Space, that endless void filled with millions and trillions of possibilities and mysteries. They say the universe came to be from nothingness, sudden and violent. Countless galaxies and worlds, simply bursting into existence just like that. One moment nothing, the next something. These were thoughts that often crossed Rizel's mind, usually when she was feeling particularly existentially sentimental. It always came down to the purity of life; unexplainable cognitive thinking and being. She supposed it was a constant curiosity for her because no matter where she was, it always came down to the magic of creation. Perhaps that was the miracle of being born a celestial, feeling that empowering spiritual connection to energy and the universe...<br/><br/>She couldn't recall being as sensitive to it until the last few decades. She suspected it had something to do with a particular memory that was quite dear to her, little as she enjoyed to admit it. She was a godly being, vulnerability was weakness. But these things were for her own private speculation, not to be shared with anyone.<br/><br/>And speaking of cosmic energies, lately those lines all seemed to be converging on an all too familiar planet called Earth in one of its tiny little towns. She never understood it, why beings of their stature were so fascinated by this small sphere. Humans were so primitive in their thinking, always surface level. Literal. And yet, she also found it charming in its own sad way. Just as one might look upon the less fortunate and hope one day they might reach their full potential. One such friend came to mind at the notion of<i>less fortunate</i>. His maddening frenzied hunt was an amusement to her. She could feel his rising emotions strongly, even from her distance. She wondered if it might be time to suppress her passive nature as he was getting dangerously close to achieving his goals. She did so miss being involved despite being as patient as she was.<br/><br/><i>And who is it that you need?</i><br/><br/>Her words echoed like a whisper in her fellow celestial's mind. She inhaled deeply, intoxicated by the acrid scent of his perpetual frustrations. She smiled, delighted at how many wasted years he'd spent on his fruitless pursuit.<br/><br/><i>Ah, is that Kramsher? I miss him.</i><br/><br/>Even as a thought in his head, one could hear the genuine pout and even suggested glee. She was fond of that silly little bird and couldn't understand for the life of her why Vincent was so easily infuriated by him. But she could understand, because that was Vincent's temperament. The entertainment deriving from their opposite natures, she found their friendship instinctive which could only explain why they'd managed to maintain it over the many years.<br/><br/><i>Tell me your plans Vincent. I'm ready to play.</i><br/><br/>--<br/><br/>It had been a long week. On top of research, classes and helping his mother with the flower shop, Richard was beyond exhausted. However that didn't dampen his positive outlook on life. And in order to start his day, he needed a good cup of coffee. He was a simple guy: a latte in the morning, then work and checking on mom then home. It was his ritual on most days. Though on this particular morning it seemed things would not be going nearly as smoothly. Waiting at the counter, he watched as his barista fumbled to make his coffee until finally the mug shattered in his bare hands. He wasn't entirely sure he'd seen what he thought he saw, but those thoughts were quickly interrupted by the poor kid's manager bearing down on him.<br/><br/>Richard frowned. It was never a great feeling witnessing someone getting fired. Though he was sure he felt more strongly about it simply because the kid was Asian and new in town. And from the accent, he could tell he was from overseas. Life in small towns as a minority was never easy, he'd lived it. And part of him twinged with sympathy as he watched the events transpire.<br/><br/>Just as the manager came to apologize to him for the service and make him his latte, Richard nodded and put up his finger in the 'just a moment' signal. In some way, it felt serendipitous and he was not the type to pass up such an instance. Following the young man outside, he paused a moment awkwardly looking between the two. But after a second he understood they didn't know each other, "Um excuse me. If you need a job, I know someone who's looking for an assistant." He pulled out the business card to his mother's flower shop, the words 'La Fete' written in script gracefully at the top. He nodded his head politely with a warm smile to them both and a small wave of his hand, "Have a good day gentlemen."<br/><br/>In truth he was hoping that the young man would call his mother, then he would have a little more free time to himself. She'd been complaining a lot lately about needing more help but was too lazy to put an ad up. And Richard hadn't had the time to do it for her. Well now she couldn't complain any more, as much as he loved her. Fingers crossed.<br/><br/>Returning to the counter, he found his latte waiting for him which he was grateful for. Taking a much deserved sip from it, he could feel good karma rolling his way.