Short Stories

The Light of the Moon

Manny took a deep breath and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he saw the faces of his crewmates smiling softly at him. They knew that it was over just as much as he did. It was truly the end. They may never find out what had happened to their ship, but
whatever it was, wasn't fixable at this point. They'd run out of time. Mara laid a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Manny, it's okay." She embraced him reassuringly. He nodded and one by one hugged his closest friends. Andy, his lifelong friend, husband, father of a newborn baby. Joseph, who promised his mother that he would return to be with her in the hospital when she died from terminal cancer. Ally, his wife and the love of his life. And Mara again, his sister.

"I love you all dearly and I am so sorry, may we all see each again, on the other side." Manny turned away as silent tears were shed.

The commander sent his final message to Earth, "Goodbye mission control. Thanks for trying."