Writer's Notebook

Salona Martez savoured every single step as she moved slowly down the aisle, the thunderous applause ringing all around here. This was the pinnacle to which she had aspired, and tonight she had made it. An Oscar. The Oscar. Best Actress.

Just hours later the shy, pitiful girl that she was, lay in her pool of tears. Men had once again thrown themselves at her feet. Her money would buy her whatever she wished. One word and the world sat up. Yet looking up into the stars she knew, it would all come to an end. Perhaps it had already come to an end. All those bright stars out in the universe. Some of them had ceased to exist. And those that were shining brightest, were already in decline.

And beneath her in the streets a lone paper boy called out to passers-by:

Transient Power big winner at the Oscars!
Best Actress!
Best Director!
Best Film!

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