[FLASHBACK]

  In the corner of the windowless room, two girls, no more than eight star-cycles old, huddled together in a worn-out blanket. From behind the blanket, only their small identical heads covered with black hair could be seen as a bleak source of light that was the lamp in the room shining upon their faces.

  Outside the door, muffled footsteps pounded, and angry shouts echoed through the walls. Then came the sound of a key turning in the lock.

  "It's going to be okay," one whispered.

  "I don't want them to take you," the other breathed back.

  "May, listen to me. It's alright. I won't let them," the first girl, named Zara, wrapped her arms around her sister and held her tight as men in robes stepped inside.

  “You remember what to do?” Zara breathed against May’s ear. “Plug your ears. Think of a bright world.”

  May shook her head, silent tears streaming down her cheeks. "I can't, Zara. It can't be bright without you."

  “That’s why you have to smile,” Zara said, squeezing her sister's hand and smiling. “As long as you smile, there will be a light for me to come back to.”

  Vincha, Kingdom of Divinium, Eastern region of Rohana Federation, 2051 S.C., 178th day

  May sat alone at a corner table in the Vincha Cask bistro, a sheet of paper spread before her and a quill in her hand. She dipped her pen, pretending to be deep in thought, then began to write.

  Dear sister,

  How have you been? It’s been so hard to reach you through the voicebox lately, so I’m sending this letter instead. How is life in the Federation’s capital? Have you found a boyfriend yet? I’m sure you have. You’re every bit as beautiful as I am, after all, and far more talented to boot.

  I’m writing to let you know we’re going on a mission that might bring us close to you. So hopefully we can finally meet again. Sadly, it’ll take at least two star-cycles, and you’ll need to take a short trip, but let’s meet in Tuska.

  Speaking of the mission, we picked up this new guy—Hikki. He seems really nice. Talks more than Ikki, at least. Lulu’s a little mad at him right now, and he accidentally hurt Irene, so Rikki and Almir are working overtime to try to make everyone happy again.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  I’m also trying to smile as much as I can to keep everyone’s spirits up. I can’t wait for us to be together again. It has been far too long.

  Lots of hugs and kisses,

  Your sister, May

  May folded the letter with care, slipped it into a plain envelope, and sealed the flap with a quick swipe of her tongue. As she tucked it into her satchel, her gaze drifted across the bistro and locked on Heron. He sat hunched at the far end of the bar, with his shoulders curled inward, staring into his mug.

  She stood and made her way over, sliding onto the stool beside him.

  May folded the letter with care, slipped it into a plain envelope, and sealed the flap with a quick swipe of her tongue. As she tucked it into her satchel, her gaze drifted across the bistro and locked on Heron. He sat hunched at the far end of the bar, with his shoulders curled inward, staring into his mug.

  She stood and made her way over.

  “Hey, Hikki, how are you feeling today?” she asked, dropping onto the stool beside him with a warm smile.

  “A little better,” he admitted, but his grip tightened around the mug. “Still can’t believe we’re stuck here for two more days. We’re behind schedule because of me.”

  “Now, don’t start that again,” May countered gently. “It happens. It was a terrible accident, but that’s all it was. Irene is healing well. She’ll be back in top form before we even leave Vincha.”

  “Maybe. But how is she supposed to treat me now? I’m the reason she died, May. To her, I’m a killer.”

  May reached across the bar and closed her hand over his. "You need to let this go. Everyone understands what happened. Was it tragic? Yes. Should we mope about it for the rest of our lives? No."

  “I don't think Lucia sees it that way,” Heron muttered bitterly. “Even if Irene comes around, I don’t think she ever will.”

  "She will." May leaned closer. "But you've got to put in the effort. It's only been two days. You need to understand how important Irene is to Lucia."

  "I understand."

  She glanced around the room, then lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “No, I don’t think you do. I think they were a bit more than just friends at one point. Lovey-dovey, if you catch my meaning.”

  “Yes, and Richard and Almir have already talked to her,” May said, giving his hand a gentle tap of support. “For now, just give her some space. She’ll come around to you—I’m sure of it.”

  Heron flinched and yanked his hand back.

  May burst out laughing.

  “Did you only just notice I was holding your hand?” she teased, laughing harder.

  “Excuse me for being a little preoccupied,” Heron groaned.

  May leaned back on her stool, flashing a bright grin. “Well, I hope this cheered you up a bit. Shame for such a pretty face to be looking all sad,” she added with a wink.

  “Yeah, tease all you like,” Heron retorted. There was a genuine smirk that finally tugged at the corner of his mouth. “But don’t think you’re getting any coinage out of my pouch for the effort.”

  “Well, considering your share of the funds is paying for our stay, I don’t think you can afford not to,” May said, sticking out her tongue with a playful wink.

  Heron sighed. "You know you can be annoying, right?"

  “Ehh, maybe. But you can’t honestly tell me my smile doesn’t brighten the room.”

  “And if I do say it, will you finally go away and let me finish my drink in peace?”

  “I might consider it.”

  Heron took a deep breath, playing along. "May your smile brightens the room. So please, keep smiling."

  Something sparked in May's memory. Her expression flickered, and a single tear escaped, trailing down her cheek.

  "May?" Heron's voice softened with concern.

  She quickly wiped the tear away and flashed her biggest smile. “Silly me—something just popped into my head. Thank you, Hikki, for the compliment.” She hopped off the stool. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a letter to send.”

  She slipped off her chair and hurried away before he could say another word.

  As he watched her walk away, Heron felt a quiet sense of relief settling in his chest.

  I’m glad she still sees me the same.

  He lifted his mug and drained the last of the mead.