Today I packed up my room. Seeing the empty room really made something sink in my chest. It really hit me when I started packing my gear.
I've lived here for 5 years. I know every flicker in the lights, every creak in the floor like I was one with the building. I used to call this place a cage. Always quiet and cold, the same grueling routine every day. It felt like I was trapped, just existing in a shell of a body, being given orders on what to do.
Most days were like that, until I got to see that view out my window.
During the night hours, you could see a nebula from here. Swirls of blue, pink and purple lights would swirl across the sky like they were dancing. I read somewhere Earth has one too called “The Aurora Borealis.” I don't even know how to pronounce that word.
I'd watch for hours on the nights I couldn't sleep. It made me feel so safe in the chaos that was my reality. It felt so freeing to watch.
It makes me sad knowing that someone else will be caged in this room, but I hope they are able to find safety through the same little window I looked out of all those years.
Goodbye Room 42.E
I am leaving for good.
Next Stop: Earth.
