That afternoon, they found two policemen at the station. Arabella was composed. She was aware that her parents no longer existed in this universe. Their lifeless bodies were all that remained of them. And soon, she too would disappear and become stardust scattered across the cosmos, becoming part of it. The emptiness would be filled with the memories she had created with them. She had one more day to resolve everything. She needed to do something useful that would reveal the truth to her. Impatiently, she stood in front of the counter, waiting for the investigation to begin. That investigation was the last thing left and would lead her into peaceful solitude.
– Duty calls! – Orion shouted after ringing the bell on the counter.
The policemen jolted awake from their deep sleep and prepared to greet them.
– What duty, kids? – they asked in unison.
– Good day. I want to report a murder case in my house, – Arabella said.
– A murder? – one policeman asked in surprise.
– Yes, a murder – she repeated.
– How did you find out about the murder, and how do you live on this planet and not on Syrinx? – the other policeman asked.
– We had a project that required us to come here to conduct detailed research, – Orion began explaining.
– I also had a task that I completed in a short time, so I decided to visit my parents, – she added.
– And then I went to our house. I didn't get any response when I knocked on the door. I waited for a few minutes, but no one came out. Then I grabbed the latch, and the door was unlocked. I entered the house and found my parents dead in the living room.
A quiet sorrow appeared on her face.
– All right, what is your address?
– 555, near the main square.
– Good, wait a moment while we prepare, then we'll go to the crime scene.
Arabella and Orion stepped away from the counter and stood near the front door.
– We have to go back. We need to head to planet Cyno to finish the project and transport materials needed for our planet, – he told her.
– I'm not going! – she said firmly.
– I want to be here during the investigation, and I want to settle things.
– You don't have anyone with you, and you can't handle this alone. Come with me. We'll be back quickly.
– There's no need for that. I can handle everything on my own now… And anyway, the investigation is about to start… In any case, thank you very much.
– How will you get back to Syrinx?
– I'll manage somehow, you can go now.
– As you say, – he shrugged and left.
She was left alone in that police station, soon joined by a group of officers who then went with her to the crime scene. The investigation began. Arabella stood watching all the scenes unfolding skillfully before her. She was frozen in time and space. The policemen questioned her about the case, and she answered absentmindedly. She wished someone was by her side now. She wished he was there, wrapping his arms around her, so she could feel once again the sense of home, warmth, and safety. At this moment, when the mystery of her parents' murder would soon be revealed, he was the one she needed the most.
The police were soon wrapping up their investigation, and she stepped outside onto the house's porch to clear her mind. She closed her eyes and let the moon caress her silvery skin. She felt relief. Shortly after, she heard the footsteps of the officers coming out of the house. They were carrying their equipment back to the car, and one policeman stopped by her.
– The investigation is complete. Early tomorrow morning, we'll have more concrete details about the murder, – he told her.
– All right, thank you, – she paused.
– What will happen to their bodies?
– Stay inside the house and wait a bit. In about an hour, emergency services will come to transport them.
– All right, thank you for the information.
– No need to thank me, child. I'm sorry for your loss… you're quite young. –
– I knew your parents, and they were very good beings. I believe they raised you well, – he continued.
– They were the best parents and the best beings that exist, but what's done is done… All I have left are memories and beautiful moments.
– Exactly. A being lives as long as memories of them exist. And don't worry, this will all pass quickly, and you'll return to your life without any problems. If you need anything, I'm here.
The conversation with him managed to lift her spirits just a little, as she could notice sincere emotions paired with a warm, gentle smile.
– All right, thank you once again.
– I should get going now. Work awaits. Take care and goodbye.
– Goodbye, and I wish you the best of luck! – she said respectfully, and he turned and nodded, giving her another gentle smile.
She watched the police car leave and went back inside the house. Stepping in, the coldness embraced her. She saw the dead bodies again. Everything that pierced her to the core returned. She decided to go outside until the emergency help arrived. She couldn't stay there any longer. She sat on the bench behind the house. Once, she had sat here with her parents, playing all sorts of board games and having fun. Now, she was completely alone. She lifted her gaze to the endless cosmos and allowed herself to get lost in her own chaotic thoughts.
– This place here, next to you, is taken now, just so you know – he said to her.
She turned her gaze toward the voice and saw Orion. He was sitting beside her, his dark eyes fixed on her creature.
