When the Stars Run Out, No Return

Synopsis

Cayson Lawrence once showed me a medical report and told me he had heart disease. The surgery was scheduled for the end of the month. He was still short of 100 thousand dollars. I sold the gold bracelet my mother had left me and took a job singing late-night sets at Cloudstage. Night after night, I sang from dusk until the early hours, continuing even when drunken patrons smashed glasses at me feet. One evening, the manager told me I could perform in a VIP room on the top floor, where tips were far higher. I agreed. But when I pushed open the door, I saw Cayson through a haze of cigarette smoke. He sat at the center of the room with his arm around a woman's waist. The smile on his face froze when he saw her. "What are you doing here?" he asked, frowning. I tightened my grip on the microphone. My voice came out strained. "I'm here to earn money for your surgery." The room erupted in laughter. The woman in his arms, Alisha Carter, looked up and smiled at her. "So this is Mrs. Lawrence. "Cayson, didn't you say you were already living separate lives? "He said you couldn't live without him, and that you had no real ability. Only your voice can earn you a little hard money." She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Every transfer you made to him over the past two months is with me. "I used it for pregnancy medication and a gold jewelry for the baby." My fingers slowly loosened. The microphone dropped to my side, emitting a sharp burst of static. I smiled faintly, lifted it again, and looked straight at Cayson. "Mr. Lawrence, don't forget to settle the bill tonight."