The Goodnight Star
The unicorn bench, a wish whispered out loud, and a little star that remembers how to shine.
The unicorn bench, a wish said out loud, and a little star that remembers how to shine.
The unicorn bench stood beneath the pink lantern tree.
It was the prettiest bench in all of Takatuka Land.
Its seat was purple with golden stars. Its sides were shaped like two peaceful unicorns. And its back was painted with tiny moons.
Under the tree, the lanterns glowed warm and golden.
A real unicorn rested beside the bench with her eyes half closed.
Her mane was rainbow-colored, and her horn shone like moonlight on snow.
Tako bowed politely.
Tako
Good evening, Madam Moonmane.
The unicorn opened one eye.
Madam Moonmane
Good evening, Tako. Good evening, little dream traveler.
The little girl waved.
Madam Moonmane
We need a sleepy wish to help the Goodnight Star.
The unicorn nodded.
Madam Moonmane
I know. The star has been waiting for you.
The little girl looked up.
The Goodnight Star was still blinking.
Blink.
Blink.
Blink.
It looked very small.
The unicorn gently touched the bench with her horn.
The stars painted on the bench began to glow.
Madam Moonmane
Sit here, and think of something kind.
The little girl climbed onto the unicorn bench.
Tako climbed up beside her, though it took him three tries because his fuzzy feet kept sliding.
The little girl closed her eyes.
She thought about her warm blanket at home.
She thought about the voice that said, “See you in Takatuka Land.”
She thought about the rainbow bridge, the lemonade stand, Giggle Grove, Marshmallow Falls, and Tako, who was already leaning against her shoulder, looking very sleepy.
Then she whispered her wish.
The little dream traveller
I wish every dream feels safe. I wish every little star remembers how to shine. And I wish I can come back to Takatuka Land again.
The unicorn smiled.
From the little girl’s heart rose a tiny glowing wish.
It was silver and gold.
It floated like a feather.
Tako opened his backpack.
Inside were the three little bottles:
the giggle, the marshmallow, and now the sleepy wish.
The bottles lifted into the air and spun around each other.
The golden giggle laughed softly.
The marshmallow puff glowed warmly.
The sleepy wish shimmered like moonlight.
Together, they flew up, up, up into the sky.
All of Takatuka Land watched.
The flowers stopped giggling for just one moment.
The marshmallow ducks looked up.
The candy clouds held still.
The rainbow bridge hummed its quiet rainbow song.
The three gentle things reached the Goodnight Star.
For one second, nothing happened.
Then…
Not too bright.
Not too sharp.
But warm.
Cozy.
Kind.
The kind of light that says:
You are safe.
You are loved.
You can sleep now.
Across Takatuka Land, every little window began to glow.
The castle tucked itself into the hill.
The candy clouds curled up like pillows.
The marshmallow ducks tucked their beaks under their wings.
The flowers whispered:
Goodnight. Goodnight. Goodnight.
Tako yawned so big that his whole fuzzy body wobbled.
Tako
That was a very good adventure.
The little girl smiled.
Tako
Yes.
Madam Moonmane lowered her head.
Madam Moonmane
The Goodnight Star shines again because you brought it gentle things. A giggle, softness, and a kind wish.
Tako nodded sleepily.
Tako
Those are the strongest things in Takatuka Land.
The little girl looked across the dream world one more time.
She saw the rainbow bridge glowing softly.
She saw the lemonade stand with its little lamps.
She saw the unicorn bench beneath the pink tree.
And she knew she would come back.
The silver bell rang again.
The little girl felt her pillow-cloud return.
The golden path faded.
The river became quiet.
The stars became smaller.
And soon, she was back in her bed, tucked under her blanket.
But in her hand, she felt something tiny.
A little warm sparkle.
Maybe it was only a dream.
Or maybe…
Tako had given her one last bubble of lemonade light.
From very far away, she heard his sleepy voice:
Tako, far away
See you in Takatuka Land… after the rainbow bridge.
The little girl smiled.
And the Goodnight Star shone softly above her dreams.
Goodnight, little traveler.
Goodnight, Takatuka Land.
Goodnight.