Part 3

A few hours later, I woke up feeling refreshed. I picked up my phone and typed:

Hey there stranger, what are you up to currently?

Toby replied almost instantly:

Haha, hey there. I'm just painting in my room. You?

I just woke up from a nap. Want to hang out?

I'd like that. I'll come by in a few minutes.

Great! See you shortly.

I set the phone down, changed clothes, and slipped on my shoes. Just as I opened the door, Toby stood there holding a bouquet of pink roses.

"These are for you," he said with a smile. "I thought of you."

Speechless, I took them. "Aww, thank you. They're beautiful. I'm ready if you are."

"You're welcome. Let's go."

We walked together through the ship's corridors.

"What did you want to do?" I asked.

"Catch a movie? Unless you have something else in mind."

"A movie sounds perfect."

The theater looked surprisingly normal—rows of seats, glowing screens, and the smell of popcorn. It was clear they'd designed it to feel familiar, to remind us of home. Toby grabbed snacks and drinks while I found seats in the back. He spotted me, waved, and joined me, setting everything down before leaning back.

"This is a nice way to spend the evening," he said. "It's 8 P.M. and not too busy in this sector."

I glanced around. "True. It feels almost... normal."

We laughed quietly at the funny parts, whispered thoughts during the slower scenes, and by the end we were smiling at how easily the time had passed.

"What now?" I asked.

"Want to come to my place and hang out?"

"Sure, why not."

His room was a reflection of him—artistic, colorful, and unique.

"You decorated this yourself?" I asked.

"Yeah. Wanted to express myself."

"You definitely did. It looks amazing."

He disappeared into the kitchen, then returned with an idea.

"Hey Carmen?"

"Yeah?"

"Want to paint with me?"

I hesitated, then grinned. "I'd love to. I've never painted before."

"Really?" He looked surprised.

"Really."

"Well, I'm glad to help. But honestly, just experiment—paint whatever you like."

He pulled out blank canvases and supplies, setting them on the table. Music played softly in the background as we painted side by side, talking and laughing. For the first time since waking up on this ship, I felt at ease.

Eventually, my eyes grew heavy. "Toby, I should head back to my room and rest."

"You can stay here tonight," he offered gently.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

I smiled, finished my painting, and curled up on the couch. Sleep claimed me quickly, the hum of the ship blending with the music. The night ended there, quiet and safe.