Beneath the Stars

✩ origami paper;;

Audrey jumped through school all day, anxious to visit Brandon. She was also tired from the enormous lack of sleep. Her parents had been super worried by the time she got home, but when she explained the situation, they just sighed a little, mumbled something that sounded like "kids" and went back to making breakfast. Yawning, she watched the clock move slowly around in a circle, ticktockticktock.

When the bell rang after school, she grabbed her backpack, sprung out of her seat and dashed out of the classroom, almost bumping into another kid coming in. She heard him yell something, but she ignored him, hurrying to the bus stop which she knew left three minutes after her school ends. When she neared the office, she slowed down, and try to catch her breath. Audrey didn't need to get in trouble and be delayed, missing the bus in the process.

The bus stop didn't have many people, just a few idle students who needed to be home early. The bus reached the stop just as Audrey skidded to a stop next to the trickle of people lining up to get on. Heaving, she reached into her bag and pulled out a ticket, fanning herself with her hand.

The bus had air conditioning, which Audrey was grateful for as she plopped down on a seat near the back of the bus. Leaning her head on the window, she watched the scenery go by, counting down the minutes until she would reach the hospital.

---

"Sorry, it's not visiting hours yet. You can wait two hours, or come back tomorrow."

Audrey's face fell, as the receptionist (not the same one) turned back to typing on her computer. The redhead checked her phone - 3:51. She had to be home by 6:30PM for dinner, she knew that. She can fit it in, she was sure of it.

The young girl left the hospital and tried to find something to do for the next couple of hours. Looking around, she spotted an elderly lady sitting on a stool, a blanket open in front of her to reveal trinkets lying neatly across the fabric. Glancing to make sure there were no cars, she jogged across the street and stood in front of the woman.

"Hello," said the old woman, her voice soft and calm. "Were you looking for anything in particular?"

Audrey shook her head a little and gave a small smile, to which the elder returned. Crouching down, she examined the small items put on display. A breeze ruffled her hair and she reached her hand up to brush them from her face and the older woman laughed, a light sound that Audrey found really soothing.

"They really get in the way sometimes, don't they?" she chuckled, gesturing to Audrey's hair.

Audrey joined in on her laughter, tying back her hair with a thin elastic she had kept on her wrist. Looking up, she noticed the woman holding a strip of paper with a beautiful design, half folded into a small pentagon. Seeing her gaze, she held up the paper, rustling gently against the wind.

"Have you folded origami stars before?"

Audrey shook her head, peering at the creation.

"Would you like to learn?"

Shyly, Audrey nodded, and the woman handed her a new strip of paper. Stretching her tanned arms, the elder woman showed her how to fold origami stars. It took Audrey a little while to learn, she made a few mistakes, but the old lady was endlessly patient and always had a new piece of paper ready. When Audrey had a star she was satisfied with, the older woman placed a small, empty jar by her feet.