Shooting Star


It’s been four years since it happened, it seems like yesterday to me. I can recall every last detail. I was in school, the lunch bell had just rung.
I was on my way to the canteen when I spotted the man in the uniform. He was a dark silhouette standing at the end of the corridor, framed by the light in the entranceway behind him. There was something about the way he had stood there, looking in my direction, something about him that sent a warning shiver through my whole body. He had recognised me immediately then walked in my direction. I knew what he had come for. I knew what had happened. I ran out of school. I think I’ve been running ever since.
My dad left us behind that day and I’ve hated him for it ever since. Now he’s coming back. They’ve got it all worked out. They’re taking us down to watch it, all expenses paid.


It’s cold and dark out here on this hill. My sister Carly, who never feels the cold, is shivering too. I put my arm around mum and Carly grasps it at the elbow. There’s a television news crew over to our left, they’re busy sorting out cables and connections. Behind us six men with rifles stand, relaxed now, waiting for orders. I wait too.
I’m waiting for my father to show himself one last time. I’m not sure if I can stand it, I want to run away, just like I did that day at the school four years ago.
Suddenly it’s too late, an officer walks over to us and whispers gently,
“About two minutes Mrs Brannon.” and I’m trapped.
Mum tries to answer him but manages only a quick nod of her head.
We huddle closer together.
“Fall in”, The barked order brings the military to attention.
The Padre begins the eulogy.
“Four years ago the world lost one of its finest sons to the heavens…”
His voice fades into the background as I look to the stars above.
“There!” A warning shout from one of the news crew.
My eyes track along his outstretched arm, pointed skyward, until I see it. A light in the sky, a dot at first, moving slowly, heaven trailing behind. It gets brighter, faster, a fiery dragon blazing across the sky.
Mum stiffens in my arms, eyes transfixed on the beautiful arc being traced across the sky. There’s a savage lump in my chest. I hear the soldiers rifles cock and fire, cock and fire. I can’t help it, I cry out.
“Go dad, go”
For the first time in four years I can see his face in my mind and he’s smiling at me. Mum looks at me in amazement then smiles, I smile back. It’s over.
Four years since that line snapped and he spun away from the Shuttle.
Four years orbiting the Earth, a cold frozen corpse.
It’s over now.
He’s back.