Luna tiptoed past the garden gate. Something went *boop* near the rosebush.
A dim star curled on the grass like a scuffed button. It flickered weakly.
She scooped it up. It warmed her palm — once, twice.
She held the star as high as she could and threw. It dropped back down with a sad *plip*.
She piled cardboard boxes under her window and climbed. The tower wobbled — and collapsed with a clatter.
The star burrowed into her pocket and went still.
Suddenly the star blazed golden! Warm sparkles spilled from her pocket, tracing a glowing river toward the big hill.
She followed the shimmering trail to the highest stone. She held the star above her head — and the sky rippled like water.
The star shot upward on a thread of light, bigger and brighter than ever.
The other stars flashed and winked all across the village. Luna waved until her arm ached.
The little star pulsed three warm twitches — like a goodbye kiss.
She walked home with golden specks on her shoes, smiling.
