Sunfire!

"Sunfire!" by Edmond Hamilton is a science fiction story that explores a space explorer's journey of confronting the unknown and redefining his understanding of the cosmos after a harrowing mission. Hugh Kellard, haunted by a past tragedy on the planet Sunside, seeks solace in retirement, but is drawn back into his old life as a space explorer when he must confront the haunting memories of his mission. He recalls his experiences with the Survey representative Halfrich, detailing his encounters with a sentient energy form, the "children of the stars," which challenged his perception of life. The story culminates with a return to Sunside, where Kellard and his team face these entities, leading to profound insights about the limits of human comprehension and the boundless possibilities of the universe, ultimately embracing the future with a sense of hope and acceptance.