Star Light, Star Bright
by Polly

Email:  Polly122456@yahoo.com
Rating:  G
Feedback:  Welcome and greatly appreciated
Category:  500 Words, Mulder POV, Post-Ep, Pre-XF
Spoilers:  Closure

Disclaimer:  These characters belong to Chris Carter 
and 1013 Productions

Notes:  Written for Haven's 500 Word "Back to the 
Future" Challenge - either a pre-XF or a post-XF 
moment in the life of one of the main characters, but 
must tie-in to the episode 

Thanks:  To Sybil for continuing to come up with 
creative challenges week after week

Summary:  Starlight promises


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"What happens when you die, Fox?"

The sun was setting and soft hues of twilight 
illuminated the sky. The first stars of evening 
twinkled overhead as we lay in the sand, the ocean 
washing away remnants of another summer day on the 
Vineyard.

"Huh?" Little sisters could be such a pain sometimes.

"Amy said her grandma died and they put her in a box 
and mailed her to heaven to be an angel."  Samantha 
flapped her arms and legs to make a sand angel but 
the tide had different ideas.

"Some people believe that," I replied.  "But they 
don't mail you anywhere.  They bury you in the 
ground.  And the worms and bugs crawl in and ... EAT 
YOU!"  A quick tickle and she squealed in disgust and 
delight.

"Ewww!  Gross!" she giggled.  "But then how can you 
be an angel?"

"You don't need your body anymore," I answered.  
"Your soul goes to heaven and becomes an angel. At 
least that's what some people believe.  Grandpa 
doesn't, though.  He says once you're dead, you're 
dead."

"How does it feel to be dead?"

"Beats me.  I guess you don't feel anything."

I enjoyed tormenting my little sister, but she was 
about to cry.  "Some people think after you die you 
come back to life as something else," I added.  "It's 
called reincarnation.  I read a book about it."

"Come back as what?"

I shrugged.  "Whatever you want."

She thought for a moment.  "But what's the right 
answer?  Angels or 'carnations or just dead?"

I laughed.  "There isn't any right answer.  You 
believe whatever you want."

"Then I believe in 'carnation," she smiled proudly.  
"And I know what I'd come back as.  A star!"

I stood up and swiped at wet sand clinging to my 
shorts.  "Why a star?"

"Because then I'd be able to see everything! I'd know 
people's wishes! I could watch over you and Daddy and 
Mommy. And every night you could look up and say 
goodnight to me.  Promise me you will."

I pulled her to her feet and we walked toward our 
bikes. "I promise." No point in arguing.  "But I'll 
die before you do.  So will Mom and Dad.  That's the 
way it works.  Older people die first."

"I don't want you to die, Fox."

"Don't worry.  We'll both be around for a long time."  
I pushed up the kickstand and motioned for her to do 
the same.  "Unless we don't get going.  Mom'll kill 
us if we're not home in five minutes."

She jumped on her bike and sped off, pigtails flying 
behind her.  "Race ya, buttmunch!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I stood outside the hotel staring up at the stars.  
"You always get your way, short stuff.  Goodnight."

A few minutes later Scully slid her hand in mine.  
"You okay?"

"I'm fine.  Just keeping an old promise I made to 
Samantha."

She didn't question, just squeezed my fingers - a 
simple gesture, but one filled with strength and 
love.  Scully knew how much I needed both tonight.

THE END

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