Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

thanked the Maker this bloody war was over. The prisoners had been sent on shuttles to what was left of the ImperialFleet—the Rebel Star Cruisers were dealing with all that. Up there, somewhere.The Death Star had burned itself out. Han, Leia, and Chewbacca stood off a short way from the revelers. Theystayed close to each other, not talking; periodically glancing at the path that led intothe village. Half waiting, half trying not to wait; unable to do anything else. Until, at last, their patience was rewarded: Luke and Lando, exhausted, into thelight. The friends rushed to greet them. They all embraced, cheered, jumped about,fell over, and finally just huddled, still wordless, content with the comfort of eachother's touch. In a while, the two droids sidled over as well, to stand beside their dearestcomrades. The fuzzy Ewoks continued in wild jubilation, far into the night, while this smallcompany of gallant adventurers watched on from the sidelines.