Abha sees heavenly bodies within the world.
She sees constellations in the back of buses and draws out the map of the stars on the street signs. She sees the moon in the sun and the sun in the moon. She sees galaxies in the forests and in the galaxies she sees flora.
Abha sees black holes in humans. She sees the light go out of each of them slowly, no matter who it is. Somehow, she'll find something wrong.
She finds malice in the saccharine grins of her fellow classmates and envy in the praises of her acquaintances. She's more aware than they think.
But she keeps her thoughts to herself. It's better to that way, not to let on all your thoughts.
Life's quieter that way.
Days go by, and she still sees black holes in her closest companions and the heavens in flora and fauna.
Her family concern moves past her completely, as the black holes show themselves in the false concern of her parent's requests.
Why don't you go over to Harvi's house?
You don't get out enough, darling.
You're always keeping to yourself.
Solitude can't be good for your health.
Your friend's are concerned for you.
Black holes, growing stronger each day. She tries to keep from getting sucked in.
At night, she counts the spots in the sky and memorizes the outline of the constellations. They're really her only companions. The night is when she's alive, dancing with the stars and singing with the moon. The only time she feels alive.
In her class, on a moderate fall day, she sees starlight on her campus in actual human form.
A girl with cerulean dreads and sepia skin, she shines and smiles much more realistically.
Abha squints. She looks again, though she tries to go without staring.
The girl notices Abha and sends a genuine smile her way.
She smiles back, a rare thing she never does but it feels right this time.
The girl's name is Amira. Amira is starlight to Abha, and the only starlight around in her life.
Amira sees galaxies in the ocean and forests in stars and constellations in the clouds. She sees stars in the front of buses.
Abha can't find any black holes with her.
