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.

of any other reasons she would name her son “Aster” and put so

head, thinking about Kevan’s question for some time. Only then did

did she name you ‘Aster?” Kevan

the only light in Mommy’s darkest times! Just like the stars that only appear at

understand the meaning. Still he memorized it since it was the origin of his

and

must have experienced when she left her home after going through such a diflicult time. She even gave birth to a child with an unknown father. He always knew she was strong. He never doubled that she could

what if she hadn’t

would ever see

beat just by the thought of it. He hurriedly took big strides