Luke stared into the flames burning his father's body, and became solemn in thought for a few moments. He could hear the cheers and laughter of his friends through the trees, and he himself smiled too. Today the galaxy rejoiced as the Empire's hold on them became just a remnant of the past, along with the dead Emperor. They were free atlast, and for once they could laugh, talk, and do anything without having to look over their shoulders in fear.
Luke Skywalker stepped away from the ashes of his father and into the company of his friends. And as he hugged and laughed with each, he cried only two tears that day. One for the terroe and misery they had all withstood, and one in happiness thankful for his life and independence.
000
Her tiny youthful hands gripped his wrinkled and old one. Bows were pinned in her hair, matching her brilliant blue eyes, the eyes she had inherited from her grandfather. Luke smiled down at her rosy and dimpled face, seeing her grandmother and father running strongly through her appearence. But she had her grandfather's gentle nature, and her innocence showed so much as they stood side by side in memorial to their Independence Day, and the fireworks grandly painted the sky.
" Grandpa, did you help bring me my freedom?" her question took him by surprise, and he felt his eyes well with tears as he remembered his rash youth, and that very day fifty years ago.
" Yes honey, I did and so did Nan Leia and Uncle Han. So many people gave their lives fighting for our freedom, and you are so lucky to live through these good times." his eyes told her that he was somewhere far away from where she stood.
" Can you tell me about it Grandpa? Can you tell me how you won me my freedom?" He stared up at the dazling colors exploding in the sky and two ters fell from his eyes. One for all of the hell he and his friends lived through, and one for the miracles he had been presented in his life. He smiled slightly in memory.
" Yes darling, I can." and his blue eyes met hers as their anthem was ringing over the city, and he was so grateful. Grateful for having the experiences he did, grateful for his life, and grateful she would never have to go through what he had been through.