The Last Star

Avi collapsed onto the sofa after half an hour of dancing. - “I never thought it could be so fun.” - She said cheerfully, despite being barely able to breathe.

“I'll bring us some drinks.” - Luna suggested, and once she returned, she noticed that Avi had prepared a large jar and some colorful Post-it notes.

“What did you come up with this time?” - Luna asked as she put the cold lemonade on the table.

After greedily quenching her thirst, Avi exhaled with satisfaction and replied. - “Fifty-two stars, that's what we've promised to each other...”

Luna looked away. There was uncertainty in her.

“Luna!” - Avi grabbed her hand and looked right into her eyes. - “We'll make a list of things that we want to do after we fulfill our promise. We're not stopping until it's full to the brim.”

Avi then let Luna go and hastily scribbled something on the paper, then showed it to Luna.

“Home, just for us two.” - Was written there.

Avi folded her paper and put it inside, then exclaimed. - “Your turn!”

Luna took the pen and pondered lengthily. When she finished writing, she also put the paper inside.

“Hey! What did you write there?” - Avi asked, her hand already in the jar.

“Wait!” - Luna stopped her. - “It's a secret.”

“Oh, is it?” - Avi raised her eyebrow, then concealed her paper and began scribbling. - “Then, I'm putting there a secret, too... but you're reading the next one aloud!”

“Fine.” - Luna said. - “A date, on Earth.”

“Ohh... do you already want to go back?” - Avi asked.

“I want to know your home better. Videos are nice, but I would prefer we explore it together.” - Luna stated.

“To be honest, I also would like to do that.” - Avi admitted as Luna was putting the paper inside.

It was Avi's turn, and she took her time. - “We already have shared goals. Maybe we could put something more personal in there now?”

Luna agreed with a nod.

“Writing a book.” - Avi revealed.

“I remember, you mentioned it.” - Luna commented.

“...but I think that I'll start with something shorter than describing our journey...” - Avi said, then added to the paper. - “...for kids.”

“Becoming a doctor.” - Luna declared.

“Ambitious.” - Avi expressed her approval.

“There are.... things which I can't do.” - Luna added. - “I would like to be strong enough to help more people.”

“I think that I understand you...” - Avi called the guilt that Luna felt, so she decided to change the topic. - “Uhm, maybe we'll write about something related to our journey now?” - Avi said as she scribbled. - “Stargazing at the top of the mountain.”

“Returning to 'Snowdrop'” - Luna uttered and put the note in the jar.

“Hmm... what else... what else...” - Avi pondered. - “Do you have some idea for a new category?”

“How about a new skill to learn?” - Luna suggested.

“Sounds good! You go first!” - Avi exclaimed.

“Xeno-linguistics...” - Luna revealed. - “...but it should be a secondary hobby. I'm just wondering why most of the civilizations use the same language, and what's with the exceptions. I would like to understand everyone.”

Avi nodded and unfolded her note. - “Animation.”

Luna laughed. - “That won't be easy for you, but I think I get what you are thinking.”

“I want to tell stories in every possible way!” - Avi declared proudly.

“You truly must despise the science.” - Luna grinned slyly.

Avi slammed the table with both her hands. - “I have no intention of becoming a boring person in my old age.”

“Ohh... so you think I'm boring?” - Luna giggled.

“No! You're using your science to enhance creative skills!” - Avi backpedaled.

“Fair.” - Luna was holding her laughter. - “...okay, now, maybe something... exciting?”

Avi hit her palm with a fist - “Right!” - then revealed. - “Participation in drone racing.”

“Hmm...” - Luna was writing slowly. - “Cave diving.”

The mere thought sent shivers down Avi's spine. - “Don't ask me to join you.”

“I know, I know. It's quite dangerous for biological beings...” - Luna replied. - “...but I don't think I'm in any danger.”

“I don't even want to think about it. Let's change the topic.” - Avi suggested and looked at the jar. It was almost full. - “There is still some space left.” - She prepared another note. - “A feast with all friends, after everything has ended well.”

Luna laughed. - “...well, it would also be nice if we had a device that would allow us to communicate freely, regardless of the distance between us.”

“Ohh... is there a project that you would like to make happen?” - Avi asked.

“Yes, but I can't do it on my own.” - Luna stated, then wrote – inventing a device that connects everyone we know.

“Well, it's decided.” - Avi declared as he closed the jar. - “I'll put it behind the books. It'll wait until we empty it.”

