The Stars' Keeper

Record Four

The stranger doesn't seem to register that she is the only one here aside from me. The glow coming off her skin tells me she's one of the many stars from outside the temple's isolated space. The star doesn't appear to notice the damage she has done in a matter of seconds. Her gaze wanders like a bird, searching the top of temple for something. It doesn't appear to be anything too philosophical, just searching for an exit.

I pick up the broom that rested upon the floor up until the moment I had begun my interrupted rest.

"Clean it up." I hold the broom in front of her.

Despite the reminders it brings me of my apprentice years it is only just that someone else fixes their own mess. I remind myself that it is not I who is taking the broom in hand but a different, younger fool. The smile wipes clean off her face when she realizes that she is the one taking responsibility.

When the broom's handle is firm in her grasp I leave her to the task. One jar at a time I begin to carry the spared stardust away to the safe recesses of the temple.

*

He didn't take a second to consider my pleas. I wasn't reckless in my eyes. I was doing the job handed to me. Sir, I am tired. You didn't let me rest so I decided to do the work quickly.

Immanent, you are young and a fool. The cane struck my cheek, the Elder Keeper was stronger than he appeared. You have made more work for yourself because you do not listen. Don't blame others for your ill-fate. Now get up.

I stood reluctantly. The skin on my right cheek began to feel tight and hot to the touch. The Elder Keeper grabbed my hand and forced the broom against my palm. My young hands adjusted around the neck of a broom. It wasn't the first time my own rash decisions piled work upon my shoulders.

No more mistakes, the Elder Keeper said. Surpass your predecessors.

I'd wondered then, while sweeping the proof of my sin away, if the dust had built up in his old, shriveled up heart and petrified it. It'd made sense at the time.

*