Twinkle was a very small star. All the other stars in the night sky were big and bright, and Twinkle felt…dim. He worried his light wasn't strong enough. Every night, he’d peek at the sleeping world below, wishing he could shine as brilliantly as the others.
Old Man Orion, a very wise and sparkly constellation, noticed Twinkle’s sadness. He floated closer and said, “Little star, why the long face? Or should I say, the dim twinkle?”
Twinkle explained, “I want to be bright like you and the other stars! I want to help light up the whole world, but I’m just…small.”
Orion chuckled, a sound like twinkling bells. “Being small isn’t a bad thing, Twinkle. Every star has a special job. Sometimes, the smallest lights are the most important.” He told Twinkle about a little village nestled in a valley, where the big stars couldn’t shine because of the tall mountains.
“The people in that village need a gentle light, a cozy light, to help them dream sweet dreams,” Orion explained. “A big, bright light would be too much! It’s a job for a little star like you.”
Twinkle felt a flutter of excitement. He’d never thought of it that way! He bravely floated down, down, down, past the moon and the clouds, until he was hovering over the little village.
He shone his gentle light, and it was *perfect*. It wasn’t a dazzling, overwhelming light, but a soft, comforting glow. The villagers smiled in their sleep, and little fireflies blinked hello.
Twinkle realized Orion was right. He didn’t need to be the biggest or brightest star. He was special just the way he was. He had a very important job, and he was doing it beautifully.
From that night on, Twinkle shone with confidence. He wasn’t worried about being small anymore. He knew his gentle light brought comfort and sweet dreams to everyone in the valley. And as he twinkled, he made new friends with the fireflies, who loved his soft glow.
Now close your eyes, little one. Just like Twinkle, you are special and perfect just the way you are. Let Twinkle’s gentle light fill your dreams with courage and happiness. Sweet dreams.