Luna stood up and leaned against the windowsill. To her, the stars were never as bright as today. - “A beautiful night, if we can call it one.”

“It is.” - Avi spoke. - “I would love to capture this moment better.”

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“There is still some time until morning.” - Luna suggested. - “We can still figure something out.” - She closed her eyes and started humming Avi's melody.

Avi leaned against a cabinet and listened to her friend's gentle voice. Her hand moved to the lower drawer, taking out a dusty graphic tablet. She didn't think about it. She wanted to capture this moment in her own way. She started with small spots to define the background, then continued layering with a similar technique.

“Done.” - She declared after some time and approached Luna, leaning next to her against the windowsill, and stared at her painting.

“Will you show it to me?” - Luna requested, and once it was in her hands, commented. - “Well, well... you've mastered the post-impressionism style.”

“Hey! Don't tease me! I did my best!” - Avi pouted.

“I'm not making fun of it. I like it. I can even guess who inspired you.” - Luna stated.

“Inspired or not, we have to print it and hang it somewhere.” - Avi waved her hand dismissively.

“It's better if you keep it, as a memento...” - Luna commented. - “...but instead of printing, I suggest glass. It'll look magical.”

“Hmpf.” - Avi was still pouting. - “What about you, then? What will you have to remember this by?”

“I have your melody.” - Luna began to hum.

“I would prefer if you had something more tangible.” - Avi declared firmly.

Luna giggled. - “What? Do you want another painting?”

“What's so wrong about it?” - Avi argued.

“Nothing, nothing. Please, pose for me.” - Luna requested. - “You can lean against it, just like I did... and gaze at the stars, thinking about our shared goal.”

“Like this?” - Avi asked.

“Be more natural. It'll come out better.” - Luna said.

Avi was already irritated. - “How am I supposed to be more natural!?”

“Hey, no need to be mad.” - Luna pondered for a moment. - “I have an idea. Take your guitar and play for me, one last time.”

Avi did as Luna asked. Soon, she was too focused on the melody to remember that she was posing. Luna generated the image from scratch, mimicking brushstrokes and the texture of oil paints.

“Done.” - She uttered quietly while Avi's melody ended.

“Can I see it?” - Avi asked.

“You'll see it once it's hanging in our garden, between the flowers...” - Luna declared. - “...so, a little bit more patience.”

“Hmpf.” - Avi crossed her arms. - “I won't wait until morning!”

“You don't really have to.” - Luna pointed at the clock. - “Your night and day cycle indicates that we'll have breakfast in one and a half hours. I'll synthesize our artworks while you take a shower, and leave them in our respective chambers.”

Avi checked the clock, and Luna was right – they were sitting together for quite some time. She sighed. - “Mind cleaning up for now? I might manage to fix breakfast before my parents are up.” - Her expression became anxious.

“Are you worried about something?” - Luna asked.

“I was sort of ignoring the need to talk with my dad.” - Avi answered. - “I have a feeling he'll be upset with me again.”

“Your Dad tends to be assertive.” - Luna noticed.

“That's not about it.” - Avi muttered. - “He... I don't think he'll ever trust me again. I made it clear what line I chose to cross, and he'll never come to terms with it.”

Luna lowered her gaze. - “I... I think I understand him a bit.”

Avi looked at her, surprised.

“...but I still accept your choices, regardless of what they are. It's your own path, after all.” - Luna stated. - “...and I promised to walk by your side.”

“Thank you, Luna.” - Avi replied. - “With you, I'm not afraid of what the future brings.”

“You'll talk to him and everything will clear up.” - Luna added. - “Maybe he also had time to think.”

“You're right.” - Avi admitted. - “I'll go prepare myself. See you at breakfast!”

---

Avi returned from the kitchen, carrying grilled vegetable toasts. She put the plates on the tables, then hurried back to bring the tea and coffee. Unfortunately for her, she met Nicolas on the way. He had a stern look, one that made Avi prefer to avoid him.

“I'll help.” - Nicolas suggested and followed Avi.

There was awkward silence, which stayed with them, even when they were by themselves in the recreational room. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel-fire.ɴet

Avi finally gathered the courage to speak. - “Did you sleep well...? You know, after...”

“We didn't sleep a lot, we were discussing for most of the night.” - Nicolas revealed. - “About the future.”

