As the day waned, Bhikkhu Kang went to Somchai's house accompanied by a new guest, a middle-aged woman. He introduced her as Voon, his trusted assistang who would serve as a conduit between him and Nang Tani. Along with Voon, Bhikkhu Kang brought various items necessary for the ritual.

            The night of the ritual had arrived, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange hue over the landscape, Tom felt a sense of trepidation. He had spent the day restless, his mind plagued by thoughts of what would come. At approximately midnight, Bhikkhu Kang politely beckoned for Somchai to fetch Tom. Together, Bhikkhu Kang, his assistant, Somchai, Tom, and Somchai's parents ventured out to the cluster of banana plants.

            Once they arrived at their destination, Bhikkhu Kang carefully laid out a mat on the ground and arranged various items such as an incense holder, a bowl of water, flowers, and lime. He then invited everyone to sit on the mat and proceeded to light candles and incense sticks, placing them around the banana plants. With the preparations fully completed, he settled onto the mat and lit more incense sticks, releasing a calming fragrance into the air. Next, he retrieved some flowers and, while reciting mantras, tossed them into the bowl of water. He also sliced some limes and added them to the bowl, before dipping his hand into the water and sprinkled it on the banana plants. Bhikkhu Kang then called out 'Nang Tani' repeatly.

            The air was thick with the scent of incense, and the flickering candlelight cast an ethereal glow on the surroundings. Tom's gaze fell upon the banana plant, its once-vibrant blossom now withered and brown. Tom felt a weight of anticipation settling on his shoulders as Bhikkhu Kang began the ritual with a series of chants, his deep voice resonating through the stillness.

            Voon, the medium, sat in a tranquil state with eyes closed, her face calm and serene. Somchai's parents exchanged worried glances, their unease evident. Somchai placed a reassuring hand on Tom's shoulder, offering silent reassurance. As the chants continued, Voon began to stir, her body trembling slightly. Suddenly her eyes flew open, and she spoke in a voice that was not her own, sharp and authoritative.

"Tam! Why have you once again caused me harm? Why have you disturbed my peace? Why do you seek my forgiveness when you cannot comprehend the gravity of your wrongdoing?" The voice, filled with rage and pain, sent shivers down Tom's spine. Voon, possessed by the spirit of Nang Tani, rose to her feet. Her eyes, once calm, now blazed with fury. "You sought my blessings, but your intentions were clouded by arrogance and disrespect. You trespassed into my realm, and for that, there must be recompense." Her words hung heavy in the air, and the group fell into a solemn silence. Again, Somchai acted as an interpreter for Tom. He wanted Tom to understand the gravity of the situation.

Bhikkhu Kang, undeterred, continued his chants, his voice rising to match the spirit's intensity. He pleaded for forgiveness, for peace, and the restoration of harmony. Throughout the entire ceremony, Tom simply observed with a stoic demeanour. He struggled to comprehend its significance, yet he held onto a glimmer of hope that it would bring something positive. A sense of nervousness and unease enveloped him, as he grappled with the unknown and sensed its malevolence.

While conversing with Bhikkhu Kang, Voon occasionally cast a disapproving glance towards Tom, igniting a sense of fear within him. Deep down, Tom understood that he had greatly enraged Nang Tani, evident from the fury blazing in her eyes. He also wondered what the conversation between Bhikkhu Kang and Voon was about.

            Once the ceremony had concluded, they returned indoors and settled in the comfort of the living room. Seizing the opportunity, Tom turned to Somchai and inquired about the discussion that had just taken place.

"They seemed to have quite a lengthy conversation. Any idea what it was about?" Tom asked in a hushed tone. 

            “I don’t know,” Somchai replied shaking his head.

“But they were talking in Siamese. You do understand Siamese, don’t you?” Tom pleaded.

            “Yes, but they were talking in an archaic form of Siamese which I couldn’t comprehend fully,” Somchai admitted.

Once all of them had gathered inside the house, Bhikkhu Kang made a polite request for Somchai's mother to brew a cup of coffee for him. Somchai was eager to learn the result of the ceremony - had Nang Tani pardoned Tom? Had Bhikkhu Kang succeeded in pacifying Nang Tani?           

            Bhikkhu Kang fell into a contemplative silence after savouring a few sips of coffee. His mind seemed to be consumed with introspection as he proceeded to recount his tale. He revealed that Nang Tani had adamantly refused to forgive Tom for his transgressions against her. He had not only insulted her but also caused her harm. She was determined to exact revenge.

            "What would happen to Tom?" Somchai asked.

            Bhikkhu Kang looked at Tom with a sorrowful look and said, "Nang Tani would continue to haunt him and drain his life energy from him. Soon, he'll die. But ...."

Bhikkhu Kang stopped as he took another few sips of coffee.

            Hearing what Bhikkhu Kang said, Tom cringed with fear. He was aware of the dire situation he was in. He could feel his life energy draining out of him. he thought of his parents back in England.

            "What can we do to save Tom?" Somchai asked again, anxious to hear something good or a glimmer of hope from Bhikkhu Kang.

            Bhikkhu Kang was silent for a minute before he spoke, “There is a way.”

            “How?” Somchai inquired eagerly.

            Bhikkhu Kang’s gaze shifted to Tom. Tom sensed that what Bhikkhu Kang was about to say would have great repercussion on him.