This collection is for the final round of the Last Ship Sailing Competition. Five prompts – five chapters!
Prompt: (action) Counting Stars
Entry for the Gringotts Prompt Bank
(380 Words)
Dreaming And Counting Stars
I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.
Vincent van Gogh
Katie snuggled impossibly closer to Marcus, who adjusted the thick wool blanket which they'd wrapped around them to protect themselves from the cold. Above them, the universe was unfolding itself and gave a brief glimpse into its infinity and beauty. Stars were twinkling brightly from the darkness, and they could even see faint traces of galaxies.
Katie was unable to tear her eyes away from the magnificent sight, engulfed by Marcus' warmth. She was staring up in wonder, trying to count the little sparkling dots, and wishing she had the time to be aware of every single one of them.
However, Marcus only had eyes for the woman cuddled into his arms. He was glad that she'd agreed on leaving their hotel room to sneak into the stadium. Sitting closely together, they had a front row seat to watch the universe, and the sight of Katie admiring the wonder made him dream. He could see vivid images in front of him, imaginations of a wonderful future with Katie, the woman he loved more than anything else in his life.
The images slowly passed by; hours spent together doing nothing but holding each other, starting a family together, watching the cute baby turn into an adult slowly, growing old together and leaving the world together, holding each other in an embrace like they did right now. He wanted to have all of that with her, and he was so glad to hold her in his arms in this moment – he didn't want to imagine being without her.
Katie seemed to sense that he was pondering something and tore her gaze away from the stars to look at him, her eyes gleaming. Her gaze was questioning, and he smiled at her before kissing her softly until her cold lips felt warm again. There was still enough time to tell her about his dreams; right now, he just wanted to hold her and savour the moment.
Tomorrow, the stands of the giant stadium would be filled with thousands of spectators, but right now, it was peaceful enough for them to be counting stars.