Nova stood in the dark forest. Her blue hair sparkled with tiny stars. She held a soft moon-ball. It was round and bright. Nova smiled and said, "It is time to play, little friends."
Nova tossed the ball high. It flew through the trees. Woosh! Toss, catch, glow. A gentle deer named Dapple nudged the ball with her wet nose. Boop! The ball bounced back to Nova’s hands.
The forest was very quiet. The wind whispered, hush, hush. Nova felt the soft grass on her bare feet. She looked up and saw a wise bird named Hootie waiting on a low branch.
Nova tossed the ball again. It sailed to the tree. Woosh! Toss, catch, glow. Hootie caught the light with his soft wings. Flap, flap! He hooted a happy song and sent it back.
The moon-ball began to change. It felt warm and heavy in Nova’s arms. The light grew soft and dim. The game was over now. Dapple and Hootie closed their eyes for a rest.
Nova hugged the ball like a cozy pillow. She curled up in the stardust. The trees watched over her. Twinkle, twinkle. The forest was sleepy and still. Goodnight, Nova. Goodnight, moon-ball. Sleep tight.