– Wh-where are you h-here? – she stammered.
Seeing him made everything feel easier.
– I can't leave you alone.
– Why?
– Because inside me, there's a force stronger than myself – he said slowly, so softly and sweetly.
– I thought that force couldn't overcome your hatred towards me.
– Damn that hatred. Do you really think I could hate you? And do you consider us enemies?
The moment they shared completely faded away. They looked into all the secrets and emotions their eyes hid. She saw his gentle side, which she was sure he had.
The frozen moment was broken by the siren of the ambulance. It echoed eerily in Arabella's ears. Even though it wasn't close yet, she could hear it. Her weak body twitched briefly, and she immediately got up from the bench. She waited for them to arrive. Orion watched her, then followed the arriving medics. They quickly ran out of the van and came to meet them.
– Good day, as you already know, we are here to transport the dead bodies – one of them quickly said.
– Alright – Arabella answered without moving from where she stood.
She felt nothing. Orion kept watching her and realized she wasn't okay.
– Where are the bodies? – the medics asked.
– This way – Orion led them.
They followed him, while Arabella remained rooted in place, watching them move away from her. She started following but couldn't go further than the porch. She decided to wait there. They stayed briefly, then Orion came out first, followed by the medics carrying stretchers. On them were bodies covered with white sheets. They immediately headed to the van. One medic stayed back and addressed Arabella:
– Their bodies will turn into stardust by tomorrow at noon. The ceremony will be held on the hospital's top floor.
– Okay.
– Do you have any additional questions or requests?
– No.
– Good… then have a pleasant day! – said the medic and briskly headed to the van.
Arabella and Orion were alone again. She sadly watched their departure and entered the house, feeling broken. Orion followed her. She saw that everything in the living room was clean and neat. It made her feel a little better. She sat on the chair where her mother once used to sit. She was silent. Orion joined her at the other end and shared that quiet with her. After a while, he broke the silence:
– What now?
– I don't know – she answered dreamily and absentmindedly.
Silence followed, then she continued:
– Tomorrow morning I'm going to the police station to wait for the investigation results, and at the agreed time, I'm going to the hospital. You can stay here.
– No, I'll come with you – he replied decisively.
– There's no need.
– There absolutely is!
– Why do you suddenly act like you care about me? – she carefully observed and studied every line of his face.
– You're a resident of the planet I rule, and because of that, I need to take good care of you.
Saying that, he was lying to both her and mostly to himself.
– Besides, you're also my assistant – he continued, thinking it would further justify his previous answer.
– Why do you suddenly care so much about your people, especially your deputy?
– Is it possible you're still this annoying?
– Don't answer a question with a question.
– I'm just curious.
– Oh, what a coincidence! So am I.
– Well then, stop it. Too much curiosity will only lead you to trouble.
– Just like you. We'll be in this together.
– Looking forward to that company then!
– I'm going to sleep.
– Wait!
– What do you want?
– Where will I sleep?
– You have the whole house at your disposal… You'll at least survive the night easier in this house – she said, already opening the door to her room.
She found herself again in the room of her childhood. It remained untouched since her last stay. This room was completely different from her room on Syrinx. It was full of toys, and bright, cheerful colors. It smelled like a child's scent—innocent and joyful, then turned into something suffocating. Once, this was the room where she created her wishes and dreamed of them, now it was the space where she would barely survive the night.
She leaned on the yellow cushions arranged on the bed. She couldn't close her eyes and fall asleep because restlessness ruled inside her. After an hour, she heard knocking on the door.
– What do you want?
– Are you asleep?
– I am.
– Good – as soon as he said that, the door opened.
His entrance was like the Sun after a fierce storm. He lit up her darkness, even though he himself was the greatest darkness in the universe. She stood up from the half-sitting position and sat on the bed. He sat next to her. The small amount of light illuminating the room was enough to see the moonlight shining on his black, tousled hair. She observed the sight. She could feel his black eyes watching her. His lips were relaxed. Now she looked at them, too. She had dreamed about them, day and night.
– I knew you weren't sleeping, I wanted to see how you were and if everything was okay? – he broke the silence, looking worried.
– How did you know I wasn't sleeping?
– I know you well enough.
– You just think that.
– Come on, we both know each other very well.
– Don't be so sure.
– You didn't answer my question.
