The Christmas star was gone. Banks stood on the porch and looked up at the dark sky. "We have to find it!" said Archie.
Crunch crunch crunch went Banks' paws through the frozen forest. Archie hopped over a frost-covered log. A branch snapped, sending snow puffing onto Banks' nose.
An ice bridge arched over a dark creek. Banks stepped onto it — the ice creaked. He slipped, arms windmilling. Archie grabbed his paw and pulled him safe.
"Together," said Archie. Banks nodded and kept going. They pushed through the last trees and entered the clearing.
High in the tallest pine, they spotted the star — dim and trembling in frosty branches. Banks began to climb.
Branches scraped his belly as he climbed higher. The star grew larger — close enough to touch, but still just out of reach.
The fox companion held the trunk steady. Banks stretched — his paw barely brushed the cold light — and then both pulled gently. Pop! The star came free.
The star rose into the sky like a silver butterfly. It blazed brighter and brighter, painting the snow in gold.
Below, the village exploded with color. Bell-chimes rang out, and windows blazed with warmth.
Banks and Archie sat on the snowy bank. Their shoulders bumped. The magic rained down all around them.
