Last night, the aurora painted the sky in streaks of violet and silver, and I followed the light to the monolith. It wasn’t a thing I could touch, just a shadow in the distance that seemed to hum with something ancient. I didn’t feel afraid—more like the world was holding its breath, waiting for me to say something. But now, as I lie down, the stars are so bright they feel like they’re pressing against my skin. Maybe they know too, and maybe they’re just telling me to sleep.
Day 1