Part 4
Soft music drifted from Toby's speakers, the kind of calm melody that meant he was awake and painting. I rubbed my eyes, sat up, and glanced toward the kitchen.
"Morning, sleepyhead," he called.
"Morning. What time is it?"
"9:15 A.M."
I checked my phone—he wasn't wrong. Today is Wednesday.
"What have you been up to?" I asked, stretching my arms as I walked over.
"Painting," he said, then added, "Oh—Pearl mentioned the captain's going to make an announcement soon. She doesn't know what it's about."
"Huh. Guess we'll find out."
I leaned over his shoulder, studying the canvases. "These are beautiful, Toby. You're talented."
He smiled. "Thanks. I think they turned out okay."
Five minutes later, the intercom crackled. Toby muted the music.
"ATTENTION everyone," the captain's voice boomed. "We are charting a course back to Earth. Arrival later today." He repeated it once, then the line went silent.
Toby and I exchanged wide‑eyed looks.
"That's a surprise," I said. "I didn't think we'd be heading back so soon. I'm excited to see what's changed."
"Better start gathering our things," he replied.
Hours passed. At 3 P.M., another announcement echoed through the ship:
"ATTENTION". Gather your belongings. We will be landing shortly."
I hurried back to my room to pack. When I glanced out the window, my breath caught—Earth filled the view, blue and green against the black. My heart raced.
Moments later, the captain's voice returned:
"ATTENTION". We landed in California. Please remain calm and proceed to the exits in an orderly fashion. Thank you."
The corridors erupted with commotion. I joined the crowd, spotting Toby, Renée, and Pearl waving me over.
"Hey Carmen!" Pearl grinned. "Excited to leave?"
"More than you know," I said. "Three years asleep... I wonder how much has changed."
"You woke up at the right time," Pearl teased.
As we lined up to exit, Renée asked, "Do you have our contact info?"
"Just Toby's," I admitted.
"Here, sis, you go first," Pearl nudged Renée. They each added their numbers to my phone.
"Don't be afraid to text us," Pearl said warmly.
I blinked. "Wait—you two are sisters?"
"Yeah," Pearl laughed. "Renée's older by two years."
"I didn't know... guess I should've asked sooner."
Renée waved it off. "No worries. At least you know now."
Our turn came. We waved goodbye to the captain and crew, then stepped outside. Sunlight hit my face, warm and real. I breathed in the fresh air, savoring it. California stretched before us, familiar yet unknown. My journey wasn't over—it was only the beginning.