Sweet Subterfuge

Kevan locked up and saw the deep blue ceiling. It was covered in star–shaped lights. A sparkling silver galaxy surrounded the lights. Gold dust shimmered around it.

“These were all painted by Mommy! Godma told me that whenever Mommy had time, she would come here to paint stars for me, even when she was really busy!” Aster boasted proudly.

A scene of a slender and delicate woman standing alone on a ladder appeared in Kevan’s mind.

She held a palette in one hand and a brush in the other. She was focused on painting the ceiling. How did she feel at that time? Probably happy. Just like how he felt right now, looking at her masterpiece.”

However, compared to her, he also felt a hint of irexplicable bittemess.

“Does Mommy like. I mean, the stars in the sky? Kevan struggled to speak, His voice was hushed and hoarse.

reasons she would name her son

puzzled. He tilted his head, thinking about Kevan’s question for some time. Only then did he reply.

why did she name you ‘Aster?” Kevan

only light in Mommy’s darkest times! Just like the stars that only appear at night I gave her hope to keep going. That’s why my full name

learned this from his godmother. He didn’t fully understand the meaning. Still he memorized it

and “darkest times” struck

when she left her home after going through such a diflicult time. She even gave birth to a

hearing all this. What il … what if she hadn’t become pregnant with Aster?

ever see

thought of it.