Earthlings. Sayaka Murata

pale sky visible from the veranda there was no trace of the color of outer space.

      The car was filled with the smell of melted rubber.

      “Open the window and let in some fresh air,” Mom said, rubbing my sister’s back.

      I was in the front passenger seat, gazing out the window at the increasingly flat and populated landscape.

      Dad had not uttered a word for miles. Mom was desperately trying to soothe my sister.

      “Family” is hard work I thought. I gripped the ring in my pocket.

      I closed my eyes and conjured up Yuu. Now in the darkness behind my eyelids there were some glimmers of light, like stars. Maybe this was a new magical power, letting me see into outer space where Yuu’s home, Planet Popinpobopia, was located.

      If he ever found the spaceship, I would get him to take me with him. Now that we were married, I would be going home as his bride. Of course I would take Piyyut with me too.

      With my eyes closed, drifting in space, it felt as though the spaceship from Planet Popinpobopia really was close by.

      I was immersed in my love for Yuu and my magical powers. As long as I was here in this space, I was safe and nobody could destroy our happiness.