The Star-Bull's Gift

Lily loved looking at stars from her bedroom window. Every night, she wished something magical would happen. One Tuesday, something did!

A glowing shape appeared in her backyard. It was a bull made of sparkling starlight, with a coat that shimmered like moonbeams.

"Hello, little one," the Star-Bull said softly. "I've traveled from the constellation Taurus to find someone brave. Are you brave?"

Lily's hair stood up with excitement! But she shook her head. "I'm scared of everything. Dark closets, thunderstorms, even my own shadow."

The Star-Bull lowered his magnificent head. "True bravery isn't having no fear. It's doing what's right even when you ARE afraid." From his starry coat, he sprinkled something that looked like glowing dust into Lily's hand. "This is a courage-vitamin from the stars. Take it whenever you need help being brave."

Lily swallowed the sparkling dust. Warmth spread through her chest. Her hair began to glow softly, changing colors like a sunset!

The next day, Lily's little brother Timmy was stuck in a tall tree, crying. He'd climbed up after his kite and couldn't get down. Lily's heart raced. She was terrified of heights!

But then she remembered the Star-Bull's words. Her glowing hair gave her strength. She climbed up carefully, branch by branch, and brought Timmy down safely.

"You're my hero!" Timmy hugged her.

That night, the Star-Bull returned. "You used your courage-vitamin well," he twinkled. "But you know what? You didn't really need it. The magic was inside you all along."

He touched his nose to Lily's forehead, and she understood: The vitamin wasn't what made her brave. Her love for her brother had done that.

"Thank you, Star-Bull," Lily whispered as he faded back into the night sky, becoming the bright star Aldebaran.

Now whenever Lily sees the constellation Taurus, she touches her hair and remembers: She's braver than she knows, and love is the strongest magic of all.