With his arm wrapped around her, he finally grasped the meaning of true love. He felt blessed to have these last moments with her, connected and free for the mission. Relaxed in body, his mind began reviewing the procedures of the operation. He couldn’t believe he would be launching into space for the first time in less than eighteen hours. A surprising calmness settled over his body. He attributed the tranquility to Anya lying next to him, and releasing his true feelings, confessing them to her. She was now a part of him, in his heart, comforting him throughout the dangerous journey ahead.
One portion of the mission had never specifically been discussed—the ending. What would he and Viktor do once they completed their tasks? He assumed they might have a few days, possibly as much as a week orbiting the moon before consumables, fuel, or power ran out. What would they do during that time? With Anya back in his life, he had hoped to have a number of conversations with her in those last days and hours. The radio wouldn’t be private, but he could maintain their connection.
Peter stroked her hair. “I hope you’re back in Russia when we reach the moon. I would love to be able to talk with you while in orbit, especially when our tasks are done. I’m sure your dad would want the same.”
She gazed up at him. “Don’t worry. I plan on catching a flight tomorrow after launch. I’m sure Dmitri will get me into Mission Control after you two hijack the Soyuz.”
Realizing he only had at most a couple of weeks left to live if all went to plan, Peter quipped, “I can honestly say I’ll love you the rest of my life.”
Anya lifted her head off his chest, slightly laughing. “I can honestly say I’ll love you forever.”
PETER SAT ACROSS FROM THE BED, dressed and ready to leave. The room dimly lit only by the reflection of the bathroom light. He quietly stared at Anya as she slept facing him. Wisps of her hair strayed across her cheek, tangled in her dark lashes. Her lips, plump and gently parted, begged for his kiss even in her sleep. She looked like an angel. Peter wanted the image burned into his memory to reflect back on easily, whenever needed. He held an envelope addressed to his mom that held letters for her and Anya. Anya’s letter was inside so she wouldn’t know about it until his mom opened hers, insuring it wasn’t opened sooner.
Peter was pleased to have gotten five hours of heavy sleep. When he awoke, he drafted the letters on the hotel’s stationery in the bathroom light. He wanted to let both women know his feelings and wishes for each.
Anya slowly opened her eyes and smiled when she saw Peter sitting across from her. He smiled back with affection. “Good morning.”
“How long have you been awake? What time is it?” she said groggily.
“I’ve been awake for about an hour or so. It’s 6:10.”
Anya frowned and grumbled. “Already? Darn it. Why didn’t you wake me?”
Peter sat next to her. Stroking her hair he said, “You looked too pretty and peaceful to wake. I enjoyed sitting and just watching.”
Her frown eased into a smile and she sat up. She caressed his cheek and kissed his lips, pulling gently with her hand as she lay back. Peter resisted the invitation with a groan.
“I wish I could crawl in there right now, but I need to leave. I want you to know last night was wonderful. It was one of the most special nights of my life.”
She grabbed his hand. “It was wonderful. A night I will cherish forever.”
Peter lifted the envelope. “This is a letter for Mom. Please hand-deliver it to her sometime after the mission is over. Maybe at my funeral?”
Anya squeezed Peter’s hand at the word “funeral,” tears welling in her eyes. “I wish you didn’t have to go. I finally find my soul mate, the man I love and adore, the man I wish to spend the rest of my life with, and he goes off and kills himself.”
Pulling her hand up and kissing it, Peter said, “I wish I didn’t have to go either. I would love to grow old and have a family together. But this is bigger than one or two lives. I have a responsibility to my country and my father. Always know I love you with all my heart.”
She launched herself into his arms, clinging to him. He hated to pull away from her, but he did. He stood, handing her the envelope.
Anya started to get out of bed, but Peter stopped her. “You stay in bed. I want my last image of you just as you are, lying in bed. There is no better picture to have in my mind, no better place I would want to be. This last image will help me get through the difficult times ahead.”
“You want your last image of me with messy hair and no makeup on? Khorosho.” She sat up, pulling the sheet up before wiping the tears from her eyes. With a forced smile she said, “Peter Novak, I will always love you!”
He leaned over and gave her one last kiss, before walking toward the door. He opened it, turned, and blew her a final kiss. She pretended to grab it out of the air, putting her hand to her face. Both took one last long look before the door was slowly closed.
ANYA WAS TOO DISTRAUGHT to get out of bed. She clung tightly to Peter’s pillow, breathing in his scent as she thought of their last moments together. She stared at the door hoping the nightmare would end and the love of her life would come crashing back in.
But he wasn’t coming back; he was gone. Her stomach twisted.
She lay in the hotel bed reliving the past month and reveling in how lucky she was to discover her one true love loved her. She would hold on to that the rest of her life. She had to accept his fate, as he did, but she was glad to have had this last night together.
Eventually she walked into the bathroom and saw written in bold letters on the mirror with her red lipstick, “I will love you for eternity!” Hanging off the light above the mirror was her half of the pendent dangling at the bottom of the necklace she’d thrown away in his mother’s garden.
She collapsed to the floor sobbing, without the strength to move.
25
TRADITION
The sun was rising as Peter drummed on his steering wheel. He had the music blaring in the truck as he cruised over the Bennett Causeway on his way to the Cape. He was excited and energized for the big day that lay ahead, knowing he would be orbiting the earth later that afternoon. He was on schedule to arrive in time for his appointment with Dr. Johnson. He also was bubbling with a childlike giddiness after the wonderful night with Anya. He had a tough time containing his emotions while he drove and instead was screaming out the song on the radio while keeping the beat on his steering wheel.
A sudden loud siren blast cut through the loud music and brought him back to reality. Looking into the review mirror he saw a police car with lights flashing, signaling him to pull over. Damn, that’s the last thing I need. Peter lifted his foot off the accelerator with no idea how fast he’d been going. Turning down the music, he found a safe spot and pulled over. He was happy to find the registration in the glove compartment and reached for his wallet.
That’s when panic set in.
“Shit I left it on the base!”
Since all he needed around the base was his SpaceQuest badge, he never carried his wallet with him. He checked his other pockets. Now he had neither. He had no ID! He looked back up at the rearview mirror to see the policeman walking toward the truck. Damn it Peter… what are you going to do? He didn’t have time for this. Allen was already going to be pissed that he didn’t return to the base. He would surely cancel the launch if he missed his preflight medical check.
The policeman cautiously approached the truck before knocking on the window.