Postmark: Some Base on Mars
To Emily, my darling.
Dear Emily,
It has been twenty-three days since my last transmission. That’s twenty-three days too long, my darling.
And sadly, it seems it will be longer. Things have not gone well up here.
It seems science is not quite a science, and the scientists are not gods after all. There is a mechanical problem on the base, the details I will not bore you with.
But I fear this problem to be catastrophic. And I find myself unable to assume the eight month journey home. In fact, I may not be coming home at all.
You are the love of my life, Emily. Seven years together has not been long enough. I see you each time I close my eyes. I see you in the red, rock faces of this barren planet. I see you in my reflection in the morning, and wonder how I breathe without you.
I hope you remember me when you see the stars. They aren’t nearly as brilliant without you here to share.
I hope you remember that this was my last transmission. And forgive me for not sending more.
I hope you try to love my mother. She raised me and you love me. There must be some common ground there.
Live well and be happy, my lovely Emily. Thank you for sticking by my decisions, as stupid as they seemed.
You were right, by the way. I should have been an accountant.
I love you for eternity,
Daniel
About the Creator
Kelley Stead
Grew up on a steady diet of Anne McCaffrey and Stephen King.
Spinning tales in the quiet moments between motherhood and building a business.
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More stories from Kelley Stead and writers in Poets and other communities.
The Longest Minute
A minute. Sixty seconds to say goodbye. That’s all the time that I had left with him as the needle slid into his leg. I stared into his drooping eyes, looked at the blood-tainted saliva dripping from the corner of his mouth. They said that this was the best thing that we could do for him, a last kind act for a best friend…but if that were the case, then why did my heart feel so heavy?
By Stephanie Hoogstad7 days ago in Fiction
Comments (9)
Fantastic and chilling at the same time!
Such a heartfelt, passionate letter! I really love your take on this; I haven’t seen any others like it. ❤️ It is sad in a way; I wonder if they will see each other again, or if this is goodbye ❤️
Nice Storytelling 😉❤️
I really enjoyed this. Wonderful job!
Great story poor Daniel
Beautiful. Loved that last line.
I should have been an accountant. Brilliant!
👏👏I love this!! Such emotion and such a big story teased within this letter!
Nice take on the challenge, if you are on facebook feel free to join us in Vocal Social Society