Star Light, Star Bright

For those curious about what happens to those falling stars you wish upon

At midnight, a star toppled from the sky. Like a falling angel, blazing brilliant in a sea of enchanting blue. Helpless, the star could only wonder why it was banished from the heavens. As gravity pulled it further, the star wept, never to return home.

As fear started to take over, the descent slowed. Bit by bit its drop slowed until it finally stopped.

Something soft, yet sturdy held the star aloft as it stared. A vast whale stared back. Compared to the whale the star was so tiny its rescuer could eat it without noticing. Despite this the star was not afraid of the whale. It broke the fall.

“Hello little bird,” the whale greeted, “What made you fall from the sky?”

The star cried, “I’m not a bird! I’m a star! I don’t know why I fell.”

The whale pondered the statement, “A falling star that doesn’t know why it fell.”

“Might you know the answer to this riddle?” the star asked.

“Maybe you’re a wishing star.”

“A wishing star?”

“Yes. You fell so that someone could have their wish granted.” The whale confirmed.

“But that’s not fair!” the star exclaimed, “Why should my happiness be sacrificed for another’s?”

“That’s not the way to see things.” The whale said.

“Why not? I can never go home! I’m doomed to remain away from everything I knew.”

“Every loss brings an opportunity.” The whale said.

“What do you know, you’re a whale!” the star complained.

“I may be a whale, but I see things from another perspective.”

With that, the whale dove underwater. Frightened, the star held on as it sank.

The further they went, the more a new world unveiled itself. Silver fish, scuttling crabs, and flowing kelp waved past the whale. The star could only gape as the seafloor transformed into a coral reef hugging a sandbar. The ancient ruins of shipwrecks greeted the whale, showing off their worn craftsmanship. Mighty sharks guarded these remains, sending curious looks at the glowing visitor.

The star watched in awe as the world changed to vast, open ocean beyond the reef. The surroundings darkened until it was blacker than the sky.

“This place is deprived of light,” the whale explained, “The stars are out of reach. We here never enjoyed the brilliance of starlight. You being here gives light to this world. Maybe you could stay a while and share your light.”

The star thought for a moment. This place was not home, but it looked a lot like it. The star drifted into the open sea to shine a little brighter.

“I think I could get used to this,” the star said, “Maybe I will stay … for a little while.”

“It would please me greatly.” The whale said.

And so the star remained, glistening softly. Fish would visit the star and praise it for its light. Throughout the years, the star yearned for home. However, it found happiness and fulfillment. And in that happiness, it found a new home.