Tiny stared at the headline of the Treetops Tribune. Her eyes popped out as she read. ‘Comet Neowise: For a few days only. Coming to a sky near you!’ She yelled a loud “yippee!” and ran a lap of the kitchen table. Everyone had been talking about it. She was finally going to see her first comet—right here in Treetops!
Tiny checked the clock—there were just a few hours before nightfall. She packed two fairy cakes into her backpack, grabbed a dishcloth for a blanket, and headed to Stargazer Field for a ringside seat.
She waited, enjoying the chirping of the crickets, and the scent of wild baby’s breath. Mother-the-Sun’s goodnight dance seemed to be taking forever, but Tiny tried not to show her impatience. Mother-the-Sun worked so hard, she deserved a little drama at the end of her day. When the sun waved her final farewell, Tiny jumped to her feet, and stared into the darkening sky.
One by one, the stars began to twinkle, growing larger and brighter as dusk folded into night. She followed the newspaper’s instructions exactly; to find the Big Dipper rollercoaster, and wait for the thrill. She peered into the twilight—there was nothing. She squinted at the stratosphere—just an empty void. She felt the weight of darkness pressing on her spirit.
Tiny let out a heavy sigh. She longed to say, “hello, well done, keep going!” She ached to ask it stories of shooting stars and supernovas. She wondered if it was lonely, or afraid, or needed a friend.
As she turned to leave, something flickered in the corner of her eye. She spotted a soft burst of light, barely kissing the horizon. It was the comet! It streaked through the air like a whisper of hope. Tiny’s heart bubbled with joy. She felt as though there was nothing between her and the sky. She blew it a kiss, wished it well on its celestial journey, and headed home for bed.