Gavin Silver –
Dear Little Blue World,
Hello! I hope you can read this after a long travel from space, but I like to think I make the best paper airplanes in the universe. While I do not know if you exist, I have a feeling you are living on another blue world, the one behind me.
My name is Diamond, and I am a Whisp; the only one to my knowledge. My spirit or “Whisp” makes me a white color with an aurora of blue on the edge of my body and links my body and soul to the planet I live on. Well, technically I don’t live on it. It is a dangerous and cold world and, well, it is my only friend. It tells me its name is Uranus, which means “God of the Sky”, or “God of the Gods” and we’ve been friends for millions and billions of years. I, instead, live on its many moons and harbor whichever one I please.
As I write this, I am on Titania which is a very stubborn rock. I always thought it was chilly here, but Uranus reassures me that nothing can be colder than it is. Most of these moons are very similar to Titania with grey colors and hefty craters, but my FAVORITE must be the small one, Miranda. It puts me closer to my friend and has massive cliffs and canyons the likes of which you will never see! I can leap off the mountains and fly through the space between; but I think that is enough about me.
I want to hear from you! That is, if you exist. Uranus told me there likely is not much out there besides us and that all the chaos and turmoil happens closest to its parent, Sol. Sol never talks to me, but it seems to me that Uranus has a deep affection for it which I do not fully understand.
Anyway, Uranus gifted me this tool called a telescope so I can see everything that is out there! All the colorful wanderers live closer to Sol, but I noticed one blue dot outward behind me. I pointed out finding another blue world like my own, only this one is a lot darker! And it has a moon! A MOON! If there are other Whisps like me then surely, they will be there! Now I am writing this letter to fly to you and say hello! Maybe we can be friends and maybe your blue world might want to be friends with my blue world. What do you think?
Sincerely, Diamond
***
Diamond,
Hello. It seems that your suspicion was right after all; I exist. I thought nothing else closer to Sol had any existence but…wow!
I saw your letter over the horizon as Sol began to light the darkness of my moon. To think I am no longer the only Whisp is overwhelming.
My name is Crystal, and my blue world is called Neptune, meaning “God of the Sea”. Much like you, all my information and life experience come from my world and has been for a long time. Neptune is my creator, much like Sol is Neptune’s.
My Whisp colors are blue with a white aurora so…seems like I am your opposite.
Over here there is only one big moon called Triton. To be honest, I am quite jealous of your moons as hopping from one moon to another sounds like a luxury. Triton is very colorful however, so I feel like I beat you there.
Also, I have a question.
What is a telescope?
I know you described it, but I cannot believe your world just gave you something so magical. Neptune is very grumpy, so I am lucky to even have a pen and paper. Please tell me more about it!
Give my hellos to Uranus and let it know we exist out here.
Crystal.
***
WHISP (Wu-isp)
Noun
A celestial being spiritually linked to or with the parenting celestial body (planet).
“The Whisp spoke to me after it called my name”
Origin
Uknown
Physical Description
Few if any have seen a Whisp. From several descriptions, they are Aura-like creatures about 3-feet tall. They have gremlin traits in their ears and limbs and dark eyes that contrast to their bright appearance. They seem like tricksters who find joy in causing mischief.
Planet (Plan-et)
Noun
Celestial bodies that were created by Sol and orbit around it. Often characterized as either terrestrial, gas giants or ice giants, very few know that these bodies are alive.
“The planet we live on is terrestrial”
***
Dear Diamond,
Sol is really dim from where I am. Sometimes when it sets from the horizon, it looks like any other star in the sky. Then everything gets dark.
Sometimes I wonder what it must be like to live somewhere close to the warmth and comfort of Sol. Maybe it would be better to live closer to another star far away from here. For thousands of years, I have been wanting to fly away and explore the other side of the universe. There must be so many lights and sounds and other creatures with their own experiences, wonders, and lives separate from my own.
But Neptune never lets me leave for my own safety. All I do is tuck myself in the night, waiting for Sol to rise once more.
Why is it so cold here? Is it cold where you are Diamond?
You told me several letters ago that moons don’t rise and set but rather live in eternal daylight or eternal darkness. That must be nice, right?
I know this may be a lot to ask, but could you please let me borrow your telescope? I would really like to see you and your planet as well as the universe. If I cannot go anywhere, then I would at least like to see what is out there.
Crystal
p.s. Do not worry about Neptune finding out, it can tend to be a little distracted at times.
***
Dear Crystal,
Of course you can have my telescope! I know you’re going to love it; there is so much to see out there!
If you need any recommendations, I would take a look at the other planets as well as nebulas and supernovas. Nebulas are stars being born and supernovae are remnants of stars that have died. At least, that is what Uranus told me a long time ago. What I find most interesting is that those remnants are used to create new stars like Sol. Pretty cool, right?
