Mia Brown is a 22-year-old astronaut. She went through two years of training at NASA. She’ll be launched to the ISS and returns home to her family after two weeks in space.
Reuniting with her family after two years apart brings an overwhelming excitement that feels like it could stop Mia’s heart. She stands in front of the familiar door of her childhood home, her heart pounding strongly, with a hint of panic. The sight of the garden she grew up with stirs deep emotions. She knocks on the blue door, still covered with stickers from her and her siblings.
Even though she sent a letter notifying them of her return, the Browns are still surprised. Her siblings immediately start bombarding her with questions and teasing each other.
“Hey, Mia. Do you have a boyfriend?” Leo, her 20-year-old brother, asks.
“No way, Leo!” Mia says, laughing.
“Leo is dating,” Emily, her 25-year-old sister, giggles.
“You’re lying!” Leo shouts and starts playfully punching Emily, while Daisy, Mia’s 16-year-old sister, leans close to Mia.
“You must have worked really hard,” Daisy says.
“Yeah, I’ve undergone thousands of tests and health exams. I spent a huge amount of time learning about spacecraft. But I have to say, stress is sometimes fun,” Mia replies.
“You’re such an eager beaver!” Daisy nods.
“Hey, Daisy, you’ve spent too much time talking to Mia, now it’s my turn!” Leo says. He pushes Daisy away and steals her seat.
Mia notices that their parents are quiet, but their happiness is clear. She understands that sometimes, joy isn’t expressed through words. As she chats and plays with her siblings, she feels truly happy. But for their parents, simply watching their children together is the most valuable prize of all.
- The Browns look so happy, gathered around each other, their laughter filling the air. But are they spending too much happiness all at once? Can happiness run out? Will they face separation? Will their joy last forever? But nothing lasts forever. What will happen next? Will one of them leave for university? The military? Work? Or, perhaps, the worst—d.e.a.t.h?
- Find out in Chapter 2
Leave a Reply