Pick Stars

I used to like spending time with my father as a child. He was always kind and nice to me, and he enjoyed showing me the beauties of the world. He took me outdoors to see the sky one night when I was around six years old.

In astonishment, I recall looking up at the sky. I couldn't help but think the stars were lovely as they twinkled and sparkled brightly. "Daddy, can we pick the stars and keep them in our pocket?" I asked my father.

"You know, I used to think the same thing when I was your age," my father added with a smile. However, the stars are too far away for humans to reach. But, we can still hold them close to us."

I looked at my father, puzzled, and asked, "How can we do that?"

He glanced down at me and whispered, "Just take a deep breath with your arms and close your eyes." As he instructed, I took a deep breath and wrapped my arms about myself. Then something extraordinary occurred.

I felt a surge of warmth surround me as I stood there with my eyes closed. It felt as if the stars had descended from the sky and encircled my father and me. I opened my eyes and glanced up, and the stars were shining brighter than ever.

When I returned my gaze to my father, he was grinning broadly. "Do you feel them?" he questioned.

Still feeling the warmth of the stars all around me, I nodded my head. "Yes, Daddy," I replied. "I can sense them."

Every time I looked up at the sky after that night, I remembered the magic my father had showed me. Even though I couldn't pluck them from the sky, I knew I could keep them close to my heart at all times.

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