Under the Stars

                I lay in an open field staring up at the beautiful night sky. It's been six years without him, but I still have to do this every night. I imagine all the conversations we could have had today, and what we would be saying now. I sit up and grab a firefly from arm's length away and carefully place it in the jar with the others. I have caught a dozen now, and they all glow brightly.

                "Look, I caught all of these for you." I say, looking up at the brightest star. "It's the most I've caught all summer."

                I stare at the jar for a moment, watching the bugs fly around aimlessly.

                "Kenadee! Time to come inside!" My mom yells from the porch.

                I saunter up the hill, wanting to stay outside as long as possible. Before climbing the stairs of the porch I turn and release the fireflies.

"Goodnight, daddy. I love you."