SuperStar!

This chapter is dedicated to BLACKchicken.

In loving memory of your mother, whose presence and love will forever remain in your heart. May this story bring you a moment of comfort and remind you that she lives on in every cherished memory. Stay strong, champ.

Elena's finger hovered over the mouse, the next video's thumbnail waiting expectantly on the screen. The soft glow of the laptop illuminated her tear-streaked face as her heart wrestled with the emotions from the previous videos. She was about to click when a quiet knock on the door startled her.

"Elena?" Her mom's voice, gentle and familiar, drifted into the room. "Are you okay, sweetheart?"

Elena froze, hastily wiping at her face. "Yeah, Mom. I'm fine," she called out, her voice cracking slightly.

Her mom didn't wait for an invitation. She opened the door and stepped inside, her eyes immediately scanning Elena's face. "You don't look fine," she said softly, crossing the room to sit on the edge of the bed. "What's going on?"

Elena tried to smile, but it faltered. "It's nothing, really. Just... watching videos."

Her mom tilted her head, concern etched into her features. "I heard you crying."

That was all it took to break through Elena's resolve. A fresh wave of tears welled up, and she dropped her head into her hands. Her mom leaned forward, wrapping her arms around her.

"It's okay, honey," she murmured. "I'm here. Let it out."

For a few moments, Elena couldn't speak, her sobs muffled against her mom's shoulder. When she finally found her voice, it was small and shaky. "Today was... really hard, Mom."

Her mom pulled back slightly, brushing a strand of hair out of Elena's face. "What happened?"

Elena hesitated, the words caught in her throat. But the weight of the day pressed down on her, and she couldn't hold it in anymore. "It was my first day at the new school," she began. "And... I just felt so out of place. The kids weren't mean exactly, but they weren't friendly either. No one wanted to sit with me at lunch, and when I tried to join a group in class, they barely noticed I was there."

Her mom's expression softened, a mix of sadness and understanding. "Oh, Elena. I'm sorry. That must've felt awful."

Elena nodded, wiping her eyes. "It did. And then after school, some boys knocked my phone off the bench outside. It cracked when it hit the ground. I know it wasn't on purpose, but they just laughed and walked away like it didn't matter." Her voice wavered. "It made me feel... invisible."

Her mom pulled her close again, holding her tightly. "Sweetheart, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. But you are far from invisible—you're amazing, and anyone who doesn't see that isn't worth your time."

Elena sniffled, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just feel so alone, Mom. I miss Dad so much. If he were here, maybe it wouldn't feel this bad. And I miss how we used to spend time together—just you and me."

Her mom's grip tightened. "I miss Dad too," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "And I miss the simpler days as well. But you're not alone, Elena. You'll never be alone as long as I'm here. We'll get through this together."

Elena pulled back, looking into her mom's eyes. "Promise?"

Her mom smiled gently. "I promise. And we'll replace your phone, okay? No more worrying about that."

Elena nodded, a small smile breaking through the clouds of her sadness.

Her mom glanced at the laptop. "What were you watching?"

"Music videos," Elena said, her voice steadier now. "Ethan Jones. His songs are... they make you feel everything."

Her mom squinted at the screen. "Ethan... Joan?"

Elena couldn't help but laugh. "No, Ethan Jones. And he's incredible. You'd love his music."

Her mom smiled. "Well, he's got a new fan in me. Show me what's next."

Elena moved over, making space for her mom on the bed. She clicked on the next video, and as the opening chords filled the room, her mom leaned against her.

"You know," her mom said after a moment, "you're pretty incredible yourself."

Elena felt a warmth spread through her chest. "Thanks, Mom."

The "mama said" video ended, and her mom sat up, clapping lightly. "I love him already! Ethan Joan is a genius."

Elena laughed, her heart lighter than it had been all day. "It's Jones, Mom. Ethan Jones."

Her mom shrugged playfully. "Close enough. Ethan Joan forever."

Elena giggled, nudging her mom. "You're impossible."

"Maybe," her mom teased, nudging her back. "But I'm also your biggest fan."

For the first time that day, Elena felt like the world wasn't such a heavy place. She smiled at her mom, her heart full of gratitude and love. Together, they clicked on the next video, their laughter and shared warmth filling the room.

This chapter is for you, BLACKchicken. May the love you shared with your mother continue to guide you, and may you find comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on in you. Stay strong—you are not alone.