The Silence of the Dark

By John Fagan

The air inside smelled of bonfires.

“Try and sleep,” Pa said. Broo replied with silence, staring at his worn-out boots.

They huddled together on the ship’s metallic floor for warmth, lost in fearful thoughts, listening to the hum of the vents.

They were a long way from home, but it still called to them like a long forgotten song from childhood. All that was left was fading memories.

“I want to see it one last time,” Broo whispered.

Pa nodded and lifted him to the small window.

They stared. Only darkness. Earth’s pale blue dot was long gone.

THE END