To The Stars And Back
Chris Larabee and his son Adam sat on the porch drinking warm cocoa while enjoying the millions of stars dotting the sky. For the past four months coming outside at night had become a ritual for them.
"Look over there, Pa," Adam pointed to a pattern of stars in the constellation of Ursa Major. "What's that one called again? I can't remember its name."
A smile stretched across Chris's face as he watched his five-year son, who was clearly fascinated by the stars and moon. "That's called the Big Dipper. And over there's the Little Dipper."
"Why's it called that, Pa?" the little boy asked, his head still tilted back, staring up at the twinkling stars.
"Well, I reckon because of its shape. See how it dips down? If you look at the bottom of the Little Dipper you can see the North Star. That bright star has guided people on their journeys for hundreds of years."
Adam turned, facing his father. Under the glow of the moonlight, his eyes shined brightly and his soft, downy curls looked like a halo. "Has it ever guided you?"
"A time or two," Chris smiled, tousling his little cherubs hair, then picking him up and setting him in his lap. "Once, on a dark, windy night yer mama and me got lost in the woods."
Adam settled cozily into his fathers arms. "What happened?"
"Well, after we found a clearing in the trees, we looked up and saw the star. 'Course, yer mama kept sayin' all we had to do was follow that star and we'd find our way out, as it would provide enough light for us."
"Did it?"
"Yep." Chris chuckled at the memory of that long ago night. "After that, yer mama said it was our guardian angel helping to guide us through the night and to that star."
"Do you believe in angels?"
"I got you and yer mama, don't I?" Chris replied, love brimming in his voice.
"Did you see any bears that night? Or cougars?"
"Saw a cougar, but I scared it away."
"Was it big?"
"It was big."
"How big, Pa?"
Chris stretched his arms out wide. " 'Bout this big. Maybe bigger."
"That big, huh?" Adam said in awe. "What happened when it saw you?"
"Well, for a long while, me and the cougar just sorta stared at one another. I didn't wanna make any sudden moves that might 've made him attack because yer mama was right there beside me." Chris pressed his son closer, hugging him tightly and cherishing the rhythm of his tiny heart beating against his arm.
In the distance, crackling noises drew their attention, causing the young boy to squirm.
"Is that a cougar, Pa?" Adam whispered, his tiny fingers gripping his father's hands.
"Naw. Probably some raccoons."
Adam leaned back into his fathers embrace. "Do you think the North Star will always be bright and guidin' people who are lost?"
"I'm sure of it," Chris said, gazing up at the star. "It's been shining for hundreds of years."
A moment later, the door creaked open and a young lady poked her head outside the door. "Time for bed, honey," she said to her son, then sent a sweet smile to her husband.
Chris set his son to his feet. "I'll come tuck you in after a bit."
Adam threw his arms around his father. "I'm squeezing you as tight as I can. I love you, Pa. To the stars and back."
"I love you, son," Chris said, savoring this marvelous moment of his only child in his arms. Savoring those sweet words ringing in his ears.
* * *
Two years later ~~~~~~~
"Hey Chris, ya comin' or what?" JD Dunne called out as he mounted his horse. The other five men were already on their horses.
"In a second," Chris hollered back. He removed his hat and tilted his head back to stare up at the stars, looking for one in particular. When he found it, he closed his eyes.
Although the pain of losing his wife and child in the fire two years ago had been almost unbearable, he took comfort in knowing that when he looked at the North Star, it was somehow as if his son were in his arms and his wife by his side. His heart was heavy knowing that he would never see them again, but when he saw that star, for a fleeting moment, they were with him. Guiding him.
"I love you, Pa."
The faint, childlike words echoed in his head. "I love you, son," Chris said softly.
"To the stars and back."
Chris fought back the tears that stung his eyes. "Take care of yer mama for me."
"I promise, Pa. I'm right next to the bright star. Me and Mama are always watching over you. Can you see us?"
Chris squeezed his eyes shut tighter. In his minds eye, he saw his wife kissing Adam's cherub cheek, then carrying him inside the house that long ago night. It was that fond memory he relished.
When he opened his eyes, the twinkling star seemed to shine brighter. "We'll be together again someday. I promise, son."
"We're always with you. Each time you think of us, we're with you. Can you feel my arms around you, Pa?"
"Always."
"I'm squeezing you as tight as I can . . . "
*~* The End *~*
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