Page 110 of Between Earth and Eternity
This is some sick and twisted exposure therapy.
“Isn’t the ship moving at the speed of light? How does that work?” I ask, as if the answer will change my mind.
“Speed has nothing to do with it. Space is like a vacuum, so we will move with the same velocity as the ship,” he states matter-of-factly, so confident in his answer.
“Is it safe?” I ask, watching him step into his suit. He pulls it up to his waist, letting the sleeves hang loose at his sides.
“Completely. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.” His confidence is what makes me reluctantly agree.
He helps me into my suit, gently guiding the zipper up to my neck and securing the helmet in place. Once we’re both prepped, he punches the keys on the door for the landing to open up, the airtight doors sealed until he pulls the release switch.
“Once it’s pulled, there will be a ten-second countdown before the doors open,” he explains, our comms linked to each other’s helmets, and reminds me that Laz has made it safe for open conversation. I nod, trying to save my air, even if it’s illogical to do so. “Are you ready?”
I close my eyes. “I guess.” I’ve changed my mind, I hate him again.
The countdown begins, a robotic voice echoing, “Ten. Nine. Eight.”
“I’ve got you.”
I grip his gloved hand tightly, and he squeezes mine back.
“Seven. Six. Five.”
“We’re tethered to each other and the ship, so you can’t go far.”
“Four. Three. Two.”
“You can do this, Skyler.”
“One.”
The door hisses, the air escaping the room, and then there is nothing besides my own panicked breathing. I am weightless.
“I’ve got you,” he repeats, but I don’t dare open my eyes. I feel him pulling us away from the airlock, and my stomach drops. I let out a quiet whimper.
“I’m not letting go.”
I try to match my breathing to Vallen’s calm and steady rhythm.
“Open your eyes, Skyler.”
“I can’t.”
“I’m right here. You’re safe.” His voice is like a beacon, a call into the unknown, but now, I’m not as afraid to see what lies beyond, not if he is by my side.
It’s hard to focus on one thing when I open my eyes; standing on the edge of darkness and light takes my breath away in a single moment. I feel small in comparison, but not in a way that makes me feel insignificant, rather, filled with a great awe that I exist along with all of this.
I open my mouth to say something profound, but I can’t find the words with infinite stars and matter at my fingertips. And to think this is just a speck in the never-ending universe.
“I don’t know what to say,” I confess, still clutching Vallen’s hand.
“See? It’s not so scary.”
“I don’t know about that, but I’m getting there.”
He laughs, a deep throaty sound that sends an excited pulse from my fingers to my toes.
“Let go of my hand,” I say boldly. When he doesn’t say anything, I turn to find him staring at me with a mix of pride and wonder.
