The brightest star

“There you are! Where have you been all day?” Mary asks as soon as I step inside.

“You went to Uncle Ernest’s again, didn’t you? You little glutton!” she says with a smile placing by bowl, with the premium fillet she bought at the market this morning , in its usual spot. Then, tired, she settles into her armchair and fall asleep watching TV.

For some reason, I don’t feel hungry. It’s like my tummy is closed up. So , instead of eating, I climb onto Mary’ lap and fall asleep, comforted by her warmth.

In the middle of the night a light ,from the window ,wakes me up. I stretch a little and lick my paw to wash my face. Curious, I hop onto the windowsill to admire the night sky. As I slightly move the curtain, I notice a bright star shining right next to the moon. I decide to go outside to get a better look. I’m disappointed and frustrated. The tall fence block my view, and I can’t see the star as clearly as I did from the window. I look around for a better spot when suddenly i stop, there’s only one solution: I have to climb the tree.

A shiver runs down my spine, making my fur stand on end, but my desire to see that star is stronger than my fear. I swallow hard, close my eyes, and start climbing. I dig my claws into the bark, gripping as tightly as I can, and take one step at a time. I open one eye to check if I’ve made it, but I make the mistake of looking down. My body starts shaking. The fear is eating me alive. I reach for a branch, but it snaps and falls to the ground. I don’t know what to do: I’m frozen. Then the moonlight illuminates a

sturdier branch, showing me the way. I push myself harder. I can’t give up now.

Jack wouldn’t give up. Tom wouldn’t give up. And Mia… she never gave up on her dreams. With great effort, still shaking, I finally reach a solid branch; where I can sit and gaze at the magnificent starry sky. The breathtaking sight soothes me and fills me with warmth.

“I wonder if Mia found the brightest star of all.” I say sitting on the branch, letting my tail dangle in the air.

“But I know one thing for sure. I’ve always had the brightest star close to me. And I hope that one day, she’ll come back to tell me about the beauty of the stars.”