Birds were chirping, and the positive light of the sun was making the flowers bloom. Droplets of water shone on the leaves, and the bright environment displayed the natural beauty of Keryll, a part of the country Ambia on the planet Zureryo.
"Avi, Avi, wake up! You're getting late for school," Avi's mother called as she walked toward his room. But Avi was already dressed and ready. He was sitting with his friend Sam.
"Avi, what were you watching in the sky last night?" Sam asked.
"Oh, that. I saw a bear-like constellation," Avi replied.
"Bear-like? Whoa, I've never heard of that! You should've called me too," Sam said with excitement.
"He can call you next time. Right now, it's time for school," Avi's mother said calmly.
"Good morning, Amma. Good morning, Aunty," both boys greeted politely.
"Good morning. Come, have breakfast first, then you can go," she replied.
It was another usual morning in the family. The household had four members—Avi, his parents, and Sam, who lived with them. Avi's father was a scientist, which sparked Avi's deep interest in science and astronomy. He passed this curiosity on to Sam as well. Together, they studied, played, researched, and learned about science through books, their surroundings, their teachers, and, of course, Avi's father.
Avi dreamed of exploring another planet. He wanted to experience what life might be like beyond their world.
After breakfast, Avi and Sam went to school. Later, once the day was done, they climbed to the terrace again to watch the sky through their telescope.
"Avi, I know you love watching planets and the night sky—but why? What makes you so interested?" Sam asked.
"Every star that looks like a sparkling dot from here has a long story," Avi explained. "I try to imagine what kind of stories they hold. I want to explore them."
"Interesting. So, what are you watching right now?"
"Oh, it's one of Jery's moons. Studies say it has the possibility of life," Avi said.
"Strange. Jery is the biggest planet in our solar system, yet it has no life. But its moon might? I wonder how big Jery is compared to our Sun, or even the universe," Sam said curiously.
"Yes, it's so complex," Avi continued.
At that moment, Avi's father joined them. "The more you explore, the more confused you'll become. We have our limitations. The universe keeps changing its form—it will continue to do so. I don't think we'll ever truly live somewhere else in our solar system. It's impossible."
"Come, dinner is ready," he added.
Sam frowned a little. "Avi, can I ask you something?"
"Yes?"
"Isn't Uncle a scientist himself? Why does he keep demotivating you?"
Avi laughed. "No, he's not demotivating me. It does seem impossible. He told me once that there are so many obstacles in space exploration—that even the smallest error can lead to complete failure."
"Brother, leave it. I'm fine here in this world—you should be too," Sam said.
Avi laughed again.
"Come, let's have dinner," Sam added.
"Yes, I'm coming," Avi replied.
Sam went to eat, but Avi stayed behind, staring at the stars. "Sorry… but I have to take the risk. I'll make the impossible possible," he whispered to himself.
Avi was a 15-year-old boy, determined to achieve his dream of exploring space. An introvert, intelligent and kind, he was willing to go to any length to achieve his goal—even if it meant going against his family. Sam, the same age, sadly had no family of his own. Cheerful by nature, he trusted only Avi and his parents, who had always given him love and care. He hadn't thought much about his future—he only wanted to spend good times with Avi and his family.
Avi's mother was caring and loved both Avi and Sam deeply. But she worried about Avi's selfless and careless nature. She wished he would give up the idea of space exploration, stay close to her, carry on his father's legacy, and eventually find a life partner.
Avi's father was strict and straightforward. He didn't hesitate to scold Avi—or even Sam—if needed. Like Avi's mother, he wanted a safe and steady life for his son.
Avi, however, wasn't much of a talker. He disliked unnecessary small talk and valued his time. But he always listened to Sam's silly chatter—because sometimes, even his silliness made sense.
The two boys had been inseparable since the age of four. When they first met, Sam was wandering around, looking lost.
"Whom are you looking for?" Avi asked.
"Food," Sam replied shyly.
Avi smiled. "Come with me."
He took Sam home. When Avi's parents asked who Sam was, Avi replied confidently, "He's my brother."
Later, Avi's parents discovered that Sam's family was unknown. They searched everywhere but found nothing. Though they didn't officially adopt him—fearing the financial burden and possible misunderstandings between an adopted and biological child—they accepted him as one of their own. Sam stayed at a nearby orphanage but spent most of his time with Avi's family, who remained his only source of love and belonging.