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humans are full of nothing greed

greed

noun / ɡrēd /

intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food

Oh, sorry, it seems that I have lost my cool. Let me get back to the story.

Ahem.

She went through a lot. Like, a lot. Painful experiences, tears, times of despair and times when she wanted to give up; all the while Deneb went through the exact opposite.

They say happiness is a cure for any disease. Surely, it might be the case. As each day passed, Deneb turned brighter and healthier, as though the life energy drained from her throughout the years was restored.

On the other hand, she lost her light. The once adventurous and bright Altair had grown bleak; ‘tamed’ into nothing but an obedient pet. How pitiful.

Then, came the day of the couple’s wedding.

Deneb and Cygnus were a beautiful pair, indeed, and she couldn’t help being happy with her sister’s marriage. The ball gown wedding dress wrapped her slim and tiny figure perfectly, embroidered with golden lace around the portrait neckline. The chapel train brushed on the ground as she walked down the aisle, to Cygnus who stood dashingly, all suited up in his custom wedding tuxedo. Oh, what a beautiful wedding; even Altair thought so too. What a beautiful day for the extravagant wedding of a gorgeous couple. It was but a day of joy and heartwarming moment; there was not a place for sorrow and despair.

Yet, the fact hit her that it meant the time for her own engagement and arranged marriage grew closer; and it was enough to make her feel nauseous.

The couple conceived a child right away, blessed by God and nature. A healthy and beautiful baby named Celestia was born, all the while Altair went through ‘her’ engagement meetings.

She met ‘her’ fiancé, a fine gentleman from the Camerarius family. However well-mannered, though, she couldn’t shake off the nausea in her stomach. Oh, had it been Deneb who met him, would she feel any different?

Thus, began the downfall of her life.

The ‘well-mannered’ man of Camerarius hadn’t been the kindest; and little star hadn’t been the bravest—no, the most selfish—to fight back. She was dolled up under Deneb’s name, after all, and was carrying the Zelinda’s pride on her back. She placed herself in that position, and she had to put up with anything.

It was not herself that she was trying to protect.

And, yet, a sheer jealousy devoured her sanity, rotting her kind and gentle heart, every time she looked at Deneb and Cygnus, and their little lady Celestia. Sometimes, in the back of her consciousness, she cursed the bliss bestowed to the couple.

And she realized how much of an egotist she was.

Or so she thought.

A year after the birth of their first daughter, Deneb conceived another baby. Such lovely news, no? Except, it was said that Deneb should not be able to conceive a second child, or her life would be in danger.

Little pitiful star wondered, why would they take such a risk? Wouldn’t it be better for them to live happily with their little family of three, in the little time they had? Why did they have to lessen the already-small-amount of time? Little naive star reached no conclusion of any sort. Nothing came to mind, as their decision was entirely curious for her.

Until one day, by a chance that fate aligned, she learned the truth.

That day was a day for a doctor’s visit. With the riches inherited for generations, it was a piece of cake for the Zelinda to hire the most competent doctor in the country. Dr. Sylvester was the woman hired as a private doctor for Deneb. Every other week, she would come to check on Deneb’s health. It wasn’t a strange sight to see her, and our little star would pay no mind whenever she visited.

That day was not any different.

Dr. Sylvester came to check on Deneb. Usually, though, the maids would be the ones serving tea and cookies. That day, however, Mother ordered the little star to serve tea and cookies. As a learning experience, she said. So, she obliged. Clumsy as she was, she brought the tea and cookies for the guest and the sick.

Thus, her steps stopped before the door, as she realized the doctor and her patient was having a conversation. While contemplating on how to chip in, she overheard bits of the conversation.

“Young Lady Deneb, it is quite an interesting decision to conceive for the second time, although we have reminded you of the risk,” said the doctor.

A gentle chuckle could be heard from the patient. “Indeed, Doctor, the decision I took was one with consequences,” the young lady agreed. “However, it is not as if my life is in danger, right?”

The first thought that came into the little twin’s mind was ‘What does it mean?’

The question was immediately answered, though, as the doctor replied to the sickly, “That is interesting, I shall admit. Your condition keeps getting better and better. It is not impossible that you may recover entirely.”

Betrayal was what little twin felt, and her body felt like they froze in cold water.

“It has been half a year since your condition has gotten better. Still, can I not tell your parents now?” the doctor insisted. “Stress wears them down. Now it is their health that I am concerned of.”

“Oh, please do not,” the patient giggled. “I am to be given the duty of the Lady if my parents ever know of my improvement. I do not wish to engage in such troublesome affairs of the royals, ever again.”

Those words, and the little twin felt nothing but nausea. She felt like her feelings meant nothing to the older star, and that the older sister dared to make use of her sacrifice for her own convenience. Surely, it was not the older star’s fault for desiring a freedom in living her life. However, she knew very well how much struggle little star went through to ensure that given freedom.

And she trampled over her trust. Just like that.

After the doctor appointment, little star went to meet older star, asking about the matters she overheard by accident. Older star turned pale and tight-lipped; clearly guilty that her secret had been exposed.

Silence was louder than voice. Without a single word from older star, little star knew how much she was worth. Nothing. She was worth nothing but pain and suffering and sacrifice and not even a shred of gratitude.

And she had enough. She had enough, or she would explode like a timer bomb.

So, she escaped. She flew away. Far, far away she went, into the unknown. Never to be found again. Forever.

what good would come from living as a puppet for one so ungrateful?

of egotist.