Luna hopped through the tall grass under a blanket of stars. A soft *ping* — a tiny golden light at her paws, too small to move. She curled around it gently, and its warm glow painted her fur gold.
The little star wobbled in her paws and let out a tiny sigh of light. Heavier than she expected. She decided to keep trying, hopping toward the tallest tree with the star cradled close.
She placed the star on the lowest branch and jumped — swiping at it. But the star simply dropped back down with a faint *bzzzt*.
She tried standing on her hind legs, holding it up and nudging upward with her nose. The star slid off and landed in a bed of colorful blue flowers.
Luna sighed and sat beside the star. It blinked once — twice — then began to pulse, sending a thread of golden light up through the grass.
The golden thread coiled around a tall reed like a tiny vine. She touched the light; it tickled her paw. The star hummed, growing brighter with every blink.
Luna curled up beside the reed as the golden thread climbed higher and higher. The star rose slowly, glowing brighter.
Until at last it slipped free and floated up into the sky — joining the other stars above.
Luna looked up, her golden-rimmed eyes wide. A small smile appeared on her face.
The forest was quiet again. The stars above seemed just a little brighter, as if someone were smiling down.
Luna curled up in the tall grass, her fur still carrying the warmest hint of gold. She closed her eyes and listened to the night.
Above, the new star twinkled once — just once — and then the forest settled into silence.
