Sweet Madness by Adriana Brinne

Author:Adriana Brinne [Brinne, Adriana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-22T00:00:00+00:00

Space Note

“There are fresh footprints on the lunar surface, even though nearly fifty years have passed since astronauts took their last steps. Tracks can remain there for millions of years because there is no air or liquid water on the moon to wipe them. Just like there is nothing that can wipe your prints off my heart.“ - S

Chapter

Eighteen

ANOTHER ROUND AROUND THE SUN

Shaw

“She slowly invaded my heart until I could feel nothing else. Nothing but her.” – S

Most kids at school make a big deal out of their birthdays, but I don’t understand the fuss. To me, it’s just another day. While they get showered with love and presents, it’s simply another day for me. I don’t mind not having a big party or many gifts; all I need is my Ma to be happy and here with me.

When I woke up an hour ago, I found her looking down at me with a solemn expression. Even when she smiles, Ma always seems sad. She gives me a figurine of horses for my birthday, and though her smile is wide and her touch warm, she still looks so sad.

Now, I’m kneeling on the floor, surrounded by a miniature herd of wooden toy horses, their polished surfaces gleaming as I arrange them in a makeshift corral. I play with them, making soft whinnying sounds as my fingers guide them through imaginary fields. I only stop when I feel Ma’s light, affectionate tap on my shoulder. Looking up, I see a cake with a flickering candle casting a soft glow.

My face lights up in a smile that matches Ma’s. I feel a pang in my chest as I see her eyes sparkling with a special kind of excitement when she offers me the small cake, decorated with colorful sprinkles and a single lit candle.

Discarding the toy horses, I quickly stand up, my small hands reaching out to touch the cake, while my heart swells with joy at seeing my mother so happy after weeks of looking like the living dead. My Ma has more bad days than good ones. Today must be a good one since she’s out of her pajamas and cleaned up. Although there are still dark circles under her pretty brown eyes, she looks like my happy mom.

“Happy birthday, my golden boy,” Ma signs before she bends down to kiss me and push my hair back, lingering for a moment before smiling.

Ma can’t speak, or at least she chooses not to because she once tells me she doesn’t like the sound of her voice. I love her voice. It brings me comfort, but I know that it only brings bad memories and pain to her. So, she communicates with sign language, which I’ve known since I can remember.

“I love you to pieces,” Ma signs again.

“I love you, Ma.” I place the cake down next to the wooden horses and hug her around the waist. Her gentle hands rub my back before she kneels down to my level.

Ma is beautiful,

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.