“Dad??” I asked. “How did you get into my spaceship?”

“It’s not just me. Mom’s here too. We thought you might need some help as you reach the outer planets. We also thought you might need a brand new spacesuit so you can go wherever you like, and do whatever you want to do, and the fact of the matter is no matter how far it is you go, or how long you will be traveling, we’ll always be with you.”

“And that’s a fact,” Mom said. “Now let’s head outside. There’s something I want to show you. I think you’ll like it. Now, don’t be scared…the world may look pretty different.” I let her take my hand. The world outside was so beautiful, and starry, and…not scary. She released me and I went floating through the stars toward this big, huge, golden, soft planet, with an incredible luminosity, and gravity, and I felt these sparkling, light fingers and hands and arms embrace me and out of the diamond rings came a voice that almost sounded like singing.

It was singing.

Hush little baby don’t say a word

Mama’s going to buy you a mockingbird.

And if that mockingbird won’t sing,

Daddy’s going to buy you a diamond ring.

And I could have sworn that in my dream I saw the two of them, two bright golden, glittering swirls dancing all around me.

I woke up, and they were gone.

And there was Lucky.

“WAKE UP, WAKE UP!” Lucky shouted. “Oh my gosh, I have a joke for you. This is going to be so FUNNY!!!!!” 😀