Simon had always been fascinated by stars. When he was a kid he slept in a tiny etic room, but he didn’t mind how little it was for his chores. He didn’t mind if his mom said it’s time for bed specially on cloudless nights because that tiny etic room had star lighting in it and when simon laid on his back looking up to the scuttle on his ceiling, specially on clouless night all he could see was perfect rectangle hanging above him full of the stars twinkling. He knew that each of the stars is a sun and around each sun there would be couple of alien planet revolving around and on any of which another Simon lives and he might be thinking of the same thing by seeing our sun as a star.
When simon found out from school that the star which is visible it might had taken million of years for its light to travel through the space and be seen to human eye, his eyes blew his tiny mind. The idea that he might be looking back in time but the stars he is seeing might have already collapsed years ago and started to think about himself and the universe in very different way from the other kids of his age. Tonight, 20 years later he is lying on the same bed in the same room looking up to the same stars all over the sky. His mom and dad finally decided to move to a smaller house close to fields and trees where they could spend there retirement close to the nature they loved.They kept simons room pretty much as he left it there were few books against the wall , posters , photos , record with Simons name written on it with a thick black marker pen but other then that the bed the tiny wardrobe and simon cloth were lying on the same place just like the stars above him. Tonight seems to shine perticularly bright. His head resting on his clasped hands he remembered the good time he had in this house.The birthday parties, the first day at school, unwrapping his first bike, his first CD player playing his first CD his first girlfriend and how she came up in his room and he was not allowed to close yhe door, that same girl was nice wife, afteTor being childhood sweethearts they drifted apart and after returning from his travels to live back with his mom and dad for a while he bumbed into her again he decided to drop into a coffee shop for in his white elusive T shirt at the slowing drowning sunset evening, he walked into a woman in the way and found out she was his childhood love. Shes been becky when they first met but then it got fluent .Seemed like what they had since childhood had never gone away simply faded for a while. Afterwards they moved in together starting where they left off .Simon thought about that day of walking past that coffee shop he might had never seen her again.His eyes got heavy. He thought of the other Simon in the other Earth out there wanted to have things going well for him too.
Stars seemed to sparkle while hanging to a huge dark sky and Simon’s eyes seemed to have slowly closed forgetting all his problems just focusing on how pretty the scene would be of a freely falling star. Then he slowly drifts off thinking of the universe and its wonders .
“A Dream Among the Stars” is a poignant and imaginative short story that takes readers on a journey through the fascination and contemplation of Simon, a character captivated by the celestial wonders above. The narrative skillfully weaves together Simon’s childhood memories, his fascination with the stars, and his personal experiences, creating a tapestry of emotions and connections.
The author’s vivid descriptions bring Simon’s tiny attic room to life, where the scuttle on the ceiling serves as a window to a universe filled with twinkling stars. The knowledge that each star represents a sun and the possibility of other Simons pondering the same mysteries adds depth to Simon’s musings, highlighting his unique perspective and curiosity.
The story takes a thought-provoking turn when Simon learns about the time it takes for starlight to reach the human eye. This revelation prompts him to reflect on the nature of time, the impermanence of stars, and his place in the universe. It beautifully captures the sense of awe and wonder that contemplating the vastness of space can evoke.
As the narrative transitions to Simon’s present, the reader is introduced to the nostalgic ambiance of his childhood room, preserved as a time capsule. The descriptions of his cherished memories, both joyful and bittersweet, evoke a sense of sentimentality and longing. The rekindling of his relationship with Becky adds a touch of serendipity and hope, demonstrating the interconnectedness of lives and the possibility of second chances.
The story’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of wonder, nostalgia, and introspection. The author adeptly explores themes of interconnectedness, the passage of time, and the awe-inspiring vastness of the universe. Through Simon’s musings and dreams, readers are invited to reflect on their own place in the cosmos and the wonders that lie beyond.
In conclusion, “A Dream Among the Stars” is a beautifully crafted story that resonates on an emotional level. It invites readers to pause, look up at the night sky, and contemplate the mysteries of the universe while appreciating the precious moments that shape our lives.
Review:
“To the Stars” is a short story that captures the childhood fascination of Simon with the stars and his contemplation of the universe. The story follows Simon as he reminisces about his past experiences while lying in his childhood bedroom, gazing at the stars through the skylight above. The narrative explores themes of time, interconnectedness, and the beauty of the universe.
The author skillfully portrays Simon’s awe and wonder through vivid descriptions. The imagery of the “perfect rectangle hanging above him” filled with twinkling stars creates a sense of enchantment. Simon’s realization that the light from these stars may have already collapsed and that he might be looking back in time adds a layer of thoughtfulness to his character. It highlights his unique perspective on the universe, distinguishing him from other children his age.
The story seamlessly transitions from Simon’s childhood memories to his present life, where he returns to live with his parents and reunites with his childhood sweetheart, Becky. The chance encounter in the coffee shop brings back memories and reignites their relationship. This reconnection symbolizes the idea that certain things in life never truly fade away but rather wait for the right time to resurface.
The narrative captures the bittersweet nostalgia of revisiting the past while also hinting at the hope and possibility for a brighter future. The mention of another Simon on a different Earth adds a touch of cosmic imagination, emphasizing the vastness of the universe and the potential for parallel lives and experiences.
The story’s ending beautifully describes Simon’s peaceful descent into sleep, his mind captivated by thoughts of the universe and its wonders. It encapsulates the sense of tranquility and awe that the stars evoke in Simon, reinforcing his enduring fascination with them.
While “To the Stars” is a brief story, it manages to convey a sense of wonder and contemplation. The author effectively explores themes of childhood nostalgia, the passage of time, and the mysteries of the universe. The story’s imagery and introspective tone make it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.