Our World Of Stars And Fireflies

Chapter 3- Memory

Everything was dark. About four am is when Sadie sat up, pondering about random thoughts, whirling through them before pondering again. There were so many places in this plan that could go wrong she didn't bother worrying anymore. If it failed Thomas would be shot and so would she probably. Or brought back to hell. Or she would shoot herself first. Depends on who had their finger on the trigger faster. She didn't know Thomas very well, but she saw something of truth in him. It made her trust him when she knew she shouldn't. He was her only hope and she didn't like that. If he decided to back out last minute and tell someone, she was be going to ultra hell and he would still probably be shot for conspiring. Or she would try her hardest to get him shot for betraying her. It was a harsh thought but he would pay if he was going to backstab her. She sighed and looked out of the window. A small hole in the wall with bars across it. Stars twinkled across the black sky, mostly covered by cloud, but still a few shone through. She smiled as she remembered the night sky back at home. As she remembered what is was like to watch all the stars dance.

Mother sat staring out of the window, watching the sky. Sadie's small hands clutched at the edge of the window seat on which Mother was sitting and tried to haul herself up. Her mother laughed her silky, slow laugh and she bent down to pick her up. Carefully she set her down and looked at her. Smooth hands gently stroked Sadie's face and she smiled her toothy grin.

"Mumma, what's so interesting about the stars?" Mother smiled.

"Your Father is looking at the same sky, Asteri" She had always called her that. Sadie loved that name. It made her feel special and loved. "It covers the entire world and allows us to see into different galaxies. The constellations guide us in the darkest hours of our lives. Stars are just so beautiful. That is what makes them interesting."

"Do you think Papa is looking there right now?" Her mother's smile faded.

"I think..." She swallowed, "I think it's time for bed, Asteri." She looked away for a moment. "Come now. Papa would not want me to cry." 

She picked Sadie up and took her to her bed. Tucking her in she kissed Sadie's forehead.

"Mumma?"

"Yes?" 

"What is a shooting star?" She smiled

"It's a broken fragment of the universe streaked through our Earth's atmosphere." She pointed outside to the sky. At that moment, as if timed just for them, a small streak of golden purity slashed across the dark blue sky.

"Oh....Mamma!" Sadie pointed out to the night sky. Her mother smiled. "Mumma?"

"Yes?" She looked down at her.

"Can...can you sing about the stars?" Her laugh filled the empty silence.

"Of course Asteri." She sat down and cuddled her.

"Watch the stars shine

Fire burning in my eyes

I greet as the world passes by" Sadie sang with her mother the last line

"Our world of stars that stay bright."

They hugged gently and lovingly. Sadie felt safe, felt loved.

"I love you Asteri."

Sadie opened her eyes. She felt numb, cold and stiff. Her heart felt heavy at the memory and she swallowed guilt. Sitting up, she looked outside. The night sky had been replaced by a sullen, rainy day. Leaning her head against the damp wall she listened to the world around her. Today she either escaped or she died. Thomas was probably thinking the same thing. She wiped the dust of her memory away trying to forget it. She didn't want to remember, it only brought back pain and guilt. The one thing that would torture her truly. Faintly she heard voices outside her cell.