Short stories

Luna

"Lucas! Come inside!" The leaves crunched under my feet as I ran, my mother calling for me for the second time tonight. I just couldn't leave her. But she assured me, ill see her again. Tomorrow, same place same time. She'll stand on the water, so close yet so far. Ill feel her some day…

I was shoved down in the hallway. My books hit the ground long before my face did. Childish, the kids in this school find nothing more exciting than bullying. They have no dreams, no aspirations. But me? I have my life planned out, I have goals. I have dreams. She is my dream.

I open the door and warmth smacks me in my face, the sweet smell of meat and broth and carrots and potatoes following. I sighed in relief, but keep on my coat.
“Lucas, coat and shoes off. Dinner is almost ready. You’re not going outside tonight.” She was cold, she was tired.
“You go to bed, ill be there in a minute, relax and ill tell you when the soup is ready.” She undid her apron and went to bed without another word. I stirred the soup, staring out the window. Staring at her. She beckoned for me to come out, to come sit. To listen, to talk, to spend time. I throw open the door and race out to the lake. I know what will come of me when I come home.

“Lucas, you’re leaving me. I can’t believe it. Why can’t you stay?” A look that I had known all too well, disappointment. Sadness. She was right, I was leaving her.
“Mom, I’m sorry. You’ll see me again, I promise. You just be strong for me, okay?” She nodded and buried her face in my chest to stifle her sobs. I was off, finally. Maybe, just maybe i’ll have the chance to finally meet her. She who heard my cries, she who watched me weep. She who comforted me in the dead of night when everyone else was asleep.

“I’m coming, my darling.”

I was all strapped up and ready. I eagerly begged for this position my entire career, and here it was. After 33 years of life, it was time for me to meet her. To touch her, to feel her. They shot me up, up and away, away to my love. Away to my dream.
As the door hissed, my body trembled with anticipation. I took a step, and then another, and another; I was finally there. Finally with her, finally able to feel her. Dust flew up from my boot.
“You’re dusty, my darling!” I hear clamor from inside the ship. Im too ecstatic to check. I spin in joy, prepared to stab a sign to the rest of the world that said ‘Back off! She’s ours! She’s mine…’ I catch something out of the corner of my eye. I turn my full attention towards it, and I freeze. In a second, I accept it. At least we’ll go down together. The screaming from the radios in the rocket get louder. I lay down on my back, and close my eyes.

“Goodbye, Luna.”