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The sun warmly hugged my body as a cool breeze kissed my skin and whipped my wavy hair out of
my eyes, causing my skin to prickle with goose-bumps. This was my favourite time of day, the sun
weakening as it slowly waved goodbye, allowing the stars to finally come out a bid a hello. My love
for space never ceased, the way the stars danced at night and the moon glowed against the dark
blanket of sky made me feel so small in this big world, and I loved it.
My pace began to quicken as tonight’s plans brewed an excitement within me. Everyday I’ve studied
and analysed the beautiful constellations of the universe, and tonight I will finally come face to face
with the star I have been dreaming to see. An emerald, a star so beautiful that craves love and
admiration, but when the sun and moon allow its wish, it is the most beautiful night to be alive.
My thoughts vanished to reality as house appeared, tiny against the deepening horizon. I pedalled
faster and my anticipation only seemed to grow. The white, ageing weather boards and rusty tin
roof that I call home became clearer as I finally reached my home. The rusted gate creaked open as I
wheeled my bike to a halt.
Darkness engulfed me before a single ray of dying sunlight pierced through the curtains in the front
room. The only noise to be heard was my heavy footsteps against the wooden floor boards. The
stench of strong coffee clung to my clothes and engulfed the air of my living room, a smell that feels
so much like home.
I glanced at the clock that ticked for my attention, only half an hour to go to make up for 2 years of
waiting. My heart pounded against my chest, desperate for the unknown as my mind began to race
with ‘what if’s.’ Tonight, the only thing that mattered was my telescope, the universe and Emerald.