Old Like Us: Twilight at Starlight

By: Rod Trent

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Nestled in the quiet heart of the countryside, the Starlight Eldercare Facility is a haven for its residents—a place where time seems to slow and the golden glow of late afternoons invites reflection and reminiscence. For Eleanor, George, Mabel, and Harold, it is more than just a home; it is a sanctuary where lifelong friendships have deepened, and each day offers the gentle rhythm of shared stories, laughter, and camaraderie.

But beneath the surface of tranquility, Starlight is not immune to the realities of aging. Loss is a constant, and each passing shakes the foundations of the community, reminding everyone of the fragility of life. The staff manage these moments with grace and compassion, but for the residents, particularly Eleanor, the specter of death stirs deeper questions. How do you confront loss when it is so close, so personal, and so frequent? For Eleanor, each farewell is a puzzle—one she approaches not only with sadness, but with a certain curiosity and resolve.

The comfort of routine is shattered with the passing of a fellow resident, Mildred—an event that sends ripples of sadness through the facility. Eleanor is troubled by oddities she cannot ignore: the closed casket at Mildred’s memorial, the staff’s vague explanations, and the way shadows seem to linger in Mildred’s old room. Driven by a blend of grief and determination, Eleanor embarks on a subtle investigation, uncovering details that deepen the mystery.

At its heart, Old Like Us: Twilight at Starlight is a novel about confronting mortality, the persistence of hope, and the power of friendship. Eleanor’s quest to unravel the mystery of Mildred’s fate is not just a search for answers; it is an attempt to make sense of the uncertainty and fear that accompany the end of life. Through their journey, Eleanor and her friends learn to navigate the liminal space between life and death, embracing both the sadness of loss and the thrill of possibility.