Kali

Kali knew where to find Hal. He often spent evenings on Lookout Hill. She sat down next to him. He continued to gaze at the stars.

"Pretty, aren't they?" Kali asked.

"What? Oh, the stars. Yes. Yes they are."

Kali saw Hal deep in thought, but said nothing.

"I don't think I'll be here much longer," Hal said, "The village, I mean."

Kali held back tears. She had prayed this day would never come.

"Come with me, Kali."

Kali's heart pounded in her chest. "Yes! Yes!" it cried, but before it could reach her lips, her head intervened. "I—I can't."