The sky is dark, and because it is dark, I, Stella, will soon cease to exist.

Even though the sun has gone down, no lights line the streets, there are no clouds in the sky, and it’s pitch dark, no stars are visible.

They disappeared a few years ago, leaving us with nothing but the sun and the moon. Or was it us that disappeared? I am not exactly sure. All I know is that they had been there, but now they are not. And because they are not there, I am beginning to fade away.

Yes, to fade away. I am a Sidus Populus, a star person. My existence, my people’s existence, is tied directly to the stars. When they are visible, we are strengthened, our depleted energy renewed, our bodies and minds made young again. A life without stars is like a life without food: no life at all.

I can feel my energy draining, my skin sagging, and I know that soon it will be my turn to go. I can not last any longer without stars.