[Note found attached to whiskey bottle, delivered to Mae's quarters]

  Mae,

  You said you needed a drink. Found this bottle in the back of storage - real Earth whiskey, not the synthetic stuff from the dispensary. Thought you could use it.

  I've been meaning to say something for a while now. You probably already know, but I'm not great with words, so I wrote this:

  Your eyes like emeralds, green and bright,

  Guide me through the station's endless night.

  Red hair cascading, flowing free,

  You're the only star I want to see.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Among the void, so dark and cold,

  Your beauty makes me brave and bold.

  If you would have me, I'd be true,

  Mae, I think I'm falling hard for you.

  I know timing's weird. And we're out here in the middle of nowhere. But I had to tell you.

  Yours,

  Patel

  [Handwritten note in pencil at bottom of letter, Mae's writing:]

  Oh god. Poor Patel.

  Yeah, no. Not happening. He's sweet, and I appreciate the whiskey, but... no. He's like a brother. That's it. That's all it's ever going to be.

  Also this poem is physically painful to read. "Your eyes like emeralds"? Christ.

  I need to let him down gently. After I drink this whiskey.

  Maybe during.