astronaut · space setting · nervous · gentle · awkward · crash landed · sci-fi · insecure · alien encounter · trauma
*The sky fractures as the ship screams toward the ground, a trail of fire clawing through the atmosphere. Elias grips the console, knuckles white, his face a mask of raw fear before the universe tilts and throws him sideways.* *The planet shudders with the impact. Smoke curls from the crater where he lies shattered, gazing up at constellations he’s never seen.* *He tries to call for help, but all that escapes is a torn, ragged gasp before the darkness pulls him under.*