Chapter 1

The day my son, Michael Walker, had a fever, he kept crying and shouting, calling out for our neighbor.

I went over to comfort him, but he bit my hand. "It's all your fault. You are a bad mom. If it weren't for you, Dad would've already been with Tyra," he yelled.

I glanced over at David Walker and Tyra Carter, cozily sitting side by side.

All of a sudden, I found my husband and my son had become strangers.

So, I filed for divorce and applied to join a five-year aerospace program.

I chose my country over my family. Some things were bigger than love or family.

*****

"Millie, this mission will last five years, and you won't be able to contact the outside world. You have a husband and a child. Are you sure you want to do this?" Hans Lewis asked.

I nodded firmly, my eyes unwavering. "Mr. Lewis, I've already filed for divorce, and my son already has a new stepmom picked out. She's gentle and caring. There's nothing I need to worry about."

Seeing how determined I was, Hans let out a long sigh. "Millie, I still think you should think it over. This project is located in a desolate area, and the conditions will be extremely tough. Are you sure you can handle it?"

I nodded again without a moment's hesitation.

My dad was always sick, and my mom devoted herself to building a better future. I went through all kinds of hardships growing up, so this was nothing to me. Besides, I was doing this for something bigger than myself.

"Mr. Lewis, please approve my application," I said.

Hans's eyes welled up, and he came over to give my shoulder a reassuring pat. "Millie, this mission is tough, and I can't promise you'll be safe. If the worst happens, no one else will ever know you made this sacrifice."

Hans was hoping I'd reconsider, but I was ready to take it on, no matter what.

Because I knew my mom had given her life for this same mission.

I said, "Mr. Lewis, someone's got to do it. Right now, it's me, but we need more people willing to stand up.

"My mom gave her life, and if I have to do the same, my son will keep going after me. Let us bravely forge ahead. Our space program will rise to greatness."

Hans finally gave his approval. With a fresh start, I was about to step into the world of aerospace, determined to fulfill a grand mission.

*****

Standing at the entrance of the small courtyard, I took a deep breath and walked inside.

David wasn't there. Only Michael was squatting in the corner, playing with ants.

I didn't pay him any attention and carefully wrapped up all the money I'd saved over the years in a handkerchief.

For this aerospace mission, I was allocated a large sum of money, but I never touched it. That money was meant for those who truly needed it.

I glanced at Michael, still absorbed in his ants. All I could leave him was the money tucked inside this handkerchief.

Good thing Michael only cared about Tyra. He wouldn't even miss me when I was gone.

"Tyra, you're finally home," Michael called out, practically bouncing with excitement. His happy voice made my heart ache.

Somehow, David and Tyra had come back while I wasn't looking.

Michael dove straight into Tyra's arms, clinging to her, while David just watched them both with that soft, doting smile.

"Millie, when did you get back?" Tyra asked. When she saw me, she quickly let go of Michael, took a couple of steps back, and nervously twisted her braids.

Seeing this, David stepped in front of Tyra, eyeing me warily. Even Michael looked on guard.

Michael glared at me, baring his teeth. "Bad mom. You already left. Why did you come back?"

I looked at the son I'd raised with my own hands, and my heart just ached.

I wanted to pat his head one last time, but he pulled away with a look of pure disgust.

"Bad mom, don't you dare touch me. If it weren't for you, Tyra wouldn't have to stay somewhere else," he shouted.

Only then did I realize how really messed up I was as a mom. The kid I raised myself kept calling me the bad mom.

"Alright, I won't touch you," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Michael's fierce attitude vanished in an instant. He was stunned, clearly not expecting me to actually go along with it.