you try and listen to the littles conversation

You tried to act casual, leaning back in your seat as if you weren’t straining to catch every word of the little’s conversation. Her voice was high-pitched and animated, her excitement palpable as she chatted with the man who must have been her Daddy.

“Ugh, I hated being on Earth again,” Bobby said, swinging her legs as she spoke. “Having to act like an adult for two whole weeks was so yucky. I kept forgetting to talk all grown-up, and people kept looking at me weird!” She giggled, the sound bright and unselfconscious. “But now we’re back, and I don’t have to pretend anymore! And I get to see my daycare friends again! Do you think Miss Sara will let us have extra snack time? Pleeeease, Daddy? I promise I’ll be extra good!”

Her Daddy chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. “We’ll see, little one.”

Bobby pouted but didn’t argue, instead bouncing in her seat again. “Okay, okay! But I missed them so much! And I missed my crib! And my binky! And... ”

You couldn’t help but smile, your heart racing. This was the life you’d dreamed of, a place where people like Bobby could exist openly, without judgment.

The shuttle lurched slightly as it began its final descent. The intercom announced that landing would commence in ten minutes. Around you, the other passengers started gathering their belongings, the hum of conversation growing louder.

Bobby’s Daddy helped her to her feet, adjusting the pacifier around her neck. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you to daycare. I know you’re excited.”

Bobby clapped her hands. “Yay! Bye-bye, shuttle! Bye-bye, everybody!” She waved enthusiastically at no one in particular, her eyes sparkling.

You watched them go, a knot forming in your stomach. The colony was so close now.