The galaxy is indeed an amazing spectacle.
Swirls of brilliant red, blue and gold, and clouds of dust and debris, dreamily float across the black realm. Somewhere, an electric motor whirrs, causing a spectrum of hummed vibrations, and a glass cylinder lift begins to decelerate. The top screen of the elevator lights up and Level 13.798 billion is produced in formal, corporate type. Suddenly the screen glitches and the characters vanish, as if the lift is confused and unsure. A light-moment later the lift continues its journey, now aware of its assigned destination.
After passing a void of ash and pitch darkness, the machine comes to a smooth halt. The display, breaking out of its malfunction, produces another message: Level 4.568 billion- Planetarium. The glass doors open and out steps a cloaked figure, undoubtedly feminine, walking briskly. The figure crosses a long, dimly-lit hallway and a reception desk slowly comes into view.
The receptionist immediately recognizes the figure. She sighs elaborately, then says, “She’s waiting, please enter,” in an exotic accent, and points to a large, metallic door behind her. The figure slightly nods her thanks, and proceeds to open the heavy door.
The other side of the door reveals to be a large, round dome, surrounded by stain glass windows. Radiant light shines in, colouring the room with rainbows and aurorae. At the centre of the space lies a great round table, with 10 grand armchairs, all occupied – except for one. A tall, broad-shouldered and good-looking young man is having a deep and somewhat emotional conversation with a large woman next to him. Their talk is hushed when the last member of the circle – the figure – finally arrives. Profoundly embarrassed, the figure mouths a ‘sorry’ to the large woman, and runs to her designated chair.
“Ah, I thought there was one more member joining us today! Glad you’re able to make it my dear, welcome,” the woman gleams. She has a golden completion, with red and flaxen hair, orange eyes, and gold-framed spectacles. The golden woman stands, displaying a colossal physique and announces, “Well good evening everybody! We come to this year’s first support group gathering! I’m Raylene Sun, and I’ll be your group leader,” she chirps, “Now, to get the ball rolling, I think we should introduce ourselves, one-by-one, and share background, yes? Don’t be shy now!”
After a long silence, the muscular youth from before slowly motions to stand, his face hanging low. “Yeah hi, I’m Jupe, umm I’m into footy, and well…I was popular, and I loved being popular. All the guys and girls loved me and wanted to know me, until this happened…” and with that he lifts his head and there, on the centre of his chin, is a big red spot- a giant, swelling pimple. A small and stout teen sitting three chairs away bursts with laughter, but it dies out when Raylene gives him a glare. “Well, there’s nothing else I wanna say,” Jupe sighs and slumps back into his chair.
Beginning to feel sorry for Jupe and realizing his mistake, the small and stout boydecides to share his story in return. He gives an apologetic look towards Jupe, before introducing, “Sup, name’s P. Lowell, well, I was in a band, Hades’ Planet, you guys know?” some of the congregation nods, “Yeah, well, my manager, Charon, kicked me out, just cuz I was ‘too small, which isn’t good for the band’s image’. Well that’s that, the end of my epic career; they even changed the band’s name now to Planet VIII. I’m sick and tired of the music business.” Lowell stomps the floor and sits back down. “Thank you Lowell- and Jupe of course. It takes courage to share your inner angst, but it helps.” Raylene pats their backs, then gestures towards the figure, “Now, what about you, my dear?”
The figure – shocked by being singled out- shivers nervously and stands. The light is now shining upon her. Her face displays signs of fatigue and she looks like she just cried, but she is evidently beautiful. Her back is hunched and her body is hidden underneath a tattered olive green cloak, ripped in most places. Skeletal hands hold the cloak in place at the front of her neck.
“I’m…” she coughs, “ever since mama passed years ago, the mocking never stops. I try to fit in with them, be fashionable, be modern, be ‘trendy and cool’, but still they ridicule me. Papa works hard, earn- ing money to support me, giving me nice things; I share with my classmates but they just throw it away and tease me even more. Like I’m some thing that can be chucked away. All I wanted was to spread love…” she pauses as a server enters the room, carrying a tray full of refreshments. The figure swiftly takes two glasses of water off the tray and quenches her thirst, as if she never had a drink in days.
After a little hiccup, she continues, “this cloak was mama’s precious possession, now it’s my protection. Some bullies try to take it away from me, they made rips and tears in it. People take me for granted; they think because I’m so rich I can survive any problem. I’ve tried to stay resilient but the more dam- age, the weaker I get. Some friends are trying to help me and give me hope, but the bullies are strong.” tears stream down her hollow cheeks.
Raylene Sun sniffs, touched by the raw story, “My dear, thank you for bringing us to your heart, I – we- will do our best to save you from that dark environment,” she comes up close and gives her a reassuring hug. The figure wipes her tears and quivers a precarious smile. “Everybody, please give our friend a truly warm welcome!” Raylene addresses to the group. A hearty applause erupts and echoes around the Planetarium. In between claps, Raylene whispers, “Sorry what’s your name again darling?” The figure sighs. “Most call me Erde, but my real name is Earth.”