Ocean Sky

Chapter 1: Waves in Time

'Every human is a twinkling star.

'Born with dreams, died with wishes.

'And until one day, each of us became the glimmers of light in the deepest night.'

I read the pages of the book you once read out loud for me. The words echoed in my mind, the syllables forming a ghost of your voice. I closed my eyes as I sat on the chair you once sat on, trying to recall the warmth of your back. My fingertips traced the edge of your cup, just to cherish the touch of your lips.

But no matter how much I tried, the warmth was gone.

How and why were the questions that haunted me every time I saw your face.

A miraculous yet...

The chattering around me receded as I escalated from my thoughts.

"Hey, Earth to Zac?" A feminine voice startled me, yanking me back to reality.

I cleared my throat nervously. "I'm sorry?"

"You know what, never mind." She waved me off, rolling her eyes. Typical Elle.

The sound of luggage wheels scraping against the polished marble floor filled my ears. The airport was always the same—chatter, murmurs, the scent of overpriced coffee drifting through the air.

"Do I look okay?" Elle asked, turning to me.

I took a step back, scrutinizing her. "...Maybe?"

She let out an exaggerated sigh. "You're useless."

"Elizabeth Starlight, everything set?" Mom's voice cut in.

Elle nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah," she replied with a smile.

Mom turned to me, her warm hand caressing my hair. "Now, Zac, make sure to drive home safely and take care, okay?" She cupped my face gently, her touch familiar yet fleeting.

"When will you guys come back?" I asked, a little too quickly.

"I'll be back in late spring." Mom squeezed my shoulder. "It'll go by fast, you'll see."

I forced a smile.

Since I was a child, my parents were always away. Working overseas, visiting only a few times a year. I wished they could stay, but I'm old enough now. They had jobs to do.

Besides, who was I to stop them?

That's just how the world works, isn't it?

People come and go.

"So take care, will you? Ms. Clarkson will prepare anything you need." Mom's eyes lingered on me.

"I know how to take care of myself, Mom." I chuckled, though a sad smile tugged at my lips.

"It's settled then. Shall we get going?"

"I'll miss you guys," I mumbled, barely above a whisper.

Mom kissed my head softly. "We'll miss you too."

And just like that, they turned away, gripping their luggage as they walked towards the gate. I stood there, watching them disappear into the crowd.

The only thing I could do was watch.

I watched as my friends were embraced by their parents after school. I watched as they stood proudly on stage, their families cheering for them. I watched as they got to live the life I never did.

That's the problem, I can only watch.

Yes, we're rich...

... but at what cost?