Chapter 3 A bond beyond the Stars

Astrid felt like her world was crashing down around her. She had just opened herself up to Elijah, and now he was leaving? "Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, trying to keep her emotions in check. Elijah sighed. "I didn't want to ruin the moment. I wanted us to have this time together, without the shadow of my departure hanging over us." Astrid nodded, understanding. But it didn't make it any easier. As they walked back to the observatory, hand in hand, Astrid couldn't help but wonder what the future held.

Could their love survive a year apart? That night, as they gazed up at the stars, Elijah took Astrid's hand. "I want you to come with me," he said, his eyes burning with intensity. Astrid's heart skipped a beat. "What? But I have my job, my life here..." Elijah nodded. "I know. But I want you to take a chance on us. On me." Astrid felt like she was standing at the edge of a cliff, staring into the unknown. Could she take the leap of faith? Astrid's mind raced as she considered Elijah's proposal. She had always been cautious, never one to take risks. But something about Elijah made her feel alive, made her want to throw caution to the wind. "I'll do it," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. Elijah's face lit up with joy, and he pulled her into a tight embrace. "I'll make it worth it, I promise," he whispered in her ear. As they hugged, Astrid felt a sense of excitement and trepidation. She was leaving everything behind for a chance at love. The next few weeks were a whirlwind of activity as they prepared for their journey. Astrid quit her job, sold her apartment, and said goodbye to her friends and family. Finally, the day of their departure arrived. As they stood at the airport, Elijah took Astrid's hand. "Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?" he asked, his eyes sparkling. Astrid nodded, her heart pounding with excitement. "Ready." And with that, they boarded the plane, bound for a destination unknown, but with a love that would guide them through the stars. As they soared through the skies, Astrid gazed out the window at the endless expanse of clouds. She felt a sense of liberation wash over her, as if she'd left her old life behind and was embracing a new one. Elijah squeezed her hand, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Excited?" he asked, his voice low and husky. Astrid nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. "Terrified," she admitted, laughing. Elijah chuckled. "Me too," he said. "But I know it'll be worth it." Their destination was a remote research station on a small island, where Elijah would study the star collision up close. As they arrived, Astrid was struck by the station's isolation and beauty. The next few weeks were a blur of activity as Elijah worked tirelessly to prepare for the star collision. Astrid helped where she could, but mostly she explored the island, marveling at its secrets. One night, as they stood on the beach, Elijah turned to her with a curious expression. "Astrid, can I ask you something?" "Anything," she replied, her heart skipping a beat. "Do you believe in destiny?" Elijah asked, his eyes searching hers. Astrid hesitated, unsure of her answer. But as she looked into Elijah's eyes, she knew exactly what she believed. "I believe in us," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Elijah's face lit up with joy, and he pulled her into a tender kiss. "Me too," he whispered.