I stare up at the stars, a cool breeze blowing through my hair. The sound of the river trickling by and the soft murmurs of my companions nearby are all that accompany me.
It's peaceful.
In the dark, it's impossible to see the color of anything. The sky is pitch black, and the world around me is shades of gray. The stars twinkle like pinpoints of light.
It's beautiful.
So simple, yet so complicated.
"Auntie?" May's soft, sleepy voice reaches me from where she's curled up against my side.
"Hm?"
"You're not asleep."
"Nope."
"Why not?"
"I'll sleep once we're on the road. Right now, it's nice to look up and watch the stars."
"Oh." She pauses. "They're pretty."
"Yes. They are."
"Auntie, when are we leaving?"
"Soon. Did you make sure Talia is caring for her?"
"Uh huh! She can't come. She's too little."
"I see."
"What are the stars made of?"
"Fire." That's the easiest way to explain it, I think.
"Oh. Like a lantern?"
"Yes."
"There's soooo many lanterns in the sky!!"
