Chaos took over the planet. Nothing was the same as before. Everything had faded away. The creatures were depressed. They seemed dead and lifeless. After the agony with Deathower, they thought there would be no greater obstacles. Angry, aggressive, and furious, they caused many disturbances on the planet. Many tried to escape and save themselves. Despite this, the NASA project continued. Thanks to that continuous work, Orion and Arabella found their lifeline. The project kept them busy enough. They didn't think about the approaching end and the planet's destruction. They diligently carried out their tasks. Only a few creatures came at the NASA team's invitation. Liv and Kasy were there to support them.
– So, that's it, no one else is coming? – Orion asked.
Everyone present nodded in agreement.
– Then we'll start! – he clicked the call button.
Soon, they were connected.
– Hello, can you hear us? – John asked.
– We hear you perfectly – Orion replied.
– Then can we begin? – Kevin added.
– We can! – everyone shouted decisively.
– I notice your numbers are much smaller. Is everything alright? – Kevin asked worriedly, watching them carefully through the camera.
– Our planet is nearing its end, and many have been broken by that. Because of this, our team has fallen apart due to a lack of motivation caused by depression – Orion explained slowly.
– So what will we do then? – John asked.
– I wanted to ask you at today's meeting to speed up the project and get everything done that's needed.
– How much time do you have left?
– Less than two months.
– Is there any way we can prevent it?
– I think it's impossible to stop, because the end has simply come. The planet Syrinx has existed for a long time. Thank you for your care and support.
– Always. We're here to help, so feel free to reach out. Maybe we'll find some solution – John gave them a brief smile.
– Then let's start slowly. Since we don't have much time, and we've already solved most things, this will be our last meeting, where you'll receive an offer – Paul said.
Orion and Arabella looked at each other curiously, waiting for him to continue.
– We have successfully transferred your belongings to our planet, and I believe we could also offer a journey to us.
Orion and Arabella looked at each other happily. They hadn't expected the offer to come so soon. Everyone else watched in shock.
– But that's not all... Those who come to us would be a great help with our Museum of Space. Of course, they would be protected and safe.
– When would that take place? – Orion asked.
– In a month, while we prepare everything – Paul answered.
– If we finish preparations earlier, we'll do it sooner – John added.
– With the condition that only two creatures from your team can travel – Kevin interjected.
– Why only two? – Orion asked.
– Because we still don't know if it's safe. We need to prepare many devices to make your stay on Earth easier.
– That's a tough decision then – Arabella said.
– Do you have any more questions? – John spoke after a short pause.
– None! – Orion replied decisively after consulting with the team.
– Then we could end the meeting so you can decide. You should at least call us by tomorrow if anyone is interested, so we can start preparing – John said.
– Alright then. I wish you a pleasant rest of the day – Orion said.
After ending the call, Liv excitedly proposed her idea:
– Let Orion and Arabella go on that journey, because it's one of their biggest wishes. They've been working hardest and staying most persistent on this project lately.
– And they're staying on this planet because of the project – Kasy added.
– Most of us have left anyway, so it doesn't matter to them, since they now have a bigger concern – Liv continued.
– Do you all agree with this?
– I agree! – one creature responded.
– I also think Orion and Arabella should go on that journey! – another creature chimed in.
Everyone agreed on that proposal.
– Then it's settled, you two are going! That's decided. Orion, inform the NASA team so you can start preparations as soon as possible – Liv said.
– Umm, okay – Orion said hesitantly, then looked at Arabella, who was also looking at him uncertainly.
– No second thoughts for you two! – Liv warned them.
– This is your dream. You should be happy and excited – Kasy said.
– Well, we are. We're just a bit overwhelmed because this is happening too fast for us – Arabella replied.
– I'll call them now, and you can go, the meeting is over – Orion informed them.
– I'll wait for you outside – Arabella quietly told Orion as she passed by his seat.
He nodded and smiled softly.
– Wait, Arabella! – Liv called after her, standing behind her.
– Here I am.
