Astronomy (of Us)

Sapnap Korbas ended up in Rothels, Maine for the summer alongside his mom and brother, and it's all against his will. Sure, Rothels is new, but it's dreary; it's boring. "Rothels, where nothing interesting has ever or will ever happen!" is what they should've put on the town's sign that came and went on the side of the road. Karl Jacobs would second that vote if it ever went to the city council. A Rothels native, he has a heart that likes colors more than 80s coming of age films and the addictive cotton candy from the carnival. For him, Rothels has felt more like a temporary stay than a permanent, lively home.

Meanwhile, Sapnap's never been very vibrant beyond his blustery tongue and harsh blue eyes, but when he piques Karl's curiosity, they learn it doesn't matter. If anything, that makes it better, electric even. To spend time with who they wouldn't have attempted to meet in the past is exhilarating and novel; it's a newborn star that shines proudly in the cosmos. It burns hot, fierce, and it's something they built together.

Although, as Sapnap and Karl enjoy their summer, there's people who only try to tear them apart, like an aquiline brother, consistently drunk parents, and a woman who lost her love in some murky depths. It's dangerous, sure, but all of those ingredients spun in a milkshake and sipped through a straw has them becoming closer and closer, more complete, alive, and reckless.