The Lost Dreams of a Broken Poet

Beyond the Light

Short story I wrote for a Queer Writing Competition (not official, just a few queer writers doing something fun to celebrate). TW: Major character death!

Enjoy:

I'm sorry.

In came a blinding light accompanied by intense heat.

I swear I didn't mean to.

The ship's shields wouldn't hold much longer.

I didn't want to hurt you,

They closed their eyes. It was finally going to be all over.

Or make you feel like this.

The ship kept accelerating, getting closer and closer to the sun.

They were right.

They did the countdown.

We really weren't meant to be.

Twenty. The radio tried to send a signal.

And I guess that I haven't realized it until now.

Nineteen. Like their age.

You should go live your life,

Eighteen. It kept going.

And as much as it pains me to say this,

Seventeen. They just ignored it.

Without me.

Sixteen. Please, please shut up.

Please forgive me.

Fifteen. It was all messed up.

It wasn't supposed to end like this.

Fourteen. The radio kept calling.

I know I promised you that we'd be together.

Thirteen. They tried shutting it off. Again and again.

Forever.

Twelve. Parts of the ship started to melt.

And yet I broke your heart. I was selfish.

Eleven. "Hayden, I swear to the friggin' gods. Answer me!"

So I'm pushing you away.

Ten. They shook their head and lowered the volume.

And I'm going somewhere you can't follow me, like you always do.

Nine. Yes. Finally. Oblivion. Welcoming. Painless.

Please don't follow me.

Eight. They were blinded by the star, the heat at last becoming unbearable.

You have your whole life ahead of you.

Seven. There was no turning back... "Hayden, please!" How was it still working?

You might meet someone you actually deserve.

Six. "Hayden..." She whispered. "Don't go..."

Someone who won't leave you behind.

Five. They turned on the microphone. "Erika..."

Someone who'll love you.

Four. "Hayden! Oh, thank the gods."

Like I did.

Three. "Erika. Please go." They coldly said.

But now our paths finally diverge.