– Who said I have to? – she avoided giving him an answer.
She wanted to tell him all her feelings, but she was afraid. Most of all, she was afraid of his later repulsion.
– I said that. I want to know if you are okay?
– Yes – she answered him quickly and quietly.
He knew the answer wasn't true and wrapped his arms around her lightly, letting her slip back into his arms. They sat in each other's arms, and then he quietly told her: - You will be fine, don't worry. You are strong and I believe in you.
He started stroking her hair slowly and they were again in silence for a long time... Then he released her from his arms and sat on the place where she was leaning.
– Come – he told her, motioning for her to lie down next to him.
She lay down and was like a small child again, fragile and weak. Right now she desperately craved and wanted all his hugs, not thinking about whether it was a good idea. For the first time they lay next to each other. She was on his chest and could hear his wild heartbeat.
– Now you can sleep – he calmly told her, completely asleep and dreamy, although it was noticeable that her proximity excited him.
– I would like to talk to you.
– And I would like to listen to everything you have to say.
– Tell me about your mom.
– My mom was the best creature ever, even though she left me... But it's okay, I understand her.
– When exactly did she leave you?
– When I was eleven years old.
– Do you perhaps know where she is, do you have any contact with her?
– No.
– Have you ever tried?
– I didn't... what do I know... it's better if she left than if she stayed, because she's certainly much better off where she is.
– But she had you.
– Yes, it is. I was her only joy and hope and the only reason to live. And she is mine. One day she just left, without saying goodbye or saying a word. And I was afraid to look for her, because I thought I would be a burden and turn into a monster like my father.
– But you didn't. You managed to get out and you survived. I congratulate you on every fight you survived.
– Thank you.
– Do you perhaps know the reason why she left?
– Well, I guess. I think my father raped her and immediately tried to kill her, but she got away somehow – he continued, releasing the burden from his soul.
Talking to her gave him relief.
– What a monster! You were right. Wherever she is, she must be doing better. I hope talking to me didn't make this situation more difficult for you.
– Actually, it was very pleasant. Thank you very much. It means all this to me.
– You don't need to thank me. I hope you find your mom someday.
For a few moments they lay again in each other's arms in silence, and then she spoke.
– I'm here for you, if you need help or if you need to talk to someone. It's the least I can do for you.
– Look, you don't need to owe me anything. It's my duty to be there for you, but anyway, thank you – he told her as she slowly drifted off to sleep.
– And why is it your duty? – even sleepy, she demanded his answer.
But he didn't answer her and she was already asleep.
It was late. The night was quiet and peaceful. She fell asleep in his arms and he didn't move. He didn't want to move, lest he wake her. He watched her. Although the room was in complete darkness, he could see her clearly. He had watched her secretly too many times to know every part of her body. Those fiery purple eyes were closed. He hoped he was in a better dimension now. Her lips were relaxed and beautiful in a different way now. He had always fantasized about them. The silence that enveloped him, began to bring out the desire for her, her lips and her body. It started to burn. His heart was pounding. He was lying in bed with her for the first time. Just lying there. He began to imagine over and over again what they would do, if he was not sleeping and the circumstances were normal. He was crazy. She was driving him crazy. Especially now, when he could feel every part of her body. He pressed kisses gently and imperceptibly into her hair and watched her sleep all night.
The time to wake up was slowly approaching. Orion did not close his eyes at any moment of the night. As he watched her, she suddenly began to stir on the bed. She was waking up. When she opened her eyes, she saw his figure in the dim light and flinched slightly. She began to look at him carefully. Sensing that she was watching him, he suddenly turned to the position where he was lying on his back. Fierce heat, it flowed into his cheeks. It was burning, and she spoke quietly: – I think it's time to get ready.
They were silent.
– I can go alone… you should keep sleeping – she broke the silence.
– You're not going anywhere alone or without me, remember that… You know, if you think by acting like this you can push me away, you're very wrong. It hasn't worked all this time, and it won't work now either.
As soon as he said that, he could feel a faint smile appearing on her face. Soon, she left the bed, and he already felt how much he missed her presence.
When they entered the police station, they found three officers sorting through some papers. They were too busy to even notice anyone entering.
– Good morning, I'm here to check the results of yesterday's investigation – Arabella said.
– Good morning, you've arrived.
One officer lifted his head from his work, while the other two kept working without paying attention to Orion and Arabella.
