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Luna was still shaken up.
Earth wanted to- had attempted to kill himself.
The mere thought was unthinkable.
Earth. His precious brother. Who was so passionate and stubborn and charming and funny. Who used to always braid Luna’s hair, and played tag with him for hours. Who meant so much to the little moon, had thought that everyone would be better off without him.
That they didn’t want him there.
It made Luna’s heart ache. Just as much as seeing those dark circles under his usually lively eyes. When was the last time he’d slept?
Earth sat in his pyjamas. He had been wearing them for days. Anything else was too much effort. It was lazy and disgusting. He was disgusting.
He looked over to his moon. Who had pulled out a book. A kids fairytale?
It wasn’t unusual for the satellite to read, quite the contrary. But still, it was usually something more sophisticated. Mature. Not stories about a perfect fantasy world that Earth so dearly wished he could live in.
“Lay down.” the moon commanded. It was laced with love.
“What?” the planet questioned, but still did as told. He didn’t want to be a further annoyance.
“Close your eyes. I’m going to read you a story.”
“You don’t need to do that. I’m not a kid.” Earth didn’t want attention. He didn’t need Moon looking at him so tenderly. Didn’t deserve his affection. Something that just made Luna’s heart ache all the more.
“But I want to. I want to share this moment with you, Earth.”
The blue planet felt uneasy. “But why me? I’ve been so awful to you. Go be nice to some other planet.”
“You know why. And besides we already made up. I accepted your apology.” Luna is a bit more stern now. Those thoughts are a parasite, leeching off Earth’s mind. They’re a wall between the two. A rain cloud, threatening to grow every time they’re thought.
“But-“
“No buts. If not for you. Then me. I want to read this story. And I want you to sleep. All for my own comfort. It’s the least you can do.”
Earth sighs in defeat. He doesn’t have the energy to fight back. Instead he sinks into Moon’s lap. He listens to a warm and comforting voice, that reads out loud the children’s fairytale of Hansel and Gretel, all the while drifting off into sleep.
“And they lived happily ever after. Earth?”
The figure in his lap stayed unmoving, all except for the gentle rise and fall of his chest. Which was all Luna had needed to see.
One day, they’ll get their happily ever after too.