Chapter 8

Compressing her lips into a thin line, Clover cupped her swollen face and ran behind the drapes, away from the stage. Her black mask was drawn down her chin, drenched in her very own tears. Those contemptuous gazes and mockery from the crowd resembled ceaseless gunshots piercing through her chest.

They were bashing her for the silly mistake she made.

It was suffocating. She needed to be alone.

Needed silence.

As soon as she stepped out backstage, noises around the bustling city drowned out the critiques and came clear in her ears. Propping her head against the wall facing the sun, she could hear cars honking and people talking. About what? She had no idea, but it probably wouldn't be anything worse than what she was experiencing at this moment.

With a heavy sigh, she stared up into the layers of blue tenuous clouds. Trees rustled. Gentle and calm as always. The sky was still the same, still the piece that once connected her family together. Back then, nobody dared to raise their v