Holly stepped barefoot onto the cool sand. Ahead, a thin line of glowing blue dots marched toward the whispering pines. She followed.
The fireflies paused and pulsed like tiny lanterns. Holly followed, then followed again. They waited for her.
Holly pulled her robe tighter and crept along the trail. Her toes touched smooth shells and rough bark. The fireflies blinked on and off.
The fireflies parted like a curtain. Holly gasped — a secret lagoon glowed silver and blue. In the shallow water, a small starfish waved five tiny arms shyly.
Holly reached down and the starfish tapped her finger with a cool, rough arm. She held her breath, let it out, and stretched her arm all the way into the glowing water.
The starfish danced in circles and the whole lagoon lit up like a night sky fallen to earth.
Holly sat on the warm sand beside the lagoon. Fireflies settled on her shoulders and knees like glitter.
She was watching the water ripple and laugh. The starfish gave her a slow, proud wave.