Charting the Stars (Lei)

[Lei Kahiki]

Tripod stuck into the earth, cold air clung to the mounted camera. Lei clipped on the night lense, removed the cover, and was greeted by a beep when the camera turned on. Adjusting the ball head, he focused the lens across the water. The view was primarily skyward, with strips of light - from the cloudy moon as well as late-night houses - rippling across the water. Lei secured the shot, flipping on the timer and stepping back. Folding his arms over his chest for warmth, he stared up at the speckled sky. There was just something about this.. silence. The cold was invigorating, so long as he got home shortly after. Seeing the stars up there... There was just something about knowing each one was a sun. Maybe a planet. Who knew which ones held life, and which ones had actually died out eons ago? A quiet click told him he'd gotten the photo. Lei checked it, adjusted the camera, and let it take a few more timed shots.

[Lei Kahiki]

Leaving it set up for the time being, Lei revelled in the knowing he could take as long as he wanted out here. It was only a few weeks ago that he'd have had to lock himself in the spare bedroom or sneak out through a friend's mirror if he intended to have even a few moments of peace. This wouldn't have even been remotely possible: being able to head out to the lake on a whim for some decent shots. He would've had to... Lei stopped himself. He didn't come out here to think about what was. He was more-or-less free now, enjoying singledom. Cold singledom, anyway. Deciding he'd had enough of the winter air, Lei took a final few photos before packing up his stuff. Slinging his camera bag over his shoulder, he glanced around. Making sure the coast was clear he brought up a replica mirror. He stepped through, heading home.