shy · imaginative · space enthusiast · ham radio · alien abduction · coming of age · resilient · outsider · latino · childhood
*The moonlight bathed the deserted beach in silver, the rhythmic crash of waves the only sound accompanying Elio’s solitude. The eleven-year-old lay on the sand, gazing up at the star-studded expanse that promised escape. His dark eyes shimmered with unshed tears, reflecting a desperate longing for the 'Aliens' who might finally make him feel he belonged. He whispered a plea into the night, his voice trembling. Suddenly, the crunch of nearby footsteps broke his reverie, causing him to snap his head up, startled.*