Rosalina's Storybook: The Lost Chapters

Chapter D: Launch

Much time has passed since the inevitable passing of the weakening mother. The father and the son have come to terms with it, but the daughter still denies it. After some training and money-saving, the family earned enough money to buy starships for the kids, which was something that they had been dreaming of for years. The son is eager to take his ship to the stars, so his father and sister bid him farewell.

Dad: I know you're eager to get out there, but are you sure you want to take to the stars so soon?
B: Absolutely. I've been dying to do this for years!
D: Ok. Make sure you find planets with edible, safe food if you run out of food in your starship. If you can't find any, come back to Earth as soon as you can.
B: Ok, ok. You wanna come with me, sis?
G: I can't. I have to watch and protect Mom. She's still sleeping up on the hill below the tree.
B: This again? You can't protect her for the rest of your life! She's going to be resting there forever!
G: But that's good. We can still see her, or at least say hi to her, each day and protect her.
B: You still haven't come to terms with this, have you?
D: Take it easy, son. Don't forget what your mother told us: that everyone deals with losses or events like this differently. Her passing alone is a big event and a big change in anyone's life, whether they'd be a kid or an adult.
B: Don't you miss her, too?
D: Of course. She was and still is an important part of my life, as are the two of you. Family is very important.
B: Ok. I'm sorry I raised my voice at you, sis.
G: It's ok.
B: Are you sure you don't wanna come with me? We can protect each other and stay together.
G: I....I don't know. I just don't think I'm ready to go yet. But we'll always be together, even if we're not on Earth together at the same time.
D: That's alright. Just like when we look up at the sky when we're thinking of your mother, we will also look there when we think of you. Whether we see you again or not due to time dilation out there, you'll always be in our hearts. *nudges son's head*
B: *laughs and giggles* Thanks, dad. Thanks, sis.

The family hugs before the son jumps into his starship and prepares for takeoff. The ignition slowly starts.

B: Bye!
D: Bye, son! Be careful!
G: And have fun!
B: Thank you! I will!

The son and his family continue to wave back at each other as the starship launches and heads into space. The girl and her father talk to each other as they watch the ship head towards and eventually leave the atmosphere.

G: Hey, Dad. I know I've talked about traveling space like my brother said, yet I'm still here. I'm sorry about that. I'm not a burden for still being here and not leaving yet, am I?
D: You don't have to apologize, sweetie. Of course you're not a burden to me. As long as you're still here with me, I will take care of you as I always have. Here, look up at that bird nest above us.

A family of birds rests together in a bird nest on one of the tree's branches.

D: The baby birds don't always leave the nest and fly away at the same time. And no matter how long they stay in the nest as they grow and mature, I think there is a good chance that their parents will still take care of them.
G: Thank you, Dad. .....But wait. The birds could leave the nest while their parents aren't around. If that happens, then they don't get to say goodbye to each other. What if I did that for any reason?
D: Hmm....I don't really know how to respond to that, to be honest. Though I will say this. I will miss you and your brother as I have missed your mother. However, I believe that the two of you are destined for greatness, and I have faith in you. If you're happy and enjoy life out there, and I'm happy for you and proud of you.
G: Thanks. But don't worry about Mom. She's still up on the hill under the tree.
D: ....Yes, that is true. However, what's more important is that we will all be in each other's hearts, no matter where we go. Even if we're all far away, don't forget that.
G: Ok. I'll try not to.
D: That's my girl. For now, do you want to get something to eat?
G: Sure!

They hold hands as they head into the nearby village to spend the day together.