THE NIGHT WE FELL

ZEPHYR The night sky looks familiar tonight. It stretches above me, a vast canvas painted with shimmering stars. Each one twinkles like a tiny gem, some bright and bold, while others glow softly. I watch them sparkle against the deep navy backdrop, reminding me of a blanket I owned as a little girl. For a moment, I allow myself to be that little girl again, wrapped in my warm blanket. Back then, my only worry was the monster under my bed. It had a strange head and would peek at me if I didn’t cover my face. Every night, I made sure to tuck myself away in my starry blanket, feeling safe from its gaze. Tonight, however, the starry sky offers neither protection nor comfort. In this moment, beneath the infinite sky, I feel small and alone. I’m sitting at the bus stop, swinging my legs back and forth. I tear my eyes away from the sky and to my right. Three bags sit beside me, each one heavy and colorful, holding pieces of my life. Buses roll past, their lights cutting through the darkness, the sound of engines blend into a dull hum, like a melody I can’t quite grasp. People move around me—some rush by, others linger, chatting and laughing—but I sit here, lost in my own world. I stare into space, wondering how I ended up here. A gentle tug in my chest feels like a wish waiting to be made—one I’ve been considering for a long time but have withheld from saying out loud. A wish that could end all my problems, and perhaps my life too. The breeze plays with my hair, wrapping it around my face. I tuck a loose strand behind my ear, but it escapes again, just like my thoughts. The wind carries the sound of laughter, and I wonder if I’m the object of ridicule. I ponder if anyone sees me here or if I’ve become invisible in this crowded night. Taking a deep breath, I inhale the cool air, and for a moment, it feels like anything is possible. The world around me fades, leaving only the stars and the quiet weight of my bags. I almost don’t hear Alda calling my name. “Zephyr, come on. I’m here for you.” Tears cloud my eyes as I stare at my best friend, my heart filled with gratitude. As always, she’s here for me—the only person who has ever been available when I needed someone. “Oh, come on! You promised you wouldn’t do that,” she says as she steps out of her car. I laugh, and tears roll freely down my cheeks. I didn’t think I had any more tears left to cry, but I was wrong. Alda pulls me into a warm embrace, and I cry uncontrollably. She doesn’t utter a word. Instead, she rubs small circles on my back while running her other hand through my tangled hair. We stay like that for a while, long enough for me to regain my composure. I finally unfold myself from the embrace and look into her eyes before muttering a quiet “thank you.” Her smile is small, but it reaches her eyes. Alda has been my guardian angel for as long as I can remember. I met Alda when I moved in with my aunt after losing both my parents in a tragic accident. We bonded over a boy band and soon became inseparable. Life became worth living because of her. We did everything together, even ended up at the same college. She has always been there for me, offering help in every way she could. And tonight, just like always, she has come to my rescue again. She makes sure I’m comfortable in the passenger seat of her Buick before hurling my bags into the trunk. When she’s back beside me, she gives me a beautiful smile. “So that’s it? You’ve been evicted permanently from that place?” I nod, fresh tears stinging the back of my eyes. “But this doesn’t affect your admission, right?” I shake my head, and she nods. She turns on the ignition, and we drive away in silence. Taylor Swift plays softly, and I close my eyes, immersing myself in her lyrics. I think of what has become of me—a homeless college student. I’ve been on scholarship since starting college. I had to sort my accommodation myself, which has been a hassle. I took on part-time jobs to raise money, but that affected my grades and threatened my scholarship. I struggled to keep up with rent, and it took two years for the kindhearted Mrs. Grace to decide she was fed up with me. Now, I’ve been thrown out onto the street with nowhere to go. I’ll need to find a new job if I want to secure another place. But what if my grades suffer again? Losing this scholarship would make raising money for tuition even more difficult. Alda’s hand on my knee pulls me back to reality. Her smile assures me that everything will be alright. I try to believe it, but doubt lingers. I called her tonight because she’s the only one I have. I know moving in with her will be a huge inconvenience. “Alda, what do we do now? Do you think your boyfriend would mind?” I ask. He’s been living with her for a few months now. They’re so in love, and I hate that I’ll be intruding on their space. Alda doesn’t reply; she looks deep in thought. Though she said everything will be fine, I can’t help but notice her disturbance. I focus on the music again, distracting myself from reality. Suddenly, Alda yanks the steering wheel, and the car lurches to the left. I’m thrown forward, my seatbelt straining against my chest as the tires screech on the asphalt. The sound is a sharp cry, mingling with my gasp of surprise. The car hits a bump, jolting my body as I grip the armrest tightly. The thud resonates in the small space, and I can feel my heart racing. I glance at Alda, startled, and see her eyes wide with focus. She continues driving in the opposite direction. “I have an idea.” These are the words that twist my life.