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Henry was eager to cross the asteroid belt’s vast and hazardous field, where he found himself after making the jump. The star’s center, towards which he was gravitating at an alarming pace, was getting too hot to bear. Had he made that jump a few seconds later, the star’s rays would have pierced through his ship’s hull, rendering it unable to save its owner from certain death. He was fully aware that the next danger zone was similarly lethal, but at least here by displaying patience and perseverance, fortune might grant him another chance to survive. Home was close, he could feel it in his bones; yet, he had at least a few more challenges to tackle venturing onwards.

First, he had to maneuver gently around the rippling boulders. His vessel was not in catastrophic shape, but it had no further capacity to support another jump. Henry had to rely on his abilities to survive.

And so, he did; after catching his breath and processing his near-death experience, he placed his hands on the sticks and levers that made his ship budge, and began working. The first asteroid nearly kissed Henry’s vessel, the second outright scratched it, but the third one quickly approaching was no much to the pilot’s skills. He danced around it as would a ballet dancer with their partner on stage. However, before reaching the final act, the ship shrieked and became inoperable. Henry swore, but his words were cut short by a sharp turn he forced out of his partner in crime, and again, at the very last second, he successfully evaded another attempt at his life. He was out of danger for now and found respite in the limitless darkness in front of him. A single drop of sweat popped out of his head and approached his left eye. That blue eye squinted as the salty water stung. The other, green, focused on the monitor showing him the trajectory to reach his Home. He scratched his itchy eye with his left hand, his right one steadily holding the stick that prevented the ship to turn in around itself. As he finished, a message popped up on another screen. He pressed the button that would read it to him, and started listening:

“Hi, honey. I hope you’re okay. Tomorrow’s our big day. Dad will also be here in the room with us. He said he wouldn’t want to miss your birth for anything.” Henry’s mother cracked up, though she was in obvious pain from labor. “Don’t linger any longer, darling. I can’t wait to meet you in person.”

Henry’s eyes watered as he listened. He was looking forward to finally revealing himself to her and his father. Hang in there, Mom. I’ll be there soon.