Astray Among The Stars

Chapter 8: Valmirian's Perspective

"Roger, what wrong?"

His eyes merely gazed upon her, watery with guilt. "I'm sorry, Tevra."

"What troubles? What happen?"

The boy did not answer. He took out a small knife from his uniform pocket, resting it against his arm. He pressed the blade against his skin, penetrating his flesh.

"Roger, no!"

The Valmirian slammed her eyes shut as deep crimson blood dripped on the floor, her tears escaping her eyes. She couldn't stop him.

Tevra awoke with a jerk, nearly falling out of her bed. She frantically left her room, rushing across the hall and tapped at his door.

Only silence followed.

She knocked again, but not a stir was made. He would have answered by now.

The girl returned to her room, quickly changing out of her nightware and into her temporary uniform consisting of dark cloth pants, a slate undershirt and an open marigold-lined uniform leather jacket, the same as Roger wore. It fit her nicely, but seemed a bit larger than her figure.

However, today, she along with Prill would receive a new, tailored suit. Tevra decided to keep the same design as she wore now, opting to not have a dress uniform for daily use, only wearing that for special occasions.

Once finished dressing, she hustled to the mess hall in search of her friend.

* * *

The Valmirian found him sitting alone at their usual corner table. She smiled and took a seat across from him.

"Roger?"

He looked up from the duty roster, unaware of her arrival. "Tevra? Why are you up this early?"

"Woke up."

Concern brushed her eyes. The boy scamned her face, noticing her upset expression, her anxious eyes staring back at him.

"What is it? Couldn't sleep?"

She shook her head.

"A dream?"

"Yes."

The Valmirian hesitated, her thoughts weary of her friend. Her gaze quivered in thought, her mind racing with uncertainty.

"Well, are you going to tell me what happened?"

"Roger. . . you hurt you."

The boy put down the tablet. "Why would I do that?"

He looked at her again with a chuckle. Clearly he did not take it seriously.

"You—"

"Tevra, it's just a dream. You have nothing to worry about."

"But—"

"Look, I don't do that type of shit. Chill out."

"What chill?"

"It means to stop worrying."

"Oh."

Tevra glanced at the table, unsure of her friend's avoidance of the subject. She sensed his uneasiness. He hid something. "Roger, I—"

The intercom chimed. "This is Holloway speaking. Roger, Jack, and Heather, report to engineering."

"Bye, Tevs."

The defeated Valmirian watched him leave, disappointed that she could not help him. She sighed, tilting her head down. It concerned her that he avoided the topic. Tevra wondered if she could ever get to the bottom of his secret, whatever it was.