Annalee

An explosion rips a hole in the side of our ship, the outer shell disintegrates as a vacuum is created and begins to crumple the structure like paper. There is no chance for thought as I am sucked out into the vastness of space. If I wish to be an optimist, I could say that I am a lucky one, as I had my suit on me before we were so rudely evacuated. Many were not, their bodies float aimlessly along with the debris. Expressions of fear, frozen on their face for an eternity.

After several moments of useless ranting, I tire of hearing my own voice screaming inside my helmet and resolve myself to a peaceful death. For the moment I am transfixed by the beauty around me, odd I know, but space is beautiful. I am immersed in a waterless ocean, floating in a divine embrace of the unknown. An ethereal glow surrounds me, makes me wonder why it takes dying to appreciate what was always there.

I feel a grip on my arm, the feeling is so unexpected I shiver. Turning to my right another body floats by, grasping onto me as if I were a life preserver. I stare into this beautiful face of someone I recognize. Her name escapes me, she works in the engineering department. I know who this is because I wanted to ask her out but could never find the courage. So, for over a year all we did was smile at one another in passing.

It appears we will be together at the end, is this what people call ironic?

We begin talking to each other, then laugh, realizing the other cannot hear our words. Our communication systems do not work, they were linked through the ships computer and judging from the floating debris, I think it is safe to say we no longer have that ship. That’s okay, staring into her green eyes is the next best thing. We manage a smile of relief, knowing we are no longer going to die alone. Wisps of her luscious auburn hair poke out from beneath her cap, fluttering within her helmet. Her hair was the first thing I remember, it caught my attention. A fella could get lost in those curls...I wanted to be that fella.

I should have asked her out.

She doesn’t object when I tether us together. Glancing around she gestures to what is left of the ship and taps her ring finger, placing a hand over her heart, I shake my head and point to her, mirroring her action. She shakes her head as well. For a moment we are motionless, still trying to fathom this new reality of ours. Suddenly she taps my visor, spreads her arms wide, her face beaming, there is wonder in her eyes, and I realize she sees the beauty in space as well. She is amazing, no tears, no sadness, no self pity, only acceptance.

On impulse I squeeze her hand, feeling a slight pressure in return, this contact is more than I can have hoped for. Floating together amongst the few survivors, yet we are alone. We move as one, dancing in the dark ballroom of space. Twirling amongst the stars we move to the music in our heart. In this moment I feel more alive than I have ever felt in my life. She gently brings her hands up and holds my helmet, leaning forward, the tops of our visors make contact, as if our foreheads touch. I hold her head in my hands, we close our eyes and imagine…

When I open them once more I see her focusing on my air gauge, which is half full. I glance at hers. It is nearly empty. Without thought I begin to disengage my hose to hook onto her tank, she shakes her head. Her hand gently pulls mine away from the hose and wraps them around her waist. We return to our waltz, holding each other like an elderly couple having their last dance together.

I cannot hear a sound but a red glow, warns us that her time is coming to an end. We stare into each others’ eyes; she smiles the most beautiful smile I have ever seen and mouths the words ‘thank you.’ With no warning she unclips the carabineer to the tether and pushes against me. We separate and drift away into the blackness. My arms frantically reach for her, knowing it is futile. I watch as she raises her hand in farewell and begins a slow tumble, growing further away until she is no more than a silhouette against the brightness of the moon.

‘Annalee, her name is Annalee.’

Thank you,

Jason Basaraba

For the ' Unspoken challenge'

This was an excerpt from another story I wrote. I extended the moment and added to 'their ' story, with a few adjustments. I have attached the original if you wish to read more.