Tink's Journey

Tink was a tiny star. His mother told him he was very bright. But Tink was impatient; he wanted to shine brighter than all the other stars in his constellation. Tink tried hard every night to glow just a little bit brighter, but the other stars were still bigger and shinier. Night after night, he grew more frustrated. It seemed that his brothers and sisters glittered more while he just stayed dull.

One night he saw a star race across the sky. "What was that?" He gasped.

His mom looked up and shook her head. "Oh, that's just a shooting star. Some stars just can't be content to stay where they are and have to scoot around showing off."

Tink's eyes were wide. "That was amazing!" How do I learn to do that?"

His mother frowned. "You don't want to go shooting yourself willy-nilly across the sky. There's no telling where you'll end up!"

Tink pouted. "But I want to be special. I want to be the brightest!"

His mother gave him a big hug. "You're plenty bright already, and your light increases every day. Just give it time, son!"

Tink couldn't stop thinking about that shooting star. He focused all his attention on it. A few weeks later, he'd had enough. Tink held his breath and wished with all his might. He held it until he felt he might explode, then blew it all out in a big whoosh! He felt himself launch upwards, and he was zooming through the atmosphere.

"Whoo-Hoo!" Tink yelled. "Here I gooooooo!" He illuminated everything around him. "Look at me! I'm the brightest star in the whole night sky!" No one answered him.

Tink looked around; he spun in every direction. All around him, he saw only darkness. He realized he was now the brightest star because he was the ONLY star. "Hello? Can anybody hear me?" he called out. No one replied.

Tink felt sad and scared. As much as he wanted to be the brightest star in the sky, it didn't feel good being the only one. He missed his mom and dad, and he had to admit even his annoying brothers and sisters.

Tink started blinking away the tears, and his light flashed through the sky as he did. He shut his eyes tight and wished upon himself. (He was a star, after all). When he opened his eyes, he saw a bright star rapidly approaching. It screeched to a halt beside him.

"Dad!" Tink shouted, "How did you find me?"

His father smiled. "I followed the flashing light. You're a twinkling star, son!"

"A twinkling star?" Tink was puzzled and eager to hear more.

Dad beamed down proudly at his son. "Yes, it's a rare gift. You are a special star that people look for when they need a sign. They even sing songs about twinkling stars. We really need you in our constellation. People will see you, and it will give them hope, and the universe needs more hope."

Tink was surprised. "You mean I'm special? I'm important?"

"Yes, son, but you've always been important to your family. Now can we please go home? It's kind of chilly here without all the other stars to keep us warm."

Tink shivered. "Yes, please!"

"Hold on, Dad said. "Let's get to shooting!" Tink's dad reached out, and together they blazed through the sky.

A loud cheer welcomed them home. "Hooray for Tink! Our little twinkle star is home. Come on, Tink, we need you to take your spot!" they shouted.

Tink was puzzled. "My spot? I didn't know I had a spot."

Mom pulled him beside her. "Your flashing is important. That's how humans will find our constellation. They'll look for the twinkling wishing star at the very top."

Tink was proud. He took his spot next to his mom and flashed his biggest smile. He thought that maybe he was even shining a little bit brighter now.

Authors note: I believe that everyone has a gift. Sometimes finding it takes a journey. I wrote this story for any child or inner child who is searching for their own special spark.