On a more serious note, I do feel sorry about your situation on Neptune. It’s pretty dark and cold here too, but Uranus keeps good company…most of the time. Sometimes it can still treat me like I was just created, which bothers me to no end. However, I know your situation with Neptune is worse. Honestly, I do not understand why it won’t let you have the things that I have, it just doesn’t make sense. Isn’t our purpose being out here to have fun and understand the universe we live in? I talked to Uranus about it, and it told me that some worlds have different roles to play and that its is to give me a safe life.
The reason why is because a very long time ago, Uranus was toppled by a large planet which took away all its giving heat. Now everything is sideways and not the way it used to be. Maybe you should have a conversation with Neptune and ask why it does these things. I mean, how bad could it be, right?
You don’t have to, and sorry if talking with him triggers something. I just want to help you in any way I can, which can be difficult when only throwing letters at you. Who would have thought?
Anyways. I will tie this letter to the telescope, and it should arrive soon. Please enjoy it and have a little fun, ok?
Yours Truly,
Diamond
***
Telescope (tell-eh-scope)
Noun
An optical tool used to see things that are far away in more detail. Using mirrors and lenses to zoom in on objects that would otherwise be impossible to see.
“Diamond gave Crystal their telescope”
***
Give me the telescope, Crystal.
No. Never. Why do you always take everything from me?
Because you are not allowed.
That’s not the reason. There has to be a reason.
Enough of this, Crystal. Give me the telescope. That is an order.
No! Have you ever considered the effect you have on me? You always put me down; you always assert control over someone who never attempts to challenge you. Why Neptune? Tell me.
Because.
…
You are mine.
I was never yours.
I created you.
We created each other. Sol created all of us.
Why would you say that?
Because Diamond kno-
…
Oh.
…
I see.
Neptune, please.
I knew it. This is why I don’t trust you, Crystal. You never listen.
Stop it! I’ve had enough of this!
Not until you learn.
Don’t take me back to the darkness, please! I’m sorry.
SHUT UP!
…
…until you learn, the darkness will be your only home.
***
Uranus?
Yes, my child?
Why hasn’t Crystal responded?
I don’t know. And I don’t think it is our place to know.
But I hurt. I miss them.
What can I do to help, Diamond?
Nothing, I guess.
Diamond?
…
We cannot take to heart the decisions of others. Crystal has made their decision as we will make ours.
But what about Neptune? Crystal is always under its control and can’t do what we can. Why does Neptune do this?
That is not my place to know.
You must! Crystal hurts and I can’t do anything about it! You must know, otherwise this universe is…this universe is nothing but a curse to all of existence.
One aspect of this universe does not reveal the character of the greater universe, Diamond.
…I’m sorry.
I forgive you, love.
…
Until you learn to accept these things, pain is all you will feel.
***
Pain (pay-hn)
Noun
Physical and mental suffering inflicted on the individual from outside forces
“Neptune lashes out and gives me pain”
***
Dear Uranus,
I cannot do this anymore. I must see Crystal.
I understand that you will be angry with me, but this is something I need to do. I can’t imagine a universe without you, but I can’t imagine a universe without Crystal either. They need me right now more than ever.
I sent a letter telling them to meet me slightly out of Neptune’s orbit, hopefully they can make it. It’ll be hard to make it far before Neptune notices but with enough speed we should make it to the point before it wakes up. I’ve made a paper airplane ten times the size of me that I will use to travel. With your help, you can boost me to Neptune.
I remember when I was little, you told me the story of the two ancient spirits. They were separated a galaxy apart but couldn’t bear to live without each other. They soon drifted towards the center of the galaxy and met each other at the center of the black hole. Despite the odds against them, their feelings for each other were so strong that they became the galaxy of which Sol was born to.
I think after all these years, I finally understand what those two spirits were feeling. This unrelentless feeling of something so strong that not even space can stop me from finding Crystal.
I guess this is what love is after all.
I may never see you again, in which case, I want to say thank you for everything you have done for me these past billion years. You were my friend of a lifetime, and I will never forget you.
It is ok to feel sad. Just know that if you see a new blue twinkle in the night sky, that’s me and Crystal sharing our love.
Love,
Diamond
***
Diamond-Crystal
Noun
The 9th and most recently discovered planet in the solar system. A blueish-white ice giant the size of Uranus and Neptune, astronomers have no clue as to how this planet had gone undiscovered for so long. Many theorize the planet only recently came into existence.
Diamond and Crystal fell in love and became Diamond-Crystal.
***
Neptune?
Yes, Uranus?
Look how happy they are.
Yeah. Just like we were long ago.
It was a mistake to keep them isolated for so long; I hope you agree.
…it just gets so lonely here.
I understand your pain. But in that pain, you did more harm to Crystal and yourself than good.
Yes.
I still remember when we were still whisps. We performed the celestial ballet in the ever-reaching darkness around Sol. We were so young.
…
I’ll leave you be. Take care, old friend.
Purple Finch Press 