"It must be one of my rivals trying to ruin my career!" Aether's father shouted, his voice thick with frustration. He collapsed onto the sofa, running a hand through his dishevelled hair. The once jubilant atmosphere of the party had soured into something cold and heavy, as every guest left with the same troubled expression, their whispers swirling around Aether like a storm.
The room was silent except for the occasional sniffle from Aether's mother, who sat on the edge of the sofa, clutching Aether to her chest. Her face was etched with sadness, the memory of how the guests had looked at them, especially at her, still fresh in her mind.
"My poor son..." Aether's mother whispered, her arms wrapping protectively around him as she fought back tears.
The image of the judgmental stares from their so-called friends was seared into her mind—those pitiful looks that silently said how unfortunate she was to have a child-like Aether.
