Return of a Comet

Jo Sofia E. Delos Santos

Its cold but people are outside their lawns looking up the bewitching night sky filled
with stars. Clouds were cleared as if even nature is preparing for the return of the
Halleys Comet.
I shoved my bucket hat on my head hiding a few silver strands of my hair. I checked
myself in front of the mirror. I leaned forward to see my appearance clearly and
tilted my red bow both sides. My suspenders are just right that it dont crease my
carefully ironed white long sleeves. I dusted powder from my black pants and my
leather shoes are perfectly shined. I sure am ready for tonight.
My heart pounds as I reach for the door. I can smell the nights breeze. I looked up
and the sky seemed like an hourglass leaving me only a meager amount of sand. I
should hurry, she hates waiting
I smiled at my last thought. Memories hit me as I walk down the streets. It was a
busy day but shes eager to watch the night sky because the legendary Halleys
Comet is coming.
Youre late, her right eyebrow automatically heightened as she saw me.
At least you knew Im coming, I tried to bend her frown upside down with my
famous chic smile that makes girls blush. Of course I failed. She just laid down the
lush green grass so I just joined her.
We just talked about small things, almost every small thing until the awaited
moment came.
What if aliens are invisible? You know, that they are already here studying humans
but we dont just
Stop, as her statement said, I stopped and looked at her. She was pointing
directly up to the sky with an overwhelmed expression. Its here.
I dont know if the world really stopped when she made me, even the crickets did.
But whats amazing is my heart actually skipped a beat while seeing the comet
pass by. I am not into Astronomy or Literature to be so astounded by such thing but
witnessing it made me feel inspired that I think will last a lifetime.
Did you feel it? She asked me after the comet was gone. Not understanding the
question, I just gave her my blunt face. She sighed. That comet's periodicity was
first determined in 1705 by Edmond Halley after whom it is now named. It is visible
here on earth every 75 to 76 years and observed since 240 BC. Do you know that?
Yes. Science 101, right? I answered boasting my trivial knowledge.

How about humans can ride that comet? Do you know that? Thats another
question that made me give her another blunt face. Upon seeing the comet, did
you really think about 1705, 75 to 76, and 240?
No. I can say no, I answered her returning my gaze into the part of the vast
universe.
Some people may think that comet is a shooting star you could wish on. Some
people may think its a vehicle to heaven. Some people may think that it is a sign
that they should do something. Those people are my favorite kind, she started her
favorite thing, talking.
That comet is really far from us, so as that star, I dont know which star she is
pointing at but Their distance from us is almost infinity. But when you look into
infinity, you realize that there are more important things than what people do every
day-- more than 1705, 75, 76, and 240; more than the complex mathematical
equations we do in school.
Back at that moment, I badly wanted to ride the Halleys Comet and see whats
beyond everything.
On that night, I knew that I would see the next return of Halleys Comet with her,
wearing this wedding ring.
I am here, I told her while sitting beside her on the dried yet still green grass.
Some dried leaves covered her name carved on a cold black marble, I threw those
away. I relit two candles beside her tombstone.
I slowly lay down on the grass. This place is not a bad idea for stargazing,
After a few seconds, the Halleys Comet quietly passed by. The feeling is still the
same. I feel inspired for a lifetime. I closed my eyes. Do you really want to ride that
comet?
By the time I opened my eyes, I think I am seeing the Halleys Comet meters away
from me. It was so bright. She appeared in a beautiful white dress and her face
looks so young just like before.
Youre late, she said while smiling brightly.
At least you knew Im coming, I smiled at her. That smile that makes girls blush
years and years ago.