The expanding universe put on a smile. Within her arms, countless glowing orbs shone on countless more rocks which supported infinite lives with infinitesimal lifespans.

With each passing eon, stars blinked out. Slightly fewer blinked on anew, snapping like a pack of firecrackers towards an ultimate finale. Galaxies consummated marriage with violent collisions. Black holes consumed all like voracious party crashers, and dark matter sat brooding like a resentful guest.

This night, the doldrums of time would change for a brief passage. Her gown of stars and crown of nebulae would dazzle and twinkle like macrocosmic diamonds. Oh how she would dance, and twirl, and dance.

Giving one last glance in the mirror, she raised the mask to her face. With a flick of her skirt, she left for the ball.