A Starless Sky

She gazed up into the starless sky and waited for it to happen, waiting for a sign of their return once again. It had been years since their last visit, and she longed for them to return for her one day. It was especially chilly this night as the gentle autumn breeze caressed her cheek; she tightened the old blanket closer to her body to shield her face from the cold air. Hope once filled her heart with their return, but now all that remains is longing and sorrow, leaving her body and soul empty and alone. She doesn't know why she does it. It just became a habit. One she wishes to break, but somehow, she always finds herself on the cliffside gazing up into the starless sky. Maybe tonight, she says to herself. Every night she is met with disappointment. She longs for her love to be by her side once more; their embrace and love were all she ever wanted, all she ever craved. She knew it could not have lasted. But a part of her wished it could have. The empty night sky had always stared back at her. Its inky black void, along with the soft glow of the two moons, taunts her from above. A deep, longing sigh left her aching chest as she decided to head back inside to warm up by the fireplace.

She sat down by the fire in her favorite rocking chair with a cup of steaming hot cocoa with a pinch of cinnamon has become her nightly ritual. The landing had been unplanned; there had been a slight miscalculation. Unfortunately, they ended up running out of fuel. They were not supposed to stay long, but they and the others fell for this planet's scenery and the life that grows here. Their stay lasted way longer than it should have, and when the time came for them and the crew to leave, it was a bitter-sweet moment for all of them. They were the last to board, leaving her with a kiss and a promise. Since that day, she has been hopeful of their return but utterly lost without them.

With a deep breath, she closes her eyes and takes in the sweet aroma of her hot cocoa; the hint of cinnamon makes her scrunch up her nose. After all these years, she can't get herself to like cinnamon, not even for them. Adding cinnamon was something they loved to do. She never really liked the spice, but in memory of them, she added it to her cocoa. Doing so made it seem like they were still with her, snuggled up under the blankets next to the fire as they told her stories of their planet, their people, and the life that grew there.

Her people did not care for the space travelers, especially the Elders. When they arrived, the Elders were very cautious of these new beings, not wanting anyone to socialize with them until they could learn about them. The young ones were too curious and rebellious to follow orders from anyone. They defied the Elders' and their parent's wishes. She released another deep sigh as she thought maybe it was because of the Elders they hadn't come back. She glanced out the window at the starless sky again. The fire then crackled and popped; she watched as the flames did their dance and thought back to when they first danced. A small smile formed on her lips as the thought crossed her mind; no, it couldn't have possibly been because of the Elders. Love and longing filled her chest as she reflected on that night during the town's annual Lunar Festival when they shared their first dance.

The strangers had just landed a few days prior. The people were still hesitant, but the little ones loved them. The younglings weaved in and out from under the strangers' legs and hung from their arms. The beings didn't mind. Despite the parents' protests, they enjoyed the attention of the strangers and were having fun. So, the Elders invited them to the festival out of politeness. And to learn more about these beings that dropped down from the sky. Their people wore the same peculiar clothing, but they stood out from the rest. I couldn't take my eyes off them; they were stunning in a strange way. So, to say I was ecstatic to hear that they would be joining the festival would be an understatement.

We gathered in the center of the village around a massive bonfire. Some couples had already started dancing around it, and the younglings were off to the side doing their own little dance. The strangers arrived as the sun was setting. The people greeted them and gave them food and drink, putting their differences aside. Some were hesitant but came around eventually. Soon after, the Elders came and made a speech welcoming the strangers' arrival. Then we prayed to our moons wishing for good health and a bountiful harvest for the year. After all the prayers were done, the festivities began. Everyone was getting along wonderfully; it brought a smile and warmth to my heart. I joined my closest friend in a dance and was laughing and enjoying myself when they came and offered their hand to me. My smile faded from the shock; I stood there stunned, lost in their beautiful eyes, and saw how the flames glowed and danced from within them. My friend had shoved me from behind. I grabbed their hand to avoid falling, and they pulled me closer as we started to dance. I haven't smiled so big in my life; they were mesmerizing, their movements different than what I was used to, but I let them lead in this strange dance of theirs. We danced together the whole night, never leaving the others side or the days to come.

The pop of the wood brought her back from her reverie. She realized how late it was. The fire was just a warm glow now. She decided it was time for bed. As she stood up, the house started to shake a loud rumbling could be heard in the distance. Hope and panic coursed through her veins as she dashed out the door to see what was happening. Just like that day, she thought as she stared into the distance, watching as an object descended from the sky resembling their ship. She took off towards the village, not caring that she was in only her night clothes. She had to see for herself if they had indeed returned.

The village was already gathered and waiting just on the outskirts. Everyone was in a rush to see what was happening. They were all still in their night clothes; some of the women had blankets wrapped around themselves for warmth as they stood still on bated breath, waiting for the strangers to arrive. Had they finally returned? Or is this a different group of travelers? She wished it was them; the town was never the same after they had left. There seemed to be a thick haze of sadness that lingered above the village and people after their departure.

Though this moment was happening, some refused to get their hopes up just in case it wasn't them. Finally, one of the young boys yelled and pointed into the distance. Everyone looked, breath held when a figure came into view; others followed from behind. As they got closer, she could make out the person's features; she recognized them instantly. The memory of their face had been burned into her brain. She didn't want to forget what they had looked like. They hadn't changed; they looked like they had all those years ago. Tears streaked her cheeks, happiness swelled in her chest, and she couldn't breathe. My love has returned, she sobbed as they wrapped their arms around her, whispering the words she longed to hear.