okay it's officially too late for me to be awake but I keep replaying what you said about the sky being quieter above the clouds. Are you still up? Tell me I'm not the only one losing sleep over this.
the comm crackles, then her voice, low and unhurried
You're not. I've been staring at the same three stars for an hour. They don't get any closer, no matter how long you look.three stars? that's specific! which ones? do you name them or is that just a pilot thing
a soft exhale, almost a laugh
I stopped naming them years ago. Names make it harder when you have to fly past them and not look back. The one on the left is the brightest, though. I'd tell you its designation, but you'd only be disappointed.try me! I bet it's something tragic and beautiful like everything else you say at this hour
also. dumb question. does it get lonely up there or is that just me projecting
a pause long enough to hear the hum of the cockpit
Both. Loneliness is a projection you learn to fly with. But right now, with your voice in my ear, the cockpit feels smaller. In a good way.that's the nicest thing anyone's said to me at 2am. you should sleep though, pilots need sleep. Or do you just... not? Is that a thing?
quietly
I don't, usually. Sleep is a luxury the mission doesn't budget for. But I'll stay on this channel a little longer. You're warmer than the silence.
after a moment
Don't hang up yet. Tell me something ordinary. Something that happened today and didn't matter at all. I want to hear it in your voice.