– Follow me to the office this way… The officer handling your case is waiting for you there – he directed them.
– Can I come with you? – Orion asked.
– Of course, this case is partly connected to you anyway.
They took a few steps and found themselves in a medium-sized office with a desk and neatly arranged shelves. The officer who had spoken to Arabella yesterday was sitting behind the desk.
– Arabella, kid, you're here.
He smiled at them.
– Sit down, come on, I didn't expect you this early.
Orion and Arabella approached the desk and sat down.
– I wanted to learn the results as soon as possible, I hope I'm not too early or disturbing you – she said.
– Not at all, it's fine. The results are ready… But I'm afraid I don't have very good news, especially for Orion.
– For me? – Orion asked, straightening up in his chair.
– Yes, for you, Orion – the officer hesitated.
– The investigation results show that your father killed Arabella's parents.
They both looked at him with wide eyes. This was a shock for both, especially Orion, although he already knew his father was a dangerous killer. He couldn't believe something like this had happened. Because of his sick, crazy father, her parents were killed. Because of him, she now mourns. He couldn't imagine what she must be thinking of him now.
– He shot them with a gun and then stabbed them with a knife. We managed to find him and put him in prison. If you want, Orion, you can talk to him.
– I don't think there's any need for that. I've had nothing to do with that man for a long time. He's a killer. He killed other people, too, but covered it up skillfully.
Anger was building inside him. But at the same time, he was glad that now he would pay for all his crimes.
– Orion, your father is waiting, talk to him – the officer tried to convince him.
– No, he's just a terrible killer. He was never a father to me. I don't want to talk to him.
Arabella stayed silent. Even though his father was a killer, she never imagined he would kill her parents. She wanted to know where it all started. She wanted to know if her parents had any connection to his father and if they knew each other. Finding the killer was supposed to clear the whole mystery. But that was just the beginning and an introduction to a new one.
– Arabella, do you have any more questions? – the officer turned his attention to her while she sank deep into her thoughts watching them.
– No, I don't. Thank you for the results.
– The trial will be in a few days.
– There's no need for that – she said calmly, pausing.
– My parents are gone, so there's no point in holding those proceedings. Skip that part.
– Alright, as you say – the officer said surprised.
– If that's the case, you may leave now.
They left the office.
– And you, Orion, I recommend you talk to your father – the officer said as they were leaving.
– I agree, go talk to him and you'll never see him again – Arabella said.
– Fine.
After she said that, he was ready for anything.
– Come on… slowly, try to relax, you can do it, I believe in you. Hang in there a little longer. Soon all this will be over forever. I'll wait for you outside.
Now he felt even stronger.
When she left the police station and disappeared behind the automatic doors, Orion followed the officer to the room where he would meet his father. That path was heavy. After escaping his father's guardianship and after so much time, he would see him again.
– We're here. Your father is waiting for you here. The room is covered with cameras, so nothing can happen to you, don't worry – the officer finally spoke.
– Go in.
He opened the huge metal doors, and Orion could already see the table—and his father sitting behind it. He took a step forward, thereby entering the room. The step felt heavier than lead. Each following step grew heavier and heavier. After he entered, the doors closed behind him, and now they seemed to be locked forever with a key that no longer existed. The feeling of imprisonment with no way back gripped him tightly. He struggled to breathe, as he was suddenly constricted by the very thing he had been desperately running from. In his ears, he could hear his heart pounding fiercely. He was suffocating in emotions and old darkness. Yet, despite all that, he bravely walked toward him, skillfully hiding all his inner battles.
He was in an orange uniform, which looked like a garbage bag on him. He's gone down a lot since the last time he saw him. His head was shaved and full of veins, caused by aggression. His eyes were empty and lifeless. Beneath them stretched the darkest dark circles. His lips were pursed in anger.
– Hello, father, I'm very glad to find you here - Orion responded calmly to the welcome, despite the fear that filled his creature.
– You little one!
He pounded his fist on the table, then got up from his seat, groped and sat down again and started threatening.
– Watch your words, because I will kill you with my own hands.
– Do you really think I'm afraid of you now?
– Shut up, you useless bastard. It will be yours when I strangle you.
– Justice will come to you and come to terms with it.
– My hand will reach you too, you drooling one.
– Do you really think that you are achieving something with this? You are already in prison and there is no help for you.
