From that day, Avi and Sam became inseparable—best friends, brothers in every sense. Yet, despite their bond, Avi's family and even Sam stood against his dream. Only two people truly supported him: his teacher, Sir Terek, and his friend Faraya.
Sir Terek saw a spark in Avi that even his parents had yet to recognize. He poured his time into teaching Avi advanced concepts, preparing him for challenges far beyond the classroom. Together, teacher and student pushed each other higher.
Faraya, two years older than Avi, shared his love for the stars. But unlike him, she never had the courage to pursue it—her family had other plans. So, she began to see her dream reflected in Avi. She gave him everything she could: her encouragement, her wisdom, her quiet strength.
Seven years passed. Avi was accepted into a prestigious institute in a foreign country for a space program. Against their wishes, his parents and Sam eventually supported his decision. Sam pursued a career in architecture, while Avi prepared for his greatest leap. Still, his parents wished for him to marry before leaving, fearing they might never see him again.
Avi wished to marry Faraya. But soon, he discovered the painful truth—her family had already arranged her marriage. She left him a letter that shattered his heart.
---
The Letter
Dear Avi,
I sometimes wish I had been born the same age as you, into your family, with a best friend like Sam. I didn't get any of those—but at least, I got you.
I still see my dream through your eyes. I believe in you more than I believe in myself. I know you can do it, Avi. You will.
By the time you read this, I will be married. Don't cry—please don't. You're making me cry as I write, though I'm laughing through the tears too. Some things are not in our hands. I didn't even try to convince my parents for you. Maybe everything happens for a reason.
Still, I will always carry your memory. You are my special friend. Don't be clumsy, take care of yourself, and don't cry anymore. You'll find someone better.
Sending my love to Sam and your parents.
Farewell, Avi. I hope we meet again… maybe on another planet.
Yours truly,
Faraya
---
Sam had received the letter long ago but never shared it—until now.
"You're showing this to me only now?" Avi asked, trembling.
Sam gasped. "I… I didn't know what to do."
"What to do?" Avi's voice rose. "This letter was for me. You should've given it to me the moment you got it! Instead, you opened it first? Why, Sam?"
"No, Avi! I didn't read it. I only saw the word 'marriage.' I panicked. I thought it might break your focus, that it might… become an obstacle to your dream."
Avi's eyes burned. "Obstacle? She was never an obstacle, Sam. How could you even think that?"
Sam fell silent, guilt crushing him.
Then Avi's tone softened, but his words pierced deeper. "I've hidden something too. Tonight, I leave for the program. I couldn't bring myself to tell you or my parents. If I saw your faces, I might never go. Please… take care of them for me. I don't know when—or if—I'll return."
Sam's voice cracked. "Why, Avi? Why must you go? I can't do this alone! What am I supposed to tell Amma and Abba? Don't leave us… please!"
Avi wiped his tears. "Sam, we can't change destiny. You are my brother—you must stop calling them Uncle and Aunty. They've always seen you as their own son. Take care of them… take care of yourself. Goodbye, Sam."
Sam wanted to stop him, but deep down he knew nothing could change Avi's decision. That night, Avi disappeared into the unknown.
---
When Sam returned home, he addressed Avi's parents for the first time as "Amma" and "Abba." They were surprised—then quietly overjoyed. But when he revealed Avi's departure, silence fell.
Avi's father, usually stern, suddenly slapped Sam. "Is this how you act as my son? Letting your brother leave like that? You should have stopped him, dragged him back, called me! You failed us. You both…" His voice broke, and for the first time, tears filled his eyes.
Avi's mother collapsed into sobs. "Why didn't he meet his Amma before leaving? Why was he so cruel? Was his dream really more important than us?"
Sam had no answers—only tears to share. That night, grief filled the house like a storm.
Time crawled on. Slowly, they tried to adjust to life without Avi. His mother drifted through her days in a numb haze, clinging to a single fragile hope: that her son would return. His father masked his sorrow with silence, burying emotions under a strict exterior.
And Sam? The cheerful boy was gone. He became quieter, older in spirit.
One evening, Avi's father called him to the terrace. "Come, Sam. It's been a long time since I last touched this telescope. Let's watch the stars together."
They gazed at the sky, the same sky Avi once dreamed beneath. For a brief moment, they found comfort in the constellations.
But as Sam adjusted the telescope, his breath caught. There, among the stars, something flickered—unnatural, alive, almost calling his name.
"Abba," Sam whispered, his voice trembling, "you need to see this…"