RETREAT .

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My mother always told me it's not once it's gone you know how much it's worth, it's how much you realize you miss it. Staring out at the black abyss through the distasteful porthole window makes me think of those days. Those days when Earth was safe.
I blink pointlessly, the seconds of blackness burn and I know I'm still here. It's relieving, but not comforting. I've been staring out this window so long my eyes were dry and blurry.

WE ARE APPROACHING 26,000,000,000 MILES AWAY FROM EARTH.

"There must be something real interesting out there. How long until you decompose?" The voice wasn't that startling. It was loud and rumbly. My eyes slowly move from the outside to the tall man standing behind me. I don't say anything.

"Dinner is ready." He says to fill the silence.
"It's 3 am on earth." I say softly. He looks surprised. It's annoying, hasn't he been keeping time?

"Either way, Xyte asked me to escort you back. Come on." He turns and walks away, expecting me to follow. I do. What else can I do.

The cafeteria is small and cramped, metal tables and benches. Here, there's only a narrow walk way between the tables. The grate floor resounds under our boots as I slide into the corner. A plate is slid over to me, and I look up at the man responsible.
He's roughly 6'3", with dark curly hair. Freckles dot his pale cheeks- Everyone is pale here, it's been weeks since we've had real light.- His jawline is strong, and his eyes are breathtaking.
A hard, cold blue. Like Earth's skies, cruel and mocking. I find myself staring a bit longer than appropriate.
He slides in across from me, with his own plate, and stares right back into my eyes, awaiting a thanks. "Thanks." I whisper, looking down. I have so many questions.

We eat in silence, both content without conversing. The Mexican rice is bland, but it's what we have. At least it's not space food like they had years ago. That shit was not food. Upon finishing, I look up at him, seeing his long dark eyelashes against the dots on his cheeks.

Life here is as bland as the rice. Sleep, eat, wake up, get space sick, repeat. It's been weeks since I've seen real light, and my mother use to tell me it's not once it's gone do you realize how much you need it, it's how much you miss it.

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Xyte: pronounced site

a/n: introduction is a bit boring, but i needed to get something out while i planned the next 9 chapters. leave a comment if you see any mistakes!