Chapter Text
Mama always called you sweet.
You lived with Mama in your cozy little home. Your Papa didn’t exist, but it never really mattered to you. Mama was all that you knew and needed. Mean people looked down at Mama for not having Papa, so you often pointed and called them decidedly not very nice names.
You had gotten scolded every time, but your Mama always let a giggle slip through, so you were pretty sure she wasn’t too mad about it. You didn’t care as long as she was happy, and it was very important since you noticed she often came back home so tired and sad looking.
On those days, she would always tell you that someday they’d have a big house and everything that they’d ever want. You didn’t really want a big house though. You and Mama were small, so they fit nicely in their small home.
Rather than a new home, those fancy candies caught your eye. But of course, you knew you couldn’t have them because the candies were like treasure and Mama said they didn’t have any treasure to exchange for them.
It sucked because you really, really wanted the sweet candy that the local vendor was selling. It was bright and colorful, and the seller had proclaimed they were stars. You wondered what stars would taste like. Would they taste as pretty as they looked?
You kept asking and asking for some just for that off chance, but it was always no and no. It was really frustrating, but you wouldn't cry, not when you were six and not a baby anymore. Mama must’ve seen your stellar behavior because she gave you a special rice ball. Mama sang a song to make the rice ball taste even better, and when you bit into it, it tasted sweet!
How wonderful it was that that short little tune could make the watery porridge they ate so much more delicious! You thought Mama was the best person ever, always singing so your food would be extra special every day.
But today was super important. It was your Mama’s birthday! So as soon as Mama left for her job (not before placing a kiss on your forehead), you rushed out of the house to find the perfect present for Mama.
You scoured the fields encountering numerous pretty flowers, vibrant and tall with life, but none of them were good enough for your Mama. She needed something out of this world!
You huffed your cheeks, determined to find the perfect flower, even if that meant going up the scary mountain. Mama had told you it was dangerous to go there, but you were much stronger now and could most certainly handle it.
As you climbed the mountain’s beaten path, jagged rocks made your feet ache. The rough terrain made you fall roughly on a bump, scratching your hands and knees. Small cuts stung, but you pushed forward and up the mountain, your eagerness overshadowing the temporary pain.
The path became more faint and untrodden. You’ve never been so high up before, it felt like the air was trying to escape your chest. You leaned against the trunk of a tree, trying to catch your breath.
Looking curiously around at the area you were resting at, a glimpse of blue caught the corner of your eyes. Entranced by the color, you walked slowly towards the source, hands batting away the weeds that covered your view.
A field of flowers made your eyes widen in amazement. They were the color of the sky at the peak of dusk, with its long swooping structures shaped in the form of a shining star. You dropped to your knees, pushing your face up close to one of the blue flowers. She saw that its extending petals curled inwards, like it was giving itself a hug.
It was the most beautiful thing you had ever seen, and thus, it would be the perfect birthday gift.
With a newfound enthusiasm, you clumsily plucked the blue flowers from the ground, only stopping when your fist could no longer carry anymore. You stood up, not bothering to clean off the dirt staining your palms and tattered clothes. You raced down the mountain, wind catching in your hair and brushing against rosy cheeks.
Swinging the door open, you rushed to fill a cup with water and placed it on the table, ignoring the small spills you had left on the counter. You placed the handful of flowers in the cup with a wide smile.
You sat on the floor and waited for Mama to come back. It was starting to get dark, so she would be back any time now
You waited.
Sometimes Mama would get back when the sun was well gone and left the outside a scary pitch black. Maybe she got lost today. How silly, you thought. You never got lost following the path home. You really ought to remind her to not stray.
You waited.
You were starting to get hungry, but it was okay. There were some days where both you and Mama go a bit hungry. Mama said it was so the next time they ate, the food would taste super good.
You waited.
The sun was up again! Hopefully Mama could see her way back now- you were starting to miss her a lot. You decided to practice the song. If Mama heard the song, she would definitely rush in and hug you happily, thankful for her song.
Your mouth ran dry as your voice cracked.
You waited.
You kept on sleeping, it helped to ignore your growling stomach. You always dreamt that Mama was back home, but when your eyes opened, you were still alone. You knew you shouldn’t cry, but you still found it hard.
You waited.
You went to the bag of rice that was meant for meals. There wasn’t much left, so you only took a handful of grains and ate it. It didn’t taste good and it hurt your teeth with every crunch. You really really missed Mama but she said she was going to be back, so you would dutifully wait.
You waited.
And waited.
And waited.
The stars had come and gone and come and gone, yet Mama still hadn't come back home. You hoped she would come back today. The nights are really cold and lonely, and the rice is all gone. You didn’t really want to eat it all but your stomach hurt- it was like it was gnawing from your insides. But no matter what you did, all you could do was wait. No crying brought her home. No wishes were granted.
So you waited again.
You didn’t know how many days had passed- everything was starting to blur all together. There was barely any energy to move. Your stomach growled loudly, but there was nothing left to eat.
Slowly, you lifted your head to stare at the flowers sitting on the table. They were still as vibrant and pretty as the day you first saw them on the mountain. Bright and blooming like a living star. Crawling closer to the flowers, you were reminded of the candies you always had wanted to eat.
Snatching the cup of flowers, you took one look at one of the flowers and clumsily shoved it in you mouth.
Bitter.
It was so bitter, but you couldn’t bring herself to spit it out. Even when your face twisted and your tongue revolted, you swallowed. A satisfying weight settled in your stomach.
Leaves fell as you ate the stem, and both you and the flower wept.
Eating another flower, you began to sing the special song that was supposed to make things taste better. Your voice was muffled and wobbly.
Maybe Mama will get mad that you had ruined her birthday present. Mama would scold you endlessly, but at least Mama would be back. You hiccuped, and tried to hold back a sob.
And you kept eating and eating. Flowers disappeared one by one, and the vase was so very empty and your stomach wasn’t even full. You choked on a sob as you forced herself to swallow. Tears fell like plucked petals, intertwining with the bitterness that rooted in your mouth.
How salty.