2. starry-eyed
a short story based on “The Two-headed Calf” by Laura Gilpin
Jan 4, 2026
“The stars are beautiful tonight, aren’t they?”
“So many…”
The child stared at the night sky, his body motionless, his mind at ease.
“Mom, why are there so many stars?”
“Well, kiddo, they knew you were gonna be out here looking up, so they laid it all out extra special for you.”
“Who’s they?”
“That’s a story for another day. Time for bed, kiddo.”
“Good night, mom.”
“Love you.”
Her mind could only envision the sunrise her child will never see as she lays him to rest one final time. “Maybe,” she ponders, “maybe he sees twice the beauty in that too.”
