He's starting to reach the black hole's massive debris field.
"There's not enough time. I can feel them pushing, tearing..." He breaks off into a wince and then opens his eyes again. "A few years ago, I had a tough call to make, so I asked myself: do I put myself first? Maybe live a few more days that don't matter, and let the universe down? Or do I step up?"
He breathes in a shaky breath.
"Novas always gotta step up, Sam."
His eyes are glassy now.
"Novas don't get to quit, but we're also a Corps for a reason. Our universe - and the Legion - needs Nova...and they'll still have one. You're just a munchkin so you have some room to grow, sure, but you're already ten times the hero I was around your age, and I'm so proud of you for it. When you find him again, your dad's gonna be real proud of you, too. You earned that bucket -- long before you met me."
He gives him a sad smile.
"You're gonna shake the stars, Sam. Even though it hurts knowing I won't get to see it, I'm still glad I got this extra time, since it meant I got to meet you."
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"There's not enough time. I can feel them pushing, tearing..." He breaks off into a wince and then opens his eyes again. "A few years ago, I had a tough call to make, so I asked myself: do I put myself first? Maybe live a few more days that don't matter, and let the universe down? Or do I step up?"
He breathes in a shaky breath.
"Novas always gotta step up, Sam."
His eyes are glassy now.
"Novas don't get to quit, but we're also a Corps for a reason. Our universe - and the Legion - needs Nova...and they'll still have one. You're just a munchkin so you have some room to grow, sure, but you're already ten times the hero I was around your age, and I'm so proud of you for it. When you find him again, your dad's gonna be real proud of you, too. You earned that bucket -- long before you met me."
He gives him a sad smile.
"You're gonna shake the stars, Sam. Even though it hurts knowing I won't get to see it, I'm still glad I got this extra time, since it meant I got to meet you."