– I need to tell you something. Can you come out with me now? We can go to the park?
– Umm, sure – Arabella answered, confused.
They waited for Orion to finish.
– The call is done! – he exclaimed happily, leaving the room where they had the meeting.
– Congratulations. I wish you lots of luck on that journey and hope you have a wonderful time – Liv said.
– Thank you! – Arabella replied. She was now becoming very excited and happy about the trip. Something she had dreamed about for so long was finally slowly turning into reality.
– So, can we go? – Liv asked.
– We can!
– Where are you going? – Orion jumped in.
– For a walk – Arabella answered.
– Have a great time!
– Love really has changed you! – Liv teased.
– What do you mean?
– I expected some nasty reaction!
– I'm not that bad!
– Ahaaa!
When they arrived at the park, they started a serious conversation.
– The reason I called you is about my move – Liv said quietly.
– Your move? – Arabella asked, surprised.
– Yes, my move – she sighed slowly, not continuing her thought.
– Go on.
– I'm moving to the planet Ahileja. My aunt lives there, my father's sister. Dad will come for me tomorrow, and we'll go to her together. Kasy will come with us as well.
– Tomorrow?
– Yes.
– Why didn't you tell me this before? – she said disappointedly.
– I didn't want to spoil the little time we have left. This goodbye is going to be hard.
– How did you get in touch with Dad?
– I managed to go to Scylla, to our house, and I talked to him. He said you should come with us too. I told him you want to stay and work on the project. But if you've changed your mind, the offer still stands! – she hoped in vain, knowing that once Arabella makes a decision, it usually doesn't change.
– Thanks for the offer, Liv, but I'm staying. Now we also have that journey.
– I know – she replied, a bit disappointed.
– So what now? That's it for our time together?
– Unfortunately, yes.
– That's okay. I'm happy for you and I hope you'll have a good life there.
– Thank you!
Arabella hugged her as tightly as she could, and Liv continued speaking.
– We still have time. What do you think about spending the night at my place tonight?
– Sure.
They headed to Liv's house, where they spent their last moments together talking, having fun, and goofing around. They didn't want to sleep; they wanted to have memories to hold onto. With dawn approaching, their farewell was near. Liv was finishing packing, while Arabella was secretly making a gift for her. Soon, Kasy arrived. They joined him in the yard, waiting for Liv's father. They talked a little more and tried to enjoy themselves, but the pain was taking over their creatures. This farewell wasn't like the ones where both knew they'd see each other again. Their shared chapter, woven from a million memories, was now slowly closing.
Liv's father arrived and greeted them warmly.
– Arabella, I'm sorry for what happened to your parents – he said.
– I lost my best friend so unexpectedly – he looked at her wistfully, then continued: – Are you doing better?
– I am, partially recovered, thanks to Liv who was there for me.
A silence followed, a long silence filled with pain.
– We should go, Liv – the father said.
– Yes, Dad – Liv sighed sadly.
– So, we're saying goodbye forever – Arabella said sadly, moving closer to her.
– Not forever, because you'll always hold a special place in my heart.
– I will remember you too, even when I become stardust, remember that!
They hugged as tightly as they could. Tears started flowing uncontrollably. The grip of the hug grew stronger, and tears in their eyes grew bigger and more numerous. They barely separated from each other.
– Good luck, Liv, take care of yourself! I love you so much – Arabella said.
– Thank you, Arabella, take care of yourself too. I will remember you forever – Liv slowly started to walk away.
– Wait! – Arabella ran after her.
– Here, this is for you.
She gave her a music player with a playlist she made, a letter, a bracelet, and a few other things of theirs.
– Thank you – she hugged her tightly once again.
– Let it remind you of us and our friendship – Arabella sniffled.
– You know, you don't have to make this harder.
– Okay, I won't. Goodbye. Keep following your dreams and be good to me.
Liv and her people waved goodbye, with heavy sadness in their hearts. Arabella barely waved back, weighed down by grief that almost paralyzed her body. She watched them leave until they disappeared from sight.