Where the Stars Fell

II.

Weeks pass since Star fell, and already things are different. Once told about the Wars, how bombs wiped out over three-quarters of the population, leaving those remaining to struggle for survival, she went straight to work. For the first few days, the air was filled with her strange song. It is both alien and comforting. Underneath her feet and gentle touch, crops burst from their seams, fat and fruitful. It isn't long before the field is lush with green. It is a harvest only dreams could have fathomed.

Star is curious. She pours over every book she can get her hands on, and asks more questions than most have answers to. She inquires a lot about the times before the Wars, and the dead Gods that were worshiped.

"Why don't you guys still celebrate the Gods?" Star asks one day, legs swinging off the weathered dock near the lake. Once it was far too polluted to even venture near, dark and murky. With Star's song, the water is clear and blue, reflecting the night sky like a mirror. She dips a toe into the cool drink, and the little minnows she created congregate and nibble curiously.

Lance shrugs, still wearing his old shoes. Cane resting in his lap, he watches the iridescent fish crowd around like faithful disciples. It freaks him out. "I dunno, I guess they lost hope after the Wars happened. They thought no god would let something like this happen, and that a god wouldn't let his people suffer the way they are now."

Star's expression is thoughtful. She kicks her legs lightly, watching as the little fish scatter, then collect once again. "Do you believe in god?"

"No."

She tilts her head. "Why not?"

"Because if god is cruel enough to let me be born a cripple, then he's no god of mine."

Star says nothing after that, head low as she watches the minnows.

People love having the girl around. Her curious and radiant personality bleeds into them like the warmth of the sun.

She performs other "miracles" on the people of the village as well. Abram's creaky hip is suddenly better than ever. Hollis no longer plagued with violent coughs and little flecks of blood splattering her hands. Those bed-ridden with various illnesses suddenly out and about like everyone else, brimming with gratitude.

Star offers to heal Lance's leg frequently, a glitter of something unrecognizable in her bottomless eyes. That look strikes a discordant nerve with the boy. A bad feeling cold and wriggling deep in his belly. Every time he declines politely, and although Star always has that unwavering smile, Lance can see the growing impatience in the tight corners of her lips.

People from other places hear about Star, and make the journey in hopes of being blessed by her song. The village bustles with visitors, and although the money that comes in isn't much, it is enough to be considered prosperous.

In the early mornings when the sun is just a copper penny hanging low on the horizon, many gather in the fields to hear Star sing, to listen to her stories of her adventures through the cosmos. They look to her as if she hung the moon herself.

Lance never sits with the others. Instead he works for his keep in the fields. No matter where he is, he can feel those haunting eyes burning through his back.

If he is honest with himself, Lance isn't sure why he feels so wary about Star. Every time she looks at him with that smile warm enough to melt butter, Lance can't deny the dark twist of apprehension in his stomach. Something isn't right. The perfection of the world surrounding him, wrapped in gossamer and starlight, sounds far too good to be true.

And yet, would it be a crime to trust the girl? To allow her healing song to make his leg good as new? Lance looks at the villagers, how their smiles reach their once-lifeless eyes. Their cheeks are rounder, bellies fattening with ample nourishment. There is hope, it can be felt in the laughter of the children as they run around Star's long legs.