It's just space, man, she says.
I look out of the large porthole at the stars, the darkness in between, the great nothingness of it all, and think the word just might be underplaying it somewhat.
But, I say, my arm around her shoulders, feeling her warmth against me in this cold corridor. But, don't you think it is amazing? We made it this far. As a species, I clarify.
She shrugs my arm off and turns to look at me.
Nothing we do as a species impresses me, she says. We are a blip in time. A blink of the eye and we will be forgotten.
I take a breath ready to argue, but think better of it.
The canteen is opening in a few minutes, I say. How about grabbing a bite to eat?
She nods and takes my hands and leads me down the corridor.
No matter what she says, I am still blown away that we managed to secure tickets on this vessel. The competition was harsh. To escape the devastated home planet, to start afresh elsewhere.
That was so many people's dream.
...
