Stars

[P.4.R.K.O.U.R 329]

Stars

"Time for bed”, said a tall, weary man to his children, ushering them to their bedroom. A boy of about eight walked down the hall without any resistance, his sister of four following suit; and they lay down on their beds. The man looked over them for a while; then, feeling that they had gone asleep, went to his own room. Little did he know of what his children were planning.

The boy opened his eyes and glanced around. Finding them alone, he whispered to his sister. “It’s time to go.” They got off their beds and tiptoed through the hall, quietly passing their father’s bedroom, where he sat on the easy-chair with a newspaper stretched out in front of him. They made their way up the stairs and reached the door that opened to the terrace. Opening the door without any noise, they strayed out into the open night, the little girl now squealing with delight. She stretched out beside her brother on the stone floor and gazed up into the night sky.

The full moon stared back at her. The little twinkling stars seemed like merry children, playing joyously a game of ice and water.

“What a beautiful night it is, brother.”

“Beautiful, indeed!”, replied the boy. “You see those three stars close to each other? I read in a book that those stars are part of a constellation called the ‘Orion’.”

“What about those?”, asked the little girl pointing upwards. “That spoon-like shape over there?”

“That’s Ursa Major, also known as the ‘Great Bear’. It’s silly how they made a bear out of it.”

His sister giggled.

“That one like a diamond; that is called ‘Virgo’-“.

And so on continued the brother, the girl listening intently, chuckling every now and then. Never had she felt so euphoric.

Closing her eyes for a second, she prayed; not to God- she had lost faith in him since when he had taken away her mother. No, she prayed to the ever-watching stars.
Prayed that her brother be with her forever.

***

A carriage stopped in the middle of a deserted dirt road. A young woman leapt out, leaving her fare behind, and started walking briskly towards the setting sun.

“Should I wait here, Ma’am?”, asked the hesitant coachman.

The woman continued walking, worry encapsulating her and a billion thoughts swirling in her mind. The carriage trotted off into the distance.

Her pace fumbled as she approached the battleground, a vast sea of corpses and blood. Her pulse quickened, and so did her feet. She strode past the dead bodies, her heart directing her towards her destination until her worst fears came true.

There was no mistaking it; the face she had been so anxious to see, the badge bearing the name of her most beloved. And there, piercing right through his heart, was a single bullet, the reason for his death. Her legs gave way beneath her. Tears streamed down her face. She held his lifeless hand between her own. Questions took over her mind.

Had she not tried hard to coerce him not to enrol for the war? Yet, he had chosen to go, not caring about the part of her soul he was taking away with him, and putting his own life at stake. He had now departed to the gates of heaven, probably satisfied with the victory of his nation. Did he not care for the battle she had lost?

She felt betrayed. Grief-stricken, she sat there, crying. The surrounding silence was suddenly interrupted by soothing music. She glanced around. Bright lights illuminated the night horizon. The soldiers were celebrating the outcome of the battle. A rocket went up and burst in the sky, casting a dazzling glow amidst the darkness.

Realization dawned upon her. Her brother had gone with a purpose: to defend the nation. His purpose lived, ...and so did he. A smile crept on her face. Still holding his hand, she laid down beside him and gazed up into the night sky.

The full moon stared back at her. The little twinkling stars seemed like merry children, playing joyously a game of ice and water.

“What a beautiful night it is, brother.”


Other articles authored by me:
Vectors
Interview with a Humour King
Impersonation:
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three Edited December 8, 2018 by P.4.R.K.O.U.R

[Guest]

Approved!

 

Very well written once again. It has been a while since I did anything for anyone in the AWS (as I was busy in real life). The twist in the middle was actually very well done too. I noticed extremely small problems (the largest of which was misplaced commas, but nothing of significance really).

[P.4.R.K.O.U.R 329]

Approved!

 

Very well written once again. It has been a while since I did anything for anyone in the AWS (as I was busy in real life). The twist in the middle was actually very well done too. I noticed extremely small problems (the largest of which was misplaced commas, but nothing of significance really).

Thanks a lot.

I don't think "He lived through his purpose." is suitable.

Placed "joyously" back to it's original state. Hope you don't mind.

Did you know that an evil tyrant used to approve our articles in your absence. Apparently, he has diabetes. He doesn't sugar-coat his replies.

[Guest]

Thanks a lot.

I don't think "He lived through his purpose." is suitable.

Placed "joyously" back to it's original state. Hope you don't mind.

Did you know that an evil tyrant used to approve our articles in your absence. Apparently, he has diabetes. He doesn't sugar-coat his replies.

No worries! I was unsure of those to be honest too. Be Careful what you say, because if you don't, you'll have to make a dirty sock potato brownie sundae.

[P.4.R.K.O.U.R 329]

No worries! I was unsure of those to be honest too. Be Careful what you say, because if you don't, you'll have to make a dirty sock potato brownie sundae.

Don't worry. I'm an expert at making that.

 

BTW, I got a message about this article from another reporter.

Edited December 2, 2018 by LOLKILLERTOTHEDEATH
Your post broke no rules, but the information you posted may have been a bit sensitive.

[thethiefofvictory 339]

Don't worry. I'm an expert at making that.

 

BTW, I got a message about this article from someone.

...

 

Great story! Do be carerul in pos5ing such things in the future!

Edited December 2, 2018 by LOLKILLERTOTHEDEATH
Nothing wrong but your post had some information which was sensitivenin nature.

[P.4.R.K.O.U.R 329]

Lol. "Sensitive information"

[Person_Random 4,991]

Awesome!  Liked the change of style, excellent work.

[P.4.R.K.O.U.R 329]

Awesome!  Liked the change of style, excellent work.

Thanks a lot! ...for inspiring me to change my style and explore different genres. :ph34r: