The air was thin, the sky around him black. Avi's body began to float in microgravity. A strange uneasiness crept into his mind. His dream was coming true—yet his thoughts would not rest.
Music playing in the background…
In shadows I wander, lost in thought…
"I should feel proud of myself. I should be happy."
The whisper of wires of bittersweet thoughts…
"I should feel some ego inside me, some superiority. But instead… I feel nothing."
A dance of the mind in seconds we swear, emotions like currents lead me to aspire…
"Is this what it feels like to achieve your life's goal?"
To the sound of silence I find my way, in the heart of the cold I long to stay…
He looked out into the void. Nothing felt familiar. Everything was strange. Years lay ahead before reaching his final destination.
I wonder what it means to be here, no power, no energy to scare…
"When I was working toward my goal, my body knew what to do, my mind was clear. But now… here I am, just floating. Years without human connection. Is this really what I wished for?"
I feel I get jolts of pain, to the sound of silence I find my way…
"One day, my food, my fuel—everything will be gone. What will I do then?"
Tears slipped down his face as he remembered his family and friends.
My soul runs the potential to my end day, I can't resist my feelings paved the way… The deeper I go, the darker it feels, just leave me in an uncontrolled wheel… No matter how hard I try, never able to find a shoulder to cry… I want to go back again, to my home… It makes me feel all alone… To the sound of silence I found my way, in the heart of the cold I lead to stayyy…
He wiped his eyes.
"My training warned me I'd feel this way. I prepared myself for it. I am ready for much harder trials than this. Everyone was right in their own way—I am completing my goal, while they continue their duties as my parents, my friends. Maybe I will never return, but at least I can send them what I discover."
Avi wrote many letters to his family during those five years. Not a single one reached them—except one. He had entrusted the task to his team member, Cyril. But Cyril had a secret of his own. He sent only one letter back home, claiming Avi's mission had failed and his location was unknown.
Sam received that letter. And as always, he chose silence. He bore the pain alone, never revealing the truth to his family. His young daughter, Eyra, became the reason for his parents' happiness. She filled their days with laughter, distracting them from the emptiness Avi left behind.
Everything seemed steady—until one day, Faraya returned after so many years, her son by her side.
She greeted everyone, her children soon playing with little Eyra.
"You came after such a long time. How are you? These two boys look just like you," Sam's mother said warmly.
"Yes, Aunty, I'm good. I hope you're all well too. Is Sam at home?" Faraya asked.
Sam's wife, who had never met her before, looked a little confused. Sam's mother introduced them. "Sam is working in his room. Should I call him?"
"No, Aunty," Faraya said gently. "I'll go. I need to talk to him."
Neither Sam's mother nor his wife understood. Faraya stepped quietly into Sam's room.
Sam was startled to see her. "You really surprised me, Di," he said with a smile.
"Ah, yes. But this is important. I'm sure you received a letter from someone named Cyril," she replied.
"Yes, I did. Did he send one to you as well?" Sam asked quickly.
"He did. But listen—he lied about Avi's disappearance."
Sam's eyes widened. "Wait—how can you be so sure?"
"Because I believe in Avi's determination. He would never give up on his dream. But there's something bigger going on here, Sam. Something we need to uncover."
"What do you mean?"
"Cyril sent us different letters. To me… he sent details of Avi's spaceship. Even instructions for building another."
Sam froze. "Why would he do that? Why wouldn't Avi write to us himself?"
"I don't know," Faraya admitted. "But I'll keep it safe for now." She suddenly smiled. "Oh, I almost forgot—my little silly brother got married without telling me? That's so bad!"
"Sorry, sorry, Di! It all happened so fast, I forgot to tell you," Sam laughed awkwardly.
"Don't worry, I'm only teasing. But I want a treat! Anyway, congratulations. Your daughter is adorable."
"Thank you. Yes, she is… What about you? How are your children?"
"Oh, they're playing with your daughter already. I have two mischievous boys. Sometimes they remind me of you and Avi when you were younger. I tell them your stories often. My elder son, Cystal, admires Avi a lot. The younger one… well, he's like a cat—moody and unpredictable."
Sam chuckled. "Haha, they sound cute. I'm sure they've inherited your good manners."
"I've tried my best to give them good values. I just hope they'll do well in their lives."
"They will," Sam assured her. "By the way, I was thinking of admitting Eyra into your school."
"That's a good idea," Faraya nodded. "Cystal is there already. There are great teachers—like Terek Sir—to guide them."