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The Last Goodbye
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The Last Goodbye |
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Dawn Eclipse Senior Member
since 2000-01-31
Posts 637The Horsehead Nebula |
That day was a day that would change their lives forever. There was nothing particularly different about it when she awoke. It was a typical sunny day, for that time of year. The birds flew in the sky, just as they always had, and there was a warm breeze coming from the sea. She got up that morning, and did her normal routine in the morning, before reporting to the headquarters of the NASA mission control in Florida. As she drove into the parking lot, she first began to notice something strange, about the way people were acting. They looked at her funny, and avoided her completely. This wasn't normal for her co-workers, but she didn't care. It'd been done in the past, and would be done in the future as well. Anne walked into her tiny office and began to prepare for work. She was just about ready to go down to the engineering platform, to make some checkups on the latest mission's work, when a young woman walked into her office. Looking at her shyly, she was told to report to Mr. Banx's office. Mr. Banx was an important astronaut that had been with NASA a long time. This confused Anne a lot. What could he possibly want with her? She was no astronaut, though it had been her lifelong dream. Upon entering the office, she realized what it was that was going on. The latest space race had inspired the President to land a human colony on Jupiter's moon, Ganymede. The only difference from any landing prior to this one was that it would be permanent. The inhabitants would most likely never set foot on earth again. The basic plan, guidelines and rules were laid before her as she soaked it in. It was her biggest dream, and her biggest fear that was being offered to her. She had a week to think about it. If she went, she would be qualified to be a mission specialist, going before the reset of the colony to set up some form of human base on the moon. She would also be leaving behind her friends and family. This was the biggest choice she would ever have to make before in her life. She could only bring one person with her, so if she went, she had to choose carefully. That night, she went home and sat on her porch. She decided, after a long time, that she would go. There wasn't anything for her on earth. Why not give it a chance? Her thoughts drifted next to a person she valued enough to bring with. A friend, from a long time ago, in a part of her life that she barely knew had existed. She picked up the phone and called her old friend Josh. They'd known each other for quiet a while, but went their separate ways after High School was over. She missed him dearly, but hadn't felt right in calling him before. She was afraid. Gathering up her strength, she listened as the phone rang. Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice.. a voice she truly missed. "Josh?" She asked, quite timidly. "Yeah, this is he. May I help you?" Was a quick, confused reply. She told him who she was, and they had a long conversation into the night. It was great to talk to him again. Finally, she told him about the mission ahead of her. He was shocked to hear it. He had just regained a friendship, lost long ago, and was about to lose it again. When he thought he could take no more, she asked him if he wanted to go with, as a part of the civilian colony. She missed him, and wanted him with her. He took a flight the next day down to her home in Florida. The reunion was joyous, but there was a question that still needed answering. He had thought for along time on the issue. She meant a lot to him, but was it enough? Enough to leave everything behind? The next night, he came down to the living room, before she went to sleep, and told her what he had to say. "Anne, I want you to listen to what I have to say, and don't interrupt me either." Laughing nervously, she agreed. "I've thought about what you've told me, almost non- stop since, and I've made my decision. As much as I care about you and want to go with… I can't. I can't leave everything behind…" "I..I understand," she replied, tears now forming in her eyes. Quietly, she excused herself for bed, and went upstairs. Somehow, she had known his answer long before she'd asked him. Things had always turned out this way for them, and there was no changing it. She began to sob as she realized just what she was about to lose. Two years later, they said goodbye for the final time. She hid her tear stricken face as she gave him one last hug, never wanting to let go. The launch pad was full of people she knew, and people that her co-workers knew. Yet, with all that was around her, it was the last thing she could think of. She was about to lose her best friend. Quickly, she turned around and walked towards the shuttle, never looking back. As she felt the spacecraft begin to shake, she looked out the window, at the figure standing separate from the rest. She took one last look at him, and whispered to herself, "Goodbye Josh… I'll always remember you. I hope you do the same for me." Then, she looked away. She'd never admit to anyone, that a part of her loved him. This was the end. The final goodbye. "Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other course, no other way... No day but today" ~Broadway Musical RENT~ *Cassandra Roseen* |
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| © Copyright 2001 Cassandra Roseen - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Maverick Wolf Member
since 1999-11-13
Posts 94Scandia, MN |
Great write Cassie. It's easy to get into. The emotional element of it is very much in the forefront, like most of your writing. Great job. Always a joy to read. |
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Dawn Eclipse Senior Member
since 2000-01-31
Posts 637The Horsehead Nebula |
Thanks Jason. Good to hear from you again. Yeah, there was emotion in it. Glad you liked it.  "Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other course, no other way... No day but today" ~Broadway Musical RENT~ *Cassandra Roseen* |
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Alwye
Moderator
Member Elite
since 1999-06-16
Posts 3850In the space between moments |
I think you've found your niche cassers...these stories relating to space are defintely it. Very powerful and sad emotion here, very well done! *Krista Knutson* I'm a slow dying flower In a frost-killing hour The sweet turning sour and untouchable... -Natalie Merchant |
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Dusk Treader
Moderator
Senior Member
since 1999-06-18
Posts 1187St. Paul, MN |
Excellent storytelling, Cassie! You're space tales are well woven, indeed. Such a sad tale, you only with Anne could have stayed on earth with Josh. Good writing, NINJA Abrahm Simons "I'm not sick, but I'm not well, and I'm so hot, cause I'm in Hell." - Harvey Danger |
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Midnight Dew Member
since 2001-01-07
Posts 50Forest Lake, MN |
That was so great!! I had tears in my eyes, and I hardly ever cry. Good job! I'm new to the world of prose, but I loved it! |
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