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.
Larissa must have liked stars a lot. He couldn’t think of any other reasons she would name her son “Aster” and put so much
effort into decorating the room.
Aster locked puzzled. He tilted his head, thinking about Kevan’s question for some time. Only then did he reply. “Im not sure.”
Then, why did she name you ‘Aster?” Kevan asked.
Aster had an answer to this question. His expression instantly brightened. His tone was filled with confidence as he replied, “Well
that’s because I was the 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 is Alastair Simmons!”
He learned this from his godmother. He didn’t fully understand the meaning. Still he memorized it since it was the origin of his
name.
Kevan was taken aback. Words like “only light” and “darkest times” struck his heart with pain.
He couldn’t imagine the emotions Larissa 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
thrive on her own after losing him.
But now, he suddenly became anxious hearing all this. What il ... what if she hadn’t become pregnant with Aster? What if that
was the last

lime he would ever see her again?
His heart skipped a beat just by the thought of it. He hurriedly took big strides forward, embracing Aster tightly.
“What’s wrong, Daddy?” Aster asked. After the initial confusion, he fell a tile scared. He had never seen Kevan like this. His arms
were tightly wrapped around Aster, and his body trembed.
Kevan gritted his teeth, trying to force out a smile and say, “I’m fine,” like he always did. Alas, It was too difficult.
His throat felt blocked. He was unable to make a sound. His nose felt stuffy. His eyes were buming. His heart fell as if it was
breaking.
He could only cope by holding Aster tighter, trying to convince himself that the terrifying things he feared hadn’t happened. His
reaction was too extreme, and it might have scared Aster.
He closed his eyes and took a long time to calm down. At last, he let go of Aster and supported himself to stand up by placing his
hand on the edge of the bed.
“Didn’t you say you were hungry? Come on, I’ll cook something for you to eat.” He smiled and held Aster’s hand.