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Novel Catalog
Chapter 8
Eden’s heart raced as she approached the competition venue. The soft, melodic sounds of piano music floated in the air, and she knew Ricky was somewhere inside, playing with all his heart. The bloodstains on her dress no longer seemed as important; her focus was entirely on getting to her son in time to support him.
She could hear the crowd’s hushed murmurs, the subtle appreciation of Ricky’s music, and her steps quickened. The transformation she had made in her appearance was subtle, but it had a powerful effect. The bloodstains had been artfully transformed into an elegant, ruffled design that complemented her posture and grace. Even in the midst of her hurry, Eden carried herself with confidence, a reminder of how far she had come from the young woman she had been seven years ago.
As they reached the doors of the competition hall, Jasper glanced at her with an approving smile. “You really know how to make something out of nothing, Eden.”
Eden gave him a brief, appreciative smile before pushing open the doors. The bright lights and the crowd greeted them, but her eyes were immediately drawn to the piano on stage. Ricky was at the center of it all, his small form completely absorbed in his music. He was performing flawlessly, his fingers dancing across the keys with an ease that belied his age. His passion for music was clear in every note he played.
Eden’s heart swelled with pride. She had worked so hard to get to this point, and she knew that Ricky’s talent would take him far. The sacrifice, the struggles—they had all led to this moment. She could feel the weight of those years of effort, but standing there in the midst of it all, she couldn’t help but smile.
Jasper, standing beside her, leaned in and whispered, “He’s amazing. He takes after you, doesn’t he?”
Eden’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she nodded. “He’s always been gifted. I just want to make sure he has every opportunity to succeed.”
They both watched as Ricky finished his piece, and the room erupted into applause. Eden clapped along with the rest of the audience, her heart swelling with pride and a sense of relief. Ricky had done it.
As Ricky stepped down from the stage, Eden quickly made her way over to him, her heart still pounding from the performance. The moment she reached him, she pulled him into a tight hug. “You were incredible, Ricky,” she whispered.
Ricky beamed up at her, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Thanks, Mom! I’m so glad you made it!”
Eden smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face. “Of course, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Jasper lingered behind them, giving them space, but watching with a soft smile. He could see how much this moment meant to Eden. And in the midst of everything that had happened, it was a beautiful sight.
For a moment, Eden forgot about the bloodstains on her dress, the pain she had felt earlier, and even the mysterious man she had crossed paths with in the hospital. All that mattered now was Ricky, her son, and the future he was destined to carve out for himself.
And as she stood there with her son, she realized that, for all the hardships she had faced, there was nothing more fulfilling than this—the love and pride of a mother watching her child achieve his dreams.