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,

initiative in

praised me today!” Aster’s tone pitched upward, the pride

softened a great deal, Cocking an

found a hurt little bird! its wing was broken, and it was so pitiful. It could not even fly anymore! I brought it to the infirmary and got Dr. Mora to wrap its injuries. I even used some wood to build a little house for it! Ms. Judy said I was very kind, and that my little house was very nice!” Aster giggled. “I took some pictures.

Kevan’s phone vibrated, surely having received

look, but because she was too far away,

you see

He gazed at the pictures Aster sent and did not look away for

Aster’s voice held a subdued hint

soft

Aster giggled again,

jealous. But at the same time, she was

figured that she must

he found an excuse to hang up. Turning back, he saw