Night had fallen. The skies over Valcrest were clear, sprinkled with stars that blinked gently, as if whispering secrets to one another. Raeya stood on the balcony, leaning against the cold wrought-iron railing, gazing up at the vast… and distant sky. That was where she believed her mother now lived—watching her from afar.
"Everything feels empty, Mom… like a piece of me disappeared with you," she whispered. "Are you okay up there?"
Soft footsteps approached from behind. Aunt Lily appeared, bringing a warmth that cut through the chilly night air.
"Raeya, come inside, sweetheart. The night air isn't good for you. It's time to sleep."
Raeya turned and gave a small nod. "Okay, Auntie… I'm coming."
In her room, just like every night before, Raeya lay on her bed. Aunt Lily sat beside her, gently stroking her hair the way her mother used to.
"Auntie," Raeya whispered, "thank you… for always being here."
Aunt Lily smiled down at her, eyes filled with love. "What are you thanking me for, dear?"
"For not leaving. For staying even when everything hurts. You're my family… So please, don't leave me too."
The hug was warm, and the tears fell in silence.
"I'll never leave you, Raeya. No matter what happens, you'll always have a home in my arms."
That warm embrace became the doorway to her dreams.
.・゜-: ✧ :-
In her dream, Raeya stood in a wide meadow bathed in golden light. A gentle breeze swayed the wildflowers, and in the distance stood a great tree—lush and calm. Beneath it, a woman stood with her back turned.
Raeya ran, not knowing why. The closer she got, the harder her heart pounded. A tidal wave of longing rose inside her.
And when the woman finally turned, Raeya stopped—frozen.
"Mom…" she breathed. Her voice broke. Her eyes filled with tears.
The woman smiled, her long hair dancing in the wind, her white dress flowing like mist made of light. That dearly missed face now looked so peaceful… so warm.
"Raeya, my love… come here." Her hand reached out.
Raeya ran into her arms and held on tight. Her sobs broke free.
"Mom… I missed you. Don't leave me again. It hurts so much without you."
Her mother stroked her hair gently.
"I may no longer be someone you can see, but I will always live in your heart. Life, Raeya… isn't only about happiness. There will be pain, loss, and sorrow. But you… you're my daughter. You are strong. You are never alone."
"Mom…" Raeya sobbed harder, holding her tighter.
"There are people who love you—Aunt Lily, your friends, the ones at home. They care about you. You're special, sweetheart. You are my pride."
A warm kiss landed on Raeya's forehead—and that's when she woke up, tears silently streaming down her cheeks.
"Mom…"
Aunt Lily opened the door and found Raeya crying. She hurried over and wrapped her arms around the little girl.
♛┈⛧┈┈•༶
The days moved on. Weeks turned into months. Slowly, Raeya began returning to her routines. She started to rise again. She knew… she had to keep living, even without the person she loved most. She knew her mother would always remain—in her heart.
Raeya even began to join her father for meals. Breakfast and dinner at that long, cold table still felt lifeless, but at least… she was there now. Arvind sometimes tried to start a conversation, but Raeya only replied with short answers. She usually kept her head down, staring at her plate, as if his voice was just passing wind. Still, to Arvind, it was progress.
One evening during dinner, Arvind put down his fork and said flatly,
"I'm going to marry Celene. She'll be your mother."
Raeya's hand stopped mid-air. She froze.
Inside her, a storm was building. She wanted to scream. To rage. To tell him that woman would never replace her mother. But she knew… it would mean nothing.
Just like before.
Even if I speak, the result will be the same. He won't listen. He won't care.
For the first time in a long while, Raeya looked directly at her father. But her eyes were cold. There was no warmth, no love. Only wounds and silent fury.
She lowered her gaze again… and resumed eating.
Arvind blinked, caught off guard. He had expected resistance. But instead, there was only silence. And that silence made him realize… his daughter had changed.
After dinner, Raeya ran straight to her room. Behind the closed door, the tears returned.
You really want to erase Mom…
You're cruel…
She'll never be my mother. Never.
I hate you.
Raeya curled into herself, burying her face, choking back sobs that grew harder to hold.
Why cry? These tears won't change anything…
But I can't stop…
Aunt Lily soon entered. Seeing Raeya trembling on the bed, she rushed over and held her tight.
"Raeya…" she whispered, stroking the girl's hair. "You're so strong… far too strong for your age…"
"Auntie…" Raeya's voice cracked, "All I can do is cry. But crying doesn't fix anything…"
"No, sweetheart… crying is necessary. Tears aren't weakness. Only the strong dare to cry. Because tears are the voice of a heart that words can't express."
Raeya wept harder and hugged Aunt Lily tighter.
"Then… let me cry tonight, Auntie… let me be honest… let me feel broken…"
"Cry all you want, my dear. I'll stay with you… always."
༶•┈┈⛧┈♛
The day finally came.
Raeya had known her father was going to remarry. Time had slowed since he first made the announcement, but the truth was… time never truly stopped. And now… the wedding day had arrived.
The sky was bright, as if it too celebrated. The reception hall was lavishly decorated. Chandeliers sparkled like fallen stars, white and gold fabrics draped elegantly across the room, and fresh flowers lined the aisle where the bride and groom stood. Soft music floated through the air, guests arrived in their finest clothes, smiles blooming on faces unaware of a little girl's silent sorrow.
Raeya stood in the corner of the room in a lovely pale blue dress, her hair neatly styled, her face gently touched with makeup like a porcelain doll. But her eyes—those little eyes that once sparkled—now looked like a calm lake hiding a storm beneath.