This story is the worst, stupidest story that I have ever written. I have to stop writing stories at midnight because my brain turned to mush hours ago.

Disclaimer: Battlestar Galactica and all of its characters are not mine and never will be.

I left the Galactica with only a book and my pride. I piloted the raptor out of the bay and as the fleet jumped away, I pulled out the book. It was the same book that I had been reading to Laura while she was in the life station. We were almost done with it, so I started at the beginning again so I wouldn't be done with it too quickly.

I was reading the same book 10 years ago, getting about ¾ through before I stopped. I was sitting on the couch, reading from the book like it was a manual for some machine. I didn't associate that the main character Angie was a person, that she might have feelings. I sat there on that same couch for days reading that book, never understanding what she was feeling, missing her husband. 10 years ago, I didn't miss anyone, not even my own sons. Now, I am relating to Angie, understanding that she missed her husband. She missed him like crazy, but as far as I read, he didn't come back.

I took a break from the book, I'm about 1/3 through. I remembered the days when I first read this book, remembered when I didn't care about anything or anyone. I guess time changes things. I think about Laura now, and remember every conversation we had. I love her more than life itself, I know her voice like it's my own. Angie felt the same way, she's in the same position I am. I need to finish the book, to see if her husband ever returned.

I'm now ½ through the book and I can't imagine anything worse than the suspense the author is creating. Angie has heard nothing from her husband in almost 2 months and she is worried for his wellbeing. This book is like a narration of what I'm going through with Laura, not knowing where she is or if she is ever going to come back. I open the book again and read.

I'm now to the point I haven't read. Angie has just about given up hope. This is where Angie and I are different. I will never give up hope on Laura, will never tell myself that she is dead. As I ponder this, I go up to the cockpit and check for anything unusual. When I see nothing, I go back to reading my book.

I finish the book. Her husband does come back, his absence forgotten. He tells her that he loves her, and she says, "It's about time." It was a touching ending, one that I hoped would be similar to reality. Just as I opened the book to read that part again, a Cylon baseship jumped in, and I docked my ship in its bay. I got out of the ship to see Laura standing there.

"Missed you," I said, other words eluding me.

"Me too," she said, tears forming in her eyes.

I pulled her into a hug.

"I love you." Those words coming from her mouth directed at me made my heart stop.

I thought about the book, and made a split second decision to say, "It's about time."

fin

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