The Stars Always Shine

Raya stares at the letter, only reading 'Dear Namaari' at the top thus far. After staring at it for another minute, and realizing that it's much too formal, she throws the letter to the side and starts a new one with a stylus in hand. The same stylus Namaari gifted for her birthday a few months ago. Raya throws the stylus with the other letter.

At the corner of Raya's room, which now feels far too large for her, she collapses onto the writing table Namaari urged her to get. Writing is fucking stupid anyways. Raya didn't need it to survive for five years and she will not need it for the rest of her fucking life.

Raya stays head down on the table for either a few minutes or hours. Whatever the case, it does not matter. The days go far too slow anyways. During that time she can only think of how she deserves this.

Raya eventually rises, warm tears dampening the letter. She throws it aside like the last one. Her stomach growls. She still turns to go to bed, almost crying again knowing that Benja may be waiting to eat with her as he has done for the last few months.

"Hehe, I hope I'm not interrupting anything," Sisu says, sitting on the window sill beside Raya's bed in human form.

"Uhh, you're not interrupting anything. I was just getting ready for bed." Raya says, putting on a weak smile.

"Great, so you're finally starting that new sleeping regiment I suggested,"

"Of course. At first I wasn't so sure about it but ever since I've started sleeping more, I've been feeling much more rested."

"You know I'm always watching out for you girl," Sisu gets off the window sill and high-fives Raya.

"You are my dragon after all, but I'm pretty tired already so why don't we just call it a night," Raya fakes a yawn.

"I'll leave you to it then Princess Raya, good night." Sisu hugs Raya before turning away and walking towards the window.

"Bye Sisu,"

"Oh wait Raya, there's one small thing though," Sisu halts.

"Yes?"

"It's morning and there's a pile of crumpled papers behind you, and we both know Chief Benja hates littering, especially coming from you," Sisu turns around and frowns.

Raya stays silent, cursing herself for not cleaning after herself.

"I actually came here to check on you girl, but I know you can't get over Namaari. I can't blame you."

"Did Namaari tell you what happened?" Raya asks, shying away from Sisu.

"No, I just kinda figured you two broke up. Like, an entire wet season has passed and you and Namaari are moping around like your clothes are still drenched with water."

"I'm sorry for lying Sisu. I'm a real piece of work, aren't I?"

"Hey, don't look down on yourself like that. Sometimes things don't work out." Sisu holds Raya's shoulders.

"But we were supposed to be soulmates and I ruined it! I was stubborn and I didn't listen but I just want her back now." Raya fails to hold back tears.

"Soulmates?"

"Yes, we were going to spend the rest of our lives together and spend the rest of our eternal lives together with the gods."

"Okay that's it Raya, we are going on a trip,"

"I can't, I don't-"

"Look at how pale your skin is girl, I won't take no for an answer," Sisu takes Raya's hand.