"Marche Funèbre" had become the funeral march of life as Calix knew it. Shortly after the crash of glass, Calix began hearing the shouts of his parents arguing. They rarely interacted with each other, let alone had an all-out fight, nowadays. He couldn't help but take a peek at the commotion outside. 

He opened the door slightly, allowing the slightest sliver of light through. He caught a glimpse of his parents standing in the living room area, by the piano. He quickly shut the door and locked it, knowing that if he were caught eavesdropping, punishment from Mother would be severe.

"Ivy, please! Give him some credit, he works really hard-"

"He must have inherited too many of your useless genes! When I was ten, I was already handling far more advanced pieces!"

It's about me. I'm causing my parents to fight again.

Tears began to well up in Calix's eyes.

"But you know he can! He did so during practice yesterday. Why don't-"

"Don't you dare. You are too talentless to even discern what is good and what isn't."

Calix had never heard such words being thrown towards his father. Talentless? He knew that was not the case. Dad, like Mother, was a musician. A guitarist and a singer. Why would she utter such untruths just to hurt him?

"I just want to support whatever Calix wants. Maybe he just doesn't want to play piano like you."

"How dare you insinuate that? I have invested so much time into that child to impart my knowledge and talents. What have you done to support him? You know what?"

The next words that Mother uttered sank Calix's heart past rock bottom. 

"Your child is hopeless."

Was that truly Mother's impression of him? Calix began silently sniffling to himself. As sad as he was, he did not want the possibility of his parents hearing him.

"Give me a better one."

Calix was in disbelief.. Was he hearing this right? Was Mother demanding a second child?

"What? No."

"Since when did you have a choice? I provide you with money, a job, and roof over your head, I can take all of that away anytime. How dare you say no to me?"

Calix clutched his head. He wished he had never heard any of this. It was now impossible to escape, however, as the volume of his parents' voices escalated with each sentence.

"I can't bear to bring another life into this world just for you to abuse them. Enough is enough! I want a divorce."

There was a short pause.

"Did you hear what I said? I will ruin your life. You will never be able to survive here, or anywhere else in the world. I'll make sure of that."

Calix waited with bated breath for his father's response, but it never came. Calix's stomach lurched at the possibility that the deafening silence was a concession from his father. That was the first time his eyes had truly been opened to the full extent of Mother's maliciousness.

*****

The entire story had left a sick feeling in Aster's stomach. He had no idea that Calix's family situation was that troubled. The whole story had left him appalled, and this was only one particular instance in the cruel reality which Calix lived in.

"Several months after that, Mother became pregnant." 

Aster's mouth hung agape. Simply picturing all the events in his mind already left him shuddering, and now, hearing this? 

How could anyone be so twisted? 

"Dad changed too. I think he just drinks to run away from his guilt, and to spend as little time with mother as possible. I know he loves me very much, and I know that it’s hard for him to show it, considering everything he’s been through."

Calix did not hide his feelings at all. His pale face had turned scarlet with a mixture of negative emotions. Many tears had streamed down his face as he spoke about his past, and Aster was so astounded by the story that he had not even thought to offer the weeping Calix a tissue until now. He rummaged through his bag to pull out a packet of them, then returned his gaze to Calix, attempting to muster a smile as he did so. He stretched out his hand to offer him the tissues.

"Thank you for sharing. I-"

"Sorry to burden you with this information. I didn't mean to say so much."

"It's okay! I appreciate that you shared it with me."

Aster did not know any other way to comfort Calix.

"May I give you a hug?"

Calix nodded, and Aster pulled him into a tight embrace. Despite Calix's typically cold exterior, his body exuded warmth, and the moment that he returned the hug, Aster was enveloped by a comforting feeling. It did not even cross his mind that he was hugging his crush. Aster had no ulterior motives here; he simply wanted to provide consolation and solace.

He deserves so much better. 

Calix wept into Aster's shoulder, leaving it damp with his tears. The moment was a true reminder of his fragility, despite the confident aura that he tried to exude. As Aster reprocessed everything that Calix had told him again in his mind, the sudden realisation hit him.

I'm actually hugging Calix???

He couldn't help but blush again. Selfish as it was, Aster thanked his lucky stars that Calix had his head buried in his shoulder, so he couldn't see him turning red. He pushed those feelings aside and reprioritised comforting Calix.

"You know, I've never been able to open up to anyone about this. Not even Hazel. And I don't know how, or even if I can. Please keep this to yourself."


"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone, ever."

Aster felt Calix lighten up a little.

"Let's change the topic. Hmm…"

There was a momentary silence before Calix turned his head towards Aster and asked a question that left him stumped.

"Do you have a crush on anyone? Or are you seeing someone right now?"

Oh my god, what do I say?