It saddened you-this. Life? No. This is no life. This….barely classifies under the umbrella of survival.

Slowly-not quite leisurely, yet with a solemnity reminiscent of a funeral-you made your way through the base. Predetermined on your path, none stopped you, yes-occasional the detour or backtrack occurred. However, you were steadfast on your approach.

Hissing, the familiar lab doors opened for you-your intentions as sure as your silent footsteps. Past machines, blueprints, and scrap piled high-a chuckle slipped from your lips at a passing thought. ‘Reminds me of those horder shows Mikey used to psychoanalyze.’

Dim LEDs and the glimmer of your stardust lead a path you’ve paced so often, you could walk it in your sleep. Rounding the corner, your eyes finally rested on familiar jade-the earth to your stars and moon-

Donnie….

Genius. Theatrical. Loving. Stronger than a thousand man, and yet he often held you with the slightest sliver of that strength. Quickly, your orbit ended-stood behind your beloved terrapin, hands resting behind his elbows. And he spoke, and your millennium old heart felt full.

“Mi estrella. My love. To what do I owe this visit, shooting star?”