Chapter 69: False Friends

The four girls wobbled down the street, chatting away, even though it wasn’t too late, and no one was around to bother them. They were tipsy, and the things they said were a bit odd, but they were all happy. One of them looked up at the sky and quietly said, "There are so many stars tonight!" Hearing this, the other three also looked up. The sky was dotted with countless twinkling stars, shining brightly. Such clear skies were a rare sight in New York. Alison gazed at the stars, and suddenly, thoughts of her own shining star, Natalie, came to mind. "Mommy, mommy…" "Mommy, you must stay happy every day! Always live well and keep that beautiful smile on your face." A gust of autumn wind blew, carrying away the last few leaves from the trees. A leaf fell onto Alison’s face, and tears welled up in her eyes. She gently removed the leaf, and her smile grew even wider. She smiled so beautifully, even more radiant than the night sky. Deep down, Alison silently promised herself that she