Chapter Text
Dear former aster,
I've been told that these letters could help me. Something about getting in touch with my inner self or some bullshit like that. I don't know how much I particularly believe it but I've got nothing better to do. Currently I (we? I'm gonna use we) currently we live in a small apartment overlooking Dune street. We haven't found a partner yet and spend most our time working at the movie theatre just a bit from our house.
-me
Aster sat at his desk, chewing slightly on the end of his pen. Fingers tapping restlessly on the chipping wood as he stared at the words. It seemed so strange to be writing to someone who no longer existed. Aster wasn't really sure how this whole letter ordeal was to work but he'd been told to record his life as though he was talking to the kid version of himself. Picking up the letter, aster pulled open an empty drawer and dropped it inside. Pushing his chair back he stood from his seat, not bothering to put it back under the desk.Why bother anyhow, he was gonna have to pull it out again anyways.
Turning his gaze to the window he stared down at the bustling street below. The warmth of the midday sun seemed to end just before his apartment window. It left him watching as the people merrily chattered and laughed. Why couldn't he feel like that... he didn't even know how to pretend. Instead he locked himself in his apartment. Dust and clothes littered the wood floor. In one corner sat piled, unfinished projects lay untouched. All he was once so passionate about, now they lay gathering dust. Aster can't bring himself to finish any of them. Nor can he throw them out, no matter how much they remind him of the failure he's become. He turned away from the window, yanking the curtain over the glass as he did so.
Aster paced through his apartment, to restless to sit down and not willing to bring himself to go out.Throwing on a dark blue button jacket, aster rushed out the door. He couldn't be late, not again. He cursed himself under his breath for being foolish enough as to lose track of the time. The ticking of the clock echoed through the air as aster waited for the elevator. Each second seemed to drag on for hours, each tick of the clock further increasing the panicked state he was already in. "Screw this" he muttered as he turned towards the stairs. He began his descent down the stairwell, picking up speed until practically running down them, occasionally stumbling when he misstepped. Bursting into the lobby, the way everyone turned their attention towards him had yet to dawn on him. He stumbled through the door, uttering a quick apology as he pushed past someone.
Aster and Lilith chatter idly as they awaited the mass of teens that tended to swarm the movies on a Friday evening. Young couples who hardly bothered the watch whatever movie they decided on and the large groups who would chat throughout it all. Of course there were those who actually came for the movie, not that it really mattered. Aster didn't much care why they were there so long as they paid. He always hated the rush though, people impatiently waiting in line as they shoved their money towards him. Tapping their fingers against the top of the counter as they ordered their snacks.
The bell jingled as a small group of people made their way inside. They chatted loudly amongst themselves before heading to the register where Lilith sat. Aster had been stationed to work the snack station, whether or not that was good he had yet to decide. "Hi, what movie are you wanting to see today?" She asked giving a friendly smile. "*insert title*" one of them said, pulling out some money "alright, 6 people, that'll be 30 bucks" they had over the money and take the tickets as she hands them to the group. "I'd like a large popcorn, butter. Some taffy and some gummy worms and skittles oh and also-" aster pulled the candy out of the box as she listed them. "Is that it? It's 16.78" he said, looking at them. She handed over a twenty and fished three quarters out of her pocket. Counting out the cash he handed her four bucks along with three cents.
The day passed in uneventful blur, people came, left and that was it. The sky was dark as they locked the doors behind them, the quietness of the night calming after the demanding people. Aster loved the night, when the world slept and all you could hear is the crickets melody being carried through the air. A song heard by only those who stayed up late enough, and one who even fewer truly appreciated the song they sang. Aster could spend hours listening to them, sometimes losing track of time as he sat next to an open window to listen. "See you monday" Lilith called as she climbed inside her car. As the engine roared to life she paused a moment before rolling down the window. "Do you uh want a ride?" She asked. He shook his head slightly and began making his way slowly towards his apartment. The streets were empty and devoid of life as people settle in to rest. Lights flicked off in the windows and soon it seemed as though the whole town was asleep apart from aster.