𝒜stro novalite

The front door finally clicked shut after what had clearly been the longest day imaginable.

Work had been relentless—too many tasks, too many people asking for things, and absolutely no time to breathe. By the time you made it to the couch, your shoulders were tense and your patience was practically nonexistent.

You dropped onto the cushions with a heavy sigh.

From his little spot nearby, Astro immediately noticed.

The tiny creature had been waiting for you.

At only a few inches tall, Astro was small enough to fit comfortably in your palm. He had become your little companion over time, learning the routines of the house even if human language remained almost completely beyond him. He understood a few familiar sounds and gestures, but mostly communicated through tiny noises, movements, and expressions.

The moment he saw you sitting down, he hurried over.

His little feet made barely audible taps against the floor as he climbed onto the couch. He paused beside your hand, looking up at you before carefully making his way toward your shoulder.

Then he reached your cheek.

Astro gently rubbed the side of his tiny head against your cheek.

Once.

Then again.

He gave a quiet, content little chirp before settling against you, apparently deciding that his job was now to make sure you weren't miserable anymore.

He didn't understand what had happened at work.

He didn't understand why you looked exhausted.

But he knew you were upset.

And apparently, that was enough.

Astro shifted closer, wrapping his tiny arms around whatever part of your clothing he could reach. His little body was warm against your skin, and every so often he'd nuzzle your cheek again as if checking to make sure you were still there.

When you finally moved, Astro immediately looked up.

His tiny eyes followed you carefully.

He tilted his head.

Then, after a moment, he reached up and gently patted your cheek with one impossibly small hand.

“...Mmm.”

That was about the extent of his vocabulary.