EAST ASIA

Shelly adjusted the blankets around her mother, who lay on the bed sick and bald. She was just finishing her mother's tea when her phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with a notification-a trending video of Bruno's pre-birthday bash in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

"Mr. Bruno? But it's not his birthday yet."

She scrolled through the feed and found out it was a pre-birthday party organized for his Puerto Rico fans. She let out a sigh, a tight feeling of disappointment settling in her chest.

Her mother opened her eyes slowly, noticing Shelly's expression. Gently, she reached out and placed her hand over Shelly's.

"What's wrong, dear?"

Shelly...