Chapter 13: Chapter 13: On Dreams

Ripley's POV

The night is warm. Ripley's father is excitedly making adjustments to a telescope sitting in the middle of their backyard. Ripley's mother hums from her chair on the porch. A cool breeze blows through the evening, keeping Ripley from sweating in the summer heat.

Ripley is playing on the swing, singing a song she learned at school the other day. Her little legs pump hard, so she swings higher and higher. If she tips her head back just a little, the stars stretch out, diamonds laid against the black velvet of the night sky.

It is a special occasion. Mars and Venus will be visible tonight, and her father has pulled out his telescope so Ripley can see them both clearer.

"I've got it!" he calls over to her.

Ripley leaps from the swings. It feels like flight, and as another breeze winds through the yard, Ripley swears if she just tried a little harder, she could take off like a bat.