Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 322:

This marked the beginning of a period of unexpected joy for Jeffrey. Each evening brought him a simple yet profound happiness—standing beneath the vast night sky, connecting with the stars above.

Often, he would tug at Rachel’s sleeve with childlike uncertainty. “Rachel, there are so many stars in the sky,” he would whisper, his voice tinged with worry. “Which one is our mom? I’m afraid I’ll pick the wrong one, and she won’t recognize me.”

Tears would silently course down Rachel’s cheeks as she pointed toward the most luminous celestial body visible that night. She would assure him, “She’s the most beautiful and the brightest one.” That night, excitement kept Jeffrey awake long past bedtime. His newfound connection to their mother sustained his happiness for an entire month.

Then came Christmas, when Kate returned home.

She discovered Jeffrey alone in the yard, his face tilted skyward in quiet communion with the stars. Curiosity drew her to his side. “Jeffrey, what are you doing? Why are you always staring at the stars?”

With unguarded enthusiasm, Jeffrey shared his precious secret. “Kate, I’m looking at my mom. She’s up there.”

froze momentarily before dissolving into

reaction but found no answers. When her laughter finally subsided, he cocked his head. “Kate, why

as she pointed at him dismissively. “Oh, Jeffrey… you really don’t know? You’re such

up in frustration. “I’m not a fool!

dramatic sigh, she lifted her chin and shattered his month-long dream with

tiny dots in the sky? Your mom

fists. His cheeks

wasn’t finished. “I’m not finished,” she said, crossing her arms. “Do you want to know

𝓒𝓸𝓹𝓲𝒓𝒊𝓰𝒉𝓉 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓬𝓴 at g𝓪𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝗅𝓈.𝒄0m

His voice was barely a

and no laughing. Oh,