The stars shone tranquilly in the inky sky, deceptive of the terrors that had reigned among them not long ago. None of the moons of Bajor peeked above the horizon, leaving the deserted meadow in almost total darkness.

Alone in the cool night stood a solitary figure gazing silently up at the heavens, the starlight glinting off the tears in her eyes.

She let out a shaky breath and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand as the stars began to blur above her. She searched the skies, trying to find the one twinkling point which housed the most important person in her life, knowing she would not see it, just as she’d never see him again.

"It’s his home," she said to the darkness, "It’s where he belongs. With them. And I belong here."

The words brought no comfort, did nothing to make the burden easier.

Her only consolation was that they had had some time together, It was not nearly enough, an eternity would have not been enough, but it was all the Prophets have granted. Not everyone had a happy ending.

But it was, she reminded herself, not long ago you were sure he was going to die. Now he’s alive and finally with his people. You should be happy for him!

And yet she couldn’t be, no matter how many times she repeated it to herself. This wallowing in self-pity was impractical, it did no good.

If only they had been given more time! There were so many things she wanted to say to him. Sometimes she caught herself anticipating seeing him at the end of her shift, telling him about her day. She couldn’t, now that he was so impossibly far away.

"I love you Odo," she whispered into the night, tears choking her voice.

And from somewhere within those silent depths, she almost thought she heard him answer.