I get you a drink?” said the woman next to him at the bar.
“If you want.”
“How can you be here in this beautiful place and be so grumpy?”
“Being grumpy is a national hobby. Besides, my career is at risk, and I don’t know what to do next.”
The woman leaned over and put her hand on Eric’s shoulder.
“Release yourself into my hands,” she said. “Let the energy flow through your body.”
The following day, Nakharin was summoned to Monsieur Cantona’s suite.
“Nakharin,” he said, “I want you to teach me everything you know!”
*
“I once had a girlfriend just like Lindsay. She could never let herself go.”
“So why did you go out with her?”
“She was troubled, but she was kind to me. She tried to love me, but she didn’t know how.”
“Where is she now?”
“She’s a nun.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“Really I have no idea where she is, but we did part as friends.”