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Hong'er was always the kid who watched in the sidelines, the one who stayed in the back, quiet but distinguishable, he was unkempt and had purple- almost black - marks on his fragile, pale skin. He held a firm hand on his right eye, staring at the floor while swinging his two feet. All the other children were either playing or talking among themselves, eyeing from time to time the unusual boy from the back.
"Hey!" A loud voice coming from a child was heard, making Hong'er flinch. "Why are you all alone? It's weird." The child chided. He simply lowers his head, nearly yelping at the kid's character. The kid visibly frowned, glaring at the disheveled boy in front of him.
"Stop ignoring me!" The youth scolded, he then opened his mouth but quickly shut it close again, noticing the covered eye. "Why are you hiding your eye?" He asked, the anger prior almost fading away. Hong'er winced, eyes widening in terror. One kid laughed.
Seeing Hong'er stubbornly not responding, the boy scowled. The kid began grabbing the malnourished child's hand, trying to remove it. Hong'er slightly trembled but kept his hand firm. He put his arms on his head, both of his eyes glued closed.
"Get away!" Was all he knew to shout. "Get away from me!"
Hong'er swung his foot, kicking the boy who now recoiled in minor pain. Everyone's eyes were on him, especially on his eye. Hong'er couldn't cover his eye for long, forgetting about it when the child suddenly began touching him. Whispers began, more unkind eyes were laid on him.
They all varied from different disturbances, emotions- all emotions except kindness, mercy, and sympathy. There were children, women, men, elders; all making him the outcast for a single eye. He felt something wet around his eyes, he felt something caught on his throat. He wanted to shout incoherently, let all the pain out he has been holding, protect himself. But it just would bring problems as his father used to tell him.
His father was watching too. His eyes were dark in disdain and disappointment, Hong'er did not understand why. He could only look at him with big, teary eyes and ask him what's wrong, to only be answered with a harsh push that made him fall on the muddy floor.
Everyone laughed or watched in scorn.
People recognized Xian Le citizens for their artistic nature, tender spirit - Hong'er recognized them for their fright for the unknown and unkind hands they've laid on him.
His father went home, leaving him behind in the crowd. The petite boy could only follow him in faltered steps, frightened of whatever punishment he'll get. Frightened by the people who are deemed to be gentle. He dazedly stared at the sky, rich in light colors and in beauty. It was peaceful for an insignificant moment. There was a bright, white star sparkling. The only star that could be seen, it was small and faint but it was still shining. Hong'er couldn't help but watch in awe.
He tried to fight back his mother's embrace but eventually failed, breaking in tears in a tight and protective hug that made him feel warm and safe. He wanted to say there forever.
"Dad hates me, he hates me!" He cried, dirtying his mother's red robes, clutching on her as if his life depended on his mother. And maybe it did. "My little Hong... Hong'er. My life, look at me." A tender voice that came off as an instruction asked him, and he did. He looked up, seeing his mother's face.
She was ashen-faced, her eyes slightly red. Many people talked about how she was a foreign beauty, tempting everyone but her husband. Hong'er never really understood what it meant.
"My love, I love you dearly. Your father... Your father is blind by resentment." She addressed fondly, ruffling the child's hair. But Hong'er tried to stand up stubbornly.
"It's not just him! Everyone! Everyone hates me!" He whined, pulling back from his mother's arms. But his weak body couldn't break free.
His mother was frequently calm, but a glimpse of pain flashed through her eyes when she heard him. Her arms tensed, and quickly pulled him into a stronger hug again, her eyebrows furrowed.
"They're wrong." She quietly said, hardening her embrace, "They're so wrong my Hong'er."
The boy only could gaze at his mother. She had long, dark, and silk-like hair, most of the time she tied it on a bun, but right now she let it loose. Hong'er usually played with his mother's hair while she gave him an assuring playful laugh. Her robes were colorful - mainly red, they were long and had several layers, she'd wear silver ornaments that jiggled when she moved, and her face was still white but dusted with makeup when his father want it that way.
Hong'er could only try to hide his face on his mother's robes.
"Mwom" He tried to say 'Mom', but her robes are mashed on his teary, flushed face, making him mispronounce his words. She hummed in response, allowing him to continue. "D-do you hate me?"
Her eyes widened slightly, taken back, Hong'er thought he said something wrong. He closed his eyes and covered his face with his arm. Then something wet splashed on his cheek. He hesitantly looked up to his mother's face, she was still calm- strong for her child -but she nonetheless let a tear spill. A hand carefully reached to her face, shaking. "Mom? Mom, did I say something wrong? Are you okay? Mom, I'm sorry!"
"My child, what have they done to you," She sorrowfully whispered, holding the little hand that reached for her gently. "I'm sorry, for I couldn't protect you, my Hong'er."
Hong'er couldn't understand. "Mom? Mom, are you okay?" He repeated, crying this time. His mother closed her eyes, keeping her gentle demeanor.
"Mom's okay," She assured him with a small smile, "Mama's here. She'll never leave you." The vulnerable boy, now in her lap, his upper body facing her chest and chin hugged her, the first time that clouded, dark night. "My sweet Hong'er, from now on don't doubt your mom's love, okay?"
Hong'er nodded.
"Good boy," She warmly praised the child in her arms, "Don't forget I'll always love you. Forever."