The Aurora of Destiny: The Space in Between Us, #3

By Katie Floyd

The past is like a closed book, its pages forever turned, its lessons forever learned. 

 

While some secrets of the past are forever hidden, the consuming panic and distress of his last words were an ever-ringing bell inside of Kat's mind.
She tried to pick up the pieces of her shattered life, but the rest of the world kept moving forward. This, however, was the kind of imminent loneliness that left Kat stuck in a never-ending nightmare. Shadows loomed around every corner, and fear gripped her heart. She wondered how she could possibly go on as the world was slowly leaving her behind.
In the end, Kat will have to travel further than ever before to make herself whole again. With each step she takes, she discovers new parts of herself and those around her that she never knew existed. As she travels deeper and deeper into the unknown, it becomes apparent that the road ahead won't be easy. 
But for her, there is only one choice left:
 
Follow where the aurora shines, holding the faith that as she fights towards it, healing and wholeness will come.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Katie Floyd
• Release date: May 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223180715

Katie Floyd

Katie loves reading and writing.  She also enjoys painting and drawing.  Art of any kind is her passion. 

Book preview

Chapter 1:

"L isten to me... please , Kat..."

K-Kat, everything’s going to be fine. I just wanted to call you. I love you. You’re the best t-thing that’s ever happened to me- And I wanted you to know that.

I-I love you, Kat-

If you don’t want to talk about what happened, then say so. But please... don’t shut me out. It... It hurts me too. Sam sighed, hesitating before reaching out her hand.

Kat pushed her away and turned around. What am I supposed to explain? You know what happened. It’s just- she stopped as her voice shook, and her eyes tried to hold back the tears that slowly escaped down her cheek.

After a pause, Sam asked, It’s just, what? Please, Kat, talk to me.

I love him! She snapped back. Why- why did he have to die? She hid her face in her hands as the barriers of her eyes were broken. She fell into her best friend’s arms; she was screaming crying as the intense emotions flooded out of her. She tried to hold it in. But the harder she tried to, the worse she ended up being.

Sam hugged her, a few tears escaping down her own cheeks as well. She tried to say something comforting but couldn’t seem to find the words.

Kat backed up and sat on her bed. H-how will this e-ever get better?

It will. Promise. Can I give you some advice?

Kat slowly nodded as she sat beside her.

You’ve been hiding in your house for days. Try to get out and do stuff. Think about happy things. Think about the memories you had with Jack, and the happy times that you had together. Don’t think about how he passed away.

Kat gave a short smile and then turned her head away. Just to mock her pain, a picture of her and Jack sat on her dresser, laughing at her. His tousled dark golden-brown hair- and those dark blue eyes- she noticed the fine details of him. He didn’t deserve to die.

Sam turned Kat’s face to look at hers. Jack wouldn’t want you to be sad. He loved you. He would want the best for you.

"Being with him would be the best-" she raised her voice but stopped as a new wave of sadness washed over her.

They were both quiet for a few minutes. Sam was giving her another hug by now, trying not to cry herself and make Kat feel worse. Then, she hesitated before asking, Did Mr. Davidson ever say if they got back to him about the search party?

She could still hear the explosion. That cursed, wretched plane crash.

Kat glanced up at her, the thought making her flinch. T-they did, yeah... They couldn’t do much searching because the country is hostile against them, but they couldn’t find his body. Just the plane... she paused, and then added, Do you think the fire from the plane crash is why they couldn’t find him? If that makes sense...

What do you mean?

She paused before answering, through silent tears, Do you think the fire burned up his body? They couldn’t find him because all that’s left... is- is ashes?

I’m not sure. It’s possible, but- maybe he's still out there? Or he was... what you said... Sam trailed off as Kat broke down again. Hey, hey, hey- I’m sorry I brought it up. Don’t think about that. Think about his life. Remember the dates y’all went on? You both always had such out-of-the-box ideas, they ended up so cool.

Kat sat up again and glanced at her as tears filled her eyes. Y-yes, I remember. They were amazing. And... I’ll never be able to do them again.

Kat... Sam sighed as her own voice started to break. I’m so sorry.

I wanted to marry him. Grow old with him. Be able to go on a space mission with him. But now? My life has no purpose...

