Astra slipped from the sparkling sky and landed—plop!—in a moonlit meadow. Silver grass brushed her toes, and dew made her laugh.
A blue bird swooped down beside her. “Hello!” it chirped, circling once above the flowers.
Astra followed the blue bird between glowing flowers. She patted a warm stone and listened as the meadow hummed.
Astra tried to sparkle like a star. Pop! A tiny flash burst out, and the blue bird’s feathers stood straight up.
Astra tried again beside the stream. Blink! Only a pinprick of light appeared while cool water splashed over her shoes.
The blue bird chirped, “Try once more!” Astra climbed the hill and called, “Shine!” A tiny blink answered.
Night deepened. The stars rose high above the meadow, calling Astra home with a shining trail.
Astra reached toward the stars, then hugged her knees beside the blue bird. Frost glittered over the grass.
Astra lifted one hand. Gold spilled from her palm, flowing across the meadow and climbing the mountain.
The blue bird flapped in circles. Above, the stars answered with a bright path home—and left a guiding light below.
