Navigating the stars (being edited)

She called it star duty; her ritual of watching the night sky, searching for something no one else could see. Most nights she came back empty-handed, muttering that she hadn't found it. But one night, she did.

After that, neighbors heard her whispering and laughing to someone unseen. Then, just like that, she vanished.

Two years later, she returned - older, haunted, and holding a secret that glimmered like starlight and loss.

Everyone thought she'd gone mad. She insists she just went home.

But if the stories are true, and the stars remember her name, the night may not be done with her yet.