Chapter 474
Chapter 475 The Wellspring of Hope
Then she felt something strange on her head.
The moment she sat up, the kids huddled around her scattered away.
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At first she paid it no mind, but when she glanced down, clumps of cut hair lay strewn across the desk.
Lyra touched her scalp; the rough, freshly sheared ends were unmistakable.
She stared at the shorn strands on the table, lost in thought.
Elowen’s chest and eyes burned hot, her throat tight as if blocked by something.
She blinked hard, and her blurred vision slowly cleared.
Elowen had never imagined all Lyra had endured.
Carrying Lyra’s memories, she felt every raw emotion, her heart trembling with rage.
But Lyra herself felt no anger, only quiet, aching sorrow.
Elowen had spent nearly ten years within the White Citadel and had never borne such humiliation.
Even these few fragments were almost too much for her to bear.
She wanted to pull away, yet as she brushed against something unseen, faint popping sounds kept echoing.
In the next instant, the scene shifted again.
Girls‘ voices flooded into her ears first.
“For Penny’s birthday, we all got her clothes and merch she loves. What are you doing showing up with a giant watermelon p>
“Penny thought you were her friend, and this is how you treat her p>
“We were so nice to you all this time p>
“Hey, it’s fine. Lyra’s family doesn’t have much money. Let’s drop it p>
“Who’s rolling in cash? We all saved up to get gifts for your birthday p>
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“Look at what she brought. How are we supposed to hang out like this p>
“We’d never hang with you if we didn’t feel sorry for you p>
“Do you know how much people laugh at us for being around you p>
“Let’s go. Nice gesture, wasted p>
Through Lyra’s eyes, Elowen watched the girls leave with looks of plain disgust.
The scene changed once more.
Lyra sat working on her homework.
Lyra’s mom came home after finishing her chores.
“Lyra, why’s the watermelon still here? Did you forget to take it to share with your friends p>
Lyra set down her pen and stepped outside, signing with her hands.
When she finished, the smile on her mother’s face faltered.
Her features were worn from long hours of labor, lined with deep wrinkles.
Still, she quickly brightened again.
“I see. Well, Mommy’s thirsty. Can I have some p>
Lyra nodded, fetched a knife, sliced the watermelon, and handed her a piece.
Lyra’s mom took a bite, eyes lighting up.
“So sweet. This summer’s sun was perfect. Our watermelons grew big and juicy! Have a bite too p>
Lyra leaned in and bit from the slice her mother held.
Her mom smiled as she watched her.
“Good p>
Lyra nodded.
Lyra’s mom let out a long breath. “Wow, that hits the spot. Takes all the tiredness right out of my bones.
“My watermelons are this sweet. Do you think Mommy’s amazing? ”
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Lyra nodded and signed again.
Her mother laughed, face crinkling with joy.
“You don’t have to lay it on that thick. Keep talking like that and I’ll get a big head p>
Lyra laughed at her mom’s teasing.
Her mom ruffled her hair and passed her the fruit.
“You finish it. I’m going to shower p>
Lyra nodded, holding the watermelon and waiting for her to return.
Mother and daughter sat side by side, eating quietly once she came back.
Her mom spoke first. “You seem down lately. Wanna tell me what’s bothering you p>
Lyra paused and set the watermelon down.
She began to sign, movements Elowen could not understand.
Her mom smiled softly. “My Lyra’s growing up. Trying not to worry Mommy, huh p>
Lyra nodded.
Her mom wrapped an arm around her shoulders and rocked her lightly.
“…Kids grow up, but I don’t want my Lyra to mature so fast p>
Lyra looked at her mother, whose features already showed signs of age.
“You didn’t grow just because time passed. You grew because of things you lived through.
“There must be so many hurts you haven’t told me about.
“I feel terrible, and I don’t know how to make it better for you p>
Lyra fell silent and hugged her mother’s waist.
Lyra’s mom patted her arm.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t give you a life without worries.
Lyra shook her head against her chest.
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Lyra’s mom tilted her face upward toward the pitch–black sky, yet her eyes glowed as if filled with starlight.
“Lyra, promise me you’ll never give up on yourself.
“My life brought you into this world, and you give my life meaning.
“No one knows you better than I do.
“You will always be my greatest pride.
“Don’t grieve for people who cannot see you, and don’t let their words weigh on you.
“You are you, yet you are so much more than just yourself.
“I believe in you, and you must believe in yourself. Be brave, chase the things you love.
“All I want is for you to stay healthy… and happy p>
Her final words grew faint and misty, fading away.
Eyes wet with emotion, Elowen finally saw Lyra’s mindscape.
No, it should be called her psychic core.
It was the legacy of that mother, who had brought warmth and safety to Lyra from a world beyond this star system.
Since Lyra was small, her mother had sown light inside her inner world with endless tenderness and encouragement.
Like rain reviving parched earth, it had bloomed into this radiant source of hope. It burned with pure, healing power, endlessly pouring strength into Lyra.
That power, bright as sunlight and capable of chasing away every shadow, drew near only slightly–and Elowen felt her depleted psychic power begin to refill.
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Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.