microfiction
War. Broadcasts of distress swept the planet, and in time the galaxy as bloodshed that would never be forgotten decimated the people.
Thousands of lightyears away, a lone observer, almost too absorbed in their own worlds to take note of the universe outside overheard the screams of a civilization.
"Greetings. You may not be here to hear this, but I hope you will have learned to love yourselves."
The response came sooner than expected; only a century later.
"We have. Thank you."