Floating Together, Alone

Floating through space

Majestic, powerful, wonderful

Unable to control the direction, not from malfunction but oblivious apathy

Smile on my face as I watch life pass by, the clock winding down each star I pass without exploration

Friends, family, son, daughter, wife waving for me to join them

Be with them.

But aren’t I with you?

I see you. Am I not floating beside you as we journey towards the end of our time?

You wave again, concern and sadness on your face.

I don’t understand. I’ve been floating alongside you for all these years.

In my bubble.

Powerless by choice.

Is that not what we’re supposed to be doing?

I hear a beep.

For the first time, I hear a beep inside my vacuum

A control panel

Has it been there the whole time?

I cautiously reach forward, my body jolts and shudders

I have control?

You smile. For the first time, a real smile.

See you soon, I promise. I just need to teach myself to move again.