Death and Stars

Chapter One

On average 1 person dies each second, and 4 are born. And at this second whilst I lie looking up at the purple sky, 3000 stars were dying above me, collapsing in on themselves and dragging whatever they could with them to signify that they were something truly magnificent and should not be forgotten like the so many stars before them. After all they were alone out there, in the infinitely expanding universe, just like the hundreds of people who had died whilst I thought. 7 billion people on the planet, with 1 one death, four perkier, fleshy babies were pushed through into new air and put into mothers loving arms. It was something I found strange to think about. 7 billion people, some happy, some sad, some perishing, some flourishing, some good, some bad. But they all only need one single person to make whatever they are doing seem worthwhile. Even the worst of men needed someone to take their hand and tell them that even though many people are dying, they are something special.

I felt even the smallest of hairs stand on my neck and the sky above me seemed to fall closer and closer until I saw nothing but my own breath in the crisp air. It puffed fast and hard, misting over the clear picture above. I rubbed my hand over my forehead and calmed myself. The air was uninviting, taunting me with its wiry arms, but I felt Chris’ warm breath wash over my head, a warmth to calm my shivers. I was piercing then, through the veil of sleepy imagination and into reality. Sure enough the earthy sent of Chris’ worn jacket brought me back until I was fully aware of not just the sky I had been fixated on, but the firm ground that kept me stable.

I sat up slowly. My head felt light on my shoulders and I began to feel the rush up my spine that felt somewhat like a stampede of ants crawling just under my skin.  My eyes adjusted to the light and I could see the sun fighting in the horizon between the tops of the trees.

My eyes followed Chris’ figure, sprawled on the ground, all the pains and aches had melted from his face leaving him contented. He was at his most vulnerable when he slept, though his gun was rested with enough accuracy that with one foul swoop he could cock and shoot at first sign of trouble. But at this moment there was not a stir in the trees, just the sound of his soft breath and the up-down movement of his chest.

The forest called me whilst my back complained about the hard ground. We should have slept in a motel but it seemed silly when surrounded by such beauty. I left Chris snoring lightly on the floor by the dying fire, his alcoholic haze melting away with the night sky. I walked in between the wooden giants in awe of them as their thin leaves tickled the belly of the sky. I was consumed and I felt a smile break across my face. The forest has always been my favourite place, but at this moment in time it was hard to enjoy its wonder. I remember the last time I was camping, before we started running. It was the middle of summer and I remember it specifically because it was sweltering, the air was thick with heat and at there were lines fracturing the vision of distant trees. I walked hand in hand with Chris, watching the sky and let him guide my feet with the rhythm of his.

“Thank, God.” Chris exclaimed suddenly pulling me quickly over the tangled roots and dead leaves. It was a sight to cure sore eyes; a pool of clear water running into a stream. The sun reflected off of the water, flicking rings of white over Chris’ face as he anticipated jumping in. He peeled his T shirt off and stepped out of his jeans letting the sun soak into his skin. In the rays of an inflamed star, light-years from earth, he looked more handsome than ever. He shadowed me at 6ft tall that made him look as intimidating as he was. He was beautifully muscular but slimmed at the waist giving him a queer triangular figure. At the time his hair was quite short but he has let it grown since then and now his blonde hair got into his eyes so he loosely gels it back. He rocked on his feet, I thought he might be judging the distance but I saw his eyes flicker in my direction. I turned but it was too late. His hands grabbed my waist and forced me towards the pool.

“No. Don’t!” I laughed and tried to squirm from his grasp but he had me at his mercy. He laughed breathlessly in my ear and stumbled to the edge of the liquid crystal.

“3..2..”

“No, Chris wait-“ I shouted , my voice breaking as we hit the fresh pool below. The water shocked my system with a stone cold blow but as I broke through the service the sun was now a warm welcome. Chris’ laughter filled the air and I speared the water with my arm sending a spray into his face. I swam away from him and rolled onto the rock nearby, my stomach uneasy with laughter and water. I opened my eyes to see him inches from my face, his blues piercing my greens. The water ran off his hair and dripped onto my lips. Softly, he kissed them away. He pulled me closer as his lips became more vigorous with mine and my fingers grazed his lower back.

He kissed my nose lightly, which almost dissembled me completely. He looked down and fit his fingers in the spaces between mine. A coy smile slowly broke across his face and my eyes narrowed as I waited for him to speak.

“What is it?” I asked, my knuckles lightly smoothing the stubble on his jaw.

“Marry me.”

 I remember laughing quite loudly and shaking my head softly.