June crept closer like a drumbeat, steady and impossible to ignore. The Pasimupindu mansion was buzzing with a new kind of energy—not the wild chaos of holidays, not the serious grind of exams, but the anticipation of a daughter about to step into a bigger world.
My suitcase sat open in the middle of my room, half-filled with clothes, books, and gadgets. Neatly folded blouses rested on one side, while the other was a jumble of camera gear and notebooks. A checklist was taped to the wall: passport, visa papers, scholarship letter, camera batteries.
"Shelly!" Leratho burst into the room, waving a pink hairbrush like a microphone. "Breaking news: Shelly Pasimupindu leaves Harare not for school, not for studies—but to chase Ohm Pawat!"
I groaned. "Not this again."
Clifton ran in right behind her, grinning. "It's true though! Imagine the headlines: 'Zimbabwean girl builds mansion, then flies to Thailand to marry her idol!'"
"Stop exaggerating!" I threw a pillow at him.
But then Caro joined in, leaning on the doorway with a mischievous smile. "Sis, admit it—you've been practicing Thai phrases in the bathroom mirror. Don't think we don't hear you whispering 'Sawasdee ka, Ohm' at night."
The room erupted with laughter. My face heated. "I'm practicing the language, not the introduction to my wedding vows!"
Even Collins, who rarely teased, shook his head with a smirk. "Honestly though, if Pond or Phuwin end up in your study group, we'll never hear the end of it."
Dad's voice boomed from the hallway. "I just hope they teach you as much chemistry as they do celebrity gossip!"
Everyone laughed harder. Mom popped her head in, her smile soft but teasing too. "Don't worry, Shelly. We'll still love you—even if you come back with a Thai son-in-law."
I buried my face in my hands. "You're all impossible."
---
The teasing continued through the week as I packed.
At dinner, Clifton raised his glass dramatically. "To Shelly—may she master her books, ace her exams, and secure the autograph of Ohm Pawat!"
Leratho chimed in, "And may she not faint if Pond Naravit smiles at her."
Caro added, "Or worse—trip and fall on Phuwin during orientation!"
The table roared with laughter while I groaned. "Why are you all like this?"
"Because it's fun," Caro grinned. "And because we know you'll miss us when you're living your Thai drama life."
---
Despite the teasing, the preparations were serious. I recorded a "Countdown to Thailand" series on YouTube, showing my audience the packing process, my farewell shopping trips with family, and snippets of advice from each sibling.
Caro: "Shelly, don't forget to take care of your hair. Thailand is humid!"
Collins: "Always carry a power bank. Trust me."
Nelia: "Make friends, but don't forget us."
Clifton: "Bring me back a signed T-shirt from Ohm!"
Leratho: "Record your first reaction when you see the campus!"
Even Mom and Dad gave heartfelt words on camera: "We are so proud of you, Shelly. Go and shine, but never forget where you come from."
The comments poured in: "We'll miss you, Shelly!" "Thailand vlog soon, please!" "Your family is hilarious—never stop recording them!"
---
One evening, after filming, I sat on the balcony with Collins. The night air was cool, and the city lights shimmered in the distance.
"You know," he said quietly, "we joke a lot about your celebrity crushes. But… I want you to know, I really admire you. You've built something incredible here. And now, you're going even further."
I smiled, touched by his rare seriousness. "Thanks, Collins. I just… I want to make you all proud. Not just by studying, but by living fully, chasing dreams."
He patted my shoulder. "You already did. Thailand is just the next level."
---
The night before my flight, the family gathered in the living room for a mini farewell party. Balloons floated near the ceiling, and Caro had baked a cake with "Good Luck, Shelly!" written in pink icing.
As I cut the cake, Clifton shouted, "Don't forget us when you're chilling with Ohm and Pond!"
Leratho added, "Bring us back Thai snacks. And maybe a selfie with Phuwin."
I laughed so hard I nearly dropped the knife. "Fine, fine. If I meet them, I'll get autographs for all of you. But no promises!"
Mom hugged me tightly, whispering in my ear. "We tease because we love. And we'll always be here, cheering you on."
I hugged her back, tears pricking my eyes. "I'll make you proud, Mom."
---
That night, lying in bed, suitcase zipped and ready, I scrolled through my phone. My last vlog of the "Countdown" series had just passed a million views. Fans were excited, supportive, and curious about what my life in Thailand would look like.
And beneath all the laughter, the teasing, and the dreams, I knew this: tomorrow was the start of something huge.
The world was waiting.