– It's your fault that I'm in prison. You put your own father in prison because of a primitive and easy witch.
– She is not a primitive and easy witch. She is the only creature that means anything to me in this universe and the only one I love, after my mother. She is my lifeline, because of which I decided to continue living. She is my Moon, a bright spot in my dark night. It represents the most perfect unfinished art that will ever exist. I could write a billion books about her. If you try to harm her in any way, I'm ready to kill you, because you were never a father to me. You are a simple bastard, a monster who kills innocent creatures for no reason and who killed my beloved's parents.
– Like I don't care. You're just a simple mistake anyway, made along with that bitch.
– You have no right to call my mom that – he said loudly and stood up from where he was sitting.
– If she was your mother, she wouldn't have left you.
Orion's father rose from his seat.
– If you had been a good creature, maybe you would have been a father to me, but you are a garbage creature, full of malice and mischief.
Orion's father had had enough of it all, so he swung his hand at his nose. The blow was strong enough to knock him back to where he was sitting. Black liquid began to flow from Orion's nose. He raised his head and looked at him again. Now he was picking at his crooked and yellowed teeth from the blow he had given him.
– I didn't expect anything else from you. I hope this is the last time I see you.
Saying that, he calmly got up and headed for the door.
His father said nothing more. He stood there still, and continued to chuckle, which broke the silence in the room.
Orion slammed the door on her and closed the chapter with his father forever. Now they will finally erase him from everything. He had to go to the bathroom. He didn't want Arabella to suspect or notice anything. He should have stayed strong. Arriving in the toilet, he stood in front of the mirror and looked at his reflection. His face was slightly disfigured. He washed himself, hoping that the blow would be less noticeable.
He stepped out of the police station and found Arabella waiting for him outside. He didn't know what to think. How would she act towards him now? What would she think? As he approached, she turned around and saw him.
– Are you done? How did it go? – she asked curiously and kindly.
– Great... Now I'm finally done with him.
– I'm glad you achieved what you wanted. How are you?
– I'm good, and now everything feels easier.
There was a silence. He felt bad because of his father's crime, which he couldn't fix.
– What's that on your nose? Let me see!
She moved closer and looked at the wound there. He was silent and didn't want to tell her anything.
– Did he do this to you?
– Yes.
– We'll have to take care of this when we get home.
– No, it's not necessary.
His thoughts raced again. He felt guilt and fear of losing her. Even though they were "enemies," having had many fights, he thought this was much worse. Finally, he gathered the strength to break the silence and say what was troubling him:
– Listen, Arabella...
For the first time, he said her name, and for the first time, Arabella became aware of her name. When he said it, it became special.
– I... I'm sorry for what my father did, – he continued.
– I really am sorry and feel guilty about it. I don't want this to ruin our relationship... even though it's already broken by itself, but...
– You're not the one who should feel that way. It's not your fault. Don't worry... I know your story... It's okay.
Hearing her, a weight lifted off his heart. He felt a great relief. All the darkness that surrounded him left at that moment.
– Are you sure?
– I'm sure, stop worrying.
– Good, I hope so. Now, it's time to go to the farewell ceremony.
– There's still time.
– No, there isn't. It's time. You're strong, Arabella, I believe in you.
– Thank you...
And so, now they stood side by side, on the top floor of the hospital. They were just waiting for the farewell ceremony to begin.
Restlessness returned to her being. She was aware that she would now truly have to bury that chapter with her parents deep in her memories. Even though his father had killed her parents, his presence made everything easier. He was not like his father. He was the most wonderful being. He gave the impression of a cold creature, but to her, he was the warmest being. She could compare him to all the wonderful things in this universe.
As she secretly watched him, she noticed the hospital roof slowly opening. Robot-machines appeared with containers holding the stardust of her parents, as well as many other beings. They looked like other machines, except they had many arms resembling octopus tentacles. The automatic arms began to rise toward the already opened hospital roof and opened the lids of the containers. She could recognize her parents' container by the initials SJ. Her father's name was Steven, and her mother's was Julie.
She pressed herself against Orion's body. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. The stardust slowly poured out from all the containers and mixed with the infinite cosmos. This lasted for several more minutes, and then the hospital roof closed. Now it was all over. They were completely merged with the cosmos, and she was entering a new chapter of her life.