I watched the star drop with the speed of light, I pat my lips open to make a wish but then closed them back. I don't believe in fallen angels, I heard myself mumbling under my breath but deep down, I wanted to make a wish. The burden on me was too heavy, the loneliness and pain of a soldier's wife was only known by a woman who had a military husband in the battlefield. 'All I wanted to say is' I paused for a while allowing the tears hanging in my eyes to roll down my chin, "I want my husband home" I added, feeling regret that I had not uttered the words when the star was still visible.
It's been six years since I last saw my husband. He was among the soldiers sent for peacekeeping in Liberia. His picture hanging on the wall wearing a broad smile in his uniform was a torment to me. I got mail every 6 months ensuring me he was alive, but mails weren't enough, I needed my husband home. My mum had once told me how shooting stars were angels on mission to grant wishes to people on earth. It didn't sound so believing, I was more of a scientific person than the religious type, but then I couldn't help it as I found myself outside, staring at the sky and hoping for a shooting star. I was still standing outside the cold when my son's voice jerked me back to my senses.
"Danny, please go inside" I guided him inside, and while laying on my bed I pondered on how I have wasted an opportunity.
"What makes you so weak?" I asked myself. I never believed there'll come a time when I do believe in superstition. I had always fought against it, but here I was, vulnerable to the battle I once fought.
"Seeing my husband once again is better than my pride" I said, letting my guards down.
Early the next morning I visited Rukayat, a girl who lived next door. My aim was to know about the shooting stars. I have heard her talk about it and maybe she'd help me.
"Who's there?" Her voice came from the inside.
"Uhmm.." I stammered, not knowing which name to say. I had never associated with her and it was possible she didn't know my name, "your neighbor next door" I answered.
Slowly the door creaked open, "come in" she said.
She blushed the moment I told her of my motive for coming. Her eyes widened with surprise, maybe I was the last person she'd expect to ask about the shooting star and angels on mission.
"I know what you're thinking, I know I am the last person you expect to come enquire about this. I may have been wrong in the past but I want to give it a try, I want my husband home" I paused, I had already said it before I realized. All the while she sat still watching me with some funny kind of look. She chuckled, then stood up and walk toward a frame she hung on the wall
"Is that why you're curious to learn about the shooting star? Anyways , it's just some fable" she said while looking at me sternly.
I knew she wasn't saying the truth but wondered why she had to say it.
"I have seen you talk about it," I retorted.
"Mere talk, it doesn't have a scientific prove"
At this moment I knew why she had uttered her initial statement. Maybe my stern belief in scientific proof had annoyed her at a point and she wanted to pay me back with the same words.
"I am sorry if I have provoked you at any point with my belief. Please can you tell me what I desire?" She watched me for some minutes then walked back and sat on the cushion next to me, "Alright, I'll tell you".
That night I stood waiting for a fallen star but there was none. The second day and the third, no shooting star appeared in the sky. Reluctantly I stood at my balcony watching the sky when I saw a star shooting down in a hurry, just before it disappeared into the mist, I made my wish. I had no doubt. Two months passed and my husband was still not home. I had concluded that stars had no ability to grant wishes when I heard a knock at my door. It was 5am early Saturday morning, I wondered who it could be. Opening the door, I saw my husband standing at the doorpost, I couldn't believe my eyes. Surge of excitement enveloped me as I hugged him, not wishing to let him go. I couldn't say if it was the wish I made or if it was scheduled that he would return at this date.