Not in the Stars

    This is the story of two lovers, who each smothered themselves in darkness so the other could shine. 

         Each morning the Sun rose from his peaceful sleep, beaming soft orange and rosy pink after his dreams of the lovely pale girl who danced across the night sky. As he stretched his golden fingertips to the thriving, green earth, he tried to distract himself by watching the prancing creatures who reveled in his light and faces that turned to smile up at him, but his thoughts crept back to the girl. 

     The Moon peeked out from the inky dome of the void between day and night and watched as the boy with the golden hair yawned widely and in a single gust his beautiful shining light was extinguished, and he fell into a deep sleep. This happened every night, but the sharp barb of disappointment never seemed to lessen. But it was no matter, because tonight she was going to shine her brightest, and the boy would finally cross the looming sea of emptiness that separated her from her love. She skipped about, twirling on her toes and leaping gracefully, and hung her beautiful little stars on the canvas of the night sky, delighted by how they shine and glow, sure that this would get the gleaming boy's attention. 

    The Sun woke with a start, much sooner than was usual, and saw with confusion and delight that the beautiful pale girl was still doing her dance, the tiny lanterns she hung in the sky shimmering on her white skin. He waited with a mournful heart for her dancing to slow and her nimble little feet to carry her back to the dark expanse between them, but she danced on, and the Sun watched with admiration and curiosity. She curtsied to an invisible partner, extended her arms slightly, and whirled as if doing a waltz between her little stars. It pained the Sun to see her have to dance alone, so he summoned up his courage and took slow steps, shivering as he passed through the empty, forbidden darkness that barred him from reaching his heart's desire. 

  Eyes closed, the Moon spun with her arms around her invisible partner, dreaming so longingly that it was the golden boy in her arms that his warmth was almost tangible. So tangible, that when a warm hand met hers, palm to palm, she almost thought she was dreaming. But no, it was her Sun, even brighter surrounded by her glowing stars. He lifted her arm and spun her gently, and her heart fluttered when she turned to face him again. She moved her feet and her followed, and they danced and danced, twirling like entwined ribbons in the wind, until she felt like she was glowing bright as the Sun himself. Finally the moment had to end, and he dipped her down gently, his arm the only thing supporting her dangling over the earth. His warm hand brushed her cheek, and he was gone. 

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