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THE SUN began to set on the distant horizon of the planet they had just liberated, casting an orange glow across the makeshift camp where they had set up for the night. Aruna sat outside, leaning against the cool metal of the ship, her lightsaber resting beside her. She gazed at the stars beginning to twinkle in the deepening sky, her thoughts drifting to the memories she had locked away.
Anakin approached, his presence warm and familiar as he settled down next to her. "Penny for your thoughts?" he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
She smiled softly, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Just thinking about everything that's happened lately. It feels like a lot has changed."
"Yeah," he agreed, glancing up at the stars. "We've seen a lot in such a short time. It's easy to forget where we come from, I guess."
Aruna nodded, feeling the weight of his words. "Speaking of where we come from... Can I ask you something?"
"Of course. Anything," Anakin replied, his attention fully on her.
"What was it like for you... growing up on Tatooine?" she asked, her voice gentle. "You mentioned your mother before. It must have been difficult."
Anakin's expression shifted, a shadow crossing his face as he remembered. "It was tough. I was a slave, but my mom... she was strong. She worked hard to provide for me. I remember the heat, the sand, and the feeling of being trapped. But I also remember her kindness and the way she believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself."
"Your mother sounds incredible," Aruna said, her heart aching at the thought. "I can't imagine what it was like to leave her behind."
"I try not to think about it," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I lost her, and it hurts, but I have to keep moving forward. I have to honor her memory by being better."
Aruna watched him, her heart heavy with empathy. "I can relate to that feeling of loss. I don't remember much about my family, but I had a twin. I remember bits and pieces—fleeting images, like shadows in my mind. It's frustrating not to know her, to feel this emptiness."
Anakin turned to her, his eyes softening. "Do you think about her often?"
"Sometimes. I wonder if she's safe, if she's out there somewhere," she replied, swallowing hard against the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. "The Jedi took me in, but there's always been this gap. I want to remember more, but it's like trying to grasp smoke."
"That must be hard," Anakin said, his voice sincere. "Not knowing what happened or who she is. But you're not alone. You have us. We're your family now, too."
Aruna looked at him, a sense of warmth flooding her heart. "I appreciate that, Anakin. I really do. You and Obi-Wan have been there for me in ways I didn't expect."
"Family means looking out for each other," he said, his expression earnest. "And I'll always have your back, Aruna. You can count on that."
She felt a flutter of hope at his words, grateful for the bond they were building. "Thank you, Anakin. I just wish I could remember more. It feels like a piece of me is missing."
