Why The Sun Sets

Long ago, Sun was floating in a void with only Earth for company. However, they did not talk much since Sun was always burning hot and bright and Earth was so quiet. This made both Sun and Earth extremely sad and lonely. Sun did not know how to become friends with Earth. He knew Earth did not like his heat and burning, but Sun could not help it. Frustrated, Sun could not sleep and lack of sleep made him cranky. His anger caused him to burn even hotter. With all of the shining and burning, Earth became sick, dry, and barren. Only dirt and rock could be found. Earth tried to get Sun's attention. She first spit fire, but she was not strong enough and the liquid fire would shoot up only a small way and then dribble down the sides of her rocks and valleys. She also tried yelling and throwing rocks at Sun, but Sun still did not hear or notice. Sun was too wrapped up in feeling sorry for himself and being cranky. It was a difficult and hot time for both Sun and Earth.

Then one day a new shining rock came into the area looking for a new place to live. Her name was Moon. Moon explained she was from a distant cold land and was looking for a place with a little more warmth and light. She was also hoping to find some friends she could visit with. While traveling, she noticed a bright golden light, felt the heat from miles away, and decided to explore the area. Hearing this story, Sun was delighted his heat may be wanted and began to expand his chest and burn even brighter. Earth then snapped with all of her might, "Sun! You will surely destroy me if you do not stop! I cannot take all of this burning heat!" Sun only figured out what he was doing and heard Earth's cries when he saw the concern on Moon's face. Looking down, Sun saw Earth was starting to smoke and turn black in places and Moon was backing away from the the extreme heat. Dismayed, Sun said, "I was only trying to help" and he began to cry. He could see Moon was thinking of leaving and he had hurt his only friend. The big salty tears of the Sun came crashing to Earth and immediately cooled the hard cracked surface and filled the valleys. Stream billowed up and formed clouds. Sun did not notice all of the changes as he continued to cry.

Moon felt compassion for both Sun and Earth. She reached out with her cool hands and touched Sun's face. She said, "It is alright Sun. I will not leave. I like it here and I want to help you learn to rest." She then kissed both of his cheeks. Once her magic lips touched his face, he felt a soft cooling spread through him. It felt like drinking a milkshake on a hot summer day. For the first time, Sun felt like he could rest. However, he was concerned for Earth and asked, "What of Earth? I surely have hurt her beyond repair."

"You have not. In fact, your tears saved Earth and she is now just sleeping." Moon replied. Sun saw that Moon spoke the truth and Earth was healing and growing green in places and water continued to cycle between Sun's tears in Earth's valleys and the clouds floating above Earth's surface. "I will watch over Earth and you while you both sleep," said Moon. After Sun relaxed and cooled down a little, he realized he could hear Earth's breathing and he began to notice much more around him. Happy and content, Sun sank down to rest for the first time. From then on, Sun learned to control his heat and rested each night happy in the knowledge that he has friends. This is why the sun sets each day.