A thick cloud slid over the moon. All at once, the riverbank went dark.
Momo froze with one paw lifted. "Oh," whispered Momo.
The willow leaves stopped shining. The water turned ink-black. Momo stepped out to find a glimmer of light for everyone waiting at home.
A tiny sparkle winked on a wet stone. Momo padded closer.
Momo leaned close and sniffed the cool muddy smell. Plop. It was only a drop of water.
Then Momo saw them. Three real pinpricks of light blinked near the willow roots.
Momo followed the blinking lights through the willow grove. One small step, then another, then another.
The grass brushed Momo's paws. Somewhere above, an owl called, "hoo-hoo."
Bonk! A firefly bumped right onto Momo's nose like a silly little lantern.
Momo jumped. The firefly lifted off, and more little lights bobbed deeper into the dark.
Momo hurried after the glimmers. Soon the path disappeared under the biggest willow.
Momo stopped and listened to the soft lap-lap of the river. "Just one more step," said Momo.
Momo pushed through the hanging branches.
On the other side, dozens of fireflies rose at once. They swirled over the water like a river of stars.
Momo ran home along the riverbank. The fireflies twinkled all around.
Then the moon slipped free of the clouds. Silver light poured over the willow leaves, and the river flashed bright again.
Momo slowed and looked at the dark places still tucked under the trees.
Momo smiled, took an easy breath, and kept walking beside them as the night glowed softly all around.
