One evening, as the world below fell into a hush, a little girl named Emma gazed out of her window. Her eyes sparkled like stars themselves, reflecting the myriad lights in the sky. With a wistful sigh, she climbed into her small bed, pulling the quilt up to her chin. Yet, despite her sleepiness, excitement bubbled up within her. Would tonight be the night her dearest wish came true?
From her very first memories, Emma had yearned to travel to the stars. Oh, what wonders awaited her in that celestial realm! Perhaps she might discover jovial planets that bounced and jigged with glee. Or maybe moonbeams would dance around her, sharing secrets whispered through the ages.
But then again, what if there were strange creatures lurking among the stars? Would they be friendly, or would they frighten her to tears?
Just as her thoughts began to weave their tapestry, a soft whispering filled her room, growing louder and louder until she could discern the words: “Emma, dear Emma, we are waiting for you.”
Emma jumped in surprise, but it was only the sweet Chilbit, her little silver bird with a red breast and sapphire wings. “Dear Chilbit,” she whispered, glancing at her sleeping parents, “if you want to wake me, you shouldn’t sing so loudly. What do you mean by ‘we are waiting for you’?”
“Why, the stars of course,” replied Chilbit, ruffling his feathers. “Simply dress yourself, and I’ll show you the way.”
Still dazed with slumber, Emma slipped from her bed. Chilbit landed on her shoulder, creating a warm contrast to the chilly night air. Outside her window, she noticed a ladder reaching up, its upper end dipping and soaring like a ship’s sail on a stormy sea. A small, eager flame flickered at the top, casting a soft glow over the steps. With few glances backwards, Emma grasped her bird tight and began to climb.
Step after step, the ladder took her higher and higher, until she finally reached a platform at the very top. To her astonishment, she found herself standing on a giant star, shining with a brightness that could rival the sun. And there, before her wondering eyes, lay the expanse of space—endless in every direction, stretching like a silken drape studded with millions of twinkling jewels.
“Are you afraid?” asked Chilbit, fluttering his wings.
“Oh no,” said Emma, her heart swelling with eagerness. “I feel as light as a feather.”
Leveling her gaze, she noticed more stars nearby, heavy with their own glowing burdens. “Why are they so fat?” she whispered in awe.
“They’re not fat; they’re full,” chirped Chilbit. “Just as you will be when you’ve gathered your heart’s desires. Come, let us visit these other stars.”
Taking Emma by the hand, he led her over to a nearby star that wore a golden crown. Prominent ruby keys dangled like ornaments from the shining table and chairs. Princess Bunyum, the little woman of the star, escorted them to a seat made entirely of luminous pearls.
“What a visit!” exclaimed Princess Bunyum, pouring out glasses of a fragrant, steaming tea. “We haven’t had a visitor in ages.”
Emma sipped from her delicate cup, her complexion growing rosy. “But won’t you or your daughter come to visit us?” asked Emma with genuine delight.
“Visiting others on other stars is not my daughter’s gift,” replied Princess Bunyum with a gentle smile. “Of course, you are more than welcome to visit us every starlit night. I can only hope one of them will come to see the wonders of your small earth.”
Later, after the fascinating company had shared a multitude of delightful stories, they set off once more. “We have many more stars waiting to welcome you,” said Chilbit, his little forehead wrinkled with responsibility and care.
After a whole night’s journey, as dawn began to break, they found themselves at the foot of the proverbial ladder.
“Good-bye, and may you ever thus go on your travels,” said Chilbit. “I have shown you the way, now you must return alone.” Then he opened his wings and soared upwards into flaming clouds.
Reflecting on all she had seen and learned, Emma grasped the wooden ladder tightly. Someone was calling, and joyously she cried out, “Mother, dear mother!” The next moment, she awoke in her warm little bed, the sun streaming softly through the window and into her inquisitive eyes.
“Good-morning, darling,” her mother gently whispered, brushing a strand of hair from Emma’s forehead. “Did you have good dreams?”
“Mother,” exclaimed Emma, almost hopping, “I dreamed I went to the stars!”
Her mother smiled, a smile of tenderness and love. Little Emma’s face shone with brightness as she recounted her tale, a smile that clearly whispered, “Oh, those children and their dreams!”