"That is Ursa Major, the seven-star constellation," Roman said, pointing a finger up toward the night sky. "Mama told me all about it," he added, turning to look at Damian, who lay on the grass beside him.
"When did she teach you all of this?" Damian asked, glancing over at the boy.
"Mama taught me back when she first arrived here," Roman said quietly. "We used to lie out like this whenever Father refused to speak with her."
Those words struck Damian like a slap, laying bare the painful truth of a past where he had caused Eilika so much hurt. Just recalling those cold, distant days filled his chest a rage, directed entirely at himself.
"That is the Big Dipper within Ursa Major. There are many more stars in this constellation," Damian explained, gently pulling his son closer to rest his head against his arm. "Millions upon millions of stars fill the night sky, sitting so far beyond our reach. Even now, scholars and astronomers continue to study their secrets."
