Emma

It's strange how the world around us can change so quickly and how quickly we can adapt. Only five years ago this planet was still ours and now we have to share it with alien beings that wear human faces.

Just four years ago, my pictures contained everyday life, landscapes, friends. Now, mixed in with the forests and the beaches, are Fire Tasters, Seeweeds and sunsets on distant planets, Ice Cities next to Rainbow Fields, Meteor Rains and Living Flowers.

Only four years ago, the world went crazy and life turned upside down.

Three years since I found Burns.

We've come a long way since then.

I look up from my painting. Just a few more strokes and a Dragon will line the wall of the South tunnel. I've hesitated for a long time if I would do this piece or not, but I owe it to Sky. She was a part of our lives as well. She should be remembered. Every other planet Wanderer has told me about is here.

But I've painted enough for today.

My eyes land on Burns who is talking with Holden and Rachel over a cup of hot chocolate and a game of cards.

Who would have thought aliens and humans would ever co-exist?

After Jared and his friends visited here, we were quick to introduce them to the other groups. Since Jared's group had so many people, they even relocated a few of them. With Russell there were only seven, so a few moved there. I heard Lacey was one of them, the Seeker that had made Wanderer's life so hard. I'm happy for it. She didn't like Souls much anyway, so it's better if she stays in an all human group.

We are still searching for others. If there is Burns and Wanderer and Sunny, then I'm sure there will be more. We have to be careful about it. We don't want people to get suspicious.

I'm still hoping that one day we won't have to hide anymore, that maybe one day we can live side by side in peace.

I look around the room at the place that's become my home. It's the most random collection of people and yet we are a family.

I smile when Burns looks up and sets his eyes on me. A warm smile spreads across his face. "Finished your painting?"

"Almost," I say, "but I'm done for the day."

"You want to join the game then?" he asks.

I smile and sit down next to him.

If someone had told me four years ago that I would fall in love with an alien, I would have asked if they were sane. Now, I can't imagine my life without him.

Yes, the world has changed and we have changed with it. We don't know what the future will hold, but as long as we're together, I know we can face it.

No matter what.

"What?" Burns asks when I keep staring at him.

I shake my head. "Could you ever imagine life would take you here? With humans? Us ending up together?"

"No," he smiled, "but I'm glad it did. I wouldn't want it any other way. I love you."

I smile and lean into his embrace. Across the table, Rachel and Holden wear amused smiles. Their hands meet below the table and Rachel blushes, but I ignore them. My eyes meet Burns' and I tighten my arms around him.

My beautiful Burns Living Flowers, who gave up everything for an insignificant human like me.

I let out a content sigh. "I love you too."