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.”

before dissolving into

reaction but found no answers. When her laughter finally subsided, he

him dismissively. “Oh,

face scrunched up in frustration. “I’m

brother.” Then, with a dramatic sigh, she lifted her chin and shattered his month-long dream

you are so silly. Stars are just stars. How can people turn into those tiny dots in the sky? Your mom isn’t up there at all. Who told you that? Was

fists. His cheeks

finished,” she said, crossing her arms. “Do

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was barely

no crying, and no laughing. Oh, and I heard that