“Oh, okay...” - Avi uttered quietly and spoke no more.

Soon, Virka joined them, but she was as silent as they were. Charlotte and Luna followed her inside. Avi's mom sat next to her daughter, thanking her in a faint voice. - “It's nice that you took care of breakfast today.”

The atmosphere during the meal was also silent. Virka finished first and left without a word, only taking her dishes to clean them. Charlotte soon disappeared in the same way.

Luna felt that something was up, so she looked at Avi, as if to ask her if she should stay.

Avi shook her head, and Luna understood, then stood up and left. There was a long silence, Nicolas's toast was untouched, and the coffee was barely half-emptied.

Avi's eyes awkwardly wandered across the room, avoiding just one place – the one right in front of her, her father. - “Are you not eating?” - Avi finally asked quietly, her eyes focused on her own feet.

Nicolas didn't say anything, so Avi raised her head. Her father was resting his forehead on his hands, making her unable to see his eyes.

“Dad?” - Avi muttered.

“I don't feel like eating.” - Nicolas uttered in an exhausted voice.

“Do you want to talk about yesterday?” - Avi inquired.

Nicolas's voice was breaking. - “There is nothing to talk about. I don't know what kind of words I would have to use to change you.”

Avi's gloom deepened. - “I don't want you to change me. Accept my choices instead.”

“You should be aware of how it's going to end.” - Nicolas replied. - “There will be a day when you not only hurt yourself, but all the people around you.”

“It won't come to this.” - Avi said with conviction.

“Do you think that I'm blind to Luna's fear? Do you think that I'm unaware of your little games? Of you taking risks every time? I saw and heard enough to know that if you don't give it up, then you'll eventually meet someone stronger, who will finally put an end to this journey.”

“Do you at least see how much good we have done?” - Avi protested. - “You used to say that you won't question it!”

“Back then, I wasn't aware of what you're getting yourself into.” - Nicolas replied.

“You always taught me that everything has two perspectives. I don't deny – suffering and death can't be easily forgotten and will always accompany us, but there among the stars – someone is rejoicing in the freedom they just regained. Somebody laughs, somebody finds love, or a new life is born. If I gave up and ran away, I would be like an impostor, living the life paid for by other people's suffering.”

“Nobody stops you from helping others...” - Nicolas argued. - “...I'm only saying that you're acting irrationally. You can't constantly charge ahead by sheer force.”

“Love isn't rational!” - Avi countered. - “If I won't try, because something seems impossible, then I might never notice a gap through which the light can break in.”

“As I already said, my words won't change anything.” - Nicolas uttered, resigned. - “It's a matter of survival instinct, which you lack. It's necessary to take a sober look at the situation before deciding whether your 'gap' can exist or not... but you will always assume that good will win.”

Avi found it hard to refute his argument. - “You're always on about the same thing. You have no proof that my instinct is wrong!”

Nicolas sighed. - “You won't accept one... like back when we were infected by parasites.”

Avi bit her lip. - “I admit, I'm not perfect. Nobody is. That mistake...”

Nicolas interrupted her. - “...will repeat, because you're repelled by what is vile in us. You want to live in an ideal world, rejecting the struggle against weakness everyone must face, and you replace patience and understanding with hasty judgments.”

Avi crossed her arms. - “And why do you think that I don't understand!? Maybe it's only you who sees how I understand others as judgments!? How do you even tell the difference between the first and the latter? It's your own interpretation, as usual!”

“Without the full knowledge of someone's past and the knowledge of their motives, it's hard to call it understanding.” - Nicolas explained. - “When you look only at actions and don't ask the question why, then what you're doing is judging.”

“And what? Am I supposed to keep asking, without an end in sight, until I get all the answers and know all there is to know!?” - Avi asked. - “We're always judging to some degree. There's no good alternative.”

“The problem is, you rarely ask even the basic questions.” - Nicolas said. - “And once you get the answers, you interpret them solely through the lens of your own convictions.”

“I can't be in anyone else's head, so I don't see how I'm supposed to interpret them differently!”

“I've noticed. Other people's opinions don't matter much to you, but we've already talked about that. I won't repeat myself.”

“Then don't!” - Avi shouted and stood up. - “I'm sick of these lectures! Ever since you came back, you've never praised me for anything I do. It's always just complaints!” - She ran outside, not interested in any more talk.

“Is that how you see it, Avi?” - Nicolas whispered to himself.