lone nights

It was late by the time Drae helped Tarrek close up the garage. Hours had slipped by since the twin suns had sunk beneath the horizon, and now the twin moons hung like watchful eyes over the city, bathing the streets in pale silvery-blue light.

Drae moved around the workshop quietly, securing the final locks on the hover bays and checking the energy seals on the storage pods. Tarrek stretched his back, cracking his knuckles loudly before tossing Drae a grateful nod.

"You sure you don't want a lift back, boy?" Tarrek asked, voice rough from the long day.

Drae smiled and shook his head. "Thank you, Uncle, but I need to run a few errands first. I'll be fine."

Tarrek gave him a long look but eventually just grunted and waved him off. "Suit yourself. Stay sharp out there."

Drae the bid both Yven and his father Tarrek a goodnight, before hopping onto his hover bike, the soft hum of its crystal core breaking the silence as he glided off into the night.

He sped through the quiet streets, the neon glow from distant high towers flickering like lazy stars. Soon, he arrived at a small corner shop the kind that still existed for people who preferred a human touch over automated drones.

The bell above the entrance chimed as he pushed the door open.

"Ah! Drae! What are you doing out so late, dear?" The old lady behind the counter turned with a warm, slightly teasing smile.

Drae chuckled, stepping inside and wiping imaginary dust from his sleeves. "Good evening, Ms. Marla. I was just in the area figured I'd stop by instead of sending a drone. Besides, you know I can't trust those delivery bots not to smash my eggs."

Ms. Marla let out a hearty laugh, brushing back her silver hair. "Always the polite one. But really, you boys and your old-fashioned ways! My daughter keeps telling me to shut this place and let the drones do everything."

He shook his head, moving along the aisles. "I don't think anyone would survive without your shop, Ms. Marla. How's the family? The grandkids?"

"Oh, they're fine, growing faster than I can keep up. You know how it is," she replied, leaning on the counter as she watched him pick out a few essentials synthetic rice packs, fresh green vegetables from the bio-farms, a small container of his favorite spicy sauce, and some nutrient cubes for emergency meals.

After paying, Drae waved, "Take care, Ms. Marla! Get some rest tonight!"

"Goodnight, dear! Don't stay up too late gaming!" she called after him, wagging a finger playfully.

The ride back home felt longer than usual, the wind cool against his cheeks, the quiet of the night sinking into his bones.

Once inside, he dropped the bags on the kitchen counter, checking his cellular. A message blinked from his mother, her soft voice note filling the small kitchen.

"Hey honey, I'm working overnight at the clinic again. Don't wait up for me. Eat something warm and get enough sleep, okay? Love you."

He sighed, a tired smile tugging at his lips.

After a quick shower, he made a simple dinner a steaming bowl of vegetable broth with rice and a side of crisp greens. He finished his assignments at the small holo-desk in his room, eyes flickering between screens as his fingers danced over the surface.

When he finally finished, he switched over to a game, the bright projections lighting up the walls. Before long, the exhaustion caught up to him and he slumped back, the console slipping from his hand as sleep took over.

A sudden crash jolted him awake deep into the night. His heart slammed against his ribs as he leapt up, stumbling toward the source of the noise.

In the kitchen, the small metal bowl clattered on the floor beside scattered nutrient cubes. Drae's eyes darted around before they landed on his droid, Zikk, its single eye flickering erratically.

Zikk swayed unsteadily, arms twitching as it tried to pick up a cube but instead knocked over another utensil.

"Zikk!" Drae hissed, rushing over. "What in the moons' name are you doing?"

He quickly flicked the override switch on its neck, and the droid slumped into standby mode with a soft whirr.

With a tired groan, Drae picked up the mess, muttering under his breath. "You're supposed to help, not redecorate my kitchen at 2 a.m."

After shutting off the lights, he collapsed back into bed, wrapping himself in his thin blanket. Sleep returned quickly, heavy and dreamless.

The next morning, he awoke late, the bright light of twin moons already fading into the orange haze of the approaching noon.

Shuffling into the kitchen, he paused, surprised to see his mother humming softly as she chopped vegetables.

"Mama," he called, a warm smile spreading across his face.

She turned, eyes lighting up as he wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. "Good morning ," she laughed, squeezing him back.

"When did you get home?" he asked, pulling back to look at her. As he had to lower his head as he was slightly taller than her.

"Before dawn," she said, shrugging lightly. "It was a quiet night at the clinic, but some last-minute emergency cases kept me up longer than expected."

Drae frowned, crossing his arms. "You should have slept in. You need rest more than we need this breakfast."

She waved a spoon at him, clicking her tongue. "Ah, you sound just like your father. I'm fine, really. We have to keep working your tuition isn't going to pay itself."

Seeing his expression shift, she softened, reaching to cup his cheek. "Don't look so serious. Tell me about your classes instead. How's your research coming?"

He sighed but began plating the food, taking over the cooking gently. "It's fine. Same old endless modules and prototypes. I'll figure it out."

She sat down at the small table, watching him as he set the plates. "Where's Zikk today?" she asked, glancing around.

"Ah… he's, uh, in maintenance. Had a small glitch last night," Drae lied smoothly, sliding her a steaming plate.

She shook her head with a small smile, taking her fork. "Always tinkering, even on your droid. You're just like your father."

After breakfast, Drae stood, stretching. "I've got an afternoon lab session. Need to clean up and head out soon."

She nodded, smiling as he kissed her forehead and headed off to get ready. Moments later, freshly showered and dressed, he waved her goodbye from the door.

Once outside, he mounted his hover bike, dialing Yven's contact.

"Hey, meet me along the main sector road. Let's head to uni together today," Drae said, voice relaxed.

The line clicked, and he revved the engine softly, his mind half on the road, half on all his issues especially his family's money issues.