Chapter Text
1
Keith’s mother isn’t religious or superstitious, yet there is one thing she swears by. There is something she assures him that ALWAYS works.
Counting stars.
“You don’t count all of them,” his mother informs him, from her position on the roof just to the right of him. As she speaks, she gazes at the stars with a bright eyes. It is as though her very eyes are stars. Stars that are trying to connect with other stars. “You only count up to your favorite number.” Her eyes seem to become even brighter as she adds, “I count up to 21, since you were born on March 21st.”
Being a ten year old boy who adores his mother, his response is quick and predictable “I’ll count to 10 since you were born on February 10th .” He practically yells due to his excitement.
His mother’s response is musical laughter. “I’m glad you’re excited. Now, count up to your number and when you’re done, make a wish.”
If he had known what was to happen… He wouldn’t have wished for a big bag of sweets. He would’ve wished for his mother to be happy and healthy. He would’ve have wished that his father wasn’t the victim of a hit on run, when on his way to visit his mother in the hospital.
He would’ve wished that they didn’t die such horrible deaths.
He didn’t know.
He didn’t know that they would die.
He didn’t know that he would become an orphan.
He didn’t know that he would get adopted by an American couple… An American couple that would replace his Korean name with an American one.
He didn’t know.
So he wished for a big bag of sweets. He wished for candy, cookies, and cake… All the while he taking his mother’s calming presence for granted.
He took his father’s kindness for granted. His father bought him a bag of sweets the next day.
He took his parents for granted.
He took the stars for granted.
Ever since his mother told him about counting stars, he used it whenever he wanted something. He used it for himself and himself only.
He was selfish.
The stars, even though he tried everyday, for two years, refused to bring his parents back.
As it turns out, the stars don’t help selfish people.