Kat! That is not true. You have so many opportunities and purposes to fulfill. And-

"But I won’t be able to go through life with him!" She interrupted, the painful truth sinking deep inside her.

Kat, listen to me, Sam whispered, holding onto Kat’s shoulders, and making her face her, Jack would not want you saying these things. He loved you. He’d want you to live your life, full of meaning and happiness. Just because it’s hard now does not mean it will be like this forever! I don’t know if you want me to slap the truth into you, but if that’s what it takes to make you listen to me, I will.

They both smiled at each other.

Thank you, Sam.

Sam then became determined to keep her happy. So, she said, as light and cheerful as possible, That’s what friends are for. And, speaking of getting your mind on happier things, do you want me, you, and Caleb to find a time where we can go do putt-putt golf or something? That would be good for all three of us. You know Caleb focuses way to much on his job. Sometimes I think he is borderline workaholic, if he is not actually one.

Kat hesitated before responding, Maybe later... I’m not sure if I’m up for going out quite yet.

Sam sighed and patted her on the back, ignoring her previous comment. I’ll schedule a time, and I want you to come. Especially if you don’t feel up for it, maybe it’ll make it easier.

I’m not sure that’s how it works, Kat sighed.

Okay, fine, but just sympathize with me for a second. If not for yourself, for me.

Kat smiled and rubbed her eyes. I’ll see.

Alrighty. So, do you feel better?

Right now, yes. Thanks for coming over.

Sam grinned, You’re welcome. But it is almost one in the morning, so if it’s okay with you, I think we should hit the hay.

Kat nodded. The weight of her tired eyes barely matched the weight of her heart.

Sam had come over to spend the night by surprise, and when she found Kat crying, she did everything she could to help. At this point, Kat wasn’t confident in there being any way to help. But... she respected her for trying.

As Kat laid in bed, (occasionally giving a soft kick to Sam when she’d steal the blanket in her sleep) she couldn’t help having her mind filled with memories and sadness. She wanted to run into Jack’s arms and hug him. She wanted to kiss him, hold his hand, laugh with him, and smile with him...

But he was gone.

We regret to inform you of this, but there was a malfunction in Jack Davidson’s aircraft today. Officials are currently looking into the matter, so we are hoping to find him safely on ground. However, we do not want to give you a false hope. From our current understanding, the parachute did not work properly; therefore, we cannot promise he is still alive. We will give any updates on what we find. We give our largest condolences...

She tried to not make any noise as a few tears swelled back up in her eyes. He was her fiancé.

Her fiancé.

So badly did she want to walk down the aisle and say, I do.

But... she’d never be able to.

Her eyes slowly became drearier, and she fell into a light doze. But the slightest sound outside her apartment kept waking her up, forcing her into a cycle of light sleep and annoyance.

Finally, morning had arrived. Kat woke up cuddling her pillow with tear-stained bedsheets. The faded memory of a nightmare caused her to glance around the room, making sure she was truly awake.

Her eyes tightly shut, trying to pretend the pillow in her arms was the real Jack... but it still didn’t compare.

Chapter 2:

P sst, Kat- wake up ! Someone's at the door! Sam groggily nudged her and threw the blankets off.

Mmm-Huh? Wah- what’s going- Kat answered in the same tone.

I dunno, we just got to check the door. Sam stretched with a yawn as she got out of bed.

Ugh, it’s too early for this... Kat groaned. She pulled the door open, too asleep to realize the shocked look on the person’s face when they saw her still having bed-hair and pajamas on.

Hey, Kat yawned, Sorry, I wasn’t expecting guests.

Oh- um, I’m sorry, I should’ve called first, muttered a flat, gruff voice.

She opened her eyes and saw it was Jack’s father. She couldn’t help but notice his cheeks and body weren’t as plump as they had been last time they met. Hey, Joe, how can I help?

He looked down at the ground and fiddled with something in his hand. You have company. I can come at a different time.

Sam spoke up, Oh, it’s fine. I’ll just be in the shower, ‘k, Kat?

She nodded in response and turned back to Joe. Do you want to come in?

Yeah, sure, he answered, following behind her as they made it to her white couch.

She brushed her hands through her hair and sat down. She felt so sorry for Joe. His life was getting better. He was becoming so much happier before the accident... but after he heard about this, it just drained him.

So, Katelin, he started, I’m sorry. I haven’t even really had it sink in yet myself, he leaned forward and anxiously bit his cheek, It feels so... empty now without being able to talk to my boy.

Kat sighed, It’s the same with me too. I miss those conversations during his free time, even though they always had to be cut short because of his work.

He nodded. I agree. Well... I won’t waste your time. I wanted to give you this, he said, handing her the envelope in his hand.

Thank you. Wait- did you come here from Arizona just to give me this?

I came in town because I was tired of being states away. I thought at a time like this... those who were close to him should be together. Since, well, we know what each other’s going through, he shifted in his seat, That is for you... and it’s from... him.

She slightly gasped as she heard it. R-Really?

He nodded. Yeah. I haven’t looked at it yet, but I’m sure it’s important.

She felt a couple of happy tears swell in her eyes as she looked at it and clutched it to her chest.

T-they don’t get a lot of extra time in... in the Air Force to do stuff like this- do they? She rubbed the bridge of her nose and began to open it.

Not usually, I think. I’ll leave you to open it. I just wanted to make sure it got to you. He stood up and Kat followed him to the door.

Thank you again, she smiled and gave him a hug, This really means a lot to me.

He hugged her back, You’re welcome, kid.

They both waved goodbye and he left. She closed the door behind him and sat back down on the couch.

Feelings of excitement rose in her as she opened it. There was no way that she was going to wait. After unfolding the piece of paper on the inside, she started to read it.

To my beloved fiancé, Katelin:

Before I start, I wanted to thank you for being in my life. You love me for who I am, even with my flaws and my mistakes. You are the most beautiful girl I have ever met. Both inside and out.

If this letter has come to you, it means that something has happened to me. And if that happened... I’m so sorry that I’m no longer there for you. But I know you, Kat. You are strong. You are amazing. And I know you will be able to go far and achieve your dreams. Don’t let this stop you from accomplishing your goals, or even finding someone else who makes you feel as happy as you make me feel.

I want the best for you, Kat. And I’m sorry that I won’t be physically there as you grow and change. But no matter what, I want you to know that I love you. I didn’t plan for this to happen. I wish I could wipe your tears and comfort you. But since I can’t, I hope this letter will find you and will make you happy.

You're so dedicated to your dreams; it inspires me each and every day. You're so talented and strong. Stay happy because you deserve it, sweetie.

Again, I love you so much. You’re the thing that keeps me going even on the days that I don’t feel like it. Work here can be tough, and you are what keeps me strong. I have this... this picture of us. I keep it in my cap, because I know it will always be on me and safe. If I remember correctly, it’s the one you have on your side table. You always said it was your favorite. By now, it’s become a habit to put my hand where the photo is... just to feel you close to me again. (And get some extra luck. I need it.)

I can’t even put on this paper how madly I am in love with you. I’d marry you in an instant. I’d do anything for you.

Things will get better, I promise you. We will see each other again soon, so don’t give up now. I love you to the moon and back, baby.

I hope I’ll be able to watch you from Heaven as you fly to space your first time.

Love,

Jack.

A little heart was drawn next to his name.

Her heart melted. She couldn’t even get herself to cry from how shocked she was at the letter- at him- at this- she read it a few more times, making sure not to miss anything, and looked up at her ceiling. I love you too, Jack, she whispered. The note was now clutched to her chest. As if her grief was a waterfall, tears flowed down the curves of her nose and smile.

She wanted to thank him to his face. She tightly closed her eyes and imagined cuddling up next to him again. Her mind wandered through the past, memories flipping through like a carousel.

Watching the perfectly put-together show of lights twinkling to music, making her feel like it was all a dream, a flawless dream that was so real, so lovely, so amazing...

The show was nearing the end as a man walked up to the front with a microphone.

As our light show comes to a close, we have a very special presentation for some very special people in our audience...

The night he had proposed.

A spotlight turned on and shown towards her as she read on the bright screen...

Katelin, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?

-Jack Davidson"

As anyone would expect, it was a Christmas like no other. And anyone who knew Jack would also expect that he would go all out; to make it the most romantic Christmas he could.

He was kneeling down on one knee and in his hand, he held a beautiful diamond ring, "Katelin Jae Carter, I want to spend every