Strawberry Generation

‘Aiden’s six years old.’ Deborah threw an arm around her son and drew him close. ‘He’s going to grow up so fast. I don’t want Austyn to miss out on Aiden’s childhood. Miss Hewitt, please!’ She nudged the boy. ‘Aiden, you wanted to see Daddy, right? Then go and beg this lady. She has the right to decide if you get to see your father.’ Aiden was in tears. He couldn’t understand what was happening, but he sensed the strange lady was making Mummy unhappy. He clutched Deborah’s hand and shook his head vehemently. ‘No! She’s a bad person! Mummy, make her go away!’ The scene was starting to attract curious glances from the other patrons in the café. Deborah’s face was pale. In her flimsy white dress, she looked just as fragile as ever. Aiden was crying. Kira, on the other hand, was stony-faced. If this were a TV drama, Kira would be the villain, whereas Deborah and Aiden would be the helpless victims. Austyn would be the hero who chased the villain away. He would reunite with his family and t