Collide: The Memory of Stars

Selene's POV

I didn't know where I was.

The air smelled of something faintly familiar, like blooming flowers after the rain, mixed with the crisp scent of stone corridors. I took a hesitant step forward, my bare feet pressing against smooth marble. There was warmth beneath my skin, yet a shiver ran down my spine.

The silence around me wasn't empty; it was expectant, as if the very air held its breath, waiting.

I turned my head, though I couldn't see much. Everything was bathed in an ethereal glow, shadows dancing like whispers in the periphery of my vision. Was this… a dream? It had to be. But why did it feel so real?

My fingers brushed against something cold—walls, solid and firm, yet they pulsed as if alive. Light seeped through the cracks, a soft golden hue, leading my gaze towards a grand door ahead. It was unlike anything I had ever seen—towering, pristine white, glowing as if the heavens themselves had forged it.

The brilliance from above poured down upon it, making it seem almost holy.

A strange pull settled in my chest. My heart pounded, urging me forward. Slowly, cautiously, I reached out and placed my hand on the door. The moment my fingertips touched its surface, warmth spread through me, wrapping around my being like a gentle embrace.

Then, it opened.

A gust of wind rushed past me, carrying whispers—distant voices I couldn't quite understand. My breath hitched as I peered inside. And there, standing within the endless glow, was someone. A silhouette. Waiting. Watching.

It was a girl. Her long, golden hair cascaded down her back, shining like spun sunlight. Though her face was obscured, I could feel her gaze piercing through the veil of light between us. She wasn't just standing there—she was waiting for me. Expecting me.

I took a step forward.

Then, I woke up.

Darkness swallowed me whole. My breath came in short gasps as I pressed my hands to my chest, feeling the rapid thumping of my heart. Sweat clung to my skin despite the coolness of the room. The dream lingered, vivid and heavy, like a memory I couldn't quite grasp.

But I was blind again. Reality crashed down on me, and with it, a wave of emotions I had tried to suppress.

The weight of my new reality had been growing heavier each day. I could no longer do the things I once loved. My world had shrunk into nothingness, stolen by the price I had paid to remain in it. Even my job—my passion—was now beyond my reach. And today, I had to finally let it go.

Mia's voice trembled as she hugged me. "Selene… Are you sure about this?"

I nodded, though I knew she couldn't see the certainty—or the pain—etched on my face. "I can't do my job like this, Mia. It wouldn't be fair to anyone."

"But you love it here," she whispered. "You belong here."

I smiled, though my heart ached. "I'll find another place to belong."

Axel stood by the door, silent as always. He had been my pillar through everything, supporting me without question, without complaint. He never voiced the worry I knew he carried, but I could feel it in the way he hovered close, always within reach, as if afraid I'd disappear again.

After saying my goodbyes, we left. The air outside was crisp, the scent of the city mixed with the distant aroma of street food. Axel guided me gently, his hand a steady anchor on my back. "I got a job," he said, breaking the silence.

I turned my head towards him. "You did?"

"Yeah. It's not much, but it'll keep us going."

I exhaled, relief washing over me. "That's good. Thank you."

He didn't respond, but I could tell he was watching me, making sure I was holding up.

As we walked home, something unexpected happened. I stumbled—not on a crack in the pavement, but over something small, soft. A child.

"Oh!" A tiny voice squeaked as I reached out instinctively, my hands brushing against delicate shoulders. "I-I'm sorry, miss!"

Axel caught me before I could fully lose my balance, his grip firm but gentle. "You okay?"

"I'm fine," I murmured before turning my attention back to the child.

"Are you hurt?"

"No!" The boy's voice was light, energetic.

"I just wasn't looking where I was going." I couldn't see him, but something about his presence tugged at my heart. His energy was warm, strangely familiar, like a thread connecting me to something—or someone—I had long forgotten.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Khael."

A smile tugged at my lips.

"It's nice to meet you, Khael."

There was a pause before he said,

"You're different."

I tilted my head. "Different how?"

"You feel… like someone I know. But I don't know who."

A chill ran down my spine, but I kept my voice steady.

"Maybe we met in another life."

He giggled. "Maybe!"

Axel finally spoke, his tone curious yet guarded.

"Where are your parents, kid?"

Khael hesitated. "I… don't really have any."

Axel's posture stiffened beside me. "Are you lost?"

Khael shook his head, but then seemed to remember I couldn't see and quickly said,

"No. I don't have anywhere to go, so I just wander around."

My heart clenched.

"That must be lonely."

He was silent for a moment, then whispered,

"It is."

Axel sighed. "Look, kid, it's not safe to be out here alone."

Khael's voice brightened. "Then maybe I can stay with you!"

I blinked in surprise. "Stay with us?"

"You feel familiar. Like… like home," Khael said softly. "I don't know why, but I feel safe with you."

I turned toward Axel, sensing his hesitation. I knew this was sudden, unexpected. But something about Khael… I couldn't ignore it.

Axel exhaled through his nose.

"We can't just take in a kid off the streets."

Khael piped up, "Then I'll just follow you anyway!"

Axel groaned. "You're persistent, I'll give you that."

I chuckled. "I think we should at least get him something to eat."

Axel sighed again, but I could hear the resignation in his voice. "Fine. But just dinner. We'll figure out the rest later."

Khael let out a victorious little cheer, and I couldn't help but smile. Somehow, someway, this child was a piece of the puzzle I didn't even know I was missing.

To be continued