Chapter 31: The 5th Month - How the Stars Fall

The usual clear sky was covered in a thin layer of silver cloud. Not a star could be seen. Even the moon had gone into hiding.

Ryker dropped to his knees in the middle of the sunflower field, fighting the sob in his throat. “Today, it’s too much to bear. My heart aches for you,” he whispered to the nothingness.

Why did he keep torturing himself like this? Nova couldn’t hear him. She probably couldn’t see him either. But talking to her somehow made the pain more bearable.

What he’d give for one more night. One more kiss.

She was safer in Ara. No one could harm her there.

Yet he dreamed she would return to Earth, and he’d spend the rest of his days protecting her and loving her until he was grey and old. Every sunrise would remind him of the warmth of her smile, and every sunset would be a promise of the memories they would create together. He envisioned lazy afternoons spent in each other’s embrace, sharing whispered secrets beneath the stars, and laughter echoing in the quiet moments. “If ever you decide to come back to me . . . I’ll be right here waiting for you.”

Ryker’s hands dropped to his sides, his knuckles grazing the burnt sienna soil. “Goodnight, little star.”