Sweet Subterfuge

Larissa did not remember how long it had been since she last heard Aster’s voice. She kept thinking about it, to the point that int that she was

close to hallucinating. She could frequently hear Aster calling her “Mommy,” repeatedly in happiness, joy, depression, sadness – But she knew all too well that those were merely hallucinations.

However, it was different this time.

“Are you working? Aster’s voice held some confusion and tentativeness in it

Larissa stared at Kevan’s phone so hard that her vision actually blurred out, though she did not know if the staring was what caused it to happen.

“Yeah.” Kevan peeked at Larissa out of the comer of his eye, his tone gentle as it always was whenever he was chatting with Aster.

“Aw” Aster drew out the word with disappointment. “I call later then””

He video-called Kevan at this time almost every day, so naturally, he thought that Kevan was free right now,

need.” Kevan stopped him and took the initiative in the conversation. “Did anything interesting

me today!” Aster’s tone

Cocking an eyebrow slightly,

to wrap its injuries. I even used some wood to build a little house for it! Ms. Judy said I was very

Kevan’s phone vibrated,

did her best to stretch her neck to look, but because she was

see it?”

smile grew bigger. “Yes.” He gazed at the pictures Aster sent and did not look away for a long

nice?” Aster’s voice held a subdued hint of

deep voice oh, so wonderfully soft and gentle. “Of

Aster giggled again,

and natural conversation made Larissa just a tad jealous. But at the same

that she must

for long. About half an hour later, he found an excuse to hang up. Turning back, he saw the complicated expression on Larissa’s