The Goldfish of Palm Tree Island

Lily lived in a tiny house at the edge of the sea. Her favorite spot was beneath the great palm tree that swayed in the warm breeze. Every day after school, she'd sit in its shade and dream about adventures.

One afternoon, something magical happened. As Lily rested her hand against the palm tree's rough bark, she heard a tiny voice. "Hello there!"

Lily looked around. No one was there.

"Up here! In the palm tree!"

Lily gasped. A beautiful orange goldfish was swimming through the air around the palm fronds! Its scales shimmered like sunset.

"I'm Goldie," said the fish. "I'm the magical goldfish of Palm Tree Island. I grant wishes to children with kind hearts."

Lily's eyes widened. "Really? Like any wish?"

Goldie nodded. "But first, you must pass my test. Look at these." The goldfish blew three glowing bubbles. Inside each bubble floated a different colored vitamin. One was red like apples, one yellow like bananas, one green like grass.

"Which one will you choose?" Goldie asked. "The red one gives you super speed. The yellow one makes you invisible. The green one lets you talk to animals."

Lily thought carefully. She could run super fast, or disappear whenever she wanted, or talk to all creatures. All were amazing powers!

But then she noticed her friend Max sitting alone on the beach. Max had just moved to town and felt lonely because he had no friends yet.

Lily made her choice. "Goldie, I'd like the green vitamin. But instead of using it for myself, can you give it to Max? He loves animals and would make a wonderful friend to them."

Goldie smiled, and the green vitamin bubble floated toward Max. When Max touched it, suddenly seagulls gathered around him, crabs performed dances, and even the waves whispered hello. Max looked so happy!

"You passed my test," said Goldie. "You chose kindness over power for yourself. Your wish is granted, Lily."

"What wish?" Lily asked. "I didn't make one!"

"You did," winked Goldie. "You wished for Max to have friends. And now he has many — including you."

From that day on, Lily and Max sat beneath the palm tree together. And sometimes, if they were very quiet, they'd see a flash of orange scales swimming among the fronds, reminding them that the best wishes are